Bible Commentaries

Full of the Holy Spirit (πληρης πνευματος αγιου — plērēs pneumatos hagiou). An evident allusion to the descent of the Holy Spirit on Jesus at his baptism (Luke 3:21.). The distinctness of the Persons in the Trinity is shown there, but with evident unity. One recalls also Luke‘s account of the overshadowing of Mary by the Holy Spirit (Luke 1:35). Matthew 4:1 says that “Jesus was led of the Spirit” while Mark 1:12 states that “the Spirit driveth him forth” which see note for discussion. “Jesus had been endowed with supernatural power; and He was tempted to make use of it in furthering his own interests without regard to the Father‘s will” (Plummer).

Was led by the Spirit (ηγετο εν τοι πνευματι — ēgeto en toi pneumati). Imperfect passive, continuously led. Εν — En may be the instrumental use as often, for Matthew 4:1 has here υπο — hupo of direct agency. But Matthew has the aorist passive ανηχτη — anēchthē which may be ingressive as he has εις την ερημον — eis tēn erēmon (into the wilderness) while Luke has εν τωι ερημωι — en tōi erēmōi (in the wilderness). At any rate Luke affirms that Jesus was now continuously under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Hence in this same sentence he mentions the Spirit twice.

During the forty days (ημερας τεσσερακοντα — hēmerās tesserakonta). Accusative of duration of time, to be connected with “led” not with “tempted.” He was led in the Spirit during these forty days (cf. Deuteronomy 8:2, forty years). The words are amphibolous also in Mark 1:13. Matthew 4:2 seems to imply that the three recorded temptations came at the close of the fasting for forty days. That can be true and yet what Luke states be true also. These three may be merely specimens and so “representative of the struggle which continued throughout the whole period” (Plummer).

Being tempted (πειραζομενος — peirazomenos). Present passive participle and naturally parallel with the imperfect passive ηγετο — ēgeto (was led) in Luke 4:1. This is another instance of poor verse division which should have come at the end of the sentence. See note on Matthew 4:1; note on Mark 1:13 for the words “tempt” and “devil.” The devil challenged the Son of man though also the Son of God. It was a contest between Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, and the slanderer of men. The devil had won with Adam and Eve. He has hopes of triumph over Jesus. The story of this conflict is given only in Matthew 4:1-11; Luke 4:1-13. There is a mere mention of it in Mark 1:12. So then here is a specimen of the Logia of Jesus (Q), a non-Markan portion of Matthew and Luke, the earliest document about Christ. The narrative could come ultimately only from Christ himself. It is noteworthy that it bears all the marks of the high conception of Jesus as the Son of God found in the Gospel of John and in Paul and Hebrews, the rest of the New Testament in fact, for Mark, Matthew, Luke, Acts, Peter, and Jude follow in this same strain. The point is that modern criticism has revealed the Messianic consciousness of Jesus as God‘s Son at his Baptism and in his Temptations at the very beginning of his ministry and in the oldest known documents about Christ (The Logia, Mark‘s Gospel).

He did eat nothing (ουκ επαγεν ουδεν — ouk ephagen ouden). Second aorist (constative) active indicative of the defective verb εστιω — esthiō Mark does not give the fast. Matthew 4:2 has the aorist active participle νηστευσας — nēsteusas which usually means a religious fast for purposes of devotion. That idea is not excluded by Luke‘s words. The entrance of Jesus upon his Messianic ministry was a fit time for this solemn and intense consecration. This mental and spiritual strain would naturally take away the appetite and there was probably nothing at hand to eat. The weakness from the absence of food gave the devil his special opportunity to tempt Jesus which he promptly seized.

When they were completed (συντελεστεισων αυτων — suntelestheisōn autōn). Genitive absolute with the first aorist passive participle feminine plural because εμερων — hemerōn (days) is feminine. According to Luke the hunger (επεινασεν — epeinasen became hungry, ingressive aorist active indicative) came at the close of the forty days as in Matthew 4:2.

The Son of God (υιος του τεου — huios tou theou). No article as in Matthew 4:3. So refers to the relationship as Son of God rather than to the office of Messiah. Manifest reference to the words of the Father in Luke 3:22. Condition of the first class as in Matthew. The devil assumes that Jesus is Son of God.

This stone (τωι λιτωι τουτωι — tōi lithōi toutōi). Perhaps pointing to a particular round stone that looked in shape and size like a loaf of bread. Stanley (Sinai and Palestine, p. 154) on Mt. Carmel found crystallizations of stones called “Elijah‘s melons.” The hunger of Jesus opened the way for the diabolic suggestion designed to inspire doubt in Jesus toward his Father. Matthew has “these stones.”

Bread (αρτος — artos). Better “loaf.” For discussion of this first temptation, see note on Matthew 4:3. Jesus felt the force of each of the temptations without yielding at all to the sin involved. See discussion on Matthew also for reality of the devil and the objective and subjective elements in the temptations. Jesus quotes Deuteronomy 8:3 in reply to the devil.

The world (της οικουμενης — tēs oikoumenēs). The inhabited world. In Matthew 4:8 it is του κοσμου — tou kosmou a moment of time (εν στιγμηι χρονου — en stigmēi chronou). Only in Luke and the word στιγμη — stigmē nowhere else in the N.T. (from στιζω — stizō to prick, or puncture), a point or dot. In Demosthenes, Aristotle, Plutarch. Like our “second” of time or tick of the clock. This panorama of all the kingdoms of the world and the glory of them in a moment of time was mental, a great feat of the imagination (a mental satanic “movie” performance), but this fact in no way discredits the idea of the actual visible appearance of Satan also. This second temptation in Luke is the third in Matthew‘s order. Luke‘s order is geographical (wilderness, mountain, Jerusalem). Matthew‘s is climacteric (hunger, nervous dread, ambition). There is a climax in Luke‘s order also (sense, man, God). There is no way to tell the actual order.

All this authority (την εχουσιαν ταυτην απασαν — tēn exousian tautēn hapasan). Matthew 4:9 has “all these things.” Luke‘s report is more specific.

And the glory of them (και την δοχαν αυτων — kai tēn doxan autōn). Matthew 4:8 has this in the statement of what the devil did, not what he said.

For it hath been delivered unto me (οτι εμοι παραδεδοται — hoti emoi paradedotai). Perfect passive indicative. Satan here claims possession of world power and Jesus does not deny it. It may be due to man‘s sin and by God‘s permission. Jesus calls Satan the ruler of this world (John 12:31; John 14:30; John 16:11).

To whomsoever I will (οι αν τελω — hoi an thelō). Present subjunctive with αν — an in an indefinite relative sentence. This audacious claim, if allowed, makes one wonder whether some of the world rulers are not, consciously or unconsciously, agents of the devil. In several American cities there has been proven a definite compact between the police and the underworld of crime. But the tone of Satan here is one of superiority to Jesus in world power. He offers him a share in it on one condition.

Wilt worship before me (προσκυνησηις ενωπιον εμου — proskunēsēis enōpion emou). Matthew 4:9 has it more bluntly “worship me.” That is what it really comes to, though in Luke the matter is more delicately put. It is a condition of the third class (εαν — ean and the subjunctive). Luke has it “thou therefore if” (συ ουν εαν — su oun ean), in a very emphatic and subtle way. It is the ingressive aorist (προσκυνησηις — proskunēsēis), just bow the knee once up here in my presence. The temptation was for Jesus to admit Satan‘s authority by this act of prostration (fall down and worship), a recognition of authority rather than of personal merit.

It shall all be thine (εσται σου πασα — estai sou pāsa). Satan offers to turn over all the keys of world power to Jesus. It was a tremendous grand-stand play, but Jesus saw at once that in that case he would be the agent of Satan in the rule of the world by bargain and graft instead of the Son of God by nature and world ruler by conquest over Satan. The heart of Satan‘s program is here laid bare. Jesus here rejected the Jewish idea of the Messiah as an earthly ruler merely. “He rejects Satan as an ally, and thereby has him as an implacable enemy” (Plummer.)

Thou shalt worship (προσκυνησεις — proskunēseis). Satan used this verb to Jesus who turns it against him by the quotation from Deuteronomy 6:13. Jesus clearly perceived that one could not worship both Satan and God. He had to choose whom he would serve. Luke does not give the words, “Get thee hence, Satan” (Matthew 4:10), for he has another temptation to narrate.

Led him (ηγαγεν — ēgagen). Aorist active indicative of αγω — agō Matthew 4:5 has παραλαμβανει — paralambanei (dramatic present).

The wing of the temple (το πτερυγιον του ιερου — to pterugion tou hierou). See note on Matthew 4:5. It is not easy to determine precisely what it was.

From hence (enteuthen). This Luke adds to the words in Matthew, which see.

To guard thee (εντευτεν — tou diaphulaxai se). Not in Matthew 4:6 quoted by Satan from Psalm 91:11, Psalm 91:12. Satan does not misquote this Psalm, but he misapplies it and makes it mean presumptuous reliance on God. This compound verb is very old, but occurs here alone in the N.T. and that from the lxx. Luke repeats του διαπυλαχαι σε — hoti (recitative οτι — hoti after οτι — gegraptai is written) after this part of the quotation.

It is said (ειρηται — eirētai). Perfect passive indicative, stands said, a favourite way of quoting Scripture in the N.T. In Matthew 4:7 we have the usual “it is written” (γεγραπται — gegraptai). Here Jesus quotes Deuteronomy 6:16. Each time he uses Deuteronomy against the devil. The lxx is quoted. It is the volitive future indicative with ουκ — ouk a common prohibition. Jesus points out to the devil that testing God is not trusting God (Plummer).

Every temptation (παντα πειρασμον — panta peirasmon). These three kinds exhaust the avenues of approach (the appetites, the nerves, the ambitions). Satan tried them all. They formed a cycle (Vincent). Hence “he was in all points tempted like as we are” (Hebrews 4:15). “The enemy tried all his weapons, and was at all points defeated” (Plummer). Probably all during the forty days the devil tempted him, but three are representatives of all.

For a season (αχρι καιρου — achri kairou). Until a good opportunity should return, the language means. We are thus to infer that the devil returned to his attack from time to time. In the Garden of Gethsemane he tempted Jesus more severely than here. He was here trying to thwart the purpose of Jesus to go on with his Messianic plans, to trip him at the start. In Gethsemane the devil tried to make Jesus draw back from the culmination of the Cross with all its agony and horror. The devil attacked Jesus by the aid of Peter (Mark 8:33), through the Pharisees (John 8:40.), besides Gethsemane (Luke 22:42, Luke 22:53).

Returned (υπεστρεπσεν — hupestrepsen). Luke does not fill in the gap between the temptations in the wilderness of Judea and the Galilean Ministry. He follows the outline of Mark. It is John‘s Gospel alone that tells of the year of obscurity (Stalker) in various parts of the Holy Land.

In the power of the Spirit (εν τηι δυναμει του πνευματος — en tēi dunamei tou pneumatos). Luke in these two verses (Luke 4:14) gives a description of the Galilean Ministry with three marked characteristics (Plummer): the power of the spirit, rapid spread of Christ‘s fame, use of the Jewish synagogues. Luke often notes the power of the Holy Spirit in the work of Christ. Our word dynamite is this same word δυναμις — dunamis (power).

A fame (πημη — phēmē). An old Greek word found in the N.T. only here and Matthew 9:26. It is from πημι — phēmi to say. Talk ran rapidly in every direction. It assumes the previous ministry as told by John.

And he taught (και αυτος εδιδασκεν — kai autos edidasken). Luke is fond of this mode of transition so that it is not certain that he means to emphasize “he himself” as distinct from the rumour about him. It is the imperfect tense, descriptive of the habit of Jesus. The synagogues were an open door to Jesus before the hostility of the Pharisees was aroused.

Being glorified (δοχαζομενος — doxazomenos). Present passive participle, durative action like the imperfect εδιδασκεν — edidasken General admiration of Jesus everywhere. He was the wonder teacher of his time. Even the rabbis had not yet learned how to ridicule and oppose Jesus.

Where he had been brought up (ου ην τετραμμενος — hou ēn tethrammenos). Past perfect passive periphrastic indicative, a state of completion in past time, from τρεπω — trephō a common Greek verb. This visit is before that recorded in Mark 6:1-6; Matthew 13:54-58 which was just before the third tour of Galilee. Here Jesus comes back after a year of public ministry elsewhere and with a wide reputation (Luke 4:15). Luke may have in mind Luke 2:51, but for some time now Nazareth had not been his home and that fact may be implied by the past perfect tense.

As his custom was (κατα το ειωτος αυτωι — kata to eiōthos autōi). Second perfect active neuter singular participle of an old ετω — ethō (Homer), to be accustomed. Literally according to what was customary to him (αυτωι — autōi dative case). This is one of the flashlights on the early life of Jesus. He had the habit of going to public worship in the synagogue as a boy, a habit that he kept up when a grown man. If the child does not form the habit of going to church, the man is almost certain not to have it. We have already had in Matthew and Mark frequent instances of the word synagogue which played such a large part in Jewish life after the restoration from Babylon.

Stood up (ανεστη — anestē). Second aorist active indicative and intransitive. Very common verb. It was the custom for the reader to stand except when the Book of Esther was read at the feast of Purim when he might sit. It is not here stated that Jesus had been in the habit of standing up to read here or elsewhere. It was his habit to go to the synagogue for worship. Since he entered upon his Messianic work his habit was to teach in the synagogues (Luke 4:15). This was apparently the first time that he had done so in Nazareth. He may have been asked to read as Paul was in Antioch in Pisidia (Acts 13:15). The ruler of the synagogue for that day may have invited Jesus to read and speak because of his now great reputation as a teacher. Jesus could have stood up voluntarily and appropriately because of his interest in his home town.

To read (αναγνωναι — anagnōnai). Second aorist active infinitive of αναγινωσκω — anaginōskō to recognize again the written characters and so to read and then to read aloud. It appears first in Pindar in the sense of read and always so in the N.T. This public reading aloud with occasional comments may explain the parenthesis in Matthew 24:15 (Let him that readeth understand).

Was delivered (επεδοτη — epedothē). First aorist passive indicative of επιδιδωμι — epididōmi to give over to, a common verb. At the proper stage of the service “the attendant” or “minister” (υπηρετης — hupēretēs under rower) or “beadle” took out a roll of the law from the ark, unwrapped it, and gave it to some one to read. On sabbath days some seven persons were asked to read small portions of the law. This was the first lesson or Parashah. This was followed by a reading from the prophets and a discourse, the second lesson or Haphtarah. This last is what Jesus did.

The book of the prophet Isaiah (βιβλιον του προπητου Εσαιου — biblion tou prophētou Esaiou). Literally, “a roll of the prophet Isaiah.” Apparently Isaiah was handed to Jesus without his asking for it. But certainly Jesus cared more for the prophets than for the ceremonial law. It was a congenial service that he was asked to perform. Jesus used Deuteronomy in his temptations and now Isaiah for this sermon. The Syriac Sinaitic manuscript has it that Jesus stood up after the attendant handed him the roll.

Opened (ανοιχας — anoixas). Really it was unrolled (αναπτυχας — anaptuxas) as Aleph D have it. But the more general term ανοιχας — anoixas (from ανοιγω — anoigō common verb) is probably genuine. Αναπτυσσω — Anaptussō does not occur in the N.T. outside of this passage if genuine.

Found the place (ευρεν τον τοπον — heuren ton topon). Second aorist active indicative. He continued to unroll (rolling up the other side) till he found the passage desired. It may have been a fixed lesson for the day or it may have been his own choosing. At any rate it was a marvellously appropriate passage (Isaiah 61:1, Isaiah 61:2 with one clause omitted and some words from Isaiah 58:6). It is a free quotation from the Septuagint.

Where it was written (ου ην γεγραμμενον — hou ēn gegrammenon). Periphrastic pluperfect passive again as in Luke 4:16.

Anointed me (εχρισεν με — echrisen me). First aorist active indicative of the verb χριω — chriō from which Christ (Χριστος — Christos) is derived, the Anointed One. Isaiah is picturing the Jubilee year and the release of captives and the return from the Babylonian exile with the hope of the Messiah through it all. Jesus here applies this Messianic language to himself. “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me” as was shown at the baptism (Luke 3:21) where he was also “anointed” for his mission by the Father‘s voice (Isaiah 3:22).

To the poor (πτωχοις — ptōchois). Jesus singles this out also as one of the items to tell John the Baptist in prison (Luke 7:22). Our word Gospel is a translation of the Greek Ευαγγελιον — Euaggelion and it is for the poor.

He hath sent me (απεσταλκεν με — apestalken me). Change of tense to perfect active indicative. He is now on that mission here. Jesus is God‘s Apostle to men (John 17:3, Whom thou didst send).

Proclaim (κηρυχαι — kēruxai). As a herald like Noah (2 Peter 2:5).

To the captives (αιχμαλωτοις — aichmalōtois). Prisoners of war will be released (αιχμη — aichmē a spear point, and αλωτος — halōtos from αλισκομαι — haliskomai to be captured). Captured by the spear point. Common word, but here only in the N.T.

Set at liberty (αποστειλαι — aposteilai). First aorist active infinitive of αποστελλω — apostellō Same verb as απεσταλκεν — apestalken above. Brought in here from Isaiah 58:6. Plummer suggests that Luke inserts it here from memory. But Jesus could easily have turned back the roll and read it so.

Them that are bruised (τετραυσμενους — tethrausmenous). Perfect passive participle of τραυω — thrauō an old verb, but here only in the N.T. It means to break in pieces broken in heart and often in body as well. One loves to think that Jesus felt it to be his mission to mend broken hearts like pieces of broken earthenware, real rescue-mission work. Jesus mends them and sets them free from their limitations.

The acceptable year of the Lord (ενιαυτον Κυριου δεκτον — eniauton Kuriou dekton). He does not mean that his ministry is to be only one year in length as Clement of Alexandria and Origen argued. That is to turn figures into fact. The Messianic age has come, Jesus means to say. On the first day of the year of Jubilee the priests with sound of trumpet proclaimed the blessings of that year (Leviticus 25:8-17). This great passage justly pictures Christ‘s conception of his mission and message.

He closed the book (πτυχας το βιβλιον — ptuxas to biblion). Aorist active participle of πτυσσω — ptussō Rolled up the roll and gave it back to the attendant who had given it to him and who put it away again in its case.

Sat down (εκατισεν — ekathisen). Took his seat there as a sign that he was going to speak instead of going back to his former seat. This was the usual Jewish attitude for public speaking and teaching (Luke 5:3; Matthew 5:1; Mark 4:1; Acts 16:13).

Were fastened on him (ησαν ατενιζοντες αυτωι — ēsan atenizontes autōi). Periphrastic imperfect active and so a vivid description. Literally, the eyes of all in the synagogue were gazing fixedly upon him. The verb ατενιζω — atenizō occurs in Aristotle and the Septuagint. It is from the adjective ατενης — atenēs and that from τεινω — teinō to stretch, and copulative or intensive α — a not α — a privative. The word occurs in the N.T. here and in Luke 22:56, ten times in Acts, and in 2 Corinthians 3:7, 2 Corinthians 3:13. Paul uses it of the steady eager gaze of the people at Moses when he came down from the mountain when he had been communing with God. There was something in the look of Jesus here that held the people spellbound for the moment, apart from the great reputation with which he came to them. In small measure every effective speaker knows what it is to meet the eager expectations of an audience.

And he began to say (ηρχατο δε λεγειν — ērxato de legein). Aorist ingressive active indicative and present infinitive. He began speaking. The moment of hushed expectancy was passed. These may or may not be the first words uttered here by Jesus. Often the first sentence is the crucial one in winning an audience. Certainly this is an arresting opening sentence.

Hath been fulfilled (πεπληρωται — peplērōtai). Perfect passive indicative, stands fulfilled. “Today this scripture (Isaiah 61:1, Isaiah 61:2, just read) stands fulfilled in your ears.” It was a most amazing statement and the people of Nazareth were quick to see the Messianic claim involved. Jesus could only mean that the real year of Jubilee had come, that the Messianic prophecy of Isaiah had come true today, and that in him they saw the Messiah of prophecy. There are critics today who deny that Jesus claimed to be the Messiah. To be able to do that, they must reject the Gospel of John and all such passages as this one. And it is no apocalyptic eschatological Messiah whom Jesus here sets forth, but the one who forgives sin and binds up the broken-hearted. The words were too good to be true and to be spoken here at Nazareth by one of their own townsmen!

Bare him witness (εμαρτυρουν — emarturoun). Imperfect active, perhaps inchoative. They all began to bear witness that the rumours were not exaggerations (Luke 4:14) as they had supposed, but had foundation in fact if this discourse or its start was a fair sample of his teaching. The verb μαρτυρεω — martureō is a very old and common one. It is frequent in Acts, Paul‘s Epistles, and the Johannine books. The substantive μαρτυρ — martur is seen in our English μαρτψρ — martyr one who witnesses even by his death to his faith in Christ.

And wondered (και εταυμαζον — kai ethaumazon). Imperfect active also, perhaps inchoative also. They began to marvel as he proceeded with his address. This verb is an old one and common in the Gospels for the attitude of the people towards Jesus.

At the words of grace (επι τοις λογοις της χαριτος — epi tois logois tēs charitos). See note on Luke 1:30; and the note on Luke 2:52 for this wonderful word charis so full of meaning and so often in the N.T. The genitive case (case of genus or kind) here means that the words that came out of the mouth of Jesus in a steady stream (present tense, ekporeuomenois) were marked by fascination and charm. They were “winning words” as the context makes plain, though they were also “gracious” in the Pauline sense of “grace.” There is no necessary antithesis in the ideas of graceful and gracious in these words of Jesus.

Is not this Joseph‘s son? (χαρις — Ouchi huios estin Iōsēph houtos̱). Witness and wonder gave way to bewilderment as they began to explain to themselves the situation. The use of εκπορευομενοις — ouchi intensive form of Ουχι υιος εστιν Ιωσηπ ουτοσ — ouk in a question expects the answer “yes.” Jesus passed in Nazareth as the son of Joseph as Luke presents him in Luke 3:23. He does not stop here to correct this misconception because the truth has been already amply presented in Luke 1:28-38; Luke 2:49. This popular conception of Jesus as the son of Joseph appears also in John 1:45. The puzzle of the people was due to their previous knowledge of Jesus as the carpenter (Mark 6:3; the carpenter‘s son, Matthew 13:55). For him now to appear as the Messiah in Nazareth where he had lived and laboured as the carpenter was a phenomenon impossible to credit on sober reflection. So the mood of wonder and praise quickly turned with whispers and nods and even scowls to doubt and hostility, a rapid and radical transformation of emotion in the audience.

Doubtless (παντως — pantōs). Adverb. Literally, at any rate, certainly, assuredly. Cf. Acts 21:22; Acts 28:4.

This parable (την παραβολην ταυτην — tēn parabolēn tautēn). See discussion on Matthew 13. Here the word has a special application to a crisp proverb which involves a comparison. The word physician is the point of comparison. Luke the physician alone gives this saying of Jesus. The proverb means that the physician was expected to take his own medicine and to heal himself. The word παραβολη — parabolē in the N.T. is confined to the Synoptic Gospels except Hebrews 9:9; Hebrews 11:19. This use for a proverb occurs also in Luke 5:36; Luke 6:39. This proverb in various forms appears not only among the Jews, but in Euripides and Aeschylus among the Greeks, and in Cicero‘s Letters. Hobart quotes the same idea from Galen, and the Chinese used to demand it of their physicians. The point of the parable seems to be that the people were expecting him to make good his claim to the Messiahship by doing here in Nazareth what they had heard of his doing in Capernaum and elsewhere. “Establish your claims by direct evidence” (Easton). This same appeal (Vincent) was addressed to Christ on the Cross (Matthew 27:40, Matthew 27:42). There is a tone of sarcasm towards Jesus in both cases.

Heard done (ηκουσαμεν γενομενα — ēkousamen genomena). The use of this second aorist middle participle γενομενα — genomena after ηκουσαμεν — ēkousamen is a neat Greek idiom. It is punctiliar action in indirect discourse after this verb of sensation or emotion (Robertson, Grammar, pp. 1040-42, 1122-24).

Do also here (ποιησον και ωδε — poiēson kai hōde). Ingressive aorist active imperative. Do it here in thy own country and town and do it now. Jesus applies the proverb to himself as an interpretation of their real attitude towards himself.

And he said (ειπεν δε — eipen de). Also in Luke 1:13. The interjection of these words here by Luke may indicate a break in his address, though there is no other indication of an interval here. Perhaps they only serve to introduce solemnly the new proverb like the words Verily I say unto you (αμην λεγω υμιν — amēn legō humin). This proverb about the prophet having no honour in his own country Jesus had already applied to himself according to John 4:44. Both Mark 6:4 and Matthew 13:57 give it in a slightly altered form on the last visit of Jesus to Nazareth. The devil had tempted Jesus to make a display of his power to the people by letting them see him floating down from the pinnacle of the temple (Luke 4:9-11).

Three years and six months (ετη τρια και μηνας εχ — etē tria kai mēnas hex). Accusative of duration of time without επι — epi (doubtful). The same period is given in James 5:17, the popular Jewish way of speaking. In 1 Kings 18:1 the rain is said to have come in the third year. But the famine probably lasted still longer.

Unto Zarephath (εις Σαρεπτα — eis Sarepta). The modern village Surafend on the coast road between Tyre and Sidon.

Unto a woman that was a widow (προς γυναικα χηραν — pros gunaika chēran). Literally, unto a woman a widow (like our vernacular widow woman). This is an illustration of the proverb from the life of Elijah (1 Kings 17:8, 1 Kings 17:9). This woman was in the land of Sidon or Phoenicia, a heathen, where Jesus himself will go later.

In the time of Elisha the prophet (επι Ελισαιου του προπητου — epi Elisaiou tou prophētou). This use of επι — epi with the genitive for “in the time of” is a good Greek idiom. The second illustration of the proverb is from the time of Elisha and is another heathen, Naaman the Syrian (Ναιμαν ο Σψρος — Naiman ho Syros). He was the lone leper that was cleansed by Elisha (2 Kings 5:1, 2 Kings 5:14).

They were all filled with wrath (επληστησαν παντες τυμου — eplēsthēsan pantes thumou). First aorist passive indicative of the common verb πιμπλημι — pimplēmi followed by the genitive case. The people of Nazareth at once caught on and saw the point of these two Old Testament illustrations of how God in two cases blessed the heathen instead of the Jewish people. The implication was evident. Nazareth was no better than Capernaum if as good. He was under no special obligation to do unusual things in Nazareth because he had been reared there. Town pride was insulted and it at once exploded in a burst of rage.

They rose up and cast him forth (ανασταντες εχεβαλον — anastantes exebalon). Second aorist ingressive active participle and second aorist effective active indicative. A movement towards lynching Jesus.

Unto the brow of the hill (ηος οπρυος του ορους — hēos ophruos tou orous). Eyebrow (οπρυς — ophrus), in Homer, then any jutting prominence. Only here in the N.T. Hippocrates speaks of the eyebrow hanging over.

Was built (ωικοδομητο — ōikodomēto). Past perfect indicative, stood built.

That they might throw him down headlong (ωστε κατακρημνισαι αυτον — hōste katakrēmnisai auton). Neat Greek idiom with ωστε — hōste for intended result, “so as to cast him down the precipice.” The infinitive alone can convey the same meaning (Matthew 2:2; Matthew 20:28; Luke 2:23). Κρημνος — Krēmnos is an overhanging bank or precipice from κρεμαννυμι — kremannumi to hang. Κατα — Kata is down. The verb occurs in Xenophon, Demosthenes, lxx, Josephus. Here only in the N.T. At the southwest corner of the town of Nazareth such a cliff today exists overhanging the Maronite convent. Murder was in the hearts of the people. By pushing him over they hoped to escape technical guilt.

He went his way (επορευετο — eporeueto). Imperfect tense, he was going on his way.

Came down (κατηλτεν — katēlthen). Mark 1:21 has the historical present, they go into (εισπορευονται — eisporeuontai). Capernaum (Tell Hum) is now the headquarters of the Galilean ministry, since Nazareth has rejected Jesus. Luke 4:31-37 is parallel with Mark 1:21-28 which he manifestly uses. It is the first of Christ‘s miracles which they give.

Was teaching them (ην διδασκων αυτους — ēn didaskōn autous). Periphrastic imperfect. Mark has εδιδασκεν — edidasken first and then εν διδασκων — en didaskōn “Them” here means the people present in the synagogue on the sabbath, construction according to sense as in Mark 1:22.

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Rest of the sentence as in Mark, which see, except that Luke omits “and not as their scribes” and uses οτι ην — hoti ēn instead of ως εχων — hōs echōn f0).

Which had (εχων — echōn). Mark has εν — en spirit of an unclean demon (πνευμα δαιμονιου ακαταρτου — pneuma daimoniou akathartou). Mark has “unclean spirit.” Luke‘s phrase here is unique in this combination. Plummer notes that Matthew has δαιμονιον — daimonion ten times and ακαταρτον — akatharton twice as an epithet of πνευμα — pneuma Mark has δαιμονιον — daimonion thirteen times and ακαταρτον — akatharton eleven times as an epithet of πνευμα — pneuma Luke‘s Gospel uses δαιμονιον — daimonion twenty-two times and ακαταρτον — akatharton as an epithet, once of δαιμονιον — daimonion as here and once of πνευμα — pneuma In Mark the man is in (εν — en) the power of the unclean spirit, while here the man “has” a spirit of an unclean demon.

With a loud voice (πωνηι μεγαληι — phōnēi megalēi). Not in Mark. Really a scream caused by the sudden contact of the demon with Jesus.

Ah! (Εα — Ea). An interjection frequent in the Attic poets, but rare in prose. Apparently second person singular imperative of εαω — eaō to permit. It is expressive of wonder, fear, indignation. Here it amounts to a diabolical screech. For the rest of the verse see note on Mark 1:24 and note on Matthew 8:29. The muzzle (πιμος — phimos) occurs literally in 1 Corinthians 9:9, 1 Timothy 5:18, and metaphorically here and Mark 1:25; Mark 4:39; Matthew 22:12.

Had thrown him down in the midst (ριπσαν αυτον εις το μεσον — rhipsan auton eis to meson). First aorist (effective) participle of ριπτω — rhiptō an old verb with violent meaning, to fling, throw, hurl off or down.

Having done him no hurt (μηδεν βλαπσαν αυτον — mēden blapsan auton). Luke as a physician carefully notes this important detail not in Mark. λαπτω — Blaptō to injure, or hurt, occurs in the N.T. only here and in Mark 16:18, though a very common verb in the old Greek.

Amazement came (εγενετο ταμβος — egeneto thambos). Mark has εταμβητησαν — ethambēthēsan spake together one with another (συνελαλουν προς αλληλους — sunelaloun pros allēlous). Imperfect indicative active and the reciprocal pronoun. Mark has simply the infinitive συνζητειν — sunzētein (question).

For (οτι — hoti). We have here an ambiguous οτι — hoti as in Luke 1:45, which can be either the relative “that” or the casual οτι — hoti “because” or “for,” as the Revised Version has it. Either makes good sense. Luke adds here δυναμει — dunamei (with power) to Mark‘s “authority” (εχουσιαν — exousian).

And they come out (εχερχονται — exerchontai). So Luke where Mark has “and they obey him” (και υπακουουσιν αυτωι — kai upakouousin autōi).

Went forth a rumour (εχεπορευετο ηχος — exeporeueto ēchos). Imperfect middle, kept on going forth. Our very word εχο — echo in this word. Late Greek form for ηχω — ēchō in the old Greek. Used for the roar of the waves on the shore. So in Luke 21:25. Vivid picture of the resounding influence of this day‘s work in the synagogue, in Capernaum.

He rose up (αναστας — anastas). Second aorist active participle of ανιστημι — anistēmi a common verb. B. Weiss adds here “from the teacher‘s seat.” Either from his seat or merely leaving the synagogue. This incident of the healing of Peter‘s mother-in-law is given in Mark 1:29-34 and Matthew 8:14-17, which see note in Mark and see note in Matthew for details.

Into the house of Simon (εις την οικιαν Σιμωνος — eis tēn oikian Simōnos). “Peter‘s house” (Matthew 8:14). “The house of Simon and Andrew” (Mark 1:29). Paul‘s reference to Peter‘s wife (1 Corinthians 9:5) is pertinent. They lived together in Capernaum. This house came also to be the Capernaum home of Jesus.

Simon‘s wife‘s mother (πεντερα του Σιμωνος — penthera tou Simōnos). The word πεντερα — penthera for mother-in-law is old and well established in usage. Besides the parallel passages (Mark 1:30; Matthew 8:14; Luke 4:38) it occurs in the N.T. only in Luke 12:53. The corresponding word πεντερος — pentheros father-in-law, occurs in John 18:13 alone in the N.T.

Was holden with a great fever (ην συνεχομενη πυρετωι μεγαλωι — ēn sunechomenē puretōi megalōi). Periphrastic imperfect passive, the analytical tense accenting the continuous fever, perhaps chronic and certainly severe. Luke employs this verb nine times and only three others in the N.T. (Matthew 4:24 passive with diseases here; 2 Corinthians 5:14 active; Philemon 1:23 passive). In Acts 28:8 the passive “with dysentery” is like the construction here and is a common one in Greek medical writers as in Greek literature generally. Luke uses the passive with “fear,” Luke 8:37, the active for holding the hands over the ears (Acts 7:57) and for pressing one or holding together (Luke 8:45; Luke 19:43; Luke 22:63), the direct middle for holding oneself to preaching (Acts 18:5). It is followed here by the instrumental case. Hobart (Medical Language of Luke, p. 3) quotes Galen as dividing fevers into “great” (μεγαλοι — megaloi) and “small” (σμικροι — smikroi).

He stood over her (επιστας επανω αυτης — epistas epanō autēs). Second aorist active participle. Only in Luke. Surely we are not to take Luke to mean that Jesus here took the exorcist‘s position and was rebuking a malignant personality. The attitude of Jesus is precisely that of any kindly sympathetic physician. Mark 1:31; Matthew 8:15 mention the touch of her hand rather than the tender look over her head.

Rebuked (επετιμησεν — epetimēsen). Only in Luke. Jesus bade the fever leave her as he spoke to the wind and the waves and Luke uses this same verb (Luke 8:24).

Rose up and ministered (αναστασα διηκονει — anastāsa diēkonei). Second aorist active participle as in Luke 4:38, but inchoative imperfect tense διηκονει — diēkonei from διακονεω — diakoneō (note augment of compound verb). She rose up immediately, though a long high fever usually leaves one very weak. The cure was instantaneous and complete. She began to minister at once and kept it up.

When the sun was setting (δυνοντος του ηλιου — dunontos tou hēliou). Genitive absolute and present participle (δυνω — dunō late form of δυω — duō) picturing the sunset scene. Even Mark 1:32 has here the aorist indicative εδυσεν — edusen (punctiliar active). It was not only cooler, but it was the end of the sabbath when it was not regarded as work (Vincent) to carry a sick person (John 5:10). And also by now the news of the cure of the demoniac of Peter‘s mother-in-law had spread all over the town.

Had (ειχον — eichon). Imperfect tense including all the chronic cases.

With divers diseases (νοσοις ποικιλαις — nosois poikilais). Instrumental case. For “divers” say “many coloured” or “variegated.” See note on Matthew 4:24 and note on Mark 1:33. Brought (ēgagon). Constative summary second aorist active indicative like Matthew 8:16, prosenegkan where Mark 1:32 has the imperfect ηγαγον — epheron brought one after another.

He laid his hands on every ozne of them and healed them (προσενεγκαν — ho de heni hekastōi autōn tas cheiras epititheis etherapeuen autous). Note the present active participle επερον — epititheis and the imperfect active ο δε ενι εκαστωι αυτων τας χειρας επιτιτεις ετεραπευεν αυτους — etherapeuen picturing the healing one by one with the tender touch upon each one. Luke alone gives this graphic detail which was more than a mere ceremonial laying on of hands. Clearly the cures of Jesus reached the physical, mental, and spiritual planes of human nature. He is Lord of life and acted here as Master of each case as it came.

Came out (εχηρχετο — exērcheto singular, or εχηρχοντο — exērchonto plural). Imperfect tense, repetition, from one after another.

Thou art the Son of God (Συ ει ο υιος του τεου — Su ei ho huios tou theou). More definite statement of the deity of Jesus than the witness of the demoniac in the synagogue (Luke 4:34; Mark 1:24), like the words of the Father (Luke 3:22) and more so than the condition of the devil (Luke 4:3, Luke 4:9). In the Canterbury Revision “devils” should always be “demons” (δαιμονια — daimonia) as here.

Suffered them not to speak (ουκ εια αυτα λαλειν — ouk eia auta lalein). Imperfect third singular active of εαω — eaō very old and common verb with syllabic augment ει — ei The tense accents the continued refusal of Jesus to receive testimony to his person and work from demons. Cf. Matthew 8:4 to the lepers.

Because they knew (οτι ηιδεισαν — hoti ēideisan). Causal, not declarative, οτι — hoti Past perfect of the second perfect οιδα — oida he was the Christ (τον Χριστον αυτον ειναι — ton Christon auton einai). Infinitive in indirect assertion with the accusative of general reference. Τον Χριστον — Ton Christon = the Anointed, the Messiah.

When it was day (γενομενης ημερας — genomenēs hēmeras). Genitive absolute with aorist middle participle. Mark 1:35 notes it was “a great while before day” (which see note for discussion) when Jesus rose up to go after a restless night. No doubt, because of the excitement of the previous sabbath in Capernaum. He went out to pray (Mark 1:35).

Sought after him (επεζητουν αυτον — epezētoun auton). Imperfect active indicative. The multitudes kept at it until “they came unto him” (ηλτον εως αυτου — ēlthon heōs autou aorist active indicative). They accomplished their purpose, εως αυτου — heōs autou right up to him.

Would have stayed him (κατειχον αυτον — kateichon auton). Better, They tried to hinder him. The conative imperfect active of κατεχω — katechō an old and common verb. It means either to hold fast (Luke 8:15), to take, get possession of (Luke 14:9) or to hold back, to retain, to restrain (Philemon 1:13; Romans 1:18; Romans 7:6; 2 Thessalonians 2:6; Luke 4:42). In this passage it is followed by the ablative case.

That he should not go from them (του μη πορευεσται απ αυτων — tou mē poreuesthai ap' autōn). Literally, “from going away from them.” The use of μη — mē (not) after κατειχον — kateichon is the neat Greek idiom of the redundant negative after a verb of hindering like the French ne (Robertson, Grammar, p. 1171).

I must (με δει — me dei). Jesus felt the urge to go with the work of evangelism “to the other cities also,” to all, not to a favoured few.

For therefore was I sent (οτι επι τουτο απεσταλην — hoti epi touto apestalēn). “A phrase of Johannine ring” (Ragg). Second aorist passive indicative of αποστελλω — apostellō Christ is the great Apostle of God to men.

Was preaching (ην κηρυσσων — ēn kērussōn). Periphrastic imperfect active, describing his first tour of Galilee in accord with the purpose just stated. One must fill in details, though Mark 1:39 and Matthew 8:23-25 tell of the mass of work done on this campaign.