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Luke 4:25

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But I tell you of a truth, many widows were in Israel in the days of Elias, when the heaven was shut up three years and six months, when great famine was throughout all the land;

But {G1161} I tell {G3004} you {G5213} of {G1909} a truth {G225}, many {G4183} widows {G5503} were {G2258} in {G1722} Israel {G2474} in {G1722} the days {G2250} of Elias {G2243}, when {G3753} the heaven {G3772} was shut up {G2808}{G1909} three {G5140} years {G2094} and {G2532} six {G1803} months {G3376}, when {G5613} great {G3173} famine {G3042} was {G1096} throughout {G1909} all {G3956} the land {G1093};

It's true, I'm telling you -- when Eliyahu was in Isra'el, and the sky was sealed off for three-and-a-half years, so that all the Land suffered a severe famine, there were many widows;

But I tell you truthfully that there were many widows in Israel in the time of Elijah, when the sky was shut for three and a half years and great famine swept over all the land.

But of a truth I say unto you, There were many widows in Israel in the days of Elijah, when the heaven was shut up three years and six months, when there came a great famine over all the land;

Commentary

Luke 4:25 is part of Jesus' powerful sermon in his hometown synagogue in Nazareth, where he boldly challenges the expectations and prejudices of his audience. Having just declared his messianic mission from Isaiah 61:1-2, Jesus then confronts their skepticism by stating that "no prophet is accepted in his own country" (Luke 4:24). To illustrate this point and further provoke them, he draws on two historical examples from Israel's past where God's favor extended beyond their national boundaries to Gentiles, despite hardship within Israel itself.

Context

This verse specifically references the story of the prophet Elias, the Greek form of Elijah. Jesus reminds his listeners of a severe drought and famine that afflicted Israel during Elijah's ministry, lasting "three years and six months." This period is also famously noted in James 5:17. Despite the widespread suffering among God's chosen people, God sent Elijah not to one of the many Israelite widows, but to a Gentile widow in Zarephath of Sidon, who then miraculously sustained him and her household (1 Kings 17:8-16). Jesus uses this historical precedent to highlight God's sovereign right to extend grace to whomever He chooses, often in surprising ways that challenge human assumptions and nationalistic pride.

Key Themes

  • God's Universal Grace: The primary message is that God's mercy and provision are not limited to one ethnic group or nation. Even during a time of great need in Israel, God's favor was shown to a Gentile woman, demonstrating His sovereign choice and boundless compassion.
  • Divine Provision in Hardship: The mention of "great famine throughout all the land" underscores the severity of the situation. Yet, even in such dire circumstances, God made provision, highlighting His faithfulness to those who trust Him, regardless of their background.
  • Rejection of the Prophet: Jesus' use of this example subtly parallels His own experience. Just as Elijah was not universally embraced in Israel, leading God to work outside conventional boundaries, Jesus implies that His own rejection by His countrymen will lead to the gospel extending to the Gentiles.
  • Faith Beyond Borders: The widow of Zarephath's faith, though a Gentile, stood in stark contrast to the widespread unbelief and idolatry prevalent in Israel during Elijah's time.

Linguistic Insights

The name "Elias" is the Greek transliteration of the Hebrew prophet "Elijah," meaning "My God is Yahweh." The specific duration of the drought, "three years and six months," is a precise detail that emphasizes the prolonged and severe nature of the judgment upon Israel, a period of spiritual and physical barrenness.

Practical Application

Luke 4:25 encourages us to recognize that God's love and saving grace are for all people, not just a select few. It challenges any tendencies we might have to limit God's work or favor based on our own biases, traditions, or perceived worthiness. This verse reminds us that God often works in unexpected ways and through unexpected people, especially when those who are "expected" to receive His blessing are unfaithful. It also offers comfort that even in times of profound societal or personal "famine," God is capable of miraculous provision for those who demonstrate faith.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash (May 20, 2025) using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

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

  • 1 Kings 17:1 (8 votes)

    ¶ And Elijah the Tishbite, [who was] of the inhabitants of Gilead, said unto Ahab, [As] the LORD God of Israel liveth, before whom I stand, there shall not be dew nor rain these years, but according to my word.

  • James 5:17 (8 votes)

    Elias was a man subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain: and it rained not on the earth by the space of three years and six months.

  • Isaiah 55:8 (4 votes)

    For my thoughts [are] not your thoughts, neither [are] your ways my ways, saith the LORD.

  • Matthew 20:15 (4 votes)

    Is it not lawful for me to do what I will with mine own? Is thine eye evil, because I am good?

  • Mark 7:26 (3 votes)

    The woman was a Greek, a Syrophenician by nation; and she besought him that he would cast forth the devil out of her daughter.

  • Mark 7:29 (3 votes)

    And he said unto her, For this saying go thy way; the devil is gone out of thy daughter.

  • Luke 10:21 (3 votes)

    In that hour Jesus rejoiced in spirit, and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes: even so, Father; for so it seemed good in thy sight.