Luke 4:32

KJV

And they were astonished at his doctrine: for his word was with power.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} they were astonished {G1605} at {G1909} his {G846} doctrine {G1322}: for {G3754} his {G846} word {G3056} was {G2258} with {G1722} power {G1849}.

Complete Jewish Bible

They were amazed at the way he taught, because his word carried the ring of authority.

Berean Standard Bible

They were astonished at His teaching, because His message had authority.

American Standard Version

and they were astonished at his teaching; for his word was with authority.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 4:32 captures the profound impact of Jesus' teaching in Capernaum, revealing the immediate and overwhelming response of the people. Unlike the conventional instruction they were accustomed to, Jesus' "doctrine" or teaching was delivered with an inherent, divine "power" or authority, causing widespread astonishment among His hearers and setting His ministry apart from all others.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows Jesus' initial public ministry in Galilee, specifically His powerful teaching in the synagogue at Capernaum, as recounted in [Luke 4:31](/luke/4-31 "Luke 4:31 - Jesus Teaches in Capernaum"). It serves as a crucial bridge from His rejection in Nazareth ([Luke 4:16-30](/luke/4-16-30 "Luke 4:16-30 - Jesus Rejected at Nazareth")) to the subsequent demonstrations of His authority over unclean spirits and diseases in Capernaum ([Luke 4:33-41](/luke/4-33-41 "Luke 4:33-41 - Jesus Heals Many")). The astonishment of the crowd here foreshadows their even greater amazement when Jesus casts out a demon with a mere word, as seen in [Luke 4:36](/luke/4-36 "Luke 4:36 - Jesus Casts Out a Demon"). The narrative highlights a clear progression: Jesus teaches, the people are amazed, and then His words are immediately validated by miraculous deeds.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In first-century Judaism, religious teaching was primarily conducted by scribes, Pharisees, and elders within synagogues. Their authority was typically derived from their mastery of the Mosaic Law and the oral traditions passed down from revered rabbis. They would often quote established authorities (e.g., "Rabbi so-and-so said...") to bolster their arguments. Jesus, however, spoke with an unprecedented, self-possessed authority, not needing to appeal to external sources. This was revolutionary and deeply unsettling to the established religious order. The synagogue in Capernaum was a central gathering place, making the public display of Jesus' unique authority all the more significant as it challenged the conventional understanding of spiritual leadership and divine revelation.
* **Key Themes:** Luke 4:32 powerfully introduces several foundational themes central to Luke's Gospel and Jesus' ministry. The most prominent is **Divine Authority**, as Jesus' teaching is presented not as human wisdom, but as emanating directly from God. This authority is inherent to His person and ministry, distinguishing Him from all other teachers. Closely related is the theme of the **Power of His Word**, which is not merely persuasive rhetoric but a living, active force capable of transformation, healing, and liberation. This power is soon demonstrated in His ability to command unclean spirits ([Luke 4:33-36](/luke/4-33-36 "Luke 4:33-36 - Jesus' Authority Over Demons")) and heal the sick ([Luke 4:38-40](/luke/4-38-40 "Luke 4:38-40 - Jesus Heals Simon's Mother-in-Law and Others")). Finally, the **Astonishment and Awe** of the people underscores the profound impact of encountering the divine in human form, recognizing something truly unique and supernatural at work in Jesus.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **astonished (Greek, _ekplḗssō'_):** From *ek* (out of) and *plēssō* (to strike), this word literally means "to strike out of one's senses" or "to strike with astonishment." It conveys a sense of utter amazement, shock, or being overwhelmed to the point of being stunned. The people were not merely impressed; they were profoundly moved and taken aback by the unprecedented nature of Jesus' teaching.
* **doctrine (Greek, _didachḗ'_):** Derived from *didaskō* (to teach), *didachḗ* refers to both the act of teaching and the content of the teaching itself. In this context, it encompasses the substance of Jesus' instruction—His message, principles, and theological truths—as well as the manner in which He delivered it. It signifies authoritative instruction, not just information.
* **power (Greek, _exousía'_):** This term denotes inherent authority, legitimate right, or delegated power. Unlike *dunamis* (G1411), which refers to raw strength or ability, *exousía* emphasizes the right to act, the privilege, or the mastery. Jesus' word was not just forceful, but it carried the legitimate, inherent authority of God Himself, distinguishing His teaching from that of the scribes who taught by quoting others' authority.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they were astonished at his doctrine:"** This clause highlights the immediate and overwhelming reaction of the synagogue attendees. Their astonishment (from *ekplēssō*) signifies a profound level of awe and surprise, indicating that Jesus' teaching was radically different from anything they had ever encountered. The object of their astonishment was His "doctrine" (*didachē*), encompassing both the content of His message and the unique manner of its delivery.
* **"for his word was with power."** This second clause provides the reason for their astonishment. The conjunction "for" (*hoti*) introduces the explanation. It was not merely the content of Jesus' teaching, but the inherent "power" (*exousia*) with which His "word" (*logos*) was spoken. This power was not just persuasive rhetoric or intellectual prowess, but a divine authority that resonated deeply, carrying the weight and efficacy of God's own utterance.

#### Literary Devices
Luke's Gospel, in this verse, employs several literary devices to emphasize the unique nature of Jesus' ministry. **Contrast** is a primary device, implicitly setting Jesus' teaching against that of the scribes and Pharisees. While the latter relied on tradition and external authority, Jesus' word possessed inherent **Authority**, a quality Luke highlights by using *exousía*. The term "astonished" acts as a form of **Hyperbole**, conveying the extreme and overwhelming nature of the crowd's reaction, indicating that their experience was beyond mere surprise. Furthermore, the verse uses **Emphasis** through direct statement, clearly articulating that the power of Jesus' word was the direct cause of the people's astonishment, thereby underscoring the divine origin and efficacy of His message.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 4:32 serves as a foundational statement regarding the nature of Jesus' ministry, establishing His unparalleled authority as a teacher. This authority is not merely human intellectual prowess but a divine prerogative, demonstrating that Jesus speaks with the very voice of God. His "word" is not inert information but a dynamic, living force, capable of evoking profound responses and effecting real change. This theological truth undergirds all of Jesus' subsequent miracles and teachings, revealing that His power over sickness, demons, and even death stems directly from the authority inherent in His divine person and His spoken word. It challenges listeners then and now to recognize and submit to the unique authority of Christ.

* [Matthew 7:28-29](/matthew/7-28-29 "Matthew 7:28-29 - Jesus Teaches with Authority")
* [Mark 1:21-22](/mark/1-21-22 "Mark 1:21-22 - Jesus Teaches in Capernaum")
* [John 7:45-46](/john/7-45-46 "John 7:45-46 - Officers Sent to Arrest Jesus")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 4:32 offers profound insights for contemporary believers, reminding us of the living and active nature of God's Word. Just as Jesus' words possessed divine power and authority, so too does the Bible, which is divinely inspired and carries the very breath of God. Engaging with Scripture should therefore be approached not as a mere academic exercise or a casual read, but as an encounter with the authoritative and transformative power of God Himself. This verse challenges those who teach or preach the Gospel to do so not merely with human eloquence, but with a deep reliance on the Holy Spirit, allowing the inherent power of God's message to penetrate hearts and lives, bringing conviction, healing, and liberation. It encourages us to cultivate a posture of humility and submission to Jesus as the ultimate authority in our lives, recognizing that His word alone brings true life, understanding, and eternal significance.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways does Jesus' teaching today, through the Bible and the Holy Spirit, continue to evoke astonishment and awe in your life?**
* **How does recognizing the "power" and "authority" of Jesus' word impact your approach to reading, studying, and obeying the Scriptures?**
* **What practical steps can you take to allow the authoritative word of Jesus to shape your thoughts, decisions, and actions more profoundly?**

### FAQ
**What was so different about Jesus' teaching that it caused people to be "astonished"?**

Answer: The astonishment of the people stemmed from two primary distinctions in Jesus' teaching, as highlighted in [Luke 4:32](/luke/4-32 "Luke 4:32 - Jesus' Authoritative Teaching"). First, unlike the scribes and religious teachers of His day, who typically taught by quoting established rabbinic traditions and other human authorities, Jesus spoke with inherent, self-possessed authority. He did not need to cite others; His pronouncements carried their own weight and truth. Second, His "word was with power" (*exousia*), meaning it was not just intellectually persuasive but carried divine efficacy and the legitimate right to command. This power was soon demonstrated by His ability to cast out demons and heal the sick with a mere word, proving that His teaching was not just theoretical but had tangible, supernatural effects ([Luke 4:33-41](/luke/4-33-41 "Luke 4:33-41 - Jesus' Authority Over Demons and Diseases")). This combination of self-authority and inherent power was unprecedented and deeply impacted His listeners.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 4:32, with its declaration of Jesus' astonishing doctrine and powerful word, finds its ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Christ as the incarnate Word of God. The "word" (*logos*) spoken by Jesus in the synagogue at Capernaum is intrinsically linked to the eternal Word described in [John 1:1-3](/john/1-1-3 "John 1:1-3 - The Word Was God"), through whom all things were made. The "power" (*exousia*) with which Jesus spoke is the very authority of God, fully vested in the Son, who has been given "all authority in heaven and on earth" ([Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - The Great Commission")). This verse foreshadows Christ's ultimate authority over sin, death, and the grave, culminating in His atoning sacrifice and resurrection. His teaching was not merely human wisdom but divine revelation, the very truth that sets people free ([John 8:31-32](/john/8-31-32 "John 8:31-32 - The Truth Will Set You Free")). Thus, Luke 4:32 points to Jesus as the authoritative revealer of God, whose every word carries the weight of divine decree and the transformative power to bring about the new creation, inviting all to submit to the sovereign reign of the King whose word is law and life.

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

Luke 4:36

And they were all amazed, and spake among themselves, saying, What a word [is] this! for with authority and power he commandeth the unclean spirits, and they come out.

Matthew 7:28

And it came to pass, when Jesus had ended these sayings, the people were astonished at his doctrine:

Matthew 7:29

For he taught them as [one] having authority, and not as the scribes.

John 6:63

It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, [they] are spirit, and [they] are life.

2 Corinthians 10:4

(For the weapons of our warfare [are] not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)

2 Corinthians 10:5

Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;

Titus 2:15

¶ These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee.