Luke 4:32

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

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

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

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

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

Commentary

Luke 4:32 (KJV) states, "And they were astonished at his doctrine: for his word was with power." This verse encapsulates the profound impact of Jesus' early ministry on those who heard Him teach.

Context

This verse immediately follows Jesus' teaching in the synagogue in Capernaum, a significant city in Galilee, after He had been rejected in His hometown of Nazareth. Unlike the scribes and religious teachers of the day, who often quoted rabbinic traditions and other authorities, Jesus spoke with an inherent, self-possessed authority. The people's astonishment highlights the striking difference they perceived in His teaching style and content compared to what they were accustomed to hearing in their synagogues.

Key Themes

  • Divine Authority: The primary theme is Jesus' unparalleled authority. His "doctrine" (teaching) was not based on human wisdom or tradition, but on His divine nature and direct revelation from God. This authority was evident in His every word.
  • The Power of His Word: Jesus' words were not mere rhetoric; they carried inherent power. This power was not only intellectual or persuasive but also spiritual and transformative, capable of bringing conviction, healing, and liberation. It was a power that would soon be demonstrated by His ability to cast out demons and heal the sick, as seen in subsequent verses (e.g., Luke 4:36).
  • Astonishment and Awe: The people's reaction of being "astonished" (Greek: ekplesso, meaning to be struck out of one's senses, utterly amazed) underscores the uniqueness of Jesus' ministry. They recognized that something profoundly different and supernatural was at work.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV uses "doctrine," which comes from the Greek word didache (ฮดฮนฮดฮฑฯ‡ฮฎ), referring to both the act of teaching and the content being taught. It signifies authoritative instruction. More significantly, the word "power" in this verse is from the Greek exousia (แผฮพฮฟฯ…ฯƒฮฏฮฑ). This term denotes inherent authority, right, or legitimate power, rather than mere strength or ability (which would be dunamis). This distinction is crucial: Jesus didn't just speak powerfully, but with the legitimate right and inherent authority of God Himself. This contrasts sharply with the scribes, who taught with delegated authority, quoting others. Matthew 7:29 and Mark 1:22 echo this same observation about Jesus' teaching authority.

Practical Application

For believers today, Luke 4:32 reminds us of the living and active nature of God's Word. Just as Jesus' words possessed divine power, so too does the Bible, which is divinely inspired. Reading and meditating on Scripture should not be seen as a mere academic exercise but as an encounter with the authoritative and transformative power of God. This verse also challenges those who teach or preach the Gospel to do so not merely with human eloquence, but with a reliance on the Holy Spirit, allowing the inherent power of God's message to impact hearts and lives. It encourages us to submit to Jesus as the ultimate authority in our lives, recognizing that His word alone brings true life and understanding.

Note: If the commentary doesnโ€™t appear instantly, please allow 2โ€“5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified 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

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