Devine Scripture

Luke 4:32

What does Luke 4:32 mean?

A plain-English look at Luke 4:32 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Luke 4:32 means

Verse 32 reports that the people were astonished at Jesus’ teaching because his word had authority. Unlike many teachers who repeated tradition or argued without force, Jesus spoke with intrinsic authority that commanded attention and elicited wonder. This authority likely derived from his unique insight into Scripture and his life-giving presence. The astonishment indicates that his teaching was not merely clever but spiritually penetrating. It sets the stage for the display of power over unclean spirits, showing that his authoritative word has both explanatory and demonic-confronting power.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And they were astonished at his doctrine: for his word was with power.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And they were surprised at his teaching, for his word was with authority.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and they were astonished at his teaching, because his word was with authority.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And they were astonished at his doctrine: for his speech was with power.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And they were astonished at his doctrine, for his word was with authority.

Context

This verse follows the statement of Jesus teaching in Capernaum and anticipates the immediate demonstration of authority over a demonic spirit in the synagogue. The contrast with Nazareth’s rejection is clear: here, people recognize the force of his message. The narrative now moves from word to deed, allowing readers to see that Jesus’ authority is effective both in instruction and in confronting spiritual forces, reinforcing his identity as the one who inaugurates God’s kingdom with power.

v.31And he came down to Capernaum, a city of Galilee. And he was teaching them on the sabbath day:

v.32This passage

v.33And in the synagogue there was a man, that had a spirit of an unclean demon; and he cried out with a loud voice,

Cross references

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

  • 1 Corinthians 14:24

    But if all prophesy, and there come in one unbelieving or unlearned, he is reproved by all, he is judged by all;

  • 2 Corinthians 10:4

    (for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but mighty before God to the casting down of strongholds);

  • Hebrews 4:12

    For the word of God is living, and active, and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing even to the dividing of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and quick to discern the thoughts and intents of the heart.

  • John 6:63

    It is the spirit that giveth life; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I have spoken unto you are spirit, and are life.

  • 2 Corinthians 4:2

    but we have renounced the hidden things of shame, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by the manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God.

  • Mark 1:22

    And they were astonished at his teaching: for he taught them as having authority, and not as the scribes.

Related questions readers ask

Keep reading

Want to dig deeper? Explore Luke 4

Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on Luke 4.

Keep exploring

Follow this verse across Scripture

Topics, devotionals, original-language word studies, and figures connected to Luke 4:32.

Browse every hub

BibleTopicsBible answersDevotionalsFamous passagesWord studiesPeoplePlacesVerses for…Reading plansCommentary