Luke 8:2
and also some women who had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities: Mary, called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out,
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Mary Magdalene's deliverance from "seven devils" likely signifies an extreme and severe case of possession, not necessarily a literal count, and crucially, this verse doesn't hint at any past sinful lifestyle as common tradition suggests. Instead, it highlights her as someone profoundly healed and transformed by Jesus, who then chose to dedicate her life and resources to following Him.
Jesus is traveling with his disciples, and this passage introduces a group of women who have been miraculously healed by him and now accompany them, providing financial support. Mary Magdalene is named, described as someone from whom seven demons had been cast out, highlighting Jesus' power over severe spiritual affliction. This detail, along with the mention of other healed women, sets the stage for their ongoing ministry and support of Jesus' mission.
We often hear names like Mary Magdalene and associate them with certain stories. But what does the text actually say about her and the other women who followed Jesus?
Luke introduces us to a group of women who were not just passive observers of Jesus' ministry; they were active participants who had been profoundly impacted by Him.
Radical Healing
The verse states they "had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities." This wasn't just a physical ailment; "evil spirits" points to a deep spiritual oppression that afflicted them. Jesus' power brought them freedom.
Ministry of Substance
These women, including Mary Magdalene, "followed him, and ministered unto him of their substance." This means they used their own financial resources to support Jesus and His disciples. They were, in essence, the financial backbone of the traveling ministry, ensuring Jesus and the Twelve had what they needed as they dedicated themselves fully to teaching and healing others.
The phrase 'seven demons' has fueled centuries of speculation. What does this powerful description really mean in the context of Jesus' ministry?
When Luke writes that seven demons had gone out of Mary Magdalene, it's crucial to understand the context of Jesus' power and the nature of demonic influence.
Aggravated Possession
Commentators suggest that the number 'seven' likely signifies an extreme or severe case of demon possession. It wasn't just a minor influence, but a profound affliction that likely caused significant torment and disruption to her life, possibly even affecting her mental state.
Not a Moral Judgment
Critically, the text does not link this possession to any moral failing or sinful lifestyle. The popular idea of Mary Magdalene being a prostitute stems from later traditions, not from this Gospel account. Luke presents her here primarily as a recipient of Jesus' powerful healing, emphasizing His ability to deliver from the most desperate situations.
Understand the original words
pneuma · Greek Noun
Supernatural beings opposed to God who exercise authority over people through possession, causing physical, mental, or spiritual suffering. They are subject to the authority of Jesus Christ, who casts them out.
The presence of women like Mary Magdalene ministering to Jesus highlights a significant departure from typical Jewish rabbinic customs of the time, where male discipleship was the norm. Their financial support was crucial for Jesus and his followers, who had largely given up secular occupations.
c. 28 AD
Jesus Begins Public Ministry
Jesus begins his public ministry in Galilee after his baptism by John, calling his first disciples and performing miracles.
c. 28-29 AD
Jesus Heals Many in Galilee
During his ministry, Jesus travels throughout Galilee, healing numerous people afflicted by various illnesses, including those tormented by evil spirits.
c. 29 AD
Jesus Commissions the Twelve
Jesus sends out the twelve apostles to preach the kingdom of God and heal the sick, demonstrating the authority and power of his ministry.
c. 29 AD— this verse
Jesus Tours Galilee with Disciples and Women
Jesus travels with the twelve apostles and a group of women, including Mary Magdalene, who had been healed by him and now supported his ministry financially.
This passage describes a sinful woman anointing Jesus' feet, and while often conflated with Mary Magdalene, it highlights Jesus' compassion for those in desperate need and his willingness to accept devotion from unexpected sources.
Mark 16:9This verse directly states that Jesus first appeared to Mary Magdalene after His resurrection, emphasizing her significant role and the deep personal connection she had with Christ.
2 Kings 4:8-37This Old Testament account of Elijah and the Shunammite woman shows a pattern of women of means supporting prophets, echoing the way the women in Luke 8 ministered to Jesus' needs.
Matthew 12:43-45Jesus' parable about an unclean spirit returning with seven others sheds light on the concept of multiple demonic influences, suggesting that 'seven devils' could signify a particularly severe or comprehensive possession.
John 19:25This verse places Mary Magdalene at the foot of the cross with Jesus' mother and other women, indicating a profound and close relationship and a deep loyalty to Jesus during His suffering.
clarkeLuke 8:2: "And certain women, which had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities, Mary called Magdalene, out of whom went seven devils,"
Out of whom went seven devils - Who had been possessed in a most extraordinary manner; probably a case of inveterate lunacy, brought on by the influence of evil spirits. The number seven may here express the superlative degree. Mary Magdalene is commonly thought to have been a prostitute before she came to the knowledge of Christ, and then to have been a re…
gillLuke 8:2: "And certain women, which had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities, Mary called Magdalene, out of whom went seven devils,"
And certain women which had been healed of evil spirits,.... Of devils, who had possessed them, and were healed by Christ, dispossessing them; See Gill on Luke 7:21 . and infirmities: various diseases of body: some were dispossessed of devils, and others freed from bodily disorders; of the first sort was Mary Magdalene, out of whom went seven devils: by the…
Mary Magdalene's deliverance from "seven devils" likely signifies an extreme and severe case of possession, not necessarily a literal count, and crucially, this verse doesn't hint at any past sinful lifestyle as common tradition suggests. Instead, it highlights her as someone profoundly healed and transformed by Jesus, who then chose to dedicate her life and resources to following Him.
Jesus is traveling with his disciples, and this passage introduces a group of women who have been miraculously healed by him and now accompany them, providing financial support. Mary Magdalene is named, described as someone from whom seven demons had been cast out, highlighting Jesus' power over severe spiritual affliction. This detail, along with the mention of other healed women, sets the stage for their ongoing ministry and support of Jesus' mission.
Jesus is traveling with his disciples, and this passage introduces a group of women who have been miraculously healed by him and now accompany them, providing financial support. Mary Magdalene is named, described as someone from whom seven demons had been cast out, highlighting Jesus' power over severe spiritual affliction. This detail, along with the mention of other healed women, sets the stage for their ongoing ministry and support of Jesus' mission.
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c. 30 AD
Jesus' Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem
Jesus makes his final journey to Jerusalem, welcomed as king by crowds, and the women who ministered to him were present.
c. 30 AD
Crucifixion and Resurrection of Jesus
Jesus is crucified and buried, but rises again on the third day. Women, including Mary Magdalene, were among the first witnesses.
"and also some women who had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities: Mary, called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out," — Mary Magdalene's deliverance from "seven devils" likely signifies an extreme and severe case of possession, not necessarily a literal count, and crucially, this verse doesn't hint at any past sinful…
