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)
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.
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 Bible verses
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
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.
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