New Testament
Matthew 13:57
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
They took offense at him. But Jesus told them, "A prophet is honored everywhere except in his own hometown and in his own house."
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And they were offended in him. But Jesus said unto them, A prophet is not without honour, save in his own country, and in his own house.
What Matthew 13:57 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus faces rejection from the people in his hometown, Nazareth. Despite his teachings and miracles, they cannot accept him as a prophet because they see him as just the carpenter's son. This highlights a common human tendency to undervalue those familiar to us. Jesus points out that prophets are often honored in other places but not in their own communities. This reflects the struggle of being recognized for one's true worth, especially by those who know us best. The offense taken by the townspeople reveals their inability to see beyond their preconceived notions about Jesus. This moment serves as a reminder that familiarity can breed contempt, and sometimes, those closest to us may not appreciate our gifts or contributions. Jesus' experience illustrates the challenges faced by individuals who seek to bring change or deliver important messages, especially when they come from unexpected backgrounds or origins.
How to apply Matthew 13:57 to your life
This verse encourages us to recognize and appreciate the gifts and contributions of those around us, especially those we know well. It reminds us not to let familiarity blind us to the value others bring, and to be open to wisdom from unexpected sources.
Curated for this public verse page. Matthew Summary
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Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002724966). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Bethlehem, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
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David's hometown, and the town where Jesus was born.
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At a Glance — the Book of Matthew
- Author
- Matthew the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 60-70
- Genre
- Gospel
- Original Audience
- Jewish Christians
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Matthew 13:57 mean about prophets and honor?
Matthew 13:57 highlights the idea that prophets often face rejection in their own communities. Jesus explains that while a prophet may be honored in other places, they are frequently undervalued by those who know them best. This reflects a common human tendency to overlook the significance of familiar figures, emphasizing the challenge of being recognized for one's true worth.
Why did the people in Nazareth reject Jesus?
The people in Nazareth rejected Jesus because they were familiar with him as the carpenter's son. They struggled to see beyond their preconceived notions and could not accept him as a prophet despite his teachings and miracles. This rejection illustrates how familiarity can lead to contempt, making it difficult for individuals to appreciate the gifts of those they know well.
How can we apply Matthew 13:57 in our lives?
We can apply Matthew 13:57 by being mindful of how we perceive and value those around us, especially those we are close to. This verse encourages us to recognize the contributions and wisdom of familiar individuals, reminding us not to let our familiarity blind us to their worth. By being open to insights from unexpected sources, we can foster a more appreciative and supportive community.
What lessons can we learn from Jesus' experience in Nazareth?
Jesus' experience in Nazareth teaches us about the challenges of seeking acceptance and recognition, especially from those closest to us. It highlights the importance of resilience in the face of rejection and the need to remain true to one's mission despite opposition. This moment encourages us to appreciate the gifts of others and to be open to learning from those we may underestimate.
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