Luke 7:23

KJV

And blessed is [he], whosoever shall not be offended in me.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} blessed {G3107} is {G2076} he, whosoever {G3739} shall {G4624} not {G3362} be offended {G4624} in {G1722} me {G1698}.

Complete Jewish Bible

and how blessed is anyone not offended by me!"

Berean Standard Bible

Blessed is the one who does not fall away on account of Me.”

American Standard Version

And blessed is he, whosoever shall find no occasion of stumbling in me.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 7:23 encapsulates Jesus' profound declaration of blessing upon those who, despite differing expectations or challenging circumstances, do not lose faith or take offense at His identity and mission. It serves as the concluding and pivotal statement in Jesus' response to John the Baptist's disciples, who sought clarity on whether Jesus was indeed the promised Messiah, subtly addressing the potential for doubt when divine reality diverges from human preconceptions.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse concludes Jesus' direct message to the disciples of John the Baptist, who had been sent by John to inquire, "Art thou he that should come? or look we for another?" ([Luke 7:19](/luke/7-19 "Luke 7:19 - John the Baptist's Question")). Jesus' immediate response was not a direct "yes" but a demonstration of His Messianic credentials through miraculous works: healing the sick, casting out demons, and raising the dead ([Luke 7:21](/luke/7-21 "Luke 7:21 - Jesus' Miracles")). He then instructed John's disciples to report back what they had seen and heard—that the blind see, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the poor have the gospel preached to them ([Luke 7:22](/luke/7-22 "Luke 7:22 - Jesus' Reply to John")). Luke 7:23, therefore, acts as a gentle yet firm caution, implicitly addressing John's potential struggle with Jesus' non-militant, non-political Messiahship, and extending this warning to all who might stumble over the unexpected nature of God's work. It transitions the narrative from Jesus' direct response to His subsequent discourse about John the Baptist.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** First-century Jewish expectations of the Messiah were largely shaped by prophetic texts that spoke of a powerful, conquering king who would liberate Israel from Roman oppression and establish an earthly kingdom. Figures like John the Baptist, who preached repentance and foretold a coming judgment, might have anticipated a Messiah who would wield immediate political and military power. John himself was imprisoned by Herod, a situation that likely intensified his own questions about Jesus' approach. The "blessing" in this verse contrasts sharply with prevailing notions of success or divine favor, which often revolved around material prosperity or political might. Jesus' ministry, characterized by healing, teaching, and humility, did not align with these common expectations, making it a "stumbling block" for many, including potentially John, who might have struggled to reconcile Jesus' actions with the traditional image of a triumphant Messiah.

* **Key Themes:** Luke 7:23 contributes significantly to several key themes within Luke's Gospel and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights the **identity of the Messiah** and the often-unconventional nature of God's kingdom, which subverts human expectations. Jesus' ministry is revealed not through military conquest but through compassion, healing, and the proclamation of good news to the marginalized, fulfilling prophecies like those found in [Isaiah 61:1](/isaiah/61-1 "Isaiah 61:1 - The Spirit of the Lord is Upon Me"). Secondly, the verse underscores the theme of **faith and perseverance** in the face of doubt or disappointment. It challenges listeners to trust in Jesus' true character and mission, even when circumstances or His methods do not align with their preconceived notions. This call to unwavering faith is a recurring motif, particularly in times of trial, as seen in Jesus' later teachings on endurance for His disciples in [Luke 21:19](/luke/21-19 "Luke 21:19 - Perseverance in Tribulation"). Finally, it speaks to the **nature of true blessing**, which Jesus consistently defines not by worldly standards but by spiritual alignment and unwavering trust in Him, regardless of external circumstances. This divine favor is bestowed upon those who accept Jesus on His own terms, embracing His humble yet powerful kingdom.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Blessed (Greek, _makários'_):** This word signifies a state of supreme happiness, fortunate well-being, or divine favor. It describes a profound inner joy and contentment that comes from God, independent of external circumstances. It's the kind of blessing that God bestows, making one truly "well off" in a spiritual sense, marked by divine approval and participation in God's kingdom.
* **Offended (Greek, _skandalízō'_):** Derived from _skandalon_ (a trap-stick, a snare, or a stumbling block), this verb means to cause someone to stumble, trip up, or ensnare. In a spiritual context, it refers to causing someone to fall into sin, lose faith, or take offense that leads to disbelief or apostasy. Here, it implies being disillusioned or disbelieving because Jesus' actions or identity do not conform to one's expectations.
* **Me (Greek, _emoí'_):** This is the dative form of the first-person singular pronoun, emphasizing Jesus Himself. The "offense" is not merely about His teachings or actions in isolation, but specifically about His person, His identity, and His unique way of fulfilling His Messianic role. The blessing is tied directly to one's response to Jesus as the Christ.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And blessed is [he], whosoever shall not be offended":** This clause introduces a beatitude, a declaration of divine favor and happiness. The blessing is not for a select few, but for "whosoever" – emphasizing its universal availability to anyone who meets the condition. The core of the blessing lies in the negative condition: not being "offended," meaning not being caused to stumble, fall away, or take issue with.
* **"in me":** This crucial phrase specifies the object of potential offense. The stumbling block is Jesus Himself – His person, His ministry, His methods, and His claims. The blessing is reserved for those whose faith in Jesus remains steadfast and unshakeable, even when His path diverges from human expectations or societal norms. It implies accepting Jesus on His own terms, rather than imposing one's own preconceived notions upon Him.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 7:23 employs several potent literary devices. **Beatitude** is central, as Jesus pronounces a blessing, a common form in His teachings (e.g., the Beatitudes in [Matthew 5:3-12](/matthew/5-3-12 "Matthew 5:3-12 - The Beatitudes")). This beatitude, however, is unique in its negative phrasing ("shall not be offended"), highlighting the danger of stumbling. There is an element of **understatement** or **irony** in Jesus' response to John. Instead of a direct affirmation, Jesus offers a subtle, almost veiled, warning to the very prophet who announced His coming, implying that even John, the greatest of prophets, could be susceptible to doubt. This also sets up a **contrast** between human expectations (a conquering Messiah) and divine reality (a suffering servant who heals and teaches). The concept of "offended" (skandalizō) functions as a **metaphor** for spiritual stumbling or falling away from faith, drawing on the image of a trap or obstacle.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 7:23 profoundly connects to the biblical theme of faith's endurance in the face of unexpected divine action. It highlights that God's ways are often higher than human ways, and His kingdom does not always manifest in the manner or timing we anticipate. True blessedness, therefore, is not found in the fulfillment of our expectations, but in unwavering trust and acceptance of Christ's person and mission, even when it challenges our understanding or brings personal hardship. This verse serves as a crucial reminder that the path of discipleship is not always smooth or comprehensible from a human perspective, requiring a deep-seated reliance on God's wisdom and sovereignty.

* [Isaiah 8:14](/isaiah/8-14 "Isaiah 8:14 - A Stone of Stumbling") - Prophesies that God will be "a stone of stumbling and a rock of offense" to both houses of Israel.
* [Romans 9:33](/romans/9-33 "Romans 9:33 - Christ, the Stumbling Stone") - Cites Isaiah, affirming that Christ Himself is the "stumbling stone" for those who seek righteousness by works rather than faith.
* [1 Peter 2:8](/1_peter/2-8 "1 Peter 2:8 - Christ, a Stumbling Stone") - Echoes the Old Testament prophecy, stating that for those who do not believe, Christ is "a stone of stumbling and a rock of offense."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 7:23 remains profoundly relevant for believers today, challenging us to examine the foundations of our faith. In a world that often values immediate gratification, visible power, and tangible success, the humble, suffering, and often unseen work of Christ can still be a "stumbling block." We are called to cultivate a faith that is resilient enough to embrace God's timing, His methods, and even His apparent silence, especially when our prayers seem unanswered or our circumstances contradict our desires. This verse encourages us to look beyond superficial appearances and worldly expectations, fixing our gaze on the true nature of Christ's kingdom, which is not of this world but transforms it from within. It invites us to find our deepest joy and security not in what we can control or comprehend, but in the unwavering person of Jesus, who remains faithful even when we are not.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What are some of my own preconceived notions or expectations about how God should work in my life or in the world?**
* **In what areas of my life might I be prone to being "offended" or stumbling in my faith because God's actions don't align with my desires?**
* **How can I cultivate a deeper trust in Christ's wisdom and sovereignty, even when His path seems counter-intuitive or challenging?**
* **What does it truly mean for me to find "blessedness" in Christ, regardless of my external circumstances?**

### FAQ
**Why would John the Baptist, who baptized Jesus, be in danger of being "offended" by Him?**

Answer: John the Baptist, despite his prophetic role in announcing Jesus, was still a human being living within the cultural and theological expectations of his time. Like many, he likely anticipated a Messiah who would come with immediate judgment and political liberation, perhaps even a military overthrow of Roman rule. Jesus' ministry, however, was characterized by healing, teaching, and a focus on spiritual transformation rather than immediate political revolution. Furthermore, John was imprisoned and facing execution, a situation that could naturally lead to doubt or questioning, wondering why the Messiah was not intervening more directly or powerfully. Jesus' statement in [Luke 7:23](/luke/7-23 "Luke 7:23 - Blessed is He Who is Not Offended") was a gentle yet profound caution, acknowledging the very real human tendency to stumble when divine reality deviates from preconceived notions, even for a great prophet like John.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 7:23 finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in Jesus Himself being both the source of blessing and the "stumbling block" for humanity. He is the one in whom true blessedness is found, not through adherence to human expectations or worldly power, but through humble submission to God's will, even unto death on a cross. This very act, the crucifixion, became the ultimate "offense" or "stumbling block" for many in the first century—for Jews, it was a scandal because they expected a conquering king, not a crucified Messiah ([1 Corinthians 1:23](/1_corinthians/1-23 "1 Corinthians 1:23 - Christ Crucified, a Stumbling Block")); for Gentiles, it was foolishness. Yet, it is precisely through this "offense" that God's wisdom and power are revealed, offering salvation to all who believe ([1 Corinthians 1:24](/1_corinthians/1-24 "1 Corinthians 1:24 - Christ the Power and Wisdom of God")). Those who are "not offended" in Him are those who, by faith, embrace the paradox of a crucified King, finding true life and blessing in His atoning work and resurrection ([Romans 10:9-10](/romans/10-9-10 "Romans 10:9-10 - Confess and Believe")). Jesus, therefore, is the living embodiment of the blessing He pronounces, inviting all to overcome their preconceived notions and find eternal joy and peace solely in Him.

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 11:6

And blessed is [he], whosoever shall not be offended in me.

Romans 9:32

Wherefore? Because [they sought it] not by faith, but as it were by the works of the law. For they stumbled at that stumblingstone;

Romans 9:33

As it is written, Behold, I lay in Sion a stumblingstone and rock of offence: and whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.

Isaiah 8:14

And he shall be for a sanctuary; but for a stone of stumbling and for a rock of offence to both the houses of Israel, for a gin and for a snare to the inhabitants of Jerusalem.

Isaiah 8:15

And many among them shall stumble, and fall, and be broken, and be snared, and be taken.

1 Corinthians 2:14

But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know [them], because they are spiritually discerned.

Matthew 13:57

And they were offended in him. But Jesus said unto them, A prophet is not without honour, save in his own country, and in his own house.