Chapter
Verse

Matthew 8:16

ESV That evening they brought to him many who were oppressed by demons, and he cast out the spirits with a word and healed all who were sick.
NIV When evening came, many who were demon-possessed were brought to him, and he drove out the spirits with a word and healed all the sick.
NASB Now when evening came, they brought to Him many who were demon-possessed; and He cast out the spirits with a word, and healed all who were ill.
CSB When evening came, they brought to him many who were demon-possessed. He drove out the spirits with a word and healed all who were sick,
NLT That evening many demon-possessed people were brought to Jesus. He cast out the evil spirits with a simple command, and he healed all the sick.
KJV When the even was come, they brought unto him many that were possessed with devils: and he cast out the spirits with his word, and healed all that were sick:
NKJV When evening had come, they brought to Him many who were demon-possessed. And He cast out the spirits with a word, and healed all who were sick,

What does Matthew 8:16 mean?

Jesus has just healed Peter's mother-in-law from a fever (Matthew 8:14–15). Next, Peter opened his house for the evening to others in need of healing or who were oppressed by demons. Jesus served them all, casting out demons with a single word and healing everyone who asked from whatever sickness they had.

Demon possession—or oppression—seems to have been more common during this time in the history of the world. That speaks to Satan's cleverness and strategy. In that culture, the existence of demons was not debated. There was no reason for the Devil to be especially subtle or hidden. So, demonic work of afflicting human beings was on display in many communities for all to see. In many modern cultures, as belief in demons wanes, it seems to have become more advantageous for Satan to be hidden and secretive.

This verse also shows that not all sickness came from demon oppression. Those were two separate categories.

The fact that Jesus was able to cast away demons with a single word was impressive and demonstrated His authority over the supernatural world. Others during this time provided exorcism services, with various degrees of success. Some tried to make use of what were thought to be magical incantations. Some tried to pit demons against other demons in order to get rid of them. Jesus simply ordered them to leave. They recognized His authority, and they left (Matthew 8:8–9).
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