What does Luke 4:20 mean?

And he closed the book, and he gave it again to the minister, and sat down. And the eyes of all them that were in the synagogue were fastened on him. Luke 4:20

Explanation

This verse comes from the Gospel of Luke in the New Testament. Jesus has returned to Nazareth, where he grew up, and goes into the synagogue on the Sabbath. This particular occasion is noteworthy because Jesus is handed the scroll of the prophet Isaiah. He reads from Isaiah 61:1-2, a passage that speaks of the Messiah’s coming to bring good news, freedom, and God’s favor. After reading the passage, Jesus rolls up the scroll, gives it back to the attendant, and sits down, which is a customary position for a rabbi to teach in the synagogue. The anticipation is palpable—everyone’s eyes are fixed on Him, waiting for what He will say. The deep implication here is the claim of fulfillment Jesus makes immediately after in verse 21, alluding to Himself as the fulfillment of this prophetic scripture.

Historical Context

Luke was written with a Gentile (non-Jewish) audience in mind. The event described in Luke 4:20 takes place in a Jewish context, within a synagogue where the Torah and Prophets were read and explicated regularly. In Jewish custom, reading the scriptures was followed by a sermon or teaching. Jesus’ action of sitting down signifies a transition from reading to teaching. The minister present was responsible for the care of the scrolls and the orderly conduct of the service. At the time of this writing, the early Christian community saw Jesus as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies, and this story was an important narrative to emphasize that belief.

Theological Insights

This verse, and the subsequent ones, are particularly important for Christian theology as it pertains to Christology—the understanding of Christ’s nature and work. From a traditional Christian perspective, Jesus is seen as the Messiah whom the scriptures prophesied would come. In a broader sense, this moment captures the essence of Jesus’s mission: to proclaim the kingdom of God and its immediate availability to all. Theologically, this is often viewed as Jesus’s public announcement of His messianic identity and mission.

Liberal theology might suggest that Jesus, as a teacher and prophet, is demonstrating his authority and knowledge of the scriptures. In contrast, conservative theology might focus more on the divine revelation and fulfillment of prophecy aspect of this event.

Practical Applications

For modern-day readers, this verse can be viewed as an encouragement to study scripture and accept the transition between hearing the word and applying it. The expectation of the crowd suggests a lesson in attentiveness and readiness to respond to spiritual teachings. It can also be a call to recognize and welcome the fulfillment of promises in one’s life, similar to how Jesus announced the fulfillment of prophecy.

Furthermore, the action of Jesus teaches the importance of reverence for holy texts, as shown by His careful handling of the scroll. The attentive focus of all present advocates for the need to be present in religious observance and open to the teachings being shared.

Cross-References

• Isaiah 61:1-2 – The passage Jesus read in the synagogue, speaking of the Spirit of God upon the Messiah to bring good news.
• Luke 4:21 – Where Jesus declares the fulfillment of the scripture He just read: “And he began to say unto them, This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears.”
• Matthew 5:17 – Where Jesus talks about fulfilling the Law and Prophets: “Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill.”
• Luke 2:46-47 – An earlier example of Jesus in discussion at the temple, amazing people with his understanding: “And it came to pass, that after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions. And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers.”

Language Study

Key words in the verse and their meanings in the original Greek include:

• “Book” (βιβλίον, biblion): refers to a scroll, since books in the modern sense were not used at the time.
• “Minister” (ὑπηρέτης, huperetes): typically referring to an attendant or servant, here it indicates someone serving in the synagogue.
• “Sat down” (καθίσας, kathisas): indicates taking a position to teach, with the sitting posture associated with authority and teaching in Jewish tradition.
• “Fastened” (ἀτενίζω, atenizo): to look intently or fix one’s gaze upon, implying the attention and expectation of the listeners.

These words paint a picture of a traditional Jewish synagogue service, positioning Jesus as an authoritative figure and highlighting the congregation’s intense focus on Him.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The concept of a prophet or holy man reading from sacred texts and then teaching is not unique to Judaism or Christianity. In other religious traditions, such as Islam, it is common for the Qur’an to be recited and then expounded upon. However, the claim of fulfilling the prophecies is a distinctive aspect of this Christian narrative.

Comparing with ancient myths, one could see parallels in stories where a hero or demigod reveals their destiny through an act that symbolizes the start of their mission, although this is a historical account rather than a myth in the Christian tradition.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific perspective, the reaction of the congregation—people’s eyes being “fastened” on Jesus—can be studied in terms of psychology and group behavior. Attention in group settings often centers on individuals perceived as authoritative or charismatic. The natural human response to expectancy and the subsequent cognitive processing of Jesus’ declaration can be explored from neuropsychological and sociological viewpoints.

Commentaries

Various biblical commentaries offer different perspectives on Luke 4:20:

• The Pulpit Commentary notes the traditional Jewish custom of standing while scripture was read and sitting to teach, underscoring the importance of Jesus’ transition from reader to teacher.
• Matthew Henry’s Commentary emphasizes that the people’s eyes were fixed on Jesus with earnestness and eagerness, perhaps sensing something extraordinary about Jesus and His reading.
• The New Bible Commentary suggests that by sitting down, Jesus was signaling not only His role as a teacher but also the gravity and authority with which He was about to interpret the Isaiah passage.
• William Barclay in the Daily Study Bible series implies that the abrupt ending of the reading, combined with the lack of a blessing typically offered, served to heighten the drama and focus on Jesus’ forthcoming words.