New Testament
Luke 4:18
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 declares that He is empowered by the Holy Spirit to fulfill a mission of compassion and healing.
- Author
- Luke the physician
- Written
- Around AD 60-62
- Genre
- Gospel and history
- Original Audience
- Gentile Christians (addressed to Theophilus)
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,
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,
Verse Analysis
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. Explore related spirituality.
Related Bible verses
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
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.

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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