What is a spirit of infirmity?

Answer

The term “spirit of infirmity” is mentioned in Luke 13:11, specifically in the KJV. In this passage, a woman who had been crippled for eighteen years is healed by Jesus on the Sabbath day. Luke describes her condition as having a “spirit of infirmity,” also referred to as a “disabling spirit” (ESV), a “sickness caused by a spirit” (NASB), or being “crippled by a spirit” (NIV). Essentially, this “spirit of infirmity” refers to a demon that afflicted the woman, causing her disability for eighteen years.

The Bible clearly acknowledges the existence of spiritual warfare. Ephesians 6:12 states, “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” From the account in Luke 13, it is evident that evil spirits can sometimes be the cause of physical ailments. However, it does not imply that there are specific spirits specializing in causing sickness, poverty, or anger. Luke’s mention of the “spirit of infirmity” suggests that, at least in that particular instance, a demon had the authority to inflict a disability. Developing a doctrine that classifies demons based on the afflictions they bring exceeds the teachings of the Bible.

It is important not to exaggerate the influence of demons. Many human illnesses stem from living in a fallen world, and in numerous instances in Luke’s gospel, people are healed of diseases without any mention of demonic involvement. In Luke 13, Jesus specifically refers to Satan as the one who had bound the woman (verse 16). However, in many other healing accounts, He simply performs the healing without referencing evil spirits.

Presently, some individuals attribute sickness to “spirits of infirmity” or associate specific emotions or sins like anger or lust with “spirits of.” While it is true that Satan and his demons can attack our bodies, emotions, and thought processes, we should not attribute every illness or affliction to demonic forces.Very challenging emotion or each sin on Satan’s influence. There is a variety of reasons a person may be struggling with such things.

Regardless of the specific cause of an infirmity, we can bring the issue to God in prayer. James 4:7–8 discusses resisting the devil and submitting to God. Prayer is one way to accomplish this. James 5:16 states we should confess our sins to one another so that we can pray for healing.

The key takeaway from Luke 13:10–17 is the power and compassion of Jesus. In an instant, He overcame the disability this woman had been struggling with for eighteen years. He healed her on the Sabbath day, to the indignation of the Pharisees. He responded to her need with compassion, calling the woman a “daughter of Abraham” (verse 16) and emphasizing how much God loved her and was willing to free her.