New Testament
Luke 4:31
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
He went down to Capernaum, a city in Galilee, and taught the people on the Sabbath.
Compare translations
And came down to Capernaum, a city of Galilee, and taught them on the sabbath days.
What Luke 4:31 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus travels to Capernaum, a significant city in the region of Galilee. This journey marks an important step in His ministry as He begins to teach the people. The mention of the Sabbath indicates that He is engaging with the community during a time when they are gathered for worship and learning. Teaching on the Sabbath was a common practice, and it provided Jesus an opportunity to share His message with those who were eager to learn. Capernaum becomes a central location for many of His teachings and miracles, highlighting its importance in the early days of His ministry. This verse sets the stage for the transformative teachings and actions that will follow, illustrating Jesus' commitment to spreading His message and connecting with the people. It emphasizes the significance of teaching and learning in a communal setting, especially during sacred times.
How to apply Luke 4:31 to your life
This verse encourages us to seek opportunities to learn and grow spiritually, especially in community settings. Just as Jesus taught on the Sabbath, we can engage with our communities during worship and share insights that can uplift and inspire others. Participation in communal worship can deepen our faith.
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: A Sabbath in Capernaum (Luke 4:31–41)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Jesus
Photo: Gary Todd (Gary Lee Todd, Ph.D.), via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC0 1.0 Universal Public Domain Dedication. Source. Location: Southern end of the Temple Mount, Jerusalem Old City. 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.
Jerusalem
David's capital, the city of the temple, and the place where Jesus died and rose again.
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 4:31
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 4:31
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 4:31 mean?
Luke 4:31 describes Jesus traveling to Capernaum, where He begins teaching on the Sabbath. This highlights His role as a teacher and the importance of the Sabbath as a time for communal learning.
What is the significance of Capernaum in Luke 4:31?
Capernaum is significant in Luke 4:31 as it becomes a central location for Jesus' ministry, where He teaches and performs miracles, impacting the local community.
What does teaching on the Sabbath imply in Luke 4:31?
Teaching on the Sabbath in Luke 4:31 implies that Jesus was engaging with the community during a sacred time, emphasizing the importance of spiritual growth and learning in a communal setting.
How does Luke 4:31 relate to community engagement?
Luke 4:31 illustrates community engagement by showing Jesus teaching during a time when people gather for worship, encouraging us to participate in communal learning and spiritual growth.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.