New Testament
Luke 4:22
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Everyone spoke well of him and marveled at the gracious words that came from his mouth. Then they asked, "Isn't this Joseph's son?"
Compare translations
And all bare him witness, and wondered at the gracious words which proceeded out of his mouth. And they said, Is not this Joseph’s son?
What Luke 4:22 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, the people of Nazareth are reacting to Jesus' teachings. They are impressed by the eloquence and wisdom of his words, which they recognize as gracious. However, their admiration is mixed with skepticism as they question his identity, referring to him as Joseph's son. This highlights a common theme in the Gospels where familiarity breeds doubt. The townspeople are astonished that someone they know so well could speak with such authority and insight. Their reaction reflects a struggle to reconcile their understanding of Jesus' humble beginnings with the profound nature of his message. This moment sets the stage for the tension that will develop as Jesus continues his ministry, challenging the expectations of those around him. It serves as a reminder that sometimes, those closest to us may struggle to see our true potential or calling, especially when it defies their preconceived notions.
How to apply Luke 4:22 to your life
This verse encourages us to be open to the wisdom and insights of those we know well, even if they come from unexpected sources. It reminds us not to let familiarity cloud our judgment or prevent us from recognizing the potential in others. We should listen with an open heart and mind.
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 4:22
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 4:22
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 4:22 mean?
Luke 4:22 describes the reaction of the people in Nazareth to Jesus' teachings. They are impressed by his gracious words but also express skepticism by questioning his identity as Joseph's son, highlighting the tension between familiarity and recognition.
What is the significance of the phrase 'gracious words' in Luke 4:22?
The phrase 'gracious words' in Luke 4:22 emphasizes the eloquence and wisdom of Jesus' teachings. It indicates that his message was not only profound but also delivered in a manner that was kind and appealing to the listeners.
Why do the people in Luke 4:22 refer to Jesus as Joseph's son?
The townspeople refer to Jesus as Joseph's son to express their skepticism about his authority. They struggle to reconcile their familiarity with his humble origins with the powerful message he delivers.
What themes are present in Luke 4:22?
Key themes in Luke 4:22 include the contrast between gracious speech and skepticism, the challenge of recognizing authority in familiar figures, and the reactions of people to Jesus' teachings.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.