And at even, when the sun did set, they brought to him all that were diseased, and them that were possessed with devils.
at even.
Mark 1:21 And they went into Capernaum; and straightway on the sabbath day he entered into the synagogue, and taught.
Mark 3:2 And they watched him, whether he would heal him on the sabbath day; that they might accuse him.
Matthew 8:16 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:
after sunset
The mention of sunset highlights the transition from the Sabbath to the first day of the week. It was a time when people were free to travel and carry burdens, which they could not do during the Sabbath. This detail underscores the urgency and eagerness of the people to seek Jesus' healing power as soon as it was permissible.
people brought to Jesus
The act of bringing the sick to Jesus demonstrates the faith and hope the people had in His ability to heal. It also shows the communal nature of the society, where family and friends took responsibility for the well-being of others. This reflects the growing reputation of Jesus as a healer and miracle worker, as seen in earlier verses and other Gospel accounts (Matthew 4:24).
all the sick and demon-possessed
This phrase indicates the wide range of afflictions that Jesus was known to heal, encompassing both physical illnesses and spiritual oppression. The distinction between the sick and demon-possessed reflects the understanding of different types of suffering in the ancient world. The mention of demon possession highlights the spiritual authority of Jesus, as He often cast out demons, demonstrating His power over evil forces (Mark 1:34). This also fulfills Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah bringing healing and liberation (Isaiah 61:1).
• The moment described comes at the close of the Sabbath day’s events in Capernaum (Mark 1:21-31), when Jesus had already taught with authority and healed Peter’s mother-in-law.
• “Evening” signals the day’s quiet hours, when families gather and streets empty—yet the crowd still seeks Him, echoing Psalm 130:6, “My soul waits for the Lord more than watchmen for the morning.”
• It underscores Christ’s tireless willingness to minister, as later seen in John 3:1-2 when He receives Nicodemus at night.
• Sunset marked the official end of the Sabbath (Leviticus 23:32). Travel and carrying burdens were now permitted (Jeremiah 17:21-22), so the people’s timing shows respect for God’s Law while eagerly pursuing His Son.
• Luke 4:40 parallels this scene—“At sunset, all who had…brought them to Jesus”—confirming that the same event is recorded consistently across the Gospels.
• The detail reveals that Jesus’ ministry does not clash with Sabbath rest; rather, He fulfills it (Matthew 12:8).
• Their instinct is to carry needs straight to Christ, illustrating living faith like that of the friends who lowered the paralytic through the roof (Mark 2:3-5).
• Isaiah 55:1, “Come, all you who thirst,” finds tangible expression here as the townsfolk flock to the only One who satisfies body and soul.
• The verb “brought” hints at intercession: loved ones escorting sufferers, mirroring believers’ call to bring others to Jesus in prayer (1 Timothy 2:1-4).
• No illness is excluded—physical weakness (Matthew 4:24), chronic disease (Mark 5:25-34), fever (John 4:52). Christ’s authority extends over every malady.
• Their collective need magnifies His limitless compassion, fulfilling the messianic promise of Isaiah 53:4, “Surely He has borne our griefs.”
• Acts 10:38 later summarizes His earthly ministry: “He went around doing good and healing all...” This evening in Capernaum is an early showcase.
• Spiritual bondage is addressed alongside physical sickness, proving that Jesus saves wholly—body, mind, and spirit (1 Thessalonians 5:23).
• Mark emphasizes demonic deliverance throughout (1:34; 5:1-13), reinforcing 1 John 3:8: “The Son of God appeared to destroy the works of the devil.”
• The inclusion of the demon-possessed unites all sufferers under one remedy: the direct, personal intervention of the Savior (Colossians 2:15).
Mark 1:32 pictures an eager, law-respecting crowd converging on Jesus the moment Sabbath restrictions lift. They carry every kind of suffering—physical and spiritual—straight to Him, confident of His power and compassion. The verse highlights Christ’s readiness to serve beyond normal hours, His supremacy over sickness and demons, and the call for believers to bring needs to Him without delay.
(32) And at even.--See Notes on Matthew 8:16-17. The special features in St. Mark are (1) the fuller description, in Mark 1:33, that "all the city was gathered together at the door;" and (2) the omission of St. Matthew's reference to the prophecy of Isaiah 53:4.Verse 32. - At even, when the sun did set. It was the sabbath day; and, therefore, the sick were not brought to our Lord until six o'clock, when the sabbath ended. When the sun did set (ὅτε ἔδυ ὁ ἥλίος). St. Luke's phrase is (δύνοντος τοῦ ἡλίου), "When the sun was, so to speak, submerged in the sea." So in Virgil, 'Aeneid,' lib. 7:100 -"...qua sol utrumque recurrens
Adspicit Oceanum;"
the popular idea being that, when the sun sets, it sinks into the ocean.
Parallel Commentaries ...