Luke 4:40 Meaning: Why Jesus Healed Each Person Individually
When the sun was setting, all those who had any sick with various diseases brought them to him; and he laid his hands on every one of them, and healed them.
Now when the sun was setting, all they that had any sick with divers diseases brought them unto him; and he laid his hands on every one of them, and healed them.
And when the sun was setting, all they that had any sick with divers diseases brought them unto him; and he laid his hands on every one of them, and healed them.
And at the setting of the sun, all, as many as had any ailing with manifold sicknesses, brought them unto him, and he on each one of them his hands having put, did heal them.
And when the sun went down, all, as many as had persons sick with divers diseases, brought them to him, and having laid his hands on every one of them, he healed them;
Meaning in one sentence
Jesus healed every sick person brought to Him at sunset. See why He laid hands on each one and what the timing reveals about His care.
Context
Jesus had just finished an eventful Sabbath in Capernaum. He taught in the synagogue with such authority that the people were amazed (Luke 4:32). He cast out an unclean spirit from a man, and the news spread quickly (vv. 33, 37). From the synagogue He went to Simon's house, where Simon's mother-in-law lay sick with a fever. He rebuked the fever, and it left her (vv. 38, 39). Now, as the sun set, the Sabbath ended. Jewish law had kept people from carrying their sick to be healed during the Sabbath, but now they were free to bring them. And they came, all those who had any sick with various diseases, bringing them to Jesus. Luke carefully notes that Jesus laid His hands on every single one and healed them. This verse marks the climax of a day of power and compassion.
Key Words
The Greek word for 'setting' (dunontos) means to sink or go under. It paints a sunset scene. But it also marks a release. For Jewish families, as several commentators note, sunset ended the Sabbath. They had been waiting all day, watching the sun sink, longing to bring their sick to the only One who could help. The setting sun meant they finally could.
Then Luke uses the phrase 'laid his hands on every one of them.' The verb epititheis means to put or lay upon. Jesus touched each person individually. The words 'each one' (heni hekastō) make it unmistakable: no one was skipped, no one got a wave from a distance. He moved from person to person.
And He healed them. The verb etherapeuen means 'He was healing', continuous action. It can also mean 'to serve.' Jesus served these sick people one after another, not with a formula but with His hands. You might wonder if He grew tired. But the text shows no impatience. He kept going until every person was whole.
How Christians Read This Verse
Commentators across traditions highlight different angles. Wesley and Clarke (Methodist) stress the timing: the sun set, so the Sabbath ended, and the people could lawfully bring the sick. The Cambridge Bible (Anglican) notes this twilight scene as one of the most striking in the Gospels, and cites Matthew's fulfillment of Isaiah's prophecy. Gill (Baptist) points out that Jesus laid on hands without medicine, healing every disease, refusing none. Vincent's Word Studies (Evangelical) observes that 'laid his hands' is unique to Luke and implies 'solicitude and indefatigableness.' These views together show a Jesus who respects lawful boundaries, fulfills prophecy, and meets every need personally.
A common misunderstanding
A common misreading is that the crowds brought the sick 'at sunset' because Jesus was too busy during the day, or that He only healed at this time. In fact, the timing reflects Jewish Sabbath observance. Sunset ended the day of rest, so people could legally carry the sick without breaking Sabbath laws. It also shows the urgency and hope that had built up after Jesus' earlier miracles. The message is not about a convenient hour for Jesus, but about a people eager to bring their suffering to the Healer the moment they could.
Living This Out
This week, you might feel like one of those sick people brought to Jesus. Perhaps you are waiting for relief from a long illness, a difficult relationship, or a weariness that won't lift. Notice that Jesus did not heal the crowd as a single mass. He turned to each person. He touched them. He spent time with each one. You can bring your specific need to Him, not as a general prayer but as a personal conversation. Try writing down one thing you want Him to touch. Then hold it in your hands as you pray, asking Him to lay His hands on that part of your life.
Main takeaway: Jesus laid his hands on every sick person brought to him, showing that his care is always personal and complete.
For Families
For ages 5, 8
Jesus was very tired after a long day, but when the sun went down, many people came to Him with sick friends. Jesus did not say 'I'm too tired.' He put His hands on each sick person and made them well. You can tell Jesus about anything that hurts, and He will listen.
For ages 9, 12
The people had to wait until sunset because it was the Sabbath, a day when they were not supposed to carry things. As soon as the sun went down, they brought everyone who was sick. Jesus did not heal them all at once with a single word. He went to each person and laid His hands on them. That shows us that Jesus cares about individuals, not just crowds. When you pray, you can picture Jesus turning His full attention to you.
Questions People Ask
Why did the people wait until sunset to bring the sick to Jesus?
According to Jewish law, the Sabbath lasted from sunset Friday to sunset Saturday. Carrying a sick person on a bed or stretcher was considered work, which was forbidden on the Sabbath. As commentators like Adam Clarke and the Cambridge Bible explain, as soon as the sun set, the Sabbath ended and the people were free to carry their sick to Jesus. This timing shows both their respect for God's law and their eagerness to seek healing.
Did Jesus really heal every single person who was brought to Him that evening?
Yes. The text says 'he laid his hands on every one of them, and healed them.' No one was refused. The Greek uses the phrase 'heni hekastō', 'each one.' This emphasis on individuality is unique to Luke's account and shows that Jesus had time and compassion for every person, regardless of their disease.
What does it mean that Jesus 'laid his hands on them'? Why is that important?
Laying on of hands was a gesture of blessing, authority, and personal connection. In the Old Testament, priests laid hands on sacrifices; parents laid hands on children to bless them. Here, Jesus uses touch to heal. It was not a distant command; He physically contacted each sick person. This action, unique to Luke among the Gospel accounts, shows His tender care.
How does this verse connect to the Old Testament prophecy in Isaiah?
Matthew 8:16-17 directly quotes Isaiah 53:4, saying that Jesus healing the sick fulfilled what Isaiah wrote: 'He took our infirmities and bore our diseases.' While Luke does not quote the prophecy here, the same event is described. Both evangelists see Jesus' healings as the Messiah bearing the weight of human sickness.
Why does Luke mention 'various diseases' specifically?
The Greek word 'poikilais' means 'various' or 'manifold.' It emphasizes the range of suffering brought to Jesus. No disease was beyond His power. This also shows the comprehensive nature of His healing ministry, as Matthew 4:23 says He healed 'every disease and every sickness among the people.'
For pastors & researchers
Greek interlinear, 8 commentaries & word study