Luke 4:24

KJV

And he said, Verily I say unto you, No prophet is accepted in his own country.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} he said {G2036}, Verily {G281} I say {G3004} unto you {G5213},{G3754} No {G3762} prophet {G4396} is {G2076} accepted {G1184} in {G1722} his own {G846} country {G3968}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Yes!" he said, "I tell you that no prophet is accepted in his home town.

Berean Standard Bible

Then He added, “Truly I tell you, no prophet is accepted in his hometown.

American Standard Version

And he said, Verily I say unto you, No prophet is acceptable in his own country.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In Luke 4:24, Jesus delivers a profound and poignant truth in His hometown synagogue in Nazareth: "No prophet is accepted in his own country." This statement serves as a direct response to the skepticism and underlying unbelief of His familiar audience, who, despite witnessing His gracious words and powerful declarations, could not reconcile their preconceived notions of "Joseph's son" with the authoritative prophetic voice standing before them. The verse encapsulates the universal challenge faced by divine messengers who are often met with resistance, particularly from those who believe they know them best, thereby highlighting the human tendency to allow familiarity to hinder the acceptance of profound spiritual truth.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This declaration by Jesus immediately follows a pivotal moment in His early ministry, recorded in [Luke 4:16-21](/luke/4-16-21 "Luke 4:16-21 - Jesus' Inaugural Sermon in Nazareth"). Having returned to His hometown of Nazareth, Jesus stands in the synagogue, reads from the scroll of Isaiah 61:1-2, and boldly proclaims, "Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing" ([Luke 4:21](/luke/4-21 "Luke 4:21 - Fulfillment of Prophecy")). Initially, the congregation is "amazed at the gracious words that came from his lips" ([Luke 4:22](/luke/4-22 "Luke 4:22 - Amazement in Nazareth")), but their wonder quickly devolves into skepticism as they question, "Is not this Joseph's son?" This familiar query, rooted in their knowledge of His humble origins, reveals their underlying doubt about His divine authority and prophetic claims. Jesus' statement in [Luke 4:24](/luke/4-24 "Luke 4:24 - A Prophet Unaccepted") is His direct, prophetic response to their unspoken unbelief, setting the stage for His subsequent illustrations from the Old Testament (Elijah and Elisha in [Luke 4:25-27](/luke/4-25-27 "Luke 4:25-27 - Examples of Prophetic Rejection")) that further underscore God's sovereign freedom to work beyond human expectations and even outside the confines of Israel.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** First-century Jewish society placed significant emphasis on lineage, reputation, and community ties. Nazareth, a small and somewhat obscure village in Galilee, was not a place from which one would typically expect a great prophet or the Messiah to emerge ([John 1:46](/john/1-46 "John 1:46 - Can Anything Good Come from Nazareth?")). The people of Nazareth knew Jesus as the son of Joseph, the carpenter, and likely had seen Him grow up. This deep familiarity, instead of fostering acceptance, bred a form of contempt or, at best, a profound skepticism. In their cultural framework, a prophet was often expected to come with external validation or from a more prestigious background. The synagogue was the central hub of community life and religious instruction, making Jesus' public declaration and the subsequent rejection all the more significant within this intimate setting.
* **Key Themes:** The primary theme emerging from this verse is the **rejection of divine truth due to familiarity and prejudice**. The Nazarenes' inability to see beyond Jesus' human origins ("Is not this Joseph's son?") prevented them from accepting His divine claims and prophetic authority. This highlights the human tendency to allow preconceived notions to blind one to God's work, especially when it challenges established expectations. Another key theme is the **nature of prophetic ministry**, which often involves challenging the status quo and confronting human sin or unbelief, leading to inevitable resistance. Prophets, by their very nature, are often unwelcome in their own communities because they speak God's truth, which can be uncomfortable. This truth is echoed throughout biblical history, where God's messengers frequently faced opposition, even from their own people, as seen in the broader narrative of Israel's relationship with its prophets ([Jeremiah 7:25-26](/jeremiah/7-25-26 "Jeremiah 7:25-26 - Israel's Disobedience to Prophets")). Ultimately, the passage also subtly introduces the theme of **God's sovereign freedom and grace extending beyond conventional boundaries**, as Jesus' subsequent actions demonstrate that God's favor is not limited by human prejudice or national identity.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Verily (Greek, _amḗn_):** Derived from Hebrew, this word signifies "firm," "trustworthy," or "surely." When Jesus uses "Verily I say unto you," it is a solemn and authoritative declaration, emphasizing the absolute truth and certainty of the statement that follows. It demands attention and signifies that what is about to be said is of utmost importance and divine origin.
* **prophet (Greek, _prophḗtēs_):** This term refers to one who speaks forth for God, delivering divine messages. A prophet is not merely a foreteller of future events, but primarily a forth-teller, an inspired speaker who communicates God's will and truth to the people. In this context, Jesus is identifying Himself as a prophet, and by extension, the ultimate Prophet, whose message should be received as from God.
* **accepted (Greek, _dektós_):** Meaning "approved," "received," or "welcome," this word describes the state of being favorably acknowledged or embraced. In the context of a prophet, it implies being recognized and honored for one's divine commission and message. Jesus' statement highlights that despite His divine authority and the truth of His words, He was not "accepted" in the sense of being welcomed or believed by those who knew Him best.
* **country (Greek, _patrís_):** This word refers to one's "father-land" or "native town." Here, it specifically points to Nazareth, Jesus' hometown. The implication is that familiarity with a person's earthly origins can often become a barrier to recognizing their true spiritual or divine identity and authority, leading to a lack of honor and acceptance.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he said,"**: This opening phrase connects Jesus' statement directly to the preceding narrative, indicating it as His immediate verbal response to the unspoken skepticism and questioning of the Nazarenes. It underscores that His words are not a random proverb but a pointed, divinely inspired insight into the human heart and the nature of prophetic ministry.
* **"Verily I say unto you,"**: This solemn introduction, characteristic of Jesus' teaching, serves as an emphatic declaration of truth. By using "Verily" (Amen), Jesus asserts the absolute certainty and authority of what He is about to utter, signaling that this is a profound spiritual principle with universal application, not merely a personal observation. It demands the full attention and belief of His audience.
* **"No prophet is accepted in his own country."**: This is the core prophetic statement. It articulates a universal truth about the human tendency to dismiss or undervalue those who are familiar. "Accepted" here implies being honored, believed, and welcomed in one's divine capacity. The phrase "his own country" refers to one's hometown or familiar environment. Jesus, the ultimate Prophet, is articulating the painful reality that those who knew Him best were least willing to receive Him in His true identity, their familiarity breeding contempt or skepticism rather than faith.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 4:24 employs several significant literary devices. Primarily, it functions as an **Aphorism** or **Proverb**, a concise, memorable statement of a general truth or principle. Jesus frequently used such pithy sayings to convey profound spiritual insights. The statement itself is deeply **Ironic**, as the very Son of God, the ultimate Prophet, is declaring a truth that directly applies to His own immediate experience: He is being rejected by the people of His own hometown. This irony highlights the paradoxical nature of human unbelief. Furthermore, the verse serves as **Foreshadowing**, hinting at the broader rejection Jesus would experience throughout His ministry, not just in Nazareth but ultimately from the nation of Israel as a whole, leading to His crucifixion. The rejection in Nazareth is a microcosm of the greater rejection to come.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 4:24 is a profound theological statement on the nature of divine revelation and human reception. It underscores the recurring biblical theme that God's chosen messengers often face resistance, particularly from those who feel they "know" them too well or whose expectations are rooted in conventional wisdom rather than divine truth. This principle extends beyond individual prophets to the very person of Jesus, who, as the ultimate revelation of God, was rejected by His own people. The verse highlights the spiritual blindness that can arise from familiarity, emphasizing that true acceptance of God's Word requires humility and a willingness to transcend human prejudice and preconceived notions. It also subtly introduces the idea that God's plan of salvation is not confined by human boundaries or expectations, as the subsequent verses show Jesus' ministry extending to Gentiles due to Israel's unbelief.

* [Matthew 13:57](/matthew/13-57 "Matthew 13:57 - Jesus Rejected in Nazareth (Parallel Account)")
* [Mark 6:4](/mark/6-4 "Mark 6:4 - Jesus Rejected in Nazareth (Parallel Account)")
* [John 1:11](/john/1-11 "John 1:11 - Jesus Came to His Own")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 4:24 offers timeless lessons for our lives today, challenging us to examine our own hearts and approaches to truth. It compels us to confront any biases or preconceived notions that might prevent us from recognizing God's work or truth when it comes from unexpected sources or through familiar channels. Are we open to hearing profound spiritual insights from someone we "know too well," perhaps a family member, a colleague, or even a child? The verse reminds us that genuine spiritual receptivity requires humility, a willingness to set aside human judgment based on outward appearances, and a readiness to embrace God's message regardless of the messenger's background. For those who seek to share their faith or serve God, this passage offers solace and encouragement, acknowledging that rejection, especially from those closest to us, is a common experience, one even Jesus Himself faced. It calls us to persevere in our witness, trusting that God's truth will ultimately prevail, even if it is not immediately "accepted" by all.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life might familiarity be hindering your acceptance of a truth, a person, or a divine calling?**
* **How does Jesus' experience of rejection in His hometown encourage or challenge you in your own efforts to share your faith or live out your convictions among those who know you best?**
* **What steps can you take to cultivate a spirit of humility and openness, allowing God to speak to you through unexpected people or circumstances?**

### FAQ

**Why did Jesus say, "No prophet is accepted in his own country," specifically in Nazareth?**

Answer: Jesus spoke these words in Nazareth because He was directly experiencing the truth of this proverb in His own hometown. After reading from Isaiah and declaring the fulfillment of prophecy, the people of Nazareth, who had known Him since childhood, were unable to reconcile their familiar image of "Joseph's son" with the authoritative, divine Prophet standing before them. Their familiarity bred skepticism and prevented them from accepting His message and His true identity. Jesus' statement was a direct response to their underlying unbelief, highlighting the spiritual blindness that can arise when human expectations and prejudices overshadow divine truth. His words also served as a prelude to His subsequent examples of Elijah and Elisha, demonstrating that God's favor and prophetic ministry are not confined by human boundaries or nationalistic pride, often extending to those outside Israel when His own people reject Him ([Luke 4:25-27](/luke/4-25-27 "Luke 4:25-27 - Elijah and Elisha's Ministry to Gentiles")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 4:24, while a general truth about prophets, finds its ultimate and most poignant fulfillment in the person and ministry of Jesus Christ. He is the Prophet par excellence, the very Word of God incarnate, yet He was not "accepted in his own country"—not only in Nazareth but by the nation of Israel as a whole. This rejection, foreshadowed in His hometown synagogue, culminates in His crucifixion. The profound irony is that the world's salvation hinged on the rejection of the One who came to save it. As [John 1:11](/john/1-11 "John 1:11 - Jesus Came to His Own") states, "He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him." Yet, it was through this very rejection, through His suffering and death as the despised and unaccepted Prophet, that He accomplished the ultimate work of atonement. His lack of acceptance by humanity led to His perfect acceptance by God the Father, culminating in His resurrection and exaltation ([Philippians 2:8-9](/philippians/2-8-9 "Philippians 2:8-9 - Christ's Obedience and Exaltation")). Thus, Luke 4:24 is not merely a lament but a prophetic declaration of the path of the Suffering Servant, whose rejection paved the way for the acceptance and salvation of all who would believe in Him, regardless of their "country" or background ([Isaiah 53:3-5](/isaiah/53-3-5 "Isaiah 53:3-5 - The Suffering Servant Rejected")).

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

Matthew 13:57

And they were offended in him. But Jesus said unto them, A prophet is not without honour, save in his own country, and in his own house.

John 4:44

For Jesus himself testified, that a prophet hath no honour in his own country.

Mark 6:4

But Jesus said unto them, A prophet is not without honour, but in his own country, and among his own kin, and in his own house.

Mark 6:5

And he could there do no mighty work, save that he laid his hands upon a few sick folk, and healed [them].

Acts 22:3

¶ I am verily a man [which am] a Jew, born in Tarsus, [a city] in Cilicia, yet brought up in this city at the feet of Gamaliel, [and] taught according to the perfect manner of the law of the fathers, and was zealous toward God, as ye all are this day.

Acts 22:18

And saw him saying unto me, Make haste, and get thee quickly out of Jerusalem: for they will not receive thy testimony concerning me.

Acts 22:22

¶ And they gave him audience unto this word, and [then] lifted up their voices, and said, Away with such a [fellow] from the earth: for it is not fit that he should live.