Luke 8:4

¶ And when much people were gathered together, and were come to him out of every city, he spake by a parable:

And {G1161} when much {G4183} people {G3793} were gathered together {G4896}, and {G2532} were come {G1975} to {G4314} him {G846} out of every {G2596} city {G4172}, he spake {G2036} by {G1223} a parable {G3850}:

After a large crowd had gathered from the people who kept coming to him from town after town, Yeshua told this parable:

While a large crowd was gathering and people were coming to Jesus from town after town, He told them this parable:

And when a great multitude came together, and they of every city resorted unto him, he spake by a parable:

Commentary

Context of Luke 8:4

Luke 8:4 serves as a pivotal introductory verse, setting the stage for one of Jesus' most famous teachings: the Parable of the Sower. At this point in His ministry, Jesus had gained immense popularity, attracting vast crowds from various towns and regions. The phrase "much people were gathered together, and were come to him out of every city" vividly illustrates the widespread impact of His teachings and miracles, creating a dynamic environment for His public ministry. This gathering highlights the eager anticipation of the listeners, keen to hear what Jesus had to say, often following Him wherever He went, as seen in other accounts of His journeys (e.g., Mark 3:7-8).

Key Themes and Messages

  • Jesus' Widespread Influence: The verse underscores the extensive reach of Jesus' ministry. People traveled significant distances ("out of every city") to be in His presence, demonstrating His growing renown and the spiritual hunger of the populace. This mass gathering provided a unique platform for His divine messages.
  • Teaching by Parables: The declaration "he spake by a parable" is crucial. This method of teaching was a hallmark of Jesus' ministry, designed to communicate profound spiritual truths through relatable, earthly stories. Parables served multiple purposes: to simplify complex concepts, to challenge listeners to think deeply, and often, to reveal truth to those with receptive hearts while obscuring it from those who were spiritually unreceptive (as explained later in Luke 8:10).
  • Preparation for Deeper Truth: This verse acts as a literary transition, signaling that Jesus is about to impart significant spiritual instruction. The act of "speaking by a parable" indicates a shift from general discourse to a focused lesson that requires careful attention and interpretation.

Linguistic Insights

The key term in this verse is "parable," translated from the Greek word parabolē (παραβολή). This word literally means "a placing alongside" or "a comparison." In biblical context, it refers to a narrative or saying that draws a comparison between an earthly, familiar situation and a heavenly or spiritual truth. It's not merely an illustration but a profound teaching tool that often carries a veiled meaning, inviting deeper contemplation. Jesus frequently used this method, as noted in Mark 4:34, where it states that "without a parable spake he not unto them."

Practical Application

Luke 8:4 reminds us of the intentionality of Jesus' teaching. He didn't just speak; He strategically chose a method that would both engage and challenge His audience. For us today, this verse encourages us to:

  • Seek Spiritual Understanding: Just as the crowds gathered to hear Jesus, we should actively seek out and ponder His words, especially the parables, which hold timeless spiritual lessons.
  • Reflect on His Teaching Methods: Jesus' use of parables teaches us the value of using relatable examples to convey truth. It encourages us to look beyond the surface of a story to grasp its deeper, divine meaning.
  • Recognize Divine Accessibility: The fact that people came "out of every city" to hear Jesus speaks to His universal appeal and accessibility. His message is for all, regardless of their background or origin.
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Cross-References

  • Mark 4:1

    ¶ And he began again to teach by the sea side: and there was gathered unto him a great multitude, so that he entered into a ship, and sat in the sea; and the whole multitude was by the sea on the land.

  • Mark 4:9

    And he said unto them, He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.

  • Matthew 13:2

    And great multitudes were gathered together unto him, so that he went into a ship, and sat; and the whole multitude stood on the shore.

  • Matthew 13:9

    Who hath ears to hear, let him hear.
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