Luke 4:16
And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up: and, as his custom was, he went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and stood up for to read.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 25
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἦλθεν
he came
G2064
ἦλθεν
he came
Strong's:
G2064
Word #:
2 of 25
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
εἰς
into
G1519
εἰς
into
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
3 of 25
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 #:
4 of 25
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τεθραμμένος
brought up
G5142
τεθραμμένος
brought up
Strong's:
G5142
Word #:
8 of 25
but perhaps strengthened from the base of g5157 through the idea of convolution); properly, to stiffen, i.e., fatten (by implication, to cherish (with
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
9 of 25
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
κατὰ
as
G2596
κατὰ
as
Strong's:
G2596
Word #:
11 of 25
(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
12 of 25
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
εἰωθὸς
custom
G1486
εἰωθὸς
custom
Strong's:
G1486
Word #:
13 of 25
to be used (by habit or conventionality); neuter perfect participle usage
αὐτῷ
his
G846
αὐτῷ
his
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
14 of 25
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
τῇ
G3588
τῇ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
16 of 25
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἡμέρᾳ
day
G2250
ἡμέρᾳ
day
Strong's:
G2250
Word #:
17 of 25
day, i.e., (literally) the time space between dawn and dark, or the whole 24 hours (but several days were usually reckoned by the jews as inclusive of
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
18 of 25
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
σαββάτων
the sabbath
G4521
σαββάτων
the sabbath
Strong's:
G4521
Word #:
19 of 25
the sabbath (i.e., shabbath), or day of weekly repose from secular avocations (also the observance or institution itself); by extension, a se'nnight,
εἰς
into
G1519
εἰς
into
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
20 of 25
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 #:
21 of 25
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
συναγωγήν
the synagogue
G4864
συναγωγήν
the synagogue
Strong's:
G4864
Word #:
22 of 25
an assemblage of persons; specially, a jewish "synagogue" (the meeting or the place); by analogy, a christian church
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
23 of 25
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Cross References
Acts 17:2And Paul, as his manner was, went in unto them, and three sabbath days reasoned with them out of the scriptures,Matthew 2:23And he came and dwelt in a city called Nazareth: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophets, He shall be called a Nazarene.Luke 2:51And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject unto them: but his mother kept all these sayings in her heart.
Historical Context
First-century synagogue services included Torah readings, prophetic readings, exposition, and prayers. Visiting teachers or respected men were invited to read and expound Scripture. Jesus' literacy and Scripture knowledge (learned in Joseph's household) enabled Him to read the Hebrew text. Nazareth's small synagogue would have known Jesus from childhood as Joseph's son, making His claims about Himself particularly shocking to His hometown audience. Synagogue worship formed the backbone of Jewish religious life outside Jerusalem, maintaining covenant identity through Scripture reading and teaching.
Questions for Reflection
- What does Jesus' customary Sabbath synagogue attendance teach about the importance of regular corporate worship and Scripture engagement?
- How does Jesus' participation in normal religious life despite His unique identity model incarnational engagement with community faith practices?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Jesus 'came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up: and, as his custom was, he went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and stood up for to read.' The phrase 'as his custom was' (Greek 'kata to eiōthos autō,' κατὰ τὸ εἰωθὸς αὐτῷ) reveals Jesus' regular Sabbath synagogue attendance—His pattern of worship and Scripture engagement. Despite His unique identity, He participated faithfully in community worship. His standing to read indicated His intention to teach, exercising the privilege extended to visiting teachers. This scene inaugurates His public ministry in His hometown.