Luke 4:29

KJV

And rose up, and thrust him out of the city, and led him unto the brow of the hill whereon their city was built, that they might cast him down headlong.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} rose up {G450}, and thrust {G1544} him {G846} out of {G1854} the city {G4172}, and {G2532} led {G71} him {G846} unto {G2193} the brow {G3790} of the hill {G3735} whereon {G1909}{G3739} their {G846} city {G4172} was built {G3618}, that {G1519} they might cast {G2630} him {G846} down headlong {G2630}.

Complete Jewish Bible

They rose up, drove him out of town and dragged him to the edge of the cliff on which their town was built, intending to throw him off.

Berean Standard Bible

They got up, drove Him out of the town, and led Him to the brow of the hill on which the town was built, in order to throw Him over the cliff.

American Standard Version

and they rose up, and cast him forth out of the city, and led him unto the brow of the hill whereon their city was built, that they might throw him down headlong.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 4:29 depicts a dramatic and violent turning point in Jesus's early ministry, where the people of His hometown, Nazareth, enraged by His challenging sermon, rise up to forcefully expel Him from their city and attempt to execute Him by throwing Him off a precipice. This incident serves as a stark illustration of the deep-seated resistance Jesus encountered, even from those who knew Him best, and foreshadows the ultimate rejection He would face.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows Jesus's sermon in the synagogue at Nazareth, an event that began with the crowd marveling at His "gracious words" [Luke 4:22](/luke/4-22 "Luke 4:22 - Jesus's Gracious Words"). However, Jesus quickly confronted their unspoken demand for miracles as proof of His Messiahship, implying that God's favor was not limited to Israel. By referencing the Gentile widow of Zarephath and Naaman the Syrian, both beneficiaries of God's grace through prophets in times of Israel's unfaithfulness [Luke 4:25-27](/luke/4-25-27 "Luke 4:25-27 - Elijah, Elisha, and Gentiles"), Jesus directly challenged their nationalistic pride and exclusive expectations. This shift from admiration to fury, culminating in the violent act described in [Luke 4:29](/luke/4-29 "Luke 4:29 - Jesus's Rejection in Nazareth"), demonstrates the profound offense His message caused when it confronted their deeply held, yet misguided, beliefs. The narrative flows directly into [Luke 4:30](/luke/4-30 "Luke 4:30 - Jesus Escapes"), where Jesus miraculously passes through the enraged crowd, highlighting His divine control over His destiny.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Nazareth was a small, relatively obscure village in Galilee, built on a hillside. The "brow of the hill" mentioned in the verse refers to a steep drop-off or cliff face often found on the edges of such settlements. Throwing someone off a cliff (precipitating them) was a recognized, albeit unofficial and brutal, form of execution in ancient societies, often employed by mobs against those perceived as blasphemers or grave offenders. It was not a legal Roman or Jewish execution method, but a summary act of popular rage. The people's intent to "cast him down headlong" signifies their extreme hatred and desire for a swift, decisive, and public end to Jesus, reflecting the intensity of their cultural and religious offense. Their reaction also underscores the societal expectation that a prophet would perform signs for his own people, and Jesus's refusal to do so, combined with His challenging words, was seen as a profound dishonor.
* **Key Themes:** The incident in [Luke 4:29](/luke/4-29 "Luke 4:29 - Jesus's Rejection in Nazareth") powerfully contributes to several key themes within Luke's Gospel and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it serves as an early and stark example of the **rejection of the Messiah** by His own people, foreshadowing the ultimate rejection that would lead to His crucifixion. This aligns with the lament in [John 1:11](/john/1-11 "John 1:11 - Jesus Came to His Own"), "He came unto his own, and his own received him not." Secondly, it highlights the theme of **unbelief and familiarity**, illustrating how those who had known Jesus personally since childhood struggled to accept His divine authority, fulfilling the proverb Jesus Himself quoted: "A prophet is not without honour, but in his own country, and among his own kin, and in his own house" [Mark 6:4](/mark/6-4 "Mark 6:4 - A Prophet Without Honor"). Thirdly, the passage vividly portrays the **violent opposition** that Jesus's message could provoke, even within His own community, revealing the depth of human hostility towards divine truth. Finally, while not explicit in this verse, the subsequent escape of Jesus in [Luke 4:30](/luke/4-30 "Luke 4:30 - Jesus Escapes") subtly introduces the theme of **divine protection and sovereign timing**, demonstrating that Jesus's life was under God's control and would only end at the appointed time and in the appointed manner.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **thrust (Greek, _ekbállō'_):** From G1544, meaning "to eject (literally or figuratively):--bring forth, cast (forth, out), drive (out), expel, leave, pluck (pull, take, thrust) out, put forth (out), send away (forth, out)." This word conveys a forceful, violent expulsion, indicating that Jesus was not merely asked to leave but was forcibly driven out with hostile intent. It speaks to the aggressive nature of the crowd's rejection.
* **brow (Greek, _ophrŷs'_):** From G3790, literally meaning "the eye-'brow' or forehead," but figuratively referring to "the brink of a precipice." This term precisely identifies the dangerous location to which Jesus was led. It highlights the immediate and perilous threat, emphasizing the mob's intent to carry out a summary execution by hurling Him from a height.
* **cast him down headlong (Greek, _katakrēmnízō'_):** From G2630, meaning "to precipitate down:--cast down headlong." This verb specifically describes the act of throwing someone from a high place, such as a cliff or precipice. It underscores the murderous intent of the crowd, who sought to end Jesus's life by a brutal and public act of violence, signifying their complete and utter rejection of Him and His message.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And rose up, and thrust him out of the city":** This clause describes the immediate and collective action of the enraged crowd. "Rose up" indicates a sudden, unified movement, signaling their transition from listening to violent action. "Thrust him out of the city" emphasizes the forceful expulsion, not a gentle escort, but a violent ejection, demonstrating their desire to remove Jesus from their midst permanently and with contempt.
* **"and led him unto the brow of the hill whereon their city was built":** This part details the destination and the dangerous intent. The crowd, acting as an angry mob, "led" or dragged Jesus to a specific, perilous location—the edge of a cliff overlooking Nazareth. The phrase "whereon their city was built" highlights that this was a familiar, prominent landmark, making the intended act a public spectacle and a definitive rejection by the community.
* **"that they might cast him down headlong":** This final clause explicitly states the murderous purpose of their actions. Their intention was not merely to banish Jesus but to execute Him by throwing Him off the cliff. This reveals the extreme depth of their fury and the murderous hatred provoked by His challenging words, demonstrating that their rejection was absolute and aimed at His very life.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 4:29 is rich in **dramatic irony**, as the reader knows that Jesus's life will not end here, despite the mob's fervent intention. This scene **foreshadows** the greater rejection and ultimate crucifixion of Jesus in Jerusalem, establishing a pattern of hostility that culminates in His atoning death. The passage also employs vivid **imagery** through phrases like "thrust him out" and "cast him down headlong," painting a clear picture of the mob's violent intent and the perilous situation. The "brow of the hill" serves as a powerful **symbol** of the precipice of human rejection and the dangerous edge of unbelief. The narrative's swift escalation from initial admiration to murderous rage highlights the **contrast** between superficial acceptance and genuine, transformative truth, revealing the inherent human resistance to God's challenging word.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This event in Nazareth encapsulates a profound theological truth: the world's inherent hostility towards the divine light and truth embodied in Jesus Christ. The people's violent reaction was not merely a personal affront but a spiritual rebellion against God's revelation, demonstrating that human pride and preconceived notions can blind individuals to the very presence of God. This rejection underscores the necessity of Jesus's suffering and foreshadows the cross, where the world's ultimate rejection of God's Son would be fully manifested. Yet, even in this moment of extreme danger, God's sovereign hand is evident, protecting Jesus until His appointed time and manner of sacrifice.

* [John 1:11](/john/1-11 "John 1:11 - Jesus Came to His Own")
* [Matthew 13:57](/matthew/13-57 "Matthew 13:57 - A Prophet Without Honor")
* [Acts 7:58](/acts/7-58 "Acts 7:58 - Stephen's Stoning")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 4:29 serves as a powerful reminder that genuine truth, especially when it confronts our comfort zones, challenges our biases, or demands a radical shift in perspective, can provoke intense opposition. The people of Nazareth, initially charmed by Jesus's gracious words, quickly turned to murderous rage when He exposed their spiritual pride and narrow understanding of God's grace. This challenges us to examine our own hearts: are we truly open to God's Word, even when it dismantles our cherished assumptions or calls us to uncomfortable truths? Do we embrace the full scope of God's love, including His grace for those outside our immediate circles, or do we, like the Nazarenes, harbor a selective faith that excludes others? The passage also underscores the reality of opposition for those who faithfully proclaim the Gospel. Just as Jesus faced hostility, so too will His followers. We are called to stand firm in our faith, trusting in God's sovereign protection and timing, even amidst rejection and hostility, knowing that our ultimate vindication rests in Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I react when God's Word challenges my preconceived notions, cultural comforts, or personal biases?**
* **Am I willing to accept truth even when it comes from unexpected sources or when it demands a costly response from me?**
* **In what ways might I be tempted to reject or silence truths that make me uncomfortable or expose my own spiritual shortcomings?**

### FAQ
**Why were the people of Nazareth so angry at Jesus?**

Answer: The people of Nazareth were initially impressed by Jesus's "gracious words" [Luke 4:22](/luke/4-22 "Luke 4:22 - Jesus's Gracious Words"), but their admiration quickly turned to fury for several reasons. Firstly, they expected Jesus, as one of their own, to perform miracles for them, just as He had done elsewhere, to validate His claims and bring honor to their town. When He refused, implying that "a prophet is not accepted in his own country" [Luke 4:24](/luke/4-24 "Luke 4:24 - A Prophet Not Accepted"), it challenged their pride. Secondly, and more significantly, Jesus then referenced Old Testament examples of God's grace extending to Gentiles—the widow of Zarephath and Naaman the Syrian [Luke 4:25-27](/luke/4-25-27 "Luke 4:25-27 - Elijah, Elisha, and Gentiles"). This was a direct assault on their nationalistic and exclusive understanding of God's favor, suggesting that God's plan of salvation was broader than just Israel. This perceived slight and challenge to their religious superiority ignited their rage, leading to the violent attempt on His life.

**How did Jesus escape this attempt on His life?**

Answer: Luke 4:29 describes the mob leading Jesus to the brow of the hill with the intent to throw Him off. However, the very next verse, [Luke 4:30](/luke/4-30 "Luke 4:30 - Jesus Escapes"), states, "But he passing through the midst of them went his way." This indicates a miraculous and supernatural escape. Jesus did not physically overpower the crowd, nor did they simply change their minds. Rather, He supernaturally "passed through" them, becoming invisible or unnoticed, demonstrating His divine control and sovereignty over His own life and the timing of His death. This event highlights that Jesus would not die by a mob's summary execution but according to God's precise plan, as the Lamb of God sacrificed for the sins of the world.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The violent rejection of Jesus in His hometown of Nazareth, as depicted in [Luke 4:29](/luke/4-29 "Luke 4:29 - Jesus's Rejection in Nazareth"), serves as a poignant early fulfillment of the pattern of rejection that would characterize His entire earthly ministry and culminate in His atoning death. Just as He was "thrust out of the city" and led to a precipice, so too would He ultimately be led outside the city gates of Jerusalem to suffer and die on a cross [Hebrews 13:12](/hebrews/13-12 "Hebrews 13:12 - Jesus Suffered Outside the Gate"). This incident foreshadows the world's deep-seated hostility towards the light and truth of God, demonstrating that the very people He came to save would ultimately reject Him as their King. However, Jesus's miraculous escape in [Luke 4:30](/luke/4-30 "Luke 4:30 - Jesus Escapes") underscores God's sovereign control over His Son's life, ensuring that Jesus would not die by mob violence but at the divinely appointed time and in the divinely appointed manner, as the sacrificial Lamb of God [John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). This early attempt on His life, though thwarted, was a necessary part of the divine narrative, revealing the depth of human sin and the perfect obedience of Christ, who, though rejected, would willingly lay down His life for the salvation of the world [Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Humiliation"). Through His rejection and subsequent triumph, Jesus establishes Himself as the ultimate rejected Prophet, whose suffering brings salvation, and whose sovereign power ensures the fulfillment of God's redemptive plan.

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 8:59

Then took they up stones to cast at him: but Jesus hid himself, and went out of the temple, going through the midst of them, and so passed by.

Acts 7:57

Then they cried out with a loud voice, and stopped their ears, and ran upon him with one accord,

Acts 7:58

And cast [him] out of the city, and stoned [him]: and the witnesses laid down their clothes at a young man's feet, whose name was Saul.

Numbers 15:35

And the LORD said unto Moses, The man shall be surely put to death: all the congregation shall stone him with stones without the camp.

John 8:40

But now ye seek to kill me, a man that hath told you the truth, which I have heard of God: this did not Abraham.

Acts 16:23

And when they had laid many stripes upon them, they cast [them] into prison, charging the jailor to keep them safely:

Acts 16:24

Who, having received such a charge, thrust them into the inner prison, and made their feet fast in the stocks.