Luke 4:43
What does Luke 4:43 mean?
A plain-English look at Luke 4:43 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Luke 4:43 means
In verse 43 Jesus tells them he must preach the good tidings of the kingdom of God to other cities also, for that is why he was sent. He articulates the priority of proclamation over personal acclaim or localized ministry. His mission has geographic and gospel scope: the kingdom message must go to many places. The word 'must' expresses divine compulsion tied to his sending. This statement clarifies his purpose and discipline: healing and miracles serve the larger end of evangelistic proclamation, and he will not be confined to a single receptive audience.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000But he said unto them, I must preach the good tidings of the kingdom of God to the other cities also: for therefore was I sent.
KJV
King James Version · 1611And he said unto them, I must preach the kingdom of God to other cities also: for therefore am I sent.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901But he said unto them, I must preach the good tidings of the kingdom of God to the other cities also: for therefore was I sent.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949But he said to them, I have to give the good news of the kingdom of God in other towns, because that is why I was sent.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862and he said unto them--`Also to the other cities it behoveth me to proclaim good news of the reign of God, because for this I have been sent;'
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752To whom he said: To other cities also I must preach the kingdom of God: for therefore am I sent.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890But he said to them, I must needs announce the glad tidings of the kingdom ofGod to the other cities also, for for this I have been sent forth.
Context
This verse follows his withdrawal and the crowds’ attempt to detain him. It explains why he will not stay in one place despite demand: his mission requires movement and proclamation. The chapter’s flow moves from demonstrations of power to the centrality of preaching the kingdom. The next verse concludes by saying he preached in Galilee’s synagogues, indicating the regional scope of his teaching and reinforcing that word and act go together in his ministry.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Acts 10:38
even Jesus of Nazareth, how God anointed him with the Holy Spirit and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.
- Mark 1:38
And he saith unto them, Let us go elsewhere into the next towns, that I may preach there also; for to this end came I forth.
- Isaiah 61:1
The Spirit of the Lord Jehovah is upon me; because Jehovah hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the broken-hearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound;
- John 20:21
Jesus therefore said to them again, Peace be unto you: as the Father hath sent me, even so send I you.
- Isaiah 48:16
Come ye near unto me, hear ye this; from the beginning I have not spoken in secret; from the time that it was, there am I: and now the Lord Jehovah hath sent me, and his Spirit.
- Mark 1:14
Now after John was delivered up, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of God,
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