Devine Scripture

Luke 4:31

What does Luke 4:31 mean?

A plain-English look at Luke 4:31 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Luke 4:31 means

Verse 31 says Jesus came down to Capernaum in Galilee and taught on the Sabbath. Capernaum becomes a significant base for his Galilean ministry. His Sabbath teaching reaffirms his role as authoritative interpreter of Scripture and signals his routine ministry among ordinary people. The move to Capernaum, after Nazareth’s rejection, suggests he will find receptive audiences elsewhere. Teaching on the Sabbath also frames his actions within Jewish worship practice, showing he seeks engagement with communities through their own institutions to proclaim God’s kingdom.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And he came down to Capernaum, a city of Galilee. And he was teaching them on the sabbath day:

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And came down to Capernaum, a city of Galilee, and taught them on the sabbath days.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And he came down to Capernaum, a city of Galilee. And he was teaching them on the sabbath day:

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And he came down to Capernaum, a town of Galilee; and he was giving them teaching on the Sabbath.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And he came down to Capernaum, a city of Galilee, and was teaching them on the sabbaths,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And he went down into Capharnaum, a city of Galilee: and there he taught them on the sabbath days.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

and descended to Capernaum, a city of Galilee, and taught them on the sabbaths.

Context

This verse follows Jesus’ departure from Nazareth and begins the Capernaum episode, which contrasts rejection with reception. The chapter now focuses on Jesus’ public ministry: teaching with authority, exorcising demons, and healing the sick. The move reaffirms that opposition in one place does not stop his mission; it redirects him to fruitful ministry in other towns. It sets up demonstrations of his authority that will confirm his messianic claims in ways the Nazareth crowd refused to accept.

v.30But he passing through the midst of them went his way.

v.31This passage

v.32and they were astonished at his teaching; for his word was with authority.

Cross references

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

  • Acts 20:1

    And after the uproar ceased, Paul having sent for the disciples and exhorted them, took leave of them, and departed to go into Macedonia.

  • Matthew 10:23

    But when they persecute you in this city, flee into the next: for verily I say unto you, Ye shall not have gone through the cities of Israel, till the Son of man be come.

  • Acts 17:10

    And the brethren immediately sent away Paul and Silas by night unto Beroea: who when they were come thither went into the synagogue of the Jews.

  • Matthew 4:13

    and leaving Nazareth, he came and dwelt in Capernaum, which is by the sea, in the borders of Zebulun and Naphtali:

  • Acts 17:16

    Now while Paul waited for them at Athens, his spirit was provoked within him as he beheld the city full of idols.

  • Acts 18:4

    And he reasoned in the synagogue every sabbath, and persuaded Jews and Greeks.

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