Chapter

Luke 4:20

ESV And he rolled up the scroll and gave it back to the attendant and sat down. And the eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed on him.
NIV Then he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant and sat down. The eyes of everyone in the synagogue were fastened on him.
NASB And He rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant, and sat down; and the eyes of all the people in the synagogue were intently directed at Him.
CSB He then rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant, and sat down. And the eyes of everyone in the synagogue were fixed on him.
NLT He rolled up the scroll, handed it back to the attendant, and sat down. All eyes in the synagogue looked at him intently.
KJV 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.
NKJV Then He closed the book, and gave it back to the attendant and sat down. And the eyes of all who were in the synagogue were fixed on Him.

What does Luke 4:20 mean?

In ancient Jewish synagogues, various men would stand to read a section of the Old Testament, then sit to give their interpretation. Jesus is visiting His childhood hometown of Nazareth and participating in this practice (Luke 4:16). His chosen passage was from Isaiah 61:1–2 (Luke 4:17–19). Jesus read the part of Isaiah's prophecy explaining the positive aspects of Messiah's work. However, He stopped reading before speaking about the judgment God would send. The reason for this choice becomes clear as Jesus gives His explanation (Luke 4:21).

When Christ began His public preaching ministry, it was met with an initially positive response (Luke 4:14–15). The people in this synagogue are likely anticipating Jesus' words, looking forward to what He might say. At the same time, many of those present would have known Jesus during His childhood. They will struggle to accept that someone they know—a boy living in an obscure place—could be anything of importance (Luke 4:22).
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