Luke Chapter 4 · Verse 14
And Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit into Galilee: and there went out a fame of him through all the region round about.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 21
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ὑπέστρεψεν
returned
G5290
ὑπέστρεψεν
returned
Strong's:
G5290
Word #:
2 of 21
to turn under (behind), i.e., to return (literally or figuratively)
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Ἰησοῦς
Jesus
G2424
Ἰησοῦς
Jesus
Strong's:
G2424
Word #:
4 of 21
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
τῇ
G3588
τῇ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
δυνάμει
the power
G1411
δυνάμει
the power
Strong's:
G1411
Word #:
7 of 21
force (literally or figuratively); specially, miraculous power (usually by implication, a miracle itself)
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πνεύματος
of the Spirit
G4151
πνεύματος
of the Spirit
Strong's:
G4151
Word #:
9 of 21
a current of air, i.e., breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit, i.e., (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital prin
εἰς
into
G1519
εἰς
into
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
10 of 21
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Γαλιλαίαν
Galilee
G1056
Γαλιλαίαν
Galilee
Strong's:
G1056
Word #:
12 of 21
galilaea (i.e., the heathen circle), a region of palestine
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
13 of 21
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
καθ'
through
G2596
καθ'
through
Strong's:
G2596
Word #:
16 of 21
(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)
ὅλης
all
G3650
ὅλης
all
Strong's:
G3650
Word #:
17 of 21
"whole" or "all", i.e., complete (in extent, amount, time or degree), especially (neuter) as noun or adverb
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
18 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
περιχώρου
the region round about
G4066
περιχώρου
the region round about
Strong's:
G4066
Word #:
19 of 21
around the region, i.e., circumjacent (as noun, with g1093 implied vicinity)
Historical Context
Galilee was Jesus' primary ministry region during the early phase—a predominantly Jewish area with significant Gentile influence, more receptive than Judea's religious establishment. News traveled quickly along trade routes and through synagogue networks. Jesus' fame stemmed from teaching with authority (Mark 1:27) and performing miracles (healing, exorcisms). This initial popularity created opportunities for ministry but also attracted opposition from religious leaders who saw Him as a threat. The Spirit's power made Jesus' ministry effective and drew crowds seeking teaching and healing.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Jesus' return 'in the power of the Spirit' after wilderness victory demonstrate the relationship between spiritual warfare and ministry effectiveness?
- What does Jesus' rapid rise to fame teach about how God prepares for and validates authentic ministry?
Analysis & Commentary
After defeating temptation, 'Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit into Galilee: and there went out a fame of him through all the region round about.' The phrase 'in the power of the Spirit' (Greek 'en tē dynamei tou pneumatos,' ἐν τῇ δυνάμει τοῦ πνεύματος) emphasizes Jesus' Spirit-empowered ministry. His wilderness victory qualified Him for public ministry, and His fame spread rapidly. Successful spiritual warfare releases spiritual power—Jesus emerged from temptation strengthened, not weakened. His growing reputation prepared for His teaching and healing ministry.