Luke 4:23

And he said unto them, Ye will surely say unto me this proverb, Physician, heal thyself: whatsoever we have heard done in Capernaum, do also here in thy country.

And {G2532} he said {G2036} unto {G4314} them {G846}, Ye will {G2046} surely {G3843} say {G2046} unto me {G3427} this {G5026} proverb {G3850}, Physician {G2395}, heal {G2323} thyself {G4572}: whatsoever {G3745} we have heard {G191} done {G1096} in {G1722} Capernaum {G2584}, do {G4160} also {G2532} here {G5602} in {G1722} thy {G4675} country {G3968}.

Then Yeshua said to them, "No doubt you will quote to me this proverb -- `"Doctor, cure yourself!" We've heard about all the things that have been going on over in K'far-Nachum; now do them here in your home town!'

Jesus said to them, “Surely you will quote this proverb to Me: ‘Physician, heal yourself! Do here in Your hometown what we have heard that You did in Capernaum.’”

And he said unto them, Doubtless ye will say unto me this parable, Physician, heal thyself: whatsoever we have heard done at Capernaum, do also here in thine own country.

Context

Luke 4:23 finds Jesus speaking in the synagogue of Nazareth, His hometown, shortly after He has declared Himself the fulfillment of Isaiah's prophecy (Luke 4:21). The people initially "wondered at the gracious words which proceeded out of his mouth" (Luke 4:22) but quickly became skeptical, questioning His authority because they knew Him as "Joseph's son." Jesus, with His profound insight into human nature, anticipates their unspoken demand and the common proverb they are about to apply to Him.

Key Themes

  • Familiarity Breeds Contempt: The people of Nazareth struggled to accept Jesus as a prophet or Messiah because they knew Him from childhood. Their personal acquaintance hindered their spiritual perception, leading them to demand proof rather than offering belief.
  • The Proverbial Challenge: The saying "Physician, heal thyself" was a common proverb, implying "If you have power, demonstrate it on yourself or among your own people first." It was a challenge for Jesus to perform miracles in Nazareth, just as they had heard He had done in Capernaum.
  • Expectation vs. Faith: The crowd's demand for signs ("whatsoever we have heard done in Capernaum, do also here in thy country") reveals a desire for sensational displays rather than a genuine faith in His person or message. They sought proof based on hearsay, not a response of belief.
  • Divine Sovereignty: Jesus implicitly teaches that God's work and power are not subject to human demands or geographical limitations. His ministry would extend beyond His hometown, often to those who were more receptive, a theme He elaborates on in the subsequent verses (Luke 4:25-27).

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "Physician, heal thyself" (Greek: iatre, therapeuson seauton) is a well-known ancient proverb. It functions as a challenge to someone claiming power or authority to prove it in their immediate sphere or for their own benefit. In this context, it reflects the Nazareth community's desire for Jesus to prioritize their needs and demonstrate His power among them, mirroring the reports of His mighty works in Capernaum.

The mention of "Capernaum" is significant. This city became a central hub for Jesus' Galilean ministry, where He performed many healings, exorcisms, and taught extensively (e.g., Luke 4:31-41). News of these events had clearly reached Nazareth, fueling the expectations of His townsfolk.

Practical Application

  • Dealing with Skepticism: This verse reminds us that genuine truth and divine power can often be met with doubt, particularly from those who feel they "know" us too well. It highlights the human tendency to be more impressed by the distant and unfamiliar than by the familiar.
  • The Nature of True Faith: True faith is not based on demanding signs or sensational displays, but on believing in the person and message of Christ. We are called to believe even when God's work doesn't conform to our expectations or when He works through seemingly ordinary channels.
  • Overcoming Familiarity's Blindness: We can sometimes undervalue spiritual truth or God's presence when it comes from familiar sources or appears in everyday settings. This passage challenges us to look beyond superficial appearances and recognize God's power and purpose wherever it manifests.
  • God's Unpredictable Ways: God's blessings and ministry are not confined by human demands or preferences. Just as Jesus' ministry extended beyond Nazareth, God often works in ways that surprise us, reaching those who are receptive, regardless of their background or location.
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.

  • John 4:46

    So Jesus came again into Cana of Galilee, where he made the water wine. And there was a certain nobleman, whose son was sick at Capernaum.

  • John 4:53

    So the father knew that [it was] at the same hour, in the which Jesus said unto him, Thy son liveth: and himself believed, and his whole house.

  • Mark 2:1

    ¶ And again he entered into Capernaum after [some] days; and it was noised that he was in the house.

  • Mark 2:12

    And immediately he arose, took up the bed, and went forth before them all; insomuch that they were all amazed, and glorified God, saying, We never saw it on this fashion.

  • Matthew 11:23

    And thou, Capernaum, which art exalted unto heaven, shalt be brought down to hell: for if the mighty works, which have been done in thee, had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day.

  • Matthew 11:24

    But I say unto you, That it shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom in the day of judgment, than for thee.

  • Mark 6:1

    ¶ And he went out from thence, and came into his own country; and his disciples follow him.

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