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.

And {G2532} they were offended {G4624} in {G1722} him {G846}. But {G1161} Jesus {G2424} said {G2036} unto them {G846}, A prophet {G4396} is {G2076} not {G3756} without honour {G820}, save {G1508} in {G1722} his own {G846} country {G3968}, and {G2532} in {G1722} his own {G846} house {G3614}.

And they took offense at him. But Yeshua said to them, "The only place people don't respect a prophet is in his home town and in his own house."

And they took offense at Him. But Jesus said to them, “Only in his hometown and in his own household is a prophet without honor.”

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

Commentary

Context

Matthew 13:57 finds Jesus in His hometown of Nazareth, a place where He grew up and was known simply as "the carpenter's son" (Matthew 13:55). After teaching with profound wisdom and performing mighty works elsewhere, He returned to His own community. However, instead of embracing Him, the people of Nazareth were "offended in him." Their familiarity with His earthly origins and family prevented them from recognizing His divine authority and the power of God at work through Him. This verse directly follows their questioning of His wisdom and miracles, asking "Whence then hath this man all these things?" (Matthew 13:56).

Key Themes

  • Rejection of the Familiar: The primary theme is the difficulty people have in accepting profound truth or divine intervention from someone they have known in an ordinary capacity. Jesus, the Son of God, was seen merely as a local boy, making it hard for them to honor Him as a prophet or Messiah.
  • Unbelief and Offense: Their "offense" (Greek: skandalizo) signifies that they stumbled over Him; He became a stumbling block to their faith. Their preconceived notions and skepticism led to a hardened heart, preventing them from receiving the blessings and understanding He offered.
  • Prophetic Principle: Jesus' statement, "A prophet is not without honour, save in his own country, and in his own house," highlights a common experience for God's messengers throughout history. People often give greater respect and attention to those from outside their immediate circle than to those they know intimately. This principle is also echoed in parallel accounts such as Mark 6:4 and Luke 4:24.

Linguistic Insights

  • "Offended" (Greek: skandalizo): This word implies more than just mild annoyance. It means to cause to stumble, to entrap, or to take offense to the point of turning away. In this context, the people of Nazareth were not merely displeased; they were spiritually stumbled by Jesus' presence and claims, leading to their unbelief.
  • "Honour" (Greek: time): Refers to value, esteem, respect, or reverence. Jesus observes that He was not given the proper respect or recognition due to a prophet, especially in His own community, where familiarity bred contempt rather than honor.

Practical Application

This verse offers timeless insights for believers today. It reminds us that:

  • Prejudice Hinders Reception: We must guard against allowing preconceived notions or personal familiarity to blind us to truth, wisdom, or God's work, whether it comes from a spiritual leader, a friend, or even a family member.
  • Challenges in Familiar Settings: Those who seek to share their faith or serve God may face unique challenges in their own homes or communities, where their past or personal relationships might overshadow their message. This echoes the broader theme of Jesus coming to His own and His own not receiving Him.
  • Humility in Listening: True wisdom requires an open heart, willing to receive from God's messengers regardless of their background or our personal relationship with them. The focus should always be on the message, not solely on the messenger.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • John 4:44

    For Jesus himself testified, that a prophet hath no honour in his own country.

  • Matthew 11:6

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

  • Luke 4:24

    And he said, Verily I say unto you, No prophet is accepted in his own country.

  • Isaiah 53:3

    He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were [our] faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not.

  • John 6:61

    When Jesus knew in himself that his disciples murmured at it, he said unto them, Doth this offend you?

  • Isaiah 49:7

    ¶ Thus saith the LORD, the Redeemer of Israel, [and] his Holy One, to him whom man despiseth, to him whom the nation abhorreth, to a servant of rulers, Kings shall see and arise, princes also shall worship, because of the LORD that is faithful, [and] the Holy One of Israel, and he shall choose thee.

  • Luke 2:34

    And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this [child] is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against;
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