New Testament
Luke 4:27
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And there were many lepers in Israel during the time of the prophet Elisha, and none of them was cleansed, except Naaman the Syrian.
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And many lepers were in Israel in the time of Eliseus the prophet; and none of them was cleansed, saving Naaman the Syrian.
What Luke 4:27 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus refers to a time in Israel's history when many people suffered from leprosy, a serious skin disease. Despite the presence of the prophet Elisha, who performed many miracles, only one leper, Naaman, a foreigner from Syria, was healed. This highlights a significant point: God's grace and healing were not limited to the Israelites but extended to outsiders as well. Naaman's healing serves as a reminder that faith and humility can lead to divine intervention, regardless of one's background. Jesus uses this example to illustrate that the message of salvation is for everyone, not just the chosen people of Israel. It challenges the audience to recognize that God's love and mercy can reach beyond their expectations and prejudices, emphasizing the universal nature of God's grace.
How to apply Luke 4:27 to your life
This verse encourages us to be open to God's work in unexpected ways and through unexpected people. It reminds us that faith can lead to healing and transformation, regardless of our background. We should embrace humility and recognize that God's love extends beyond our own circles.
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 4:27
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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 4:27 mean?
Luke 4:27 highlights that during the time of the prophet Elisha, many lepers existed in Israel, but only Naaman, a Syrian, was healed. This illustrates that God's healing and grace are available to all, not just the Israelites.
What is the significance of Naaman in Luke 4:27?
Naaman's significance in Luke 4:27 lies in his status as a foreigner who received healing, demonstrating that God's mercy extends beyond Israel. His story emphasizes faith and humility as key components for receiving divine intervention.
How does Luke 4:27 relate to God's grace?
Luke 4:27 relates to God's grace by showing that healing was granted to Naaman, a Syrian, rather than the many lepers in Israel. This emphasizes that God's grace is not limited to a specific group but is available to all who have faith.
What lesson can we learn from Luke 4:27?
From Luke 4:27, we learn that God's love and healing can come through unexpected people and circumstances. It encourages us to remain open to God's work beyond our own expectations and to embrace humility in our faith.
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