This verse highlights that the desperate need wasn't just for healing, but for deliverance from the oppression of demons. The phrasing "all who were sick or oppressed by demons" suggests that for many, these weren't separate issues but intertwined struggles, underscoring the holistic nature of the healing Jesus offered.
That evening at sundown they brought to him all who were sick or oppressed by demons. And the whole city was gathered together at the door. And he healed many who were sick with various diseases, and cast out many demons. And he would not permit the demons to speak, because they knew him.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse comes right after Jesus healed Simon Peter's mother-in-law and began his public ministry in Capernaum. Since it was the Sabbath, people waited until sundown, when the holy day ended, to bring all the sick and those tormented by demons to Jesus. This massive influx of people seeking healing shows the explosive impact of Jesus' arrival and ministry in the region.
Why wait until sundown to bring the sick and suffering to Jesus? It wasn't just about the end of a day; it was about the Sabbath.
The passage notes that it was 'at even, when the sun did set' that the sick and demon-possessed were brought to Jesus. This timing is significant! In Jewish tradition, the Sabbath day ran from sunset to sunset. Before sunset, carrying the sick or afflicted to be healed might have been seen as violating the Sabbath law, which prohibited carrying burdens. So, as soon as the Sabbath officially ended, the community rushed to bring their suffering loved ones to Jesus. This shows a deep respect for God's commands, even while desperately needing relief. It also highlights how powerfully Jesus' reputation had spread – people were willing to wait for the appointed time to access His healing touch.
The verse mentions 'all who were sick or oppressed by demons.' What does this comprehensive term tell us about Jesus' mission?
Mark's Gospel emphasizes the breadth of Jesus' ministry. The text doesn't just say 'some,' but 'all' who were sick and 'all' who were oppressed by demons. This sweeping language paints a picture of Jesus as a healer for every kind of suffering – physical ailments and spiritual torment alike. He didn't turn anyone away. This wasn't just about minor healings; it included the deep, pervasive oppression that came from demonic forces. Jesus' power extended to the most broken and desperate cases, showing the fullness of His authority and His compassionate heart for humanity's complete restoration.
Understand the original words
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daimonizomenous · Greek Noun/Participle
Refers to malevolent spiritual entities under the authority of Satan who oppose God's purposes and afflict humanity; their presence highlights the spiritual conflict of Christ's ministry.
etherapeusen · Greek Verb
In the ministry of Jesus, this term encompasses the restoration of wholeness to those suffering from physical, mental, or spiritual afflictions, serving as a sign of the inbreaking Kingdom of God.
The timing of these healings, occurring right after sunset on the Sabbath, highlights the deep need within the community and the Jews' strict observance of Sabbath laws, which prohibited carrying the sick until the day officially ended.
c. AD 28
Jesus begins public ministry
After his baptism and temptation, Jesus returns to Galilee and begins proclaiming the good news of God's kingdom.
c. AD 28
Jesus calls first disciples
Jesus calls fishermen like Simon, Andrew, James, and John to follow him, promising to make them 'fishers of people'.
c. AD 28
Jesus heals Simon's mother-in-law
Jesus enters Simon Peter's home in Capernaum and heals his mother-in-law of a fever, demonstrating his authority over illness.
c. AD 28
Jesus casts out demons in synagogue
On the same Sabbath day, Jesus powerfully expels a demon from a man in the Capernaum synagogue, astonishing the onlookers.
c. AD 28— this verse
Jesus heals many after sunset
As the Sabbath ends at sunset, people bring their sick and demon-possessed to Jesus, who heals them all, confirming his widespread authority and compassion.
c. AD 28
Jesus withdraws to pray and preach
The next morning, Jesus departs for a solitary place to pray, later moving on to preach in other Galilean towns.
This verse is directly alluded to by Matthew, highlighting Jesus's mission to bear our sicknesses and sorrows, just as he later healed those afflicted in Mark 1:32.
Matthew 8:16-17This parallel passage describes the same event, emphasizing that Jesus healed the sick and drove out demons to fulfill Isaiah's prophecy about bearing our infirmities.
Luke 4:40-41Luke also recounts Jesus healing many and casting out demons, underscoring the widespread nature of the afflictions and the authority of Jesus over both sickness and demonic forces.
Mark 1:21-22The healing and deliverance described in Mark 1:32 follow Jesus's teaching in the synagogue, showing a pattern of his authority in both word and deed.
John 1:45Philip tells Nathanael that Jesus is the one Moses wrote about, connecting Jesus's actions, including healing, to the broader prophetic promises of God's intervention.
calvinMark 1:29-39: "And forthwith, when they were come out of the synagogue, they entered into the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John."
- And when Jesus had come into Peter's house, he saw his mother-in-law lying in bed, and afflicted with fever. 15. And he touched her hand, and the fever left her, and she arose and waited on them. 16. And when the evening had approached, they brought to him many demoniacs, and he cast out the spirits by his word, and healed all that were diseased: 17.…
vincentMark 1:32: "And at even, when the sun did set, they brought unto him all that were diseased, and them that were possessed with devils."
At even, when the sun did setAn instance of Mark's habit of coupling similar words or phrases.That were sickSee on Matthew 4:23, Matthew 4:24.
This verse highlights that the desperate need wasn't just for healing, but for deliverance from the oppression of demons. The phrasing "all who were sick or oppressed by demons" suggests that for many, these weren't separate issues but intertwined struggles, underscoring the holistic nature of the healing Jesus offered.
This verse comes right after Jesus healed Simon Peter's mother-in-law and began his public ministry in Capernaum. Since it was the Sabbath, people waited until sundown, when the holy day ended, to bring all the sick and those tormented by demons to Jesus. This massive influx of people seeking healing shows the explosive impact of Jesus' arrival and ministry in the region.
This verse comes right after Jesus healed Simon Peter's mother-in-law and began his public ministry in Capernaum. Since it was the Sabbath, people waited until sundown, when the holy day ended, to bring all the sick and those tormented by demons to Jesus. This massive influx of people seeking healing shows the explosive impact of Jesus' arrival and ministry in the region.
"That evening at sundown they brought to him all who were sick or oppressed by demons. And the whole city was gathered together at the door. And he healed many who were sick with various diseases, and cast out many demons. And he would not…" — This verse highlights that the desperate need wasn't just for healing, but for deliverance from the oppression of demons. The phrasing "all who were sick or oppressed by demons" suggests that for man…
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Last reviewed October 2026
