Devine Scripture

Luke 4:20

What does Luke 4:20 mean?

A plain-English look at Luke 4:20 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Luke 4:20 means

Verse 20 describes Jesus closing the book, returning it to the attendant, and sitting down while everyone’s eyes were fixed on him. This portrays the expectation-laden moment: in synagogue practice, sitting to teach indicates he will interpret the passage. The attention of the assembly highlights the weight of what he will say—he is not merely reading Scripture but claiming authority to interpret it. The posture and focused silence prepare for a declaration that will identify him with Isaiah’s prophecy and challenge his listeners to respond to the fulfillment of God’s promise in their midst.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And he closed the book, and gave it back to the attendant, and sat down: and the eyes of all in the synagogue were fastened on him.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And he closed the book, and gave it back to the attendant, and sat down: and the eyes of all in the synagogue were fastened on him.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And shutting the book he gave it back to the servant and took his seat: and the eyes of all in the Synagogue were fixed on him.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And having folded the roll, having given <FI>it<Fi> back to the officer, he sat down, and the eyes of all in the synagogue were gazing on him.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And when he had folded the book, he restored it to the minister and sat down. And the eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed on him.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And having rolled up the book, when he had delivered it up to the attendant, he sat down; and the eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed upon him.

Context

This verse transitions from the reading to the proclamation. Having read Isaiah, Jesus assumes the teacher’s position; the congregation’s intent gaze underscores their curiosity and readiness to evaluate his claim. What follows is his explicit application of the passage to himself—a pivotal move that will earn initial wonder and then provoke rejection. The placement stresses that Jesus consciously assumes prophetic authority and that the synagogue scene is the moment of public Messianic self-identification.

v.19To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord.

v.20This passage

v.21And he began to say unto them, To-day hath this scripture been fulfilled in your ears.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Luke 4:17

    And there was delivered unto him the book of the prophet Isaiah. And he opened the book, and found the place where it was written,

  • Acts 13:14

    But they, passing through from Perga, came to Antioch of Pisidia; and they went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and sat down.

  • Luke 5:3

    And he entered into one of the boats, which was Simon’s, and asked him to put out a little from the land. And he sat down and taught the multitudes out of the boat.

  • John 8:2

    And early in the morning he came again into the temple, and all the people came unto him; and he sat down, and taught them.

  • Acts 16:13

    And on the sabbath day we went forth without the gate by a river side, where we supposed there was a place of prayer; and we sat down, and spake unto the women that were come together.

  • Luke 19:48

    and they could not find what they might do; for the people all hung upon him, listening.

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