Luke 4:17

KJV

And there was delivered unto him the book of the prophet Esaias. And when he had opened the book, he found the place where it was written,

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} there was delivered {G1929} unto him {G846} the book {G975} of the prophet {G4396} Esaias {G2268}. And {G2532} when he had opened {G380} the book {G975}, he found {G2147} the place {G5117} where {G3757} it was {G2258} written {G1125},

Complete Jewish Bible

and he was given the scroll of the prophet Yesha`yahu. Unrolling the scroll, he found the place where it was written,

Berean Standard Bible

the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was handed to Him. Unrolling it, He found the place where it was written:

American Standard Version

And there was delivered unto him the book of the prophet Isaiah. And he opened the book, and found the place where it was written,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 4:17 records a pivotal moment in Jesus' public ministry within the synagogue at Nazareth, where He was handed the scroll of the prophet Isaiah. This seemingly simple act of receiving and unrolling the ancient text was divinely orchestrated, leading Jesus to a specific passage that would serve as the foundational declaration of His messianic mission and the nature of the Kingdom He came to inaugurate. The verse sets the stage for His authoritative proclamation, underscoring the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy in His person and work.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated immediately after Jesus' return to Galilee, having endured temptation in the wilderness and begun His public ministry with growing renown. Luke 4:16 establishes Jesus' custom of attending synagogue on the Sabbath, emphasizing His rootedness in Jewish tradition. The act of standing to read, and subsequently being handed the scroll, signifies His participation in the synagogue liturgy and sets the scene for His momentous declaration in the verses that follow ([Luke 4:18-19](/luke/4-18-19 "Luke 4:18-19 - Jesus' Mission Statement")). The narrative carefully builds anticipation for the content of the passage Jesus reads, which directly articulates His divine purpose.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** First-century synagogues served as central hubs for Jewish community life, encompassing worship, education, and social gatherings. On the Sabbath, it was customary for a respected member of the community or a visiting rabbi to read from the Torah (Law) and the Nevi'im (Prophets), followed by an exposition. The "book of the prophet Esaias" refers to a scroll containing the prophecies of Isaiah, a highly revered prophetic book. The act of "opening the book" involved unrolling the scroll to locate the desired passage, a common practice for public readings. Jesus, as a recognized teacher and prophet, was given the honor of performing this sacred duty, indicating His acceptance within the community, at least initially.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several key themes within Luke's Gospel and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights the **Fulfillment of Prophecy**, as Jesus' actions directly prelude His declaration of messianic identity and mission, drawing from Isaiah's ancient words. This underscores God's faithfulness to His covenant promises and the unfolding of His redemptive plan throughout history, a theme central to Luke's theological agenda ([Luke 24:44](/luke/24-44 "Luke 24:44 - Fulfillment of Scripture")). Secondly, it subtly emphasizes **Jesus' Authority**, not merely as a reader but as the very embodiment of the message. His deliberate selection of the passage, described as "he found the place," suggests divine guidance rather than chance, reinforcing His unique relationship with God and His preordained purpose, echoing His earlier declarations of authority ([Luke 4:32](/luke/4-32 "Luke 4:32 - Jesus' Authoritative Teaching")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **delivered (Greek, _epidídōmi'_):** This verb signifies "to give over (by hand or surrender)." In this context, it describes the act of the synagogue attendant or leader handing the scroll to Jesus. It implies a formal and intentional transfer, acknowledging Jesus' role in the service. The passive voice ("there was delivered") emphasizes that the scroll was given *to* Him, rather than Him taking it, highlighting the customary nature of the synagogue liturgy.
* **opened (Greek, _anaptýssō'_):** Derived from "ana" (in the sense of reversal) and "ptyssō" (to fold), this word specifically means "to unroll (a scroll or volume)." It vividly portrays the physical action Jesus performed, carefully unfurling the tightly wound parchment to navigate to the desired section. This action is distinct from opening a modern book and underscores the ancient method of interacting with written texts.
* **found (Greek, _heurískō'_):** This verb means "to find (literally or figuratively); to get, obtain, perceive, see." While it can imply discovery, in this context, especially given the subsequent declaration, it suggests a deliberate and divinely guided locating of the specific passage. It implies precision and purpose, rather than a random selection, reinforcing the idea that Jesus' ministry was unfolding according to God's preordained plan.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And there was delivered unto him the book of the prophet Esaias."**: This clause describes the initial action in the synagogue. Jesus, having stood up to read, is formally given the scroll containing the prophecies of Isaiah. The passive voice "was delivered" highlights that this was part of the established synagogue custom, where the attendant would hand the chosen reader the appropriate scroll. The mention of "Esaias" (Isaiah) immediately signals the significance of the text, as Isaiah is a prophet renowned for his messianic prophecies.
* **"And when he had opened the book, he found the place where it was written,"**: This second clause details Jesus' interaction with the scroll. He physically unrolls the parchment ("opened the book") to search for a particular passage. The phrase "he found the place" is crucial; it suggests a specific, intentional, and perhaps divinely guided act of locating the exact verses that would articulate His mission. This was not a casual or random selection but a purposeful identification of the very words that would define His ministry.

#### Literary Devices
Luke employs several literary devices in this verse to heighten its significance. The **Narrative Pacing** is deliberate, building anticipation by detailing the procedural steps of the synagogue service before Jesus' momentous declaration. The simple, direct language contributes to a sense of authenticity and historical grounding. There is also a subtle use of **Foreshadowing**; the act of Jesus finding a specific passage from Isaiah immediately suggests that the content of that passage will be profoundly significant and directly related to His identity and mission. This prepares the audience for the powerful words that follow in [Luke 4:18-19](/luke/4-18-19 "Luke 4:18-19 - Jesus' Mission Statement"). Furthermore, the **Symbolism** of the "book of the prophet Esaias" is potent, representing the entire body of Old Testament prophecy that points to the coming Messiah, which Jesus is about to reveal He fulfills.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 4:17 serves as a theological bridge, connecting the long-anticipated prophecies of the Old Testament with their concrete fulfillment in the person and ministry of Jesus Christ. It underscores the divine sovereignty at play in Jesus' life, demonstrating that His actions were not arbitrary but precisely aligned with God's eternal plan, meticulously laid out in the Scriptures. The deliberate "finding" of the specific passage from Isaiah emphasizes that Jesus' mission was not self-conceived but divinely appointed and biblically prefigured, highlighting God's faithfulness to His promises across generations. This moment sets the stage for the revelation of the Kingdom of God and Jesus' role as its inaugurator, bringing good news to the poor, freedom to the captives, and sight to the blind.

* [Isaiah 61:1-2](/isaiah/61-1-2 "Isaiah 61:1-2 - The Spirit of the Lord is Upon Me")
* [Luke 24:27](/luke/24-27 "Luke 24:27 - Jesus Explains the Scriptures")
* [Acts 10:43](/acts/10-43 "Acts 10:43 - All the Prophets Testify of Him")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 4:17 invites us to reflect on the profound intentionality of God's plan and the centrality of Scripture in revealing that plan. Just as Jesus engaged deeply with the written Word, we too are called to approach the Bible not merely as a historical document but as a living text through which God speaks and reveals His will. This verse encourages us to seek divine guidance in our own lives, trusting that God has a specific "place" or purpose for us, just as He did for Jesus. It challenges us to recognize that true understanding of God's work comes from diligently studying His Word and allowing it to illuminate our path, leading us to a deeper relationship with Christ and a clearer understanding of our role in His Kingdom. It reminds us that Jesus is the ultimate interpreter and fulfiller of Scripture, and all of God's promises find their "yes" and "amen" in Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Jesus' engagement with the Scriptures in Luke 4:17 challenge or affirm your own approach to reading and studying the Bible?**
* **In what ways do you believe God "finds the place" for you in your life, guiding you to specific truths or purposes?**
* **How does the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy in Jesus, highlighted by this verse, strengthen your faith in God's faithfulness and sovereignty?**

### FAQ

**Why was the book of Isaiah specifically delivered to Jesus?**

Answer: The book of Isaiah was highly significant in Jewish tradition, often referred to as the "fifth Gospel" due to its rich messianic prophecies. It contains numerous predictions about the coming Messiah, His character, and His mission. By being handed the scroll of Isaiah, Jesus was given the opportunity to publicly declare His identity and purpose by reading directly from a text that His audience would recognize as prophetic and authoritative concerning the Messiah. The passage He then reads from [Isaiah 61:1-2](/isaiah/61-1-2 "Isaiah 61:1-2 - The Spirit of the Lord is Upon Me") is a powerful articulation of the Messiah's mission to bring good news, healing, and liberation, directly aligning with Jesus' own ministry.

**Was Jesus' "finding the place" a random act or divinely guided?**

Answer: While the Greek word for "found" (heurískō) can imply discovery, the context strongly suggests that Jesus' "finding the place" was not a random act but a divinely guided and purposeful selection. Given that Jesus immediately reads a passage that perfectly describes His messianic mission ([Luke 4:18-19](/luke/4-18-19 "Luke 4:18-19 - Jesus' Mission Statement")) and then declares its fulfillment, it underscores the theological truth that His ministry was entirely preordained and aligned with God's eternal plan. This act emphasizes Jesus' unique authority and His intimate knowledge of the Scriptures, which He came to fulfill.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 4:17, though seemingly a simple narrative detail, is profoundly Christ-centered. Jesus' act of receiving, unrolling, and "finding the place" in the scroll of Isaiah is a powerful visual representation of His role as the ultimate fulfillment of all Old Testament prophecy. He is not merely a reader of ancient texts; He is the living Word, the one to whom all Scripture points. His subsequent reading from [Isaiah 61:1-2](/isaiah/61-1-2 "Isaiah 61:1-2 - The Spirit of the Lord is Upon Me") and the declaration, "Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing" ([Luke 4:21](/luke/4-21 "Luke 4:21 - Fulfillment of Prophecy")), definitively establishes Him as the Messiah. This moment foreshadows His entire redemptive work: bringing good news to the poor, proclaiming freedom for the prisoners, recovery of sight for the blind, and releasing the oppressed – all aspects of the spiritual and physical liberation He offers through His atoning sacrifice and resurrection ([Colossians 1:13-14](/colossians/1-13-14 "Colossians 1:13-14 - Redemption Through Christ")). Thus, Luke 4:17 sets the stage for understanding Jesus as the very embodiment of God's promises, the one in whom the entire story of salvation culminates.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Isaiah 61:1

¶ The Spirit of the Lord GOD [is] upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to [them that are] bound;

Isaiah 61:3

To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he might be glorified.

Acts 13:15

And after the reading of the law and the prophets the rulers of the synagogue sent unto them, saying, [Ye] men [and] brethren, if ye have any word of exhortation for the people, say on.

Acts 7:42

¶ Then God turned, and gave them up to worship the host of heaven; as it is written in the book of the prophets, O ye house of Israel, have ye offered to me slain beasts and sacrifices [by the space of] forty years in the wilderness?

Acts 13:27

For they that dwell at Jerusalem, and their rulers, because they knew him not, nor yet the voices of the prophets which are read every sabbath day, they have fulfilled [them] in condemning [him].

Luke 20:42

And David himself saith in the book of Psalms, The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand,