Luke 4:23

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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!'

Berean Standard Bible

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.’”

American Standard Version

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In Luke 4:23, Jesus, speaking in His hometown synagogue of Nazareth, anticipates the skepticism and demands of His audience. He predicts they will challenge Him with the common proverb, "Physician, heal thyself," implying that if He possesses miraculous power, He should demonstrate it among His own people, mirroring the mighty works they have heard He performed in Capernaum. This verse reveals Jesus' profound insight into human nature and the inherent difficulty of a prophet being accepted in his own country, setting the stage for His subsequent teaching on God's sovereign choice in extending grace and power.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a pivotal moment in Luke's narrative of Jesus' public ministry, immediately following His programmatic sermon in the Nazareth synagogue. In [Luke 4:16-21](/luke/4-16-21 "Jesus' Nazareth Sermon and Prophetic Declaration"), Jesus reads from Isaiah 61 and declares, "Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing." Initially, the people are amazed by His "gracious words" ([Luke 4:22](/luke/4-22 "The People's Initial Reaction in Nazareth")), but their wonder quickly turns to skepticism as they question His authority, knowing Him only as "Joseph's son." Verse 23 serves as Jesus' direct response to their unspoken doubts and the demand for a sign, which He then elaborates upon in [Luke 4:24-30](/luke/4-24-30 "Jesus' Rejection in Nazareth and Escape"), where He cites examples of prophets not being accepted in their own land and performing miracles among Gentiles, leading to the crowd's furious attempt to throw Him off a cliff.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is Nazareth, Jesus' hometown, a small, unremarkable village in Galilee. In ancient Jewish culture, familiarity often bred contempt, especially concerning prophets. A prophet was expected to be recognized and honored, but those from one's own community, whose humble origins were known, often struggled to gain credibility. The proverb "Physician, heal thyself" was a widely understood adage, challenging someone claiming power or expertise to demonstrate it in their immediate sphere or for their own benefit before attempting to help others. The mention of Capernaum is crucial; it was a bustling city on the Sea of Galilee that became the center of Jesus' Galilean ministry, where He performed numerous miracles and taught extensively. News of these powerful deeds would have certainly reached Nazareth, fueling the townsfolk's expectations and demands for similar displays.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several major themes in Luke's Gospel. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **prophetic rejection**, particularly the difficulty a prophet faces in his own hometown, a concept Jesus explicitly states in [Luke 4:24](/luke/4-24 "Jesus' Statement on Prophetic Rejection"). Secondly, it underscores the contrast between **faith based on genuine belief** and **faith based on demanding signs**. The people of Nazareth sought sensational proof rather than responding to the spiritual truth of Jesus' message. Thirdly, it subtly introduces the theme of **divine sovereignty in salvation**, foreshadowing Jesus' ministry extending beyond the Jewish people to the Gentiles, as God's grace and power are not confined by human expectations or geographical boundaries. This prepares the reader for the broader scope of Jesus' mission, which Luke emphasizes throughout his Gospel, culminating in the Great Commission in [Luke 24:47](/luke/24-47 "The Command to Preach Repentance and Forgiveness to All Nations").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **proverb (Greek, _parabolḗ'_):** From G3850, meaning a similitude, a symbolic fictitious narrative (like a parable), an apothegm, or an adage. Here, it refers to a common saying or maxim that carries a moral or practical truth. Jesus uses this term to describe the well-known challenge the people will issue, indicating His awareness of their underlying skepticism and their desire for a visible demonstration of power.
* **Physician (Greek, _iatrós'_):** From G2395, meaning a physician. This word directly identifies the role the proverb assigns to Jesus, implying that He is seen as one who has the power to heal. The challenge is for Him to prove His capabilities by "healing Himself" or, by extension, His own people and hometown.
* **heal (Greek, _therapeúō'_):** From G2323, meaning to wait upon menially, to adore (God), or specifically to relieve (of disease), to cure. In this context, it refers to the miraculous restoration of health. The demand is for Jesus to perform the same kind of powerful healing miracles in Nazareth that He has reportedly performed elsewhere, specifically in Capernaum.
* **done (Greek, _gínomai'_):** From G1096, meaning to cause to be, to become, to come into being, or to happen. This word refers to the events or actions that have "come to pass" or "happened" in Capernaum. It encompasses the entirety of Jesus' miraculous works and teachings that have been reported, highlighting the tangible evidence of His power that the people of Nazareth are demanding to see replicated.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he said unto them,"**: This introductory phrase sets the scene for Jesus' direct address to the people in the synagogue, indicating a shift from their internal questioning to His overt response. It highlights Jesus' initiative in confronting their unspoken thoughts and expectations.
* **"Ye will surely say unto me this proverb, Physician, heal thyself:"**: Jesus, with divine insight, anticipates the exact challenge they are formulating in their minds. The proverb "Physician, heal thyself" is a common adage, here used to demand that Jesus, if He truly possesses the power to heal others, should first demonstrate it among His own people, or for His own benefit, before seeking to minister elsewhere. It reflects their skepticism and their desire for personal validation of His claims.
* **"whatsoever we have heard done in Capernaum, do also here in thy country."**: This clause clarifies the specific nature of their demand. They have heard reports of the mighty works and miracles Jesus performed in Capernaum, which had become a hub of His ministry. Their expectation is that He should replicate these same powerful deeds in Nazareth, His hometown, thereby proving His authority and special status to them, rather than to outsiders. It underscores a desire for preferential treatment and a reliance on external signs rather than internal faith.

#### Literary Devices
Jesus' statement in Luke 4:23 is rich with literary devices. The primary device is **Anticipation**, as Jesus preemptively addresses the unspoken thoughts and demands of His audience, demonstrating His supernatural knowledge and insight into human nature. He uses **Proverbial Language** by quoting the well-known adage, "Physician, heal thyself," which serves as a concise and culturally resonant expression of their challenge. There is also a subtle **Irony** at play: the people, who should be most receptive to their own prophet, are instead demanding proof, revealing their spiritual blindness. Furthermore, the verse employs **Contrast** by juxtaposing the reported works in Capernaum with the lack of such works in Nazareth, setting up the subsequent explanation of God's sovereign choice in extending grace.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 4:23 is a profound statement on the nature of prophetic ministry and the human response to divine revelation. It underscores the universal truth that familiarity can breed contempt, particularly when it comes to spiritual authority. The people of Nazareth, knowing Jesus' humble origins, struggled to accept Him as the Messiah, demanding physical proof of His power rather than embracing His spiritual message. This reflects a common human tendency to seek tangible signs and wonders over genuine faith, and to place limits on God's sovereignty and the direction of His work. Theologically, it highlights the principle that God's grace and miraculous power are not subject to human demands or geographical boundaries, but are extended according to His sovereign will, often to those who are most receptive, regardless of their background.

* [Matthew 13:57](/matthew/13-57 "Jesus' Rejection in Nazareth")
* [John 4:48](/john/4-48 "Jesus' Rebuke of Demand for Signs")
* [Mark 6:5-6](/mark/6-5-6 "Jesus Unable to Do Many Miracles in Nazareth")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 4:23 serves as a powerful reminder that genuine faith is not contingent upon demanding or witnessing sensational displays, but on believing in the person and message of Christ, even when God's work does not conform to our expectations. It challenges us to examine our own hearts: do we seek signs and wonders as a prerequisite for belief, or do we trust in God's character and Word? This passage also speaks to the difficulty of ministering in familiar contexts, where our past or perceived ordinariness can overshadow our spiritual calling. We are called to overcome the "familiarity breeds contempt" mindset, both in ourselves and in how we perceive others. Ultimately, it encourages us to recognize that God's work is sovereign and extends beyond our comfort zones or preferred settings, often reaching those who are most open and receptive, regardless of their background.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life do I demand signs or specific outcomes from God before I am willing to trust or obey Him?**
* **How does familiarity with spiritual truths or leaders sometimes lead me to undervalue or become skeptical of them?**
* **Am I more impressed by distant or sensational spiritual experiences than by the consistent, quiet work of God in my everyday life?**
* **How can I cultivate a heart that is receptive to God's work, even when it doesn't align with my expectations or preferences?**

### FAQ
**Why did Jesus anticipate their proverb and demand?**

Answer: Jesus' anticipation of the proverb and the people's demand in [Luke 4:23](/luke/4-23 "Jesus Anticipates Nazareth's Demand") demonstrates His divine omniscience and His profound understanding of human nature. He knew their hearts were filled with skepticism and a desire for sensational proof, rather than genuine faith. This allowed Him to directly address their unbelief and prepare them for His subsequent teaching on God's sovereign choice in extending grace, often to those outside the immediate community who are more receptive, as seen in [Luke 4:25-27](/luke/4-25-27 "Jesus' Examples of God's Sovereign Grace").

**What was the significance of Capernaum in this context?**

Answer: Capernaum was a thriving city on the Sea of Galilee that became the center of Jesus' Galilean ministry after He left Nazareth ([Matthew 4:13](/matthew/4-13 "Jesus Moves to Capernaum")). It was in Capernaum that Jesus performed many powerful miracles, including healing a centurion's servant ([Luke 7:1-10](/luke/7-1-10 "The Centurion's Faith")), casting out demons ([Luke 4:33-37](/luke/4-33-37 "Jesus Casts Out a Demon in Capernaum")), and healing Peter's mother-in-law ([Luke 4:38-39](/luke/4-38-39 "Jesus Heals Peter's Mother-in-Law")). News of these "mighty works" ([Matthew 11:23](/matthew/11-23 "Jesus Denounces Capernaum")) had clearly reached Nazareth, fueling the townsfolk's expectation that Jesus should perform similar deeds for them, demanding a sign based on hearsay rather than belief.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 4:23, while seemingly a moment of rejection for Jesus in His hometown, profoundly points to His ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment. Jesus, the true "Physician," did not come to heal physical ailments primarily, but to address the deeper spiritual sickness of humanity, as He declares in [Luke 5:31-32](/luke/5-31-32 "Jesus Comes to Call Sinners"). His rejection in Nazareth foreshadows His greater rejection by His own people, Israel, who largely failed to recognize Him as their Messiah ([John 1:11](/john/1-11 "He Came to His Own")). Yet, precisely because He was rejected by those who "knew" Him, His ministry expanded beyond the confines of His immediate community and nation, extending salvation to the "Capernaums" of the world—the Gentiles and those deemed "outsiders" who would prove more receptive to His message. The "healing" He offers is not merely a physical cure, but the spiritual restoration and eternal life made possible through His atoning sacrifice on the cross ([Isaiah 53:5](/isaiah/53-5 "By His Wounds We Are Healed")). Thus, the proverb "Physician, heal thyself" is ironically fulfilled in Christ's self-sacrifice: by laying down His life, He healed not Himself, but all who believe, becoming the ultimate Physician who provides spiritual healing for the entire world ([1 Peter 2:24](/1_peter/2-24 "By His Wounds You Have Been Healed")).

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

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.