What is divine healing?

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The restoration to a sound physical or psychological state or to the greatest degree of health (Heb. šālōm “completeness, welfare”) possible given such limits as age and dismemberment. The process might involve regeneration as well as restoration, which included rectification of a sinful condition for which disease was often considered divine punishment (Ps. 38:3; cf. Isa. 38:10–20).

Ultimately, God is the source of healing (e.g., Gen. 20:17; Exod. 15:16). Healing might be effected through prophets who acted as God’s agents (e.g., 2 Kgs. 5:3–14; 2 Kgs. 20:1–7 par. Isa. 38) as well as purification rituals performed by priests (cf. Lev. 15). By the Hellenistic period professional physicians had gained a prominent role, relying on magic and superstition as much as actual medical treatment (cf. Sir. 38:1–15).

As part of his ministry of restoring humanity to wholeness, Jesus healed a variety of physical and psychological ailments (e.g., Luke 7:21–22; cf. 4:18). Although in some instances a demonstration of faith was a necessary condition for healing (e.g., Matt. 9:21–22, 28–29; Luke 17:19), it does not always appear to have been a prerequisite (Mark 1:31; Luke 22:51). The apostles also were entrusted with the ministry of healing (Matt. 10:1; cf. Acts 3:6–7, 16; 8:7; 9:12), and many in the early Church exhibited gifts of healing (e.g., 1 Cor. 12:10, 28).

Myers, A. C. (1987). In The Eerdmans Bible dictionary (pp. 470–471). Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans.

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