New Testament
Luke 4:16
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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.
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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.
What Luke 4:16 means
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.
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
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Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: Rejected at Nazareth (Luke 4:16–30)
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Jesus
Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002725045). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Nazareth, Israel; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
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Nazareth
The small town in Galilee where Jesus grew up.
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Keep studying Luke 4:16
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At a Glance — the Book of Luke
- Author
- Luke the physician
- Written
- Around AD 60-62
- Genre
- Gospel and history
- Original Audience
- Gentile Christians (addressed to Theophilus)
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.
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