Luke 4:37

KJV

And the fame of him went out into every place of the country round about.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} the fame {G2279} of {G4012} him {G846} went out {G1607} into {G1519} every {G3956} place {G5117} of the country round about {G4066}.

Complete Jewish Bible

And reports about him went out through the whole surrounding district.

Berean Standard Bible

And the news about Jesus spread throughout the surrounding region.

American Standard Version

And there went forth a rumor concerning him into every place of the region round about.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 4:37 serves as a pivotal summary statement, encapsulating the immediate and profound impact of Jesus' early ministry, particularly following His authoritative teaching and miraculous exorcism in the synagogue of Capernaum. This verse vividly portrays how the news of His unprecedented power and divine authority resonated like an echoing sound, spreading rapidly and organically throughout the entire Galilean region, establishing His burgeoning reputation and drawing widespread attention to His presence and works.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows a series of astonishing events in Capernaum. In [Luke 4:31-32](/luke/4-31-32 "Luke 4:31-32 - Jesus Teaches with Authority"), Jesus teaches in the synagogue with an authority that profoundly impresses His audience, contrasting sharply with the conventional teaching of the scribes. This authoritative teaching is then powerfully demonstrated when He encounters a man possessed by an unclean spirit. With a simple, direct command, Jesus [casts out the demon](/luke/4-35 "Luke 4:35 - Jesus Exorcises a Demon"), silencing it and liberating the man. The people's astonished reaction, as recorded in [Luke 4:36](/luke/4-36 "Luke 4:36 - The People's Amazement"), underscores the unique nature of His power over evil forces. Verse 37, therefore, functions as a narrative bridge, illustrating the direct and inevitable consequence of these miraculous displays: a widespread dissemination of His fame, setting the stage for the broader Galilean ministry that follows.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** First-century Galilee was a bustling, diverse region, a crossroads of Jewish and Gentile cultures, though Capernaum itself was predominantly Jewish. Synagogues were not merely places of worship but central hubs for community life, teaching, and legal matters. News in this era traveled primarily by word of mouth, through travelers, merchants, and local gossip. The rapid spread of Jesus' "fame" (Greek: *ēchos*) highlights the extraordinary nature of His deeds; such events would have been the subject of intense discussion and immediate relay across villages and towns. The concept of a prophet or miracle-worker gaining a following was not entirely new, but the *authority* and *power* Jesus demonstrated, particularly over demons, would have been perceived as uniquely significant within the Jewish understanding of divine intervention and messianic expectation.
* **Key Themes:** Luke 4:37 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Luke's Gospel. Firstly, it emphasizes Jesus' **Divine Authority**, showcasing that His power is not merely human but originates from God, extending over spiritual realms and human infirmity. This authority is a recurring motif, from His teaching to His healing ministry, as seen in passages like [Luke 5:24](/luke/5-24 "Luke 5:24 - Jesus' Authority to Forgive Sins"). Secondly, the verse highlights the **Rapid Proclamation of the Gospel**, albeit in its nascent form. The spontaneous spread of Jesus' reputation demonstrates how God's work, when powerfully displayed, naturally generates its own momentum, drawing people to witness and hear more. This foreshadows the later, intentional spread of the gospel by His disciples as commanded in [Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - The Great Commission"). Finally, it underscores Jesus' **Public Recognition** and the beginning of His widespread appeal. This early fame sets the stage for the large crowds that would follow Him throughout His ministry, as depicted in [Luke 6:17-19](/luke/6-17-19 "Luke 6:17-19 - Jesus Heals Many").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **fame (Greek, _ēchos'_):** From G2279, this word literally means "a loud or confused noise," "roar," or "sound," and figuratively, "a rumor." Its use here suggests that the news of Jesus' deeds was not merely a quiet report but a resounding, echoing sound that reverberated throughout the region, creating a palpable buzz and drawing widespread attention. It implies an almost audible impact of His ministry.
* **went out (Greek, _ekporeúomai'_):** From G1607, this verb means "to depart, be discharged, proceed, project." It conveys the idea of something actively issuing forth or spreading from a source. In this context, it vividly describes the dynamic and expansive movement of Jesus' reputation, not passively received but actively emanating from Capernaum into the surrounding areas.
* **country round about (Greek, _períchōros'_):** From G4066, this term denotes "around the region" or "circumjacent," often implying the vicinity or surrounding territory. It emphasizes the geographical scope of Jesus' burgeoning renown, indicating that His impact was not confined to a single town but radiated outwards, encompassing the entire surrounding countryside of Galilee.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the fame of him":** This phrase introduces the central subject of the verse: Jesus' reputation. The word "fame" (Greek: *ēchos*) carries the connotation of a powerful, echoing sound, suggesting that the news of Jesus' actions resonated loudly and widely, not just as a quiet report but as a significant, attention-grabbing phenomenon. It implies that His identity and deeds were becoming a prominent topic of discussion.
* **"went out":** This verb (Greek: *ekporeúomai*) signifies an active, dynamic spread. It's not that people merely heard about Him, but that His reputation actively emanated, proceeded, and diffused from Capernaum. This conveys the organic and unstoppable nature of the news, propelled by the astonishment and excitement of those who witnessed His authority.
* **"into every place":** This highlights the comprehensive reach of His fame. The Greek word for "every" (Greek: *pâs*) emphasizes totality, indicating that no locality within the designated region was untouched by the news. It underscores the widespread nature of His recognition, suggesting that His name was becoming known in every village and settlement.
* **"of the country round about":** This specifies the geographical extent of the spread. The "country round about" (Greek: *períchōros*) refers to the entire circumjacent region, particularly Galilee. This phrase confirms that Jesus' influence was not limited to Capernaum but was radiating throughout the broader Galilean countryside, establishing Him as a figure of regional, not merely local, significance.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 4:37 effectively employs several **literary devices** to convey the magnitude of Jesus' impact. The use of **Hyperbole** is evident in the phrase "every place of the country round about," which, while indicating a vast spread, might not imply literal, exhaustive coverage of every single nook and cranny, but rather emphasizes the overwhelming and pervasive nature of His fame. The word "fame" itself, derived from *ēchos* (sound/echo), functions as **Metonymy**, where the effect (the resounding report) stands in for the cause (Jesus' powerful deeds). This also creates vivid **Imagery** of an echoing sound, suggesting a reverberation that fills the air and permeates the region, making the news of Jesus inescapable. The verse's concise nature, following detailed accounts of miracles, acts as a **Summary Statement**, efficiently consolidating the immediate public reaction and setting the stage for subsequent narratives of His ministry's expansion.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 4:37 powerfully illustrates the inherent dynamism of divine truth and power. When God acts decisively through His chosen instruments, the impact is not confined but naturally propagates, drawing attention to His presence and purposes. This "fame" is not for Jesus' self-aggrandizement but serves as a divine advertisement, preparing hearts and minds for the full revelation of the Kingdom of God. It underscores the principle that authentic encounters with God's authority inevitably lead to widespread testimony and recognition, demonstrating the irresistible nature of God's redemptive work in the world. This early spread of His renown foreshadows the universal reach of the gospel message.

* [Mark 1:28](/mark/1-28 "Mark 1:28 - Jesus' Fame Spreads")
* [Matthew 4:23-25](/matthew/4-23-25 "Matthew 4:23-25 - Jesus' Ministry in Galilee")
* [Acts 19:17](/acts/19-17 "Acts 19:17 - The Name of Jesus Magnified")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 4:37 reminds us that genuine encounters with the living God have an inherent, expansive quality. When God's power and truth are manifest in our lives, our communities, or our churches, the "fame" – the testimony, the impact, the observable transformation – naturally begins to "go out." This isn't about seeking personal recognition, but about allowing the light of Christ to shine so brightly through us that it draws others to Him. Our transformed lives, our acts of compassion, our bold proclamation of the gospel, and the authentic love within our Christian communities become the "echo" that reverberates through our spheres of influence. Just as Jesus' early ministry in Capernaum could not be contained, so too should the work of the Holy Spirit within us be a compelling force that attracts and invites others to experience the life-changing power of God. We are called to be conduits of this divine fame, living in such a way that the world cannot help but notice the difference Christ makes.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways does the "fame" of Christ's work "go out" through your life or your community today?**
* **How can we intentionally live in a way that allows the "echo" of God's power to spread more effectively in our spheres of influence?**
* **What might hinder the natural spread of Christ's fame through our actions or attitudes, and how can we overcome those obstacles?**

### FAQ
**What was the primary cause of Jesus' widespread fame at this point in His ministry?**

Answer: The primary cause of Jesus' widespread fame, as described in [Luke 4:37](/luke/4-37 "Luke 4:37 - Jesus' Fame Spreads"), was His unprecedented authority demonstrated through both His teaching and His miraculous deeds. Specifically, the immediate context highlights His powerful teaching in the synagogue of Capernaum, which astonished the people because it was unlike that of the scribes ([Luke 4:31-32](/luke/4-31-32 "Luke 4:31-32 - Jesus Teaches with Authority")), followed by His authoritative exorcism of an unclean spirit with a simple command ([Luke 4:33-36](/luke/4-33-36 "Luke 4:33-36 - Jesus Exorcises a Demon")). These astonishing displays of divine power and unique authority over spiritual forces were the direct catalysts for His rapidly spreading reputation throughout the region.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 4:37, depicting the rapid spread of Jesus' fame, foreshadows the ultimate and universal reach of the gospel that would emanate from His completed work. The "fame" that "went out into every place of the country round about" was merely a precursor to the global proclamation of His name and saving power. This early recognition of Jesus' authority over demons and disease pointed to His true identity as the Messiah, the Son of God, who came to destroy the works of the devil ([1 John 3:8](/1_john/3-8 "1 John 3:8 - Jesus Destroys the Devil's Work")). His earthly renown, born of miracles, laid the groundwork for the spiritual fame that would follow His death, resurrection, and ascension, when His name would be exalted above every name ([Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9-11 "Philippians 2:9-11 - Christ's Exaltation")). The local "echo" of His power in Galilee ultimately expanded into the worldwide "sound" of the gospel, inviting all nations to believe in the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). Thus, this verse subtly points to the expansive nature of God's redemptive plan, culminating in Christ's universal Lordship and the global impact of His saving grace.

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 4:14

¶ And Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit into Galilee: and there went out a fame of him through all the region round about.

Isaiah 52:13

¶ Behold, my servant shall deal prudently, he shall be exalted and extolled, and be very high.

Mark 6:14

¶ And king Herod heard [of him]; (for his name was spread abroad:) and he said, That John the Baptist was risen from the dead, and therefore mighty works do shew forth themselves in him.

Matthew 4:23

¶ And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people.

Matthew 4:25

And there followed him great multitudes of people from Galilee, and [from] Decapolis, and [from] Jerusalem, and [from] Judaea, and [from] beyond Jordan.

Mark 1:28

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

Matthew 9:26

And the fame hereof went abroad into all that land.