New Testament
Luke 4:18
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The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor. He has sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, recovery of sight to the blind, and to set at liberty those who are bruised,
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The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised,
What Luke 4:18 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus declares that He is empowered by the Holy Spirit to fulfill a mission of compassion and healing. He emphasizes His role in bringing good news to the poor, which signifies hope and salvation. The mention of healing the brokenhearted indicates His concern for emotional and spiritual wounds. Deliverance for captives suggests freedom from sin and oppression, while recovery of sight for the blind symbolizes both physical and spiritual enlightenment. Setting at liberty those who are bruised highlights His commitment to restoring dignity and freedom to those who are suffering. This passage encapsulates the essence of Jesus' ministry, focusing on love, healing, and liberation, showing that His purpose is to uplift the marginalized and bring transformation to lives.
How to apply Luke 4:18 to your life
We can apply this verse by actively seeking to help those in need around us. Whether through sharing the gospel, offering emotional support, or advocating for justice, we can embody the spirit of compassion that Jesus exemplified. Everyone deserves hope and healing.
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 4:18
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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 4:18 mean?
Luke 4:18 describes Jesus declaring His mission, empowered by the Holy Spirit, to bring good news, healing, and liberation to those in need. It highlights His commitment to addressing both physical and spiritual suffering.
What is the meaning of 'anointed' in Luke 4:18?
In Luke 4:18, 'anointed' refers to being chosen and empowered by God for a specific purpose. Jesus is stating that He has been set apart by the Holy Spirit to fulfill His mission of preaching and healing.
What does 'preach the gospel to the poor' mean in Luke 4:18?
'Preach the gospel to the poor' means sharing the message of hope and salvation with those who are marginalized or in need. It emphasizes that the good news is for everyone, especially those who are suffering.
What does 'heal the brokenhearted' refer to in Luke 4:18?
'Heal the brokenhearted' refers to Jesus' mission to provide emotional and spiritual healing to those who are hurting. It signifies His compassion for those experiencing grief, loss, or despair.
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