Luke 4:44

KJV

And he preached in the synagogues of Galilee.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} he preached {G2258}{G2784} in {G1722} the synagogues {G4864} of Galilee {G1056}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He also spent time preaching in the synagogues of Y'hudah.

Berean Standard Bible

And He continued to preach in the synagogues of Judea.

American Standard Version

And he was preaching in the synagogues of Galilee.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 4:44 provides a succinct yet profound summary of Jesus's ongoing, widespread ministry following His powerful demonstrations in Capernaum. It highlights His consistent method of proclaiming the kingdom of God within the established Jewish community centers across the entire region of Galilee, underscoring His unwavering commitment to His divine mission to share the good news broadly.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as a concluding statement to a significant section detailing the commencement of Jesus's public ministry in Galilee. Immediately preceding it, Luke recounts Jesus's powerful [exorcism in the synagogue of Capernaum](/luke/4-33 "Luke 4:33 - Jesus Casts Out a Demon") and His subsequent [healing of Simon Peter's mother-in-law](/luke/4-38 "Luke 4:38 - Jesus Heals Peter's Mother-in-Law") and many others who were sick or demon-possessed ([Luke 4:40-41](/luke/4-40-41 "Luke 4:40-41 - Jesus Heals Many")). Despite the crowds' desire to keep Him in Capernaum, Jesus explicitly declared His mission in [Luke 4:43](/luke/4-43 "Luke 4:43 - Jesus Declares His Mission"): "I must preach the kingdom of God to other cities also: for therefore am I sent." Verse 44 directly illustrates His immediate and faithful commitment to this stated purpose, indicating a broader, systematic outreach beyond a single city.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Galilee, often referred to as "Galilee of the Gentiles" ([Isaiah 9:1](/isaiah/9-1 "Isaiah 9:1 - Galilee of the Gentiles")), was a diverse and densely populated region in northern Israel. It was characterized by a mix of Jewish and Gentile populations, bustling trade routes, and a reputation for being somewhat less religiously stringent than Judea. Synagogues were the central institutions of Jewish life outside of the Jerusalem Temple. They served not only as places of worship on the Sabbath but also as community centers for prayer, the reading and teaching of the Law and Prophets, and social gatherings. By preaching "in the synagogues of Galilee," Jesus strategically utilized existing, established platforms to reach a ready and receptive audience, demonstrating both His respect for Jewish tradition and His intention to bring His message directly to the people where they congregated for spiritual instruction.
* **Key Themes:** Luke 4:44 contributes significantly to several key themes within Luke's Gospel and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it emphasizes the **widespread proclamation** of the Gospel; Jesus's ministry was not confined to one town but was expansive and systematic, reaching diverse communities across a significant region. This foreshadows the universal reach of the Gospel message, as seen in the Great Commission in [Matthew 28:19-20](/matthew/28-19-20 "Matthew 28:19-20 - The Great Commission"). Secondly, it highlights Jesus's **strategic engagement** with His audience. By consistently teaching in synagogues, Jesus demonstrated a method of ministry that leveraged existing social and religious structures to maximize outreach. Finally, the verse underscores the **fulfillment of Jesus's mission**. It directly demonstrates His unwavering dedication to proclaiming the kingdom of God, fulfilling the purpose for which He declared He was sent in [Luke 4:43](/luke/4-43 "Luke 4:43 - Jesus Declares His Mission"), regardless of the reception He might receive, as previously evidenced by His rejection in Nazareth ([Luke 4:28-29](/luke/4-28-29 "Luke 4:28-29 - Jesus Rejected at Nazareth")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **preached (Greek, _kērýssō'_):** From G2784, meaning "to herald (as a public crier), especially divine truth (the gospel)." This word signifies more than merely teaching or discussing; it implies a formal, public, authoritative declaration of a message. Jesus was not simply offering opinions or engaging in dialogue, but authoritatively proclaiming the arrival and nature of the kingdom of God, acting as God's divine herald.
* **synagogues (Greek, _synagōgḗ'_):** From G4864, meaning "an assemblage of persons; specially, a Jewish 'synagogue' (the meeting or the place); by analogy, a Christian church." These were not merely buildings but community gatherings, central to Jewish religious and social life. Jesus's choice to preach in these locations indicates His intentional engagement with the established religious framework of His time, bringing His message directly to the heart of Jewish communal life.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he preached":** This opening clause immediately establishes Jesus's primary activity and role. The Greek imperfect tense of the verb "preached" (from G2258 and G2784) suggests a continuous or repeated action, indicating that this was not a one-time event but an ongoing, habitual practice of Jesus's ministry. He was actively and consistently proclaiming His message.
* **"in the synagogues":** This specifies the primary venues for Jesus's preaching. The plural "synagogues" emphasizes that His ministry was not confined to a single location but extended to multiple Jewish communities. This choice of venue highlights His strategic approach to reaching the Jewish people where they gathered for religious instruction and community.
* **"of Galilee":** This phrase defines the geographical scope of Jesus's ministry at this stage. It indicates that His widespread preaching was concentrated within the region of Galilee, a diverse and populous area that served as the initial epicenter of His public ministry before His eventual journey to Jerusalem.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 4:44 employs several literary devices to convey its meaning efficiently. **Conciseness** is paramount, as the verse acts as a summary statement, distilling a period of intense activity into a single, declarative sentence. This brevity serves to transition the narrative from specific events to a broader overview of Jesus's ministry pattern. **Geographical Emphasis** is evident through the explicit mention of "Galilee," highlighting the primary region of Jesus's early public work and setting the stage for subsequent narratives within this geographical context. Furthermore, the verse uses **Generalization** to describe Jesus's consistent practice, moving from the specific instances of healing and teaching (Luke 4:33-41) to a broad description of His ongoing mission.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 4:44, though brief, is profoundly significant, establishing Jesus's consistent and authoritative proclamation of the kingdom of God within the heart of Jewish life. It underscores that His ministry was not haphazard but a deliberate, strategic fulfillment of His divine mission, systematically bringing the message of salvation to the people. This verse implicitly connects to the broader biblical theme of God's redemptive plan unfolding through authoritative proclamation, a pattern seen from the prophets of the Old Testament to the apostles in the New. Jesus's actions here set the precedent for the church's mission to preach the Gospel widely, leveraging available means to reach humanity with God's truth.

* [Mark 1:39](/mark/1-39 "Mark 1:39 - Jesus Preaches Throughout Galilee")
* [Matthew 4:23](/matthew/4-23 "Matthew 4:23 - Jesus Teaches and Heals Throughout Galilee")
* [Acts 10:37](/acts/10-37 "Acts 10:37 - The Word Preached in Galilee")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 4:44 serves as a powerful reminder of Jesus's unwavering commitment to His mission and His strategic approach to ministry. He did not wait for people to come to Him but actively went to where they gathered, utilizing established community structures to deliver His message. For believers today, this verse challenges us to consider our own commitment to proclaiming the good news. It encourages us to be intentional and resourceful in sharing the Gospel, leveraging the platforms and opportunities available in our contemporary "Galilees"—our workplaces, neighborhoods, schools, and digital spaces. Just as Jesus passionately and consistently heralded the kingdom of God, we are called to be faithful witnesses, proclaiming His truth with both authority and love, understanding that the message of Christ is for all people, everywhere.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what "synagogues" or community gathering places in my life can I more intentionally share the message of Christ?**
* **How does Jesus's consistent and widespread preaching challenge my own efforts to share my faith?**
* **What practical steps can I take this week to be a more deliberate "herald" of God's truth in my sphere of influence?**

### FAQ

**Why did Jesus primarily preach in synagogues, and what was their significance?**

Answer: Jesus primarily preached in synagogues because they were the central hubs of Jewish religious and community life outside of the Jerusalem Temple. Synagogues served multiple functions: they were places of worship, where the Law and Prophets were read and expounded upon; they were centers for community gatherings and education; and they provided a ready and receptive audience for religious instruction. By preaching in synagogues, Jesus strategically leveraged existing, established platforms to reach a broad segment of the Jewish population, demonstrating both His respect for Jewish tradition and His intention to bring His message directly to the people where they congregated for spiritual nourishment. This approach allowed Him to reach many communities across Galilee efficiently, fulfilling His mission to proclaim the [kingdom of God](/luke/4-43 "Luke 4:43 - Jesus Declares His Mission") widely.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 4:44, depicting Jesus's consistent preaching in the synagogues of Galilee, profoundly points to His role as the ultimate Prophet and the embodiment of God's self-revelation. His authoritative proclamation of the kingdom of God fulfills the Old Testament prophecies of a coming Messiah who would declare God's truth and establish His reign ([Deuteronomy 18:18](/deuteronomy/18-18 "Deuteronomy 18:18 - A Prophet Like Moses"); [Isaiah 61:1-2](/isaiah/61-1-2 "Isaiah 61:1-2 - The Spirit of the Lord is Upon Me")). Unlike previous prophets who spoke *for* God, Jesus spoke *as* God, embodying the very message He proclaimed. His preaching in Galilee, a region often overlooked, foreshadows the universal reach of the Gospel, which would eventually extend beyond Israel to all nations ([Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - Witnesses to the Ends of the Earth")). Ultimately, Jesus's ministry of proclamation culminated in His death, resurrection, and ascension, through which the kingdom He preached was fully inaugurated. His continued work today, through the Holy Spirit and the Church, ensures that the message He first heralded in the synagogues of Galilee continues to be proclaimed to the ends of the earth, inviting all to enter into His eternal reign ([Colossians 1:13-14](/colossians/1-13-14 "Colossians 1:13-14 - Delivered from the Domain of Darkness")).

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

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.

Mark 1:39

And he preached in their synagogues throughout all Galilee, and cast out devils.

Luke 4:15

And he taught in their synagogues, being glorified of all.