Matthew 13:57

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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."

Berean Standard Bible

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.”

American Standard Version

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

### SUMMARY
Matthew 13:57 captures a pivotal moment in Jesus' ministry when He faces profound rejection in His hometown of Nazareth. Despite His powerful teaching and miraculous works, the people's familiarity with His earthly origins and family led them to take offense at Him, preventing them from recognizing His divine authority and prophetic status. Jesus responds with a poignant, proverbial statement, highlighting the universal truth that a prophet often receives the least honor among those who know him best, particularly within his own community and family. This incident underscores the pervasive nature of unbelief and the challenge of accepting divine truth from an unexpected source.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse concludes a significant section in Matthew's Gospel (Matthew 13) dedicated to Jesus' parables, which reveal the nature of the Kingdom of Heaven. Following the parables, Jesus returns to Nazareth, His hometown, as described in [Matthew 13:53-58](/matthew/13-53-58 "Jesus Returns to Nazareth"). The narrative immediately preceding verse 57 details the astonishment of the Nazarenes at Jesus' wisdom and mighty works, yet their wonder quickly turns to skepticism and questioning of His origins: "Whence then hath this man all these things? and whence hath this wisdom, and these mighty works?" ([Matthew 13:54](/matthew/13-54 "The People of Nazareth Question Jesus' Authority")). They identify Him as "the carpenter's son" and list His family members, demonstrating their deep-seated familiarity which ultimately bred contempt rather than honor. Verse 57 is Jesus' direct response to their offense and unbelief, explaining why He could do no mighty works there, save for a few healings ([Matthew 13:58](/matthew/13-58 "Jesus' Limited Miracles in Nazareth")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** First-century Jewish society placed a high value on family lineage and local reputation. For the people of Nazareth, Jesus was not a stranger but a known figure from a humble background—the son of a carpenter, a common laborer. Their cultural expectations for a prophet or Messiah likely involved someone of more prominent social standing or from a recognized prophetic school, not a local boy they had seen grow up. This familiarity, coupled with their preconceived notions, created a significant barrier to recognizing His divine authority. The concept of a prophet being "without honour" in his own country reflects a common human tendency: those closest to a person often struggle to see them in a new, elevated light, preferring to hold onto their established perceptions. This phenomenon was not unique to Jesus, as many prophets throughout Israel's history faced similar resistance from their own people.
* **Key Themes:** Matthew 13:57 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Matthew and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights the **Rejection of the Messiah**, a recurring motif that culminates in Jesus' crucifixion. Even in His own community, Jesus is not universally embraced, foreshadowing the broader rejection He would face from the religious establishment in Jerusalem. Secondly, the passage underscores the theme of **Unbelief and Its Consequences**. The people's "offense" and lack of faith directly limited Jesus' ability to perform miracles there, demonstrating that while God's power is limitless, its manifestation can be constrained by human receptivity, as seen in [Matthew 13:58](/matthew/13-58 "Unbelief Limits Miracles"). Thirdly, it illustrates the **Nature of Prophetic Ministry**, revealing that God's messengers often face unique challenges and skepticism from those who know them intimately, a principle echoed in other biblical accounts of prophets like Jeremiah or Elijah, and explicitly stated by Jesus in [Luke 4:24](/luke/4-24 "Jesus' Statement on Prophets in Luke"). This verse also subtly introduces the theme of **Divine Humility**, as the Son of God chooses to be born and raised in an obscure town, challenging human expectations of greatness.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Offended (Greek, _skandalízō'_):** From G4624, this word implies more than mere displeasure or annoyance. It means "to entrap, i.e., trip up (figuratively, stumble (transitively) or entice to sin, apostasy or displeasure)." In this context, the people of Nazareth were not just mildly annoyed; they were caused to stumble spiritually by Jesus' presence and claims. Their preconceived notions about Him became a "stumbling block" to their faith, leading them to reject His message and authority. This offense was so profound that it hindered their reception of His power.
* **Prophet (Greek, _prophḗtēs'_):** From G4396, meaning "a foreteller ('prophet'); by analogy, an inspired speaker; by extension, a poet." Here, Jesus identifies Himself as a prophet, one who speaks on behalf of God, revealing divine truth and performing divine works. The term emphasizes His role as God's messenger, not merely a wise teacher or a miracle worker. The people of Nazareth, however, failed to recognize this divine commission, seeing Him only as a familiar local figure.
* **Without honour (Greek, _átimos'_):** From G820, meaning "(negatively) unhonoured or (positively) dishonoured; despised, without honour, less honourable." This word directly contrasts with the "honour" (G5092, _timē_) that a prophet should receive. Jesus observes that He was not given the proper respect, value, or recognition due to a prophet, especially within His own community. Their familiarity bred contempt, leading them to despise or undervalue His true identity and mission.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they were offended in him."**: This clause describes the immediate reaction of the people of Nazareth to Jesus' teaching and works. Despite His profound wisdom and mighty deeds, their familiarity with His humble origins and family led them to take offense. This "offense" (from _skandalízō_) signifies that Jesus became a stumbling block for them, causing them to reject Him rather than embrace His divine authority. Their preconceived notions about Him prevented them from seeing Him as anything more than the "carpenter's son."
* **"But Jesus said unto them, 'A prophet is not without honour, save in his own country, and in his own house.'"**: This is Jesus' poignant, proverbial response to their unbelief and rejection. The conjunction "But" (G1161, _dé_) indicates a contrast between their offense and His profound observation. Jesus articulates a universal principle: a prophet, or anyone with a significant message or calling, often struggles to gain respect or recognition among those who have known them intimately since childhood. "His own country" refers to his hometown or region, and "his own house" refers to his immediate family or close circle. This statement explains why His ministry was met with such resistance in Nazareth, highlighting the human tendency to undervalue what is familiar.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 13:57 employs several significant literary devices. The most prominent is **Proverbial Statement**, as Jesus utters a concise, memorable saying that encapsulates a universal truth about human nature and the reception of prophets. This proverb, "A prophet is not without honour, save in his own country, and in his own house," functions as a timeless aphorism, explaining the resistance Jesus faced not only in Nazareth but also anticipating the broader rejection by His own people. There is also a strong element of **Irony** present; the Messiah, the greatest prophet of all, is dishonored in the very place He grew up, a place that should have been most receptive to Him. This highlights the ironic contrast between the divine reality of Jesus' identity and the limited, earthly perception of the Nazarenes. Furthermore, the passage uses **Contrast** to emphasize the disparity between Jesus' divine power and wisdom, and the people's unbelief and offense. This stark contrast underscores the tragic consequences of hardened hearts and closed minds.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The rejection Jesus experienced in Nazareth, as encapsulated in Matthew 13:57, is a profound theological statement about the nature of humanity's response to divine revelation. It highlights the human tendency to allow familiarity, preconceived notions, and pride to hinder the reception of God's truth, even when it is presented by the Son of God Himself. This incident foreshadows the greater rejection Jesus would face from the religious leaders and many among His own people, ultimately leading to His crucifixion. It underscores that true honor and recognition of God's messengers stem from spiritual discernment and humility, not from earthly knowledge or social standing. The principle articulated by Jesus here resonates throughout biblical history, reminding us that God's ways often defy human expectations and that faith is required to perceive His work.

* [Mark 6:4](/mark/6-4 "Jesus' Rejection in Nazareth")
* [Luke 4:24](/luke/4-24 "Jesus' Proverbial Statement in Luke")
* [John 1:11](/john/1-11 "Jesus Came to His Own")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The experience of Jesus in Nazareth offers timeless lessons for believers today, challenging us to examine our own hearts and assumptions. We are called to guard against the spiritual blindness that can arise from familiarity, whether with a person, a doctrine, or even our own spiritual routine. Just as the Nazarenes' pre-existing notions prevented them from recognizing Jesus' true identity, we too can miss God's work or truth if we approach it with a closed mind or a spirit of skepticism. This verse also speaks powerfully to those who feel unappreciated or rejected in their efforts to serve God, especially within their own families or communities. It reminds us that such experiences are not unique and that even Jesus faced this challenge. Our call is to remain faithful to the message, regardless of the reception, trusting that God's truth will ultimately prevail. It encourages humility in listening, a willingness to receive wisdom from unexpected sources, and perseverance in sharing the Gospel, even when met with indifference or opposition.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life might familiarity be blinding you to a deeper truth or a new work of God?**
* **How do you respond when someone you know well, perhaps a family member or close friend, attempts to share spiritual truth or exercise a spiritual gift? Are you open to receiving it?**
* **Have you ever felt "without honor" in your own "country" or "house" when trying to live out or share your faith? How can Jesus' experience here encourage you?**
* **What steps can you take to cultivate a more humble and receptive heart, willing to receive from God's messengers regardless of their background or your personal relationship with them?**

### FAQ
**Why were the people of Nazareth "offended" by Jesus, rather than simply surprised or impressed?**

Answer: The term "offended" (Greek: _skandalízō_) is stronger than mere surprise; it means to cause to stumble, to entrap, or to take offense to the point of turning away. The people of Nazareth were not just wondering about Jesus; they were actively stumbling over His identity. Their offense stemmed from a combination of factors: their deep familiarity with Jesus as "the carpenter's son" ([Matthew 13:55](/matthew/13-55 "Jesus' Family in Nazareth")) and their inability to reconcile His humble origins with the profound wisdom and miraculous power He displayed. They expected a prophet or Messiah to come from a more prestigious background or to conform to their preconceived notions. This dissonance became a "stumbling block" to their faith, leading them to reject His claims and ultimately limiting the miracles He performed there ([Matthew 13:58](/matthew/13-58 "Unbelief Limits Miracles")). Their offense was a spiritual rejection rooted in pride and unbelief.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 13:57, with Jesus' poignant statement about a prophet being without honor in his own country, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Christ Himself. Jesus, the quintessential Prophet, the Word made flesh, came to His own people, Israel, yet "his own received him not" ([John 1:11](/john/1-11 "Jesus Came to His Own")). The rejection He experienced in Nazareth was a microcosm of the broader national rejection He would face, culminating in His crucifixion outside the city gates of Jerusalem. This prophetic principle highlights the tragic reality that humanity, in its fallen state, often rejects the very source of its salvation. Yet, in His rejection, Jesus perfectly fulfilled the prophecies of the suffering servant ([Isaiah 53:3](/isaiah/53-3 "The Suffering Servant in Isaiah")), who was "despised and rejected of men." His willingness to endure this dishonor, even from those closest to Him, demonstrates His profound humility and unwavering commitment to His mission. Through His ultimate sacrifice, the rejected Prophet became the honored King, offering salvation to all who would believe, regardless of their background or previous unbelief, thereby transforming the "stumbling block" for some into the "cornerstone" for others ([1_peter/2-7-8](/1-peter/2-7-8 "Christ as Cornerstone and Stumbling Block")).

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

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;