New Testament
Luke 4:19
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
To preach the acceptable year of the Lord.
Compare translations
To preach the acceptable year of the Lord.
What Luke 4:19 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus is proclaiming a time of favor and grace from God, often referred to as the 'acceptable year of the Lord.' This phrase is rooted in the Jewish concept of the Jubilee year, a time when debts were forgiven, and slaves were freed. Jesus is announcing that He has come to bring spiritual liberation and healing to those who are oppressed and in need. His mission is to offer hope and restoration, emphasizing that God's grace is available to all. This message is not just for the Jewish people but extends to everyone, highlighting the inclusive nature of His ministry. By preaching this message, Jesus sets the tone for His work on earth, focusing on compassion, mercy, and the transformative power of God's love. This verse encapsulates the essence of Jesus' mission, which is to bring good news to the poor and to proclaim freedom to those who are bound by sin and suffering.
How to apply Luke 4:19 to your life
We can apply this message by sharing hope and support with those around us who are struggling. By embodying grace and compassion, we can help others experience the love of God in practical ways. Look for opportunities to uplift those in need.
Curated for this public verse page. Luke Summary
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.

Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: Rejected at Nazareth (Luke 4:16–30)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
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.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Nazareth
The small town in Galilee where Jesus grew up.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Luke 4:19
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Luke 4:19
Related Bible verses
Related topics
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 'the acceptable year of the Lord' mean?
The phrase 'the acceptable year of the Lord' refers to a time of divine favor and grace, echoing the Jewish Jubilee year when debts were forgiven and slaves were freed. In Luke 4:19, Jesus uses this term to announce His mission of spiritual liberation and healing, indicating that He brings hope and restoration to all, not just the Jewish people.
How does Luke 4:19 relate to Jesus' mission?
In Luke 4:19, Jesus declares His purpose to preach the good news and offer freedom to the oppressed. This verse encapsulates His mission of compassion and mercy, emphasizing that He came to bring spiritual healing and liberation to everyone, highlighting the inclusive nature of His ministry.
What can we learn from Luke 4:19 for our lives today?
Luke 4:19 teaches us the importance of sharing hope and support with those in need. It encourages us to embody grace and compassion in our daily lives, actively looking for ways to uplift others who are struggling, thus reflecting God's love and mercy.
Why is the message of Luke 4:19 important for everyone?
The message of Luke 4:19 is significant because it emphasizes that God's grace and salvation are available to all people, regardless of their background. This inclusivity is central to Jesus' ministry, reminding us that everyone deserves compassion, hope, and the opportunity for restoration.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.