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)
Luke intentionally highlights that these women were healed, not just from physical ailments, but from demonic influence, underscoring Jesus' authority over the spiritual realm. The phrase "seven devils" likely signifies a severe and overwhelming possession, emphasizing the magnitude of their healing and liberation through Christ.
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)
Jesus and his disciples are traveling, and this passage introduces a group of women who have been healed by Jesus and now travel with and support his ministry. Mary Magdalene is singled out as one who had been delivered from seven demons, highlighting the profound impact of Jesus' healing power. This context emphasizes how these women, deeply grateful for their restoration, followed Jesus and contributed to his needs.
Who were the women traveling with Jesus? This verse introduces a group whose presence speaks volumes about Jesus's ministry.
The Gospel of Luke is unique in highlighting the significant role women played in Jesus's ministry. This isn't just a casual mention; Luke emphasizes that these women were not passive observers but active participants.
Women Who Were Healed
Following and Ministering
Ask a follow-up
When you hear 'Mary Magdalene,' what comes to mind? The Bible offers a different picture than popular tradition.
The name 'Mary Magdalene' is often clouded by centuries of tradition and speculation, frequently misrepresenting who she was.
Clarifying the 'Seven Devils'
Separating Fact from Fiction
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.
This verse highlights how Jesus empowered and included women, offering them healing and community, and how these women, in turn, became His devoted followers and supporters.
c. 30 BC - 29 AD
Mary Magdalene lives in Magdala
Mary, who would later be called Magdalene, lived in the town of Magdala on the western shore of the Sea of Galilee. This period includes her early life and the time leading up to Jesus' ministry.
c. AD 27-30— this verse
Jesus' Galilean Ministry
Jesus traveled throughout Galilee, teaching, healing, and casting out demons. During this time, Mary Magdalene and other women were healed by Jesus and began to follow Him.
c. AD 30
Women Minister to Jesus and His Disciples
A group of women, including Mary Magdalene, Joanna, and Susanna, used their own resources to support Jesus and his disciples financially during their itinerant ministry.
c. AD 30
Jesus' Crucifixion
Mary Magdalene was present at the crucifixion of Jesus, standing by the cross with other women. Her presence indicates deep devotion and loyalty during Jesus' most difficult hour.
c. AD 30
Jesus' Burial
Mary Magdalene was also present at Jesus' burial, observing where His body was laid. She and other women later prepared spices to anoint His body.
c. AD 30
The Resurrection Appearances
Mary Magdalene was the first person to see the resurrected Jesus. He appeared to her outside the tomb, and she was commissioned to tell His disciples the good news.
This passage describes a sinful woman who anoints Jesus' feet, often mistakenly identified with Mary Magdalene. It highlights Jesus' compassion and forgiveness towards those considered outcasts, showing a similar theme of redemption through encounter with Christ.
Mark 16:9This verse directly confirms that Jesus cast seven demons out of Mary Magdalene, reinforcing the specific detail mentioned in Luke 8:2 and emphasizing the miraculous power of Jesus in her deliverance.
John 19:25This verse places Mary Magdalene at the crucifixion, standing by the cross with other women. It shows her deep loyalty and devotion to Jesus, extending beyond her healing to a committed discipleship.
John 20:11-18This passage recounts Mary Magdalene's encounter with the resurrected Jesus. It marks her as the first witness to the resurrection, a pivotal moment demonstrating her unique spiritual connection and role in spreading the Gospel.
1 Corinthians 6:9-11This passage speaks about transformation through Christ, listing former 'sinners' who have been cleansed and transformed by God. It provides a broader theological context for how people like Mary Magdalene, delivered from profound spiritual affliction, are made new in Christ.
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…
Luke intentionally highlights that these women were healed, not just from physical ailments, but from demonic influence, underscoring Jesus' authority over the spiritual realm. The phrase "seven devils" likely signifies a severe and overwhelming possession, emphasizing the magnitude of their healing and liberation through Christ.
Jesus and his disciples are traveling, and this passage introduces a group of women who have been healed by Jesus and now travel with and support his ministry. Mary Magdalene is singled out as one who had been delivered from seven demons, highlighting the profound impact of Jesus' healing power. This context emphasizes how these women, deeply grateful for their restoration, followed Jesus and contributed to his needs.
Jesus and his disciples are traveling, and this passage introduces a group of women who have been healed by Jesus and now travel with and support his ministry. Mary Magdalene is singled out as one who had been delivered from seven demons, highlighting the profound impact of Jesus' healing power. This context emphasizes how these women, deeply grateful for their restoration, followed Jesus and contributed to his needs.
"and also some women who had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities: Mary, called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out," — Luke intentionally highlights that these women were healed, not just from physical ailments, but from demonic influence, underscoring Jesus' authority over the spiritual realm. The phrase "seven devi…
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Last reviewed October 2026