New Testament
Luke 4:21
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Then he began to say to them, "Today, this scripture is fulfilled in your ears."
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And he began to say unto them, This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears.
What Luke 4:21 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus is declaring that the prophecies about the Messiah, particularly those found in Isaiah, are being realized in Him at that very moment. He is speaking to the people in Nazareth, emphasizing that the time of fulfillment has arrived. This statement is significant because it marks the beginning of His public ministry and reveals His identity as the promised Savior. By saying 'today,' Jesus indicates that the long-awaited hope of Israel is now present and accessible. The phrase 'in your ears' suggests that the listeners are not just hearing words but are invited to understand and respond to the truth of His message. This moment is pivotal, as it challenges the audience to recognize who Jesus is and what He has come to do, setting the stage for His ministry and the reactions it will provoke among the people.
How to apply Luke 4:21 to your life
This verse encourages us to recognize the significance of Jesus in our lives today. Just as the people of Nazareth were called to respond to His message, we too are invited to acknowledge His presence and work in our lives. We should actively seek to understand and embrace the truth of who Jesus is and what He offers us.
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 4:21
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Key themes
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 4:21 mean?
In Luke 4:21, Jesus declares that the prophecies about the Messiah are being fulfilled in Him at that moment. He emphasizes that the time of fulfillment has arrived, marking the beginning of His public ministry.
What is the significance of 'today' in Luke 4:21?
The word 'today' in Luke 4:21 highlights that the long-awaited hope of Israel is now present and accessible through Jesus. It signifies the immediacy of the fulfillment of prophecy.
What does 'this scripture is fulfilled in your ears' mean?
The phrase 'this scripture is fulfilled in your ears' indicates that the listeners are not just hearing words but are invited to understand and respond to the truth of Jesus' message.
How does Luke 4:21 relate to Jesus' identity?
In Luke 4:21, Jesus reveals His identity as the promised Messiah by stating that the prophecies are fulfilled in Him. This declaration invites the audience to recognize who He is and what He has come to do.
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