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Luke 4:31-37

King James Version (KJV)

“In our prayers we talk to God, in our Bible study God talks to us, and we had better let God do most of the talking.”
— D.L. Moody

Scripture focus

31. And came down to Capernaum, a city of Galilee, and taught them on the sabbath days. 32. And they were astonished at his doctrine: for his word was with power. 33. And in the synagogue there was a man, which had a spirit of an unclean devil, and cried out with a loud voice, 34. Saying, Let [us] alone; what have we to do with thee, [thou] Jesus of Nazareth? art thou come to destroy us? I know thee who thou art; the Holy One of God. 35. And Jesus rebuked him, saying, Hold thy peace, and come out of him. And when the devil had thrown him in the midst, he came out of him, and hurt him not. 36. And they were all amazed, and spake among themselves, saying, What a word [is] this! for with authority and power he commandeth the unclean spirits, and they come out. 37. And the fame of him went out into every place of the country round about.

Luke 4:31-37 — KJV

Commentary

Commentary on Luke 4:31

Theological / Devotional

Came down. [Removal to Capernaum, Luke 4:31a = Matt. 4:13–17 = Mark 1:14, 15. Major comment: Matthew.] From the village of Nazareth, high in the hills, to Capernaum, some 20 mi. (32 km.) away on the Lake of Galilee, it is literally “down” — from 1,144 ft. (349 m.) above sea level to 685 ft. (209 m.) below. It is possible that Mary and other members of the family may have accompanied Christ.

A city of Galilee. Probably an explanation added by Luke for the benefit of his readers, not all of whom were familiar with the geography of Palestine (see p. 664).

Taught them. [The Demoniac in the Synagogue, Luke 4:31b-37 = Mark 1:21-28. Major comment: Mark.] According to the Greek, “continued to teach them.” A period of time was involved. The teaching began in the synagogue of Capernaum and probably centered there.

On the sabbath. As was the Lord’s habitual practice (see on v. 16).

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