New Testament

Luke 4:16

The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English

At a Glance

In this verse, Jesus returns to Nazareth, the town where he grew up, highlighting his connection to the community.

Author
Luke the physician
Written
Around AD 60-62
Genre
Gospel and history
Original Audience
Gentile Christians (addressed to Theophilus)
CBTClear Bible Translation

He traveled to Nazareth, the town where he'd grown up. On the Sabbath he went to the synagogue as he always did and stood up to read.

KJVKing James Version

And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up: and, as his custom was, he went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and stood up for to read.

Verse Analysis

Plain-English insight for readers

In this verse, Jesus returns to Nazareth, the town where he grew up, highlighting his connection to the community. On the Sabbath, a day of rest and worship for the Jewish people, he goes to the synagogue, which was a common practice for him. This shows his commitment to his faith and traditions. By standing up to read, he takes on a role of authority and teaching, indicating his readiness to share God's message. This moment is significant as it sets the stage for his ministry and the teachings he will present to his hometown, where people are familiar with him as the carpenter's son. His actions reflect the importance of community, worship, and the continuity of faith practices. This verse emphasizes the significance of returning to one's roots and the role of tradition in spiritual life. Explore related fear.

Related topics

fear, stress, prayer

How to apply Luke 4:16 to your life

This verse encourages us to maintain our spiritual practices and community connections. Just as Jesus made it a habit to attend synagogue, we should prioritize our own times of worship and fellowship, reinforcing our faith and supporting one another in our spiritual journeys.

Curated for this public verse page. Luke Summary

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What does Luke 4:16 mean?

Luke 4:16 describes Jesus returning to Nazareth, where he grew up, and attending the synagogue on the Sabbath. This highlights his commitment to his faith and community, as well as his role in teaching and sharing God's message.

What is the significance of Jesus reading in the synagogue in Luke 4:16?

By standing up to read in the synagogue, Jesus takes on a position of authority and prepares to share important teachings. This act signifies his readiness to engage with his community and fulfill his role as a teacher.

Why did Jesus go to the synagogue in Luke 4:16?

Jesus went to the synagogue as part of his regular practice on the Sabbath, reflecting the importance of worship and community in his life. This shows his dedication to his faith and the traditions of his upbringing.

What does the term 'Sabbath' mean in Luke 4:16?

The 'Sabbath' refers to a day of rest and worship observed by the Jewish people, typically from Friday evening to Saturday evening. It is a time for spiritual reflection and community gathering.

The Book of Luke
Book Summary

The Book of Luke

Luke 1: The Births of John the Baptist and Jesus Foretold

In the days of Herod, king of Judaea, a priest named Zacharias serves in the temple. He and his wife Elisabeth are both righteous but have no children because Elisabeth is barren, and they are both old. While Zacharias burns incense, the angel Gabriel appears to him and says Elisabeth will bear a son who is to be named John. The child will be great before the Lord, will drink no wine or strong drink, and will be filled with the Holy Ghost from his mother's womb. He will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God. Zacharias asks how he can know this, since he and his wife are old. Gabriel says Zacharias will be unable to speak until these things come to pass because he did not believe.

Premium

Unlock the full Luke summary

Continue reading every chapter — themes, structure, and turning points.

The complete summary of Luke — a chapter-by-chapter breakdown covering all 24 chapters.

What you get

Every chapter of Luke summarized in clear, modern English

How each section connects — narrative flow, key themes, and turning points

Permanent access — read anytime, on any device

Best Value

Best value • Save over 90%

or

One-time purchase • Access anytime

ClearBible summaries are proprietary content and may not be copied, republished, or resold.

Checkout works as a guest. After payment, you create an account to claim your unlock.