Luke 4:36
What does Luke 4:36 mean?
A plain-English look at Luke 4:36 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Luke 4:36 means
Verse 36 records that amazement came upon all, and they spoke together, asking what this word was, for with authority and power he commands unclean spirits and they come out. The crowd marvels not only at the teaching but at the authoritative word that effects deliverance. Their astonishment highlights a novel kind of authority—spiritual and commanding—distinct from mere human eloquence. This acknowledgement starts to dismantle local skepticism, showing that Jesus’ teaching is backed by power. It underscores that his ministry combines word and deed to reveal God’s inbreaking kingdom.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000And amazement came upon all, and they spake together, one with another, saying, What is this word? for with authority and power he commandeth the unclean spirits, and they come out.
KJV
King James Version · 1611And they were all amazed, and spake among themselves, saying, What a word is this! for with authority and power he commandeth the unclean spirits, and they come out.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901And amazement came upon all, and they spake together, one with another, saying, What is this word? for with authority and power he commandeth the unclean spirits, and they come out.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And wonder came on them all and they said to one another, What are these words? for with authority and power he gives orders to the evil spirits and they come out.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862and amazement came upon all, and they were speaking together, with one another, saying, `What <FI>is<Fi> this word, that with authority and power he doth command the unclean spirits, and they come forth?'
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And there came fear upon all; and they talked among themselves, saying: What word is this, for with authority and power he commandeth the unclean spirits, and they go out?
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And astonishment came upon all, and they spoke to one another, saying, What word [is] this? for with authority and power he commands the unclean spirits, and they come out.
Context
This verse follows the exorcism and shows the crowd’s response: wonder and theological curiosity. The chapter moves from private identity claims in Nazareth to public vindication in Capernaum, where deeds corroborate words. The statement foreshadows growing fame and consolidates the case for Jesus’ messianic authority. It also sets up further demonstrations of healing that will lead to widespread rumor and increased attention in the region.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Luke 10:17
And the seventy returned with joy, saying, Lord, even the demons are subject unto us in thy name.
- Matthew 9:33
And when the demon was cast out, the dumb man spake: and the multitudes marvelled, saying, It was never so seen in Israel.
- Mark 1:27
And they were all amazed, insomuch that they questioned among themselves, saying, What is this? a new teaching! with authority he commandeth even the unclean spirits, and they obey him.
- Matthew 12:22
Then was brought unto him one possessed with a demon, blind and dumb: and he healed him, insomuch that the dumb man spake and saw.
- Acts 19:12
insomuch that unto the sick were carried away from his body handkerchiefs or aprons, and the diseases departed from them, and the evil spirits went out.
- 1 Peter 3:22
who is on the right hand of God, having gone into heaven; angels and authorities and powers being made subject unto him.
Related questions readers ask
Keep reading
Want to dig deeper? Explore Luke 4
Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on Luke 4.
Topics that quote it
Topic
Bible Verses About Poverty
God is close to the poor — and so, then, must we be.
Topic
Bible Verses About Children
God’s Word provides profound insights into the rearing, value, and blessing of children, as well as the responsibilities of both parents and children.
Topic
Bible Verses About Communion
Communion, often called the Lord's Supper, is a sacred practice remembering Jesus' sacrifice and looking forward to His return.
What the Bible says about…
Verses for this moment
Verses for
Bible Verses for Anxiety Before a Job Interview
Quiet your nerves and walk in with steady steps — six verses to pray on the way.
Verses for
Bible Verses for When Prayer Feels Empty
When the words won't come — scripture for the dry prayer life.
Verses for
Bible Verses for When You Feel Forgotten by God
When the prayers feel one-sided — verses for the quiet seasons.