Luke 4:20

And he closed the book, and he gave [it] again to the minister, and sat down. And the eyes of all them that were in the synagogue were fastened on him.

And {G2532} he closed {G4428} the book {G975}, and he gave it again {G591} to the minister {G5257}, and sat down {G2523}. And {G2532} the eyes {G3788} of all them {G3956} that were {G2258} in {G1722} the synagogue {G4864} were fastened {G816} on him {G846}.

After closing the scroll and returning it to the shammash, he sat down; and the eyes of everyone in the synagogue were fixed on him.

Then He rolled up the scroll, returned it to the attendant, and sat down. The eyes of everyone in the synagogue were fixed on Him,

And he closed the book, and gave it back to the attendant, and sat down: and the eyes of all in the synagogue were fastened on him.

Commentary

Context

Luke 4:20 describes a pivotal moment in Jesus' public ministry, immediately following His reading from the scroll of the prophet Isaiah in the synagogue of His hometown, Nazareth. He had just read a passage from Isaiah 61:1-2, which speaks of the Spirit of the Lord anointing someone to preach good tidings to the meek, bind up the brokenhearted, and proclaim liberty to captives. This reading was a significant act, as it was a common practice in Jewish synagogues for a visiting rabbi or esteemed member to read from the Prophets.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Transition to Teaching Authority: The act of closing the scroll and sitting down was a customary signal in ancient Jewish synagogues that the reader was about to expound upon the text. Standing was for reading; sitting was for teaching. Jesus' action immediately establishes His role not just as a reader, but as an authoritative teacher. This sets the stage for His profound declaration in the following verse.
  • Intense Expectation: "And the eyes of all them that were in the synagogue were fastened on him." This phrase vividly captures the palpable tension and anticipation in the room. The congregation, familiar with the prophetic passage Jesus had read, sensed that something extraordinary was about to be revealed. Their fixed gaze highlights the dramatic build-up to Jesus' messianic claim.
  • Fulfillment of Prophecy Anticipated: While not explicitly stated in this verse, the entire scene (Luke 4:16-21) revolves around the theme of the fulfillment of ancient prophecy. Jesus' actions here are the prelude to His declaration that the Scripture He just read was being fulfilled in their hearing (Luke 4:21).

Linguistic Insights

The term "minister" (Greek: hyperetes) refers to an attendant or servant, specifically the synagogue assistant who handled the scrolls and maintained order. This highlights the humble yet significant role of those who facilitated worship and instruction in the synagogue. Jesus, though divine, participated in the established synagogue practices, underscoring both His humanity and His respect for the traditions of His people.

Practical Application

This verse reminds us of the importance of attentive listening when God's Word is proclaimed. Just as the congregation in Nazareth hung on Jesus' every move, we are called to approach Scripture and teaching with a similar reverence and expectation that God will speak to us. It also underscores Jesus' deliberate steps in revealing His identity and mission, moving from the reading of prophecy to its authoritative interpretation and declaration of fulfillment. His actions demonstrate a respect for established spiritual practices while simultaneously elevating them with divine authority, a pattern we can observe throughout His ministry, such as when He taught with authority, unlike the scribes.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Luke 4:17

    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,

  • John 8:2

    And early in the morning he came again into the temple, and all the people came unto him; and he sat down, and taught them.

  • Luke 19:48

    And could not find what they might do: for all the people were very attentive to hear him.

  • Matthew 5:1

    ¶ And seeing the multitudes, he went up into a mountain: and when he was set, his disciples came unto him:

  • Matthew 5:2

    And he opened his mouth, and taught them, saying,

  • Luke 5:3

    And he entered into one of the ships, which was Simon's, and prayed him that he would thrust out a little from the land. And he sat down, and taught the people out of the ship.

  • Matthew 13:1

    ¶ The same day went Jesus out of the house, and sat by the sea side.
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