Luke 4:20

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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.

Berean Standard Bible

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,

American Standard Version

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

### SUMMARY
Luke 4:20 captures a pivotal moment in Jesus' ministry in the Nazareth synagogue, immediately after He read from the scroll of Isaiah. His actions of closing the scroll, returning it to the attendant, and then sitting down were culturally significant gestures that signaled a transition from reading to authoritative teaching, drawing the intense, expectant gaze of everyone present. This verse sets the stage for Jesus' profound declaration of prophetic fulfillment, highlighting the dramatic anticipation surrounding His messianic claims.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is the climax of a scene initiated in [Luke 4:16](/luke/4-16 "Luke 4:16 - Jesus in the Nazareth Synagogue"), where Jesus enters the synagogue in His hometown of Nazareth on the Sabbath, as was His custom. He is given the scroll of the prophet Isaiah, from which He reads a passage concerning the Spirit of the Lord anointing someone to preach good news, heal, and proclaim liberty ([Isaiah 61:1-2](/isaiah/61-1-2 "Isaiah 61:1-2 - The Spirit of the Lord is Upon Me")). Following this reading, [Luke 4:20](/luke/4-20 "Luke 4:20 - Jesus' Actions in the Synagogue") describes His deliberate actions, which serve as a dramatic prelude to His shocking declaration in [Luke 4:21](/luke/4-21 "Luke 4:21 - Prophecy Fulfilled") that "Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing." The entire passage ([Luke 4:16-30](/luke/4-16-30 "Luke 4:16-30 - Jesus Rejected at Nazareth")) portrays Jesus' initial public self-revelation and the immediate, volatile rejection by His own people, foreshadowing the broader rejection He would face.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In first-century Jewish synagogues, the practice of reading from the Law and the Prophets was central to worship. It was customary for a visiting rabbi or esteemed member of the community to be invited to read. After reading, the one who read would typically sit down to expound upon the text, as sitting was the posture of teaching authority (cf. [Matthew 5:1-2](/matthew/5-1-2 "Matthew 5:1-2 - Jesus Teaches from the Mount")). The "minister" (Greek: _hypērétēs_) was the synagogue attendant or sexton, responsible for handling the scrolls, maintaining order, and assisting during services. Jesus' actions—closing the scroll, returning it, and sitting down—were not random but deeply embedded in the established liturgical customs of the synagogue, signaling His intent to teach with authority. The intense gaze of the congregation underscores the heightened expectation for the interpretation of such a significant prophetic passage.

* **Key Themes:** [Luke 4:20](/luke/4-20 "Luke 4:20 - Jesus' Actions in the Synagogue") contributes to several key themes in Luke's Gospel. Firstly, it highlights **Jesus' Authority**, particularly His teaching authority. His deliberate actions underscore His transition from reader to authoritative interpreter of Scripture, a theme powerfully reinforced in [Mark 1:22](/mark/1-22 "Mark 1:22 - Jesus Teaches with Authority"). Secondly, the passage emphasizes the **Fulfillment of Prophecy**, as Jesus' reading of Isaiah 61 and subsequent actions set the stage for His declaration that messianic prophecy is being fulfilled in Him. This theme is central to Luke's portrayal of Jesus as the long-awaited Messiah. Thirdly, it introduces the theme of **Anticipation and Expectation**, as the "fastened" eyes of the congregation reveal their intense readiness for a profound revelation, which, tragically, many would ultimately reject. This scene also subtly introduces the theme of **Jesus' Humble Service**, as He participates in the synagogue's established order, even as He demonstrates divine authority.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **closed (Greek, _ptýssō'_):** This verb means "to fold" or "to furl a scroll." In this context, it refers to the act of rolling up the scroll of Isaiah after reading. This seemingly simple action carries symbolic weight, marking the end of the reading and the transition to exposition. It signifies a deliberate, purposeful completion of one phase of the synagogue service.
* **minister (Greek, _hypērétēs'_):** This term denotes an "under-oarsman," and by extension, a subordinate, assistant, or attendant. In the synagogue context, the _hypērétēs_ was the synagogue servant or sexton, responsible for handling the sacred scrolls, maintaining the building, and assisting the leaders. Jesus' act of returning the scroll to this attendant shows His respect for the established order and the roles within the synagogue, even as He prepares to transcend them with His divine authority.
* **fastened (Greek, _atenízō'_):** This powerful verb means "to gaze intently," "to look steadfastly," or "to fix one's eyes upon." It conveys a sense of concentrated, unwavering attention. The use of this word vividly portrays the palpable tension and anticipation in the synagogue; every eye was fixed on Jesus, awaiting His interpretation of the prophetic text He had just read. This intense gaze highlights the dramatic weight of the moment.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he closed the book,"**: After reading the passage from Isaiah, Jesus deliberately rolls up the scroll. This action signifies the completion of the reading portion of the service and prepares for the next phase, the teaching. It is a controlled, purposeful movement, not a casual one.
* **"and he gave [it] again to the minister,"**: Jesus hands the closed scroll back to the synagogue attendant. This act demonstrates His respect for the synagogue's customs and the role of the _hypērétēs_. It is a formal transfer, acknowledging the sacredness of the scroll and the order of the service.
* **"and sat down."**: In Jewish tradition, standing was the posture for reading Scripture, while sitting was the posture for teaching and expounding upon it. By sitting down, Jesus signals His intention to teach with authority, claiming the right to interpret the sacred text. This action immediately elevates the moment from a mere reading to an authoritative declaration.
* **"And the eyes of all them that were in the synagogue were fastened on him."**: This clause vividly captures the atmosphere of intense anticipation. The congregation, having heard the profound words of Isaiah and witnessed Jesus' deliberate actions, is now completely focused on Him. Their collective gaze, described by the strong verb "fastened," underscores the dramatic tension and the profound expectation that something momentous is about to be revealed.

#### Literary Devices
Luke employs several **literary devices** in [Luke 4:20](/luke/4-20 "Luke 4:20 - Jesus' Actions in the Synagogue") to heighten the drama and significance of the moment. The scene is rich in **Symbolism**: the closing of the scroll and Jesus' act of sitting down are symbolic gestures. The closed scroll symbolizes the completion of the prophetic word's reading, and sitting symbolizes the authority of the one who will now interpret and fulfill it. The phrase "eyes...were fastened on him" creates a strong sense of **Dramatic Tension** and **Anticipation**, drawing the reader into the scene and mirroring the congregation's intense focus. This vivid imagery is a form of **Visual Language**, allowing the audience to "see" the collective gaze of the synagogue. Furthermore, the entire verse serves as **Foreshadowing**, preparing the audience for Jesus' revolutionary declaration in the very next verse, where He claims to be the fulfillment of the prophecy He just read.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 4:20 is a moment pregnant with theological significance, marking a crucial transition in Jesus' public ministry. His actions of closing the scroll and sitting down are not merely procedural but deeply symbolic of His claim to unique authority. He is not just another rabbi; He is the one who will authoritatively interpret and fulfill the very prophecies He reads. The intense gaze of the congregation reflects the profound human longing for the Messiah and the fulfillment of God's promises, a longing that Jesus is about to address directly. This scene underscores the continuity between the Old Testament prophecies and their New Testament fulfillment in Christ, demonstrating that Jesus' ministry is rooted in the divine plan revealed through the prophets.

* [Matthew 7:28-29](/matthew/7-28-29 "Matthew 7:28-29 - Jesus' Authority in Teaching")
* [Mark 1:22](/mark/1-22 "Mark 1:22 - Jesus Teaches with Authority")
* [John 7:46](/john/7-46 "John 7:46 - No One Ever Spoke Like This Man")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The scene in Luke 4:20 offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. The intense, "fastened" gaze of the synagogue congregation serves as a powerful reminder of the reverence and attentiveness we should bring when encountering God's Word. In an age of distraction, this verse calls us to cultivate a focused expectation, believing that God speaks authoritatively through His Son, Jesus, and through the Scriptures. Just as Jesus transitioned from reading to authoritative teaching, we are called not just to hear the Word, but to allow it to transform us through its authoritative application to our lives. His respect for the established order, even as He introduced a new era, teaches us the value of engaging with tradition while remaining open to the Spirit's fresh revelation. This passage compels us to ask: Are our eyes "fastened" on Jesus when His Word is proclaimed, ready to receive His authoritative truth?

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the "fastened" gaze of the congregation challenge my own level of attentiveness when engaging with Scripture or listening to teaching?**
* **In what ways do I acknowledge Jesus' authority in my daily life, beyond merely hearing His words?**
* **What does Jesus' respect for the synagogue's customs, even as He reveals His divine authority, teach me about engaging with established traditions or institutions?**

### FAQ

**Why was it significant that Jesus sat down to teach?**

Answer: In first-century Jewish culture, sitting was the customary posture for a rabbi or teacher when expounding on Scripture. Standing was for reading, but sitting conveyed authority and readiness to teach. By sitting down after reading from the scroll of Isaiah, Jesus was signaling His intention to provide an authoritative interpretation of the text, claiming the role of a teacher with unique insight and wisdom. This action immediately elevated the moment, preparing the congregation for the profound declaration that followed ([Luke 4:21](/luke/4-21 "Luke 4:21 - Prophecy Fulfilled")).

**Who was the "minister" in the synagogue, and what was their role?**

Answer: The "minister" (Greek: _hypērétēs_) was the synagogue attendant or sexton. This individual had various responsibilities, including handling the sacred scrolls, opening and closing the synagogue, maintaining order, and assisting during services. They were essentially the synagogue's servant or officer. Jesus' act of returning the scroll to the minister demonstrates His respect for the established order and the roles within the synagogue, even as He was about to reveal His divine authority and messianic identity.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 4:20, while seemingly a simple description of actions, is deeply Christ-centered, setting the stage for Jesus' explicit declaration of His messianic identity and mission. His act of closing the scroll and sitting down in the synagogue at Nazareth is a powerful visual parable. It symbolizes the culmination of the Old Testament prophetic era and the inauguration of the New Covenant in Him. The prophecies, like the scroll, are now "closed" in the sense that their time for mere anticipation is over; their fulfillment has arrived in the person of Jesus. By sitting down, Jesus assumes the posture of the ultimate Teacher, the one greater than all prophets and rabbis, whose words carry divine authority ([Matthew 7:28-29](/matthew/7-28-29 "Matthew 7:28-29 - Jesus' Authority in Teaching")). The "fastened" eyes of the congregation foreshadow the world's gaze upon Christ, the Light of the World, who fulfills all the hopes and promises of God ([John 1:9](/john/1-9 "John 1:9 - The True Light")). This moment in Nazareth is a microcosm of Jesus' entire ministry: He is the promised Messiah, the authoritative interpreter of God's Word, and the one in whom all scripture finds its ultimate meaning and fulfillment, ushering in the kingdom of God with power and grace ([Luke 4:43](/luke/4-43 "Luke 4:43 - Jesus Must Preach the Kingdom of God")).

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

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.