Luke 9:39
And, lo, a spirit taketh him, and he suddenly crieth out; and it teareth him that he foameth again, and bruising him hardly departeth from him.
Luke 9:39 · King James Version
Meaning
Within this verse, we witness a powerful depiction of a man possessed by an evil spirit. The man is overtaken by the spirit, causing him to cry out in agony and convulse uncontrollably. The spirit's hold on him is so strong that it causes him to foam at the mouth and bruise himself in the process. This intense and unsettling imagery serves as a stark reminder of the spiritual warfare that is constantly at play in the world. It showcases the destructive power of evil forces and highlights the need for spiritual strength and protection. The verse emphasizes the torment and suffering that can result from being under the influence of dark spiritual forces. It serves as a warning to be vigilant in guarding one's heart and mind against such influences, and to seek refuge and strength in the light of divine protection.
Theological Overview
The theological interpretation of this verse focuses on the nature of the evil spirit that possessed the boy in question. The description of the spirit tearing and bruising the boy, causing him to foam at the mouth, highlights the destructive and tormenting power of the evil forces at work. This portrayal emphasizes the intensity of the spiritual battle being waged between good and evil. The word studies within this verse reveal the depth of the boy's suffering and the violent nature of the possession. The use of terms like "teareth" and "bruising" conveys the relentless and aggressive nature of the spirit's attack on the boy. The word "foameth" adds a visual and visceral element to the description, emphasizing the extreme physical and emotional distress experienced by the boy. Overall, this verse serves as a powerful reminder of the reality of spiritual warfare and the need for divine intervention in the face of such malevolent forces.
Luke 9:39 in other translations
American Standard Version
and behold, a spirit taketh him, and he suddenly crieth out; and it teareth him that he foameth, and it hardly departeth from him, bruising him sorely.
World English Bible
Behold, a spirit takes him, he suddenly cries out, and it convulses him so that he foams, and it hardly departs from him, bruising him severely.
Douay-Rheims
And lo, a spirit seizeth him, and he suddenly crieth out, and he throweth him down and teareth him, so that he foameth; and bruising him, he hardly departeth from him.
Geneva Bible (1599)
And loe, a spirit taketh him, and suddenly he crieth, and he teareth him, that he fometh, and hardly departeth from him, when he hath bruised him.