Luke here is careful to highlight that these women weren't just following Jesus; they had been healed by Him, meaning they had a profound, personal experience of His power and compassion. The mention of Mary Magdalene having "seven demons" isn't just a dramatic detail, but likely signifies an extreme affliction, making her healing all the more remarkable and demonstrating the breadth of Jesus’s restorative work.
and also some women who had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities: Mary, called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out, and Joanna, the wife of Chuza, Herod’s household manager, and Susanna, and many others, who provided for them out of their means.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus is traveling with his disciples, and Luke highlights a group of women who have been healed by Jesus and now accompany him, supporting his ministry financially. Mary Magdalene is specifically mentioned as someone Jesus delivered from severe demonic possession, challenging common assumptions that she was a sinner; she, along with others like Joanna and Susanna, are presented as devoted followers who ministered to Jesus out of gratitude for their healing. Their presence underscores Jesus's compassion and the profound impact of his healing power on people's lives.
We often hear "Mary Magdalene," but what does it really mean? It's more than just a name; it's a clue to her identity and a shield against harmful assumptions.
Who Was Mary Magdalene?
This verse introduces Mary Magdalene not by a past mistake, but by her healing. The name "Magdalene" simply tells us where she was from – Magdala, a town near the Sea of Galilee.
Think of it like someone today being called "John from Chicago." It's a geographical marker, not a moral judgment.
Debunking the Myth
For centuries, many have wrongly assumed Mary Magdalene was a prostitute because she was healed of "seven demons" or was a "sinner" in another Gospel passage. However, the text here, and the scholarly consensus, shows:
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Jesus performed incredible miracles, but sometimes the most powerful impact is seen in the lives of those who were healed. What drove these women to follow Him?
From Brokenness to Devotion
The women mentioned here, including Mary Magdalene, weren't just passive recipients of Jesus' power. They were actively healed from "evil spirits and infirmities." This healing wasn't just physical; it was spiritual and emotional liberation.
This profound experience ignited a deep sense of gratitude and loyalty. They became some of Jesus' most dedicated followers.
Ministering to the Master
These women didn't just follow; they "ministered to him of their substance." This means they used their own resources – money, food, shelter – to support Jesus and His disciples during their itinerant ministry. Imagine Jesus and His team relying on the practical, generous support of these women!
This shows:
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 historical context reveals Mary Magdalene not as a figure of questionable past, but as a devoted follower, healed by Jesus and demonstrating remarkable loyalty from His ministry through His resurrection.
Early 1st century AD
Jesus' Public Ministry Begins
Jesus begins his public ministry in Galilee, teaching, healing, and calling disciples.
Early to Mid 1st century AD— this verse
Jesus Heals Mary Magdalene
Jesus heals Mary Magdalene of what is described as possession by seven demons, an event likely occurring during his Galilean ministry.
Early to Mid 1st century AD
Women Accompany Jesus
A group of women, including Mary Magdalene and others healed by Jesus, begin to travel with him and his disciples, supporting them financially.
c. AD 30-33
Jesus' Crucifixion and Burial
Mary Magdalene is among the women who witness Jesus' crucifixion and burial, remaining faithful even in his darkest hour.
c. AD 30-33
Jesus' Resurrection Appears
Mary Magdalene is the first recorded person to see the resurrected Jesus, a pivotal moment in Christian history.
This passage describes a sinful woman anointing Jesus' feet, and while often confused with Mary Magdalene, it highlights Jesus' compassion and willingness to forgive, setting a context for His interaction with those marginalized.
Mark 16:9This verse directly states that Jesus first appeared to Mary Magdalene after His resurrection, underscoring her significant role and the deep connection she had with Him, a connection forged through His healing power in her life.
John 19:25This passage places Mary Magdalene at the foot of the cross with Jesus' mother and other women, demonstrating her steadfast loyalty and deep personal investment in Jesus' mission, even in His suffering.
2 Kings 4:8-37This Old Testament account of the Shunammite woman supporting and showing hospitality to Elisha parallels the women in Luke 8 who supported Jesus and His disciples with their resources, showing a consistent pattern of God's provision through devoted followers.
Matthew 12:43-45Jesus' parable about an unclean spirit returning with seven others illustrates an aggravated state of spiritual affliction, providing a conceptual parallel to Mary Magdalene's deliverance from 'seven demons,' signifying a profound and severe spiritual oppression.
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 here is careful to highlight that these women weren't just following Jesus; they had been healed by Him, meaning they had a profound, personal experience of His power and compassion. The mention of Mary Magdalene having "seven demons" isn't just a dramatic detail, but likely signifies an extreme affliction, making her healing all the more remarkable and demonstrating the breadth of Jesus’s restorative work.
Jesus is traveling with his disciples, and Luke highlights a group of women who have been healed by Jesus and now accompany him, supporting his ministry financially. Mary Magdalene is specifically mentioned as someone Jesus delivered from severe demonic possession, challenging common assumptions that she was a sinner; she, along with others like Joanna and Susanna, are presented as devoted followers who ministered to Jesus out of gratitude for their healing. Their presence underscores Jesus's compassion and the profound impact of his healing power on people's lives.
Jesus is traveling with his disciples, and Luke highlights a group of women who have been healed by Jesus and now accompany him, supporting his ministry financially. Mary Magdalene is specifically mentioned as someone Jesus delivered from severe demonic possession, challenging common assumptions that she was a sinner; she, along with others like Joanna and Susanna, are presented as devoted followers who ministered to Jesus out of gratitude for their healing. Their presence underscores Jesus's compassion and the profound impact of his healing power on people's lives.
"and also some women who had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities: Mary, called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out, and Joanna, the wife of Chuza, Herod’s household manager, and Susanna, and many others, who provided for…" — Luke here is careful to highlight that these women weren't just following Jesus; they had been healed by Him, meaning they had a profound, personal experience of His power and compassion. The menti…
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Last reviewed October 2026
