Luke 4:18

The Spirit of the Lord [is] upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised,

The Spirit {G4151} of the Lord {G2962} is upon {G1909} me {G1691}, because {G1752} he hath anointed {G5548} me {G3165} to preach the gospel {G2097} to the poor {G4434}; he hath sent {G649} me {G3165} to heal {G2390} the brokenhearted {G4937}{G2588}, to preach {G2784} deliverance {G859} to the captives {G164}, and {G2532} recovering of sight {G309} to the blind {G5185}, to set {G649} at {G1722} liberty {G859} them that are bruised {G2352},

"The Spirit of ADONAI is upon me; therefore he has anointed me to announce Good News to the poor; he has sent me to proclaim freedom for the imprisoned and renewed sight for the blind, to release those who have been crushed,

“The Spirit of the Lord is on Me, because He has anointed Me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent Me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to release the oppressed,

The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, Because he anointed me to preach good tidings to the poor: He hath sent me to proclaim release to the captives, And recovering of sight to the blind, To set at liberty them that are bruised,

Luke 4:18 (KJV): "‹The Spirit of the Lord [is] upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised,›"

Context

This verse is a pivotal moment in the Gospel of Luke. Jesus is in his hometown synagogue in Nazareth and is handed the scroll of the prophet Isaiah. He reads this passage, quoting from Isaiah 61:1-2, and then declares, "This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears" (Luke 4:21). This reading serves as Jesus' public declaration of his mission and identity, directly linking himself to the prophetic expectations of the Messiah.

Key Themes

  • Jesus' Anointing: The verse explicitly states that "The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me." This highlights that Jesus' ministry is empowered by the Holy Spirit, a theme established at his baptism (Luke 3:22). The term "anointed" directly connects Jesus to the title "Messiah" (Hebrew) or "Christ" (Greek), both meaning "anointed one."
  • Mission to the Marginalized: The core of Jesus' announced mission is directed towards those who are disadvantaged and suffering: the poor, the brokenhearted, captives, the blind, and the bruised. This underscores a central theme in Luke's Gospel – Jesus' special concern for the outcast and vulnerable in society (Luke 6:20).
  • Ministry of Liberation and Healing: Jesus' work is presented as one of spiritual and physical liberation. He brings "good news" (gospel), heals emotional pain ("brokenhearted"), frees those in spiritual bondage ("deliverance to the captives"), restores physical sight ("recovering of sight to the blind"), and sets free those oppressed ("set at liberty them that are bruised"). This multifaceted ministry addresses the totality of human need.
  • Fulfillment of Prophecy: By reading and claiming this passage from Isaiah, Jesus asserts that his coming and ministry are the fulfillment of long-awaited messianic prophecy.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word translated "anointed" is echrisen, from which we get Christos (Christ). This word signifies a ceremonial setting apart for a special office, usually that of prophet, priest, or king. Jesus is presented as the ultimate Anointed One, empowered by the Spirit for his unique mission.

The term "gospel" (Greek: euangelion) literally means "good news." Here, it is specifically good news directed towards the poor, emphasizing the inclusive and redemptive nature of Jesus' message.

Reflection and Application

Luke 4:18 provides a clear summary of Jesus' purpose on earth. It reminds us that his ministry was not exclusive but focused on bringing hope, healing, and freedom to those who need it most. For believers today, this verse serves as a model for Christian ministry and compassion. We are called to participate in Christ's ongoing work by sharing the good news, caring for the hurting, advocating for the oppressed, and bringing light to those in darkness, empowered by the same Spirit that was upon Jesus.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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;

  • Matthew 11:5

    The blind receive their sight, and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have the gospel preached to them.

  • Psalms 146:7

    Which executeth judgment for the oppressed: which giveth food to the hungry. The LORD looseth the prisoners:

  • Psalms 146:8

    The LORD openeth [the eyes of] the blind: the LORD raiseth them that are bowed down: the LORD loveth the righteous:

  • Acts 10:38

    How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.

  • Luke 7:22

    Then Jesus answering said unto them, Go your way, and tell John what things ye have seen and heard; how that the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, to the poor the gospel is preached.

  • Acts 26:18

    To open their eyes, [and] to turn [them] from darkness to light, and [from] the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.

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