Paragraph 8:16–17

8:16a

When evening came: The word evening refers to sundown or perhaps an hour or two after the sun had gone down. The people waited until then because the Sabbath was over at sundown. After sundown, they were permitted to do the work of carrying sick people to Jesus.

many who were demon-possessed were brought to Jesus: The clause many who were demon-possessed refers to people who were controlled by demons. Demons controlled the thoughts and actions of these people.

Languages have different ways to refer to possession by demons or evil spirits.

Here are some other ways to translate this phrase:

many people with demons in them (Contemporary English Version)
-or-
people controlled by demons
-or-
people on whom evil spirits had fastened

This clause also occurs in 4:24d. You should translate it here as you did there.

demon-possessed: The word demon-possessed refers to spirit beings who were once angels, but who rebelled against God. Demons are also referred to as “evil spirits.” Demons are not spirits of dead people.

Some ways to translate “demons” are:

• Use a general term in your language that refers to spirits that are evil and can control people. For example:

demons
-or-
devils

• Use a specific term in your language that refers to a certain type of spirit. Do not use a term that refers to the spirit of a dead person.

• Use a descriptive phrase. For example:

evil/bad spirits

See demon in the Glossary for more information.

8:16b–c

He drove out the spirits: The clause He drove out the spirits means that Jesus caused the evil spirits to leave people and stop controlling them.

Different cultures have different ways of speaking about people being controlled by demons and being released from the control of demons. Use a natural expression for this in your language.

Here are some other ways to translate this:

he sent the demons away
-or-
he freed people whom demons controlled

spirits: The word spirits refers to the demons (8:16a). You should use a word or expression that clearly refers back to the demons.

with a word: The phrase with a word indicates that Jesus simply spoke a few words. He was not like other people who tried to cast out demons at that time. They used many, long magical chants and techniques. Jesus simply commanded the demons to leave, and they left.

Here are some other ways to translate this entire clause:

Jesus spoke and the demons left them (New Century Version)

-or-

He forced the [evil] spirits out of people with a command (God’s Word)

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