Luke 4:31

¶ And came down to Capernaum, a city of Galilee, and taught them on the sabbath days.

And {G2532} came down {G2718} to {G1519} Capernaum {G2584}, a city {G4172} of Galilee {G1056}, and {G2532} taught {G1321} them {G846}{G2258} on {G1722} the sabbath days {G4521}.

He went down to K'far-Nachum, a town in the Galil, and made a practice of teaching them on Shabbat.

Then He went down to Capernaum, a town in Galilee, and on the Sabbath He began to teach the people.

And he came down to Capernaum, a city of Galilee. And he was teaching them on the sabbath day:

Context

Luke 4:31 marks a significant transition in Jesus' early public ministry. After being rejected in his hometown of Nazareth, as detailed in Luke 4:16-30, Jesus relocates to Capernaum. This bustling fishing village on the Sea of Galilee became his primary base of operations for much of his Galilean ministry. It was strategically located and served as a hub for his teachings and miracles. His consistent practice of teaching "on the sabbath days" highlights his engagement with Jewish religious life and his commitment to proclaiming the Kingdom of God in established settings like the synagogue.

Key Themes

  • Geographic Shift and Ministry Hub: Capernaum's prominence signifies a new phase of Jesus' ministry, moving from his familiar hometown to a more public and active center. This city would witness many of his most powerful miracles and teachings.
  • Consistent Teaching Ministry: The phrase "taught them on the sabbath days" indicates a regular, purposeful pattern. Jesus actively sought out opportunities to instruct people, particularly in the synagogues, which were central to Jewish community life and education.
  • Sabbath Observance and Reinterpretation: Jesus consistently honored the Sabbath by attending synagogue, yet his actions and teachings often challenged the rigid interpretations of Sabbath law prevalent among the religious leaders. He used the Sabbath as a day for spiritual instruction and healing, emphasizing its true purpose.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word translated "taught" is didaskō (διδάσκω), which implies systematic instruction and authoritative teaching, not just casual conversation. This is crucial because, as the subsequent verse Luke 4:32 explains, the people "were astonished at his doctrine: for his word was with power." Jesus' teaching was distinguished by its inherent authority and transformative impact, setting him apart from the scribes and Pharisees of the day.

Practical Application

This verse reminds us of Jesus' active engagement with people in their everyday lives and religious gatherings. His example encourages believers to:

  • Seek Opportunities for Spiritual Growth: Just as Jesus regularly taught in the synagogue, we should prioritize consistent engagement with God's Word and Christian community.
  • Embrace God-Given Authority: Jesus taught with power and authority, not relying on human tradition alone. Believers are called to speak truth with conviction that comes from God's Spirit.
  • Understand the Sabbath's Purpose: While Christian observance differs from Jewish Sabbath law, the principle of dedicating time for spiritual focus, rest, and community remains vital. Jesus used this time to minister and instruct, showing its true purpose.

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.

  • Mark 1:21

    And they went into Capernaum; and straightway on the sabbath day he entered into the synagogue, and taught.

  • Mark 1:28

    And immediately his fame spread abroad throughout all the region round about Galilee.

  • Matthew 4:13

    And leaving Nazareth, he came and dwelt in Capernaum, which is upon the sea coast, in the borders of Zabulon and Nephthalim:

  • Acts 13:50

    But the Jews stirred up the devout and honourable women, and the chief men of the city, and raised persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them out of their coasts.

  • Acts 14:2

    But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles, and made their minds evil affected against the brethren.

  • Acts 17:1

    ¶ Now when they had passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where was a synagogue of the Jews:

  • Acts 17:3

    Opening and alleging, that Christ must needs have suffered, and risen again from the dead; and that this Jesus, whom I preach unto you, is Christ.

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