Luke 4:27

And many lepers were in Israel in the time of Eliseus the prophet; and none of them was cleansed, saving Naaman the Syrian.

And {G2532} many {G4183} lepers {G3015} were {G2258} in {G1722} Israel {G2474} in the time {G1909} of Eliseus {G1666} the prophet {G4396}; and {G2532} none {G3762} of them {G846} was cleansed {G2511}, saving {G1508} Naaman {G3497} the Syrian {G4948}.

Also there were many people with tzara`at in Isra'el during the time of the prophet Elisha; but not one of them was healed, only Na`aman the Syrian."

And there were many lepers in Israel in the time of Elisha the prophet. Yet not one of them was cleansed—only Naaman the Syrian.”

And there were many lepers in Israel in the time of Elisha the prophet; and none of them was cleansed, but only Naaman the Syrian.

Luke 4:27 is part of Jesus' controversial sermon in His hometown synagogue in Nazareth. After proclaiming His mission from Isaiah 61:1, Jesus anticipated the skepticism and unbelief of His own people. He used two Old Testament examples to illustrate God's sovereign choice to extend grace to those outside of Israel, even when many within Israel were in need.

Context

This verse immediately follows Jesus’ declaration that "no prophet is accepted in his own country" (Luke 4:24). He had already referenced the prophet Elijah and the widow of Zarephath in Sidon (Luke 4:26), a Gentile, who received miraculous provision during a famine while many Israelite widows suffered. Similarly, Luke 4:27 highlights the story of Naaman, a Syrian general, who was miraculously healed of leprosy by the prophet Elisha (KJV: Eliseus), while many Jewish lepers remained uncleansed during that same period. These examples were deeply challenging to the Nazareth audience, who believed God's favor was exclusive to them, leading to their violent rejection of Jesus (Luke 4:29).

Key Themes

  • God's Sovereign Grace: The verse powerfully illustrates that God's favor and healing are not confined by human expectations, national identity, or religious privilege. God chooses whom He will bless, often extending His grace to unexpected recipients.
  • Inclusion of Gentiles: By highlighting Naaman, a Syrian, Jesus foreshadows the expansion of His Gospel beyond the Jewish people to all nations. This theme is central to the New Testament's message of salvation for all who believe, Jew and Gentile alike (Romans 10:12).
  • Unbelief vs. Faith: The implicit contrast is between the many Israelites who did not receive healing due to unbelief or lack of God's specific call, and Naaman, who, despite initial reluctance, obeyed Elisha's instructions and was cleansed (2 Kings 5:14).

Linguistic Insights

The name "Eliseus" is the King James Version's transliteration of the Hebrew prophet Elisha (Hebrew: ’Eliysha‘), whose ministry is detailed in the books of Kings. The term "lepers" refers to individuals afflicted with various severe skin diseases, which rendered them ritually unclean and socially ostracized in ancient Israel. To be "cleansed" meant not only physical healing but also restoration to community and religious life.

Practical Application

This verse reminds us that God's love and grace are boundless and indiscriminate. We should never presume upon God's favor based on our background, church affiliation, or perceived righteousness. Instead, we are called to humility and faith, recognizing that God often works in surprising ways, extending His mercy to those we might least expect. It also challenges us to examine our own hearts for any spiritual pride or exclusionary attitudes, encouraging us to embrace God's universal call to salvation and healing, available to all who genuinely seek Him.

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.

  • 2 Kings 5:1

    ¶ Now Naaman, captain of the host of the king of Syria, was a great man with his master, and honourable, because by him the LORD had given deliverance unto Syria: he was also a mighty man in valour, [but he was] a leper.

  • 2 Kings 5:27

    The leprosy therefore of Naaman shall cleave unto thee, and unto thy seed for ever. And he went out from his presence a leper [as white] as snow.

  • 1 Kings 19:19

    ¶ So he departed thence, and found Elisha the son of Shaphat, who [was] plowing [with] twelve yoke [of oxen] before him, and he with the twelfth: and Elijah passed by him, and cast his mantle upon him.

  • 1 Kings 19:21

    And he returned back from him, and took a yoke of oxen, and slew them, and boiled their flesh with the instruments of the oxen, and gave unto the people, and they did eat. Then he arose, and went after Elijah, and ministered unto him.

  • John 17:12

    While I was with them in the world, I kept them in thy name: those that thou gavest me I have kept, and none of them is lost, but the son of perdition; that the scripture might be fulfilled.

  • Matthew 12:4

    How he entered into the house of God, and did eat the shewbread, which was not lawful for him to eat, neither for them which were with him, but only for the priests?

  • Job 33:13

    Why dost thou strive against him? for he giveth not account of any of his matters.

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