Luke 4:17
And there was delivered unto him the book of the prophet Esaias. And when he had opened the book, he found the place where it was written,
Original Language Analysis
Historical Context
First-century synagogue worship followed established liturgy: Shema recitation, prayers, Torah reading (fixed lectionary), prophetic reading (Haftarah, often selected by reader), exposition, and benediction. Visiting teachers or honored members were invited to read and comment on the prophetic portion. Jesus' literacy enabled Him to read the Hebrew text—many first-century Jews, especially in Galilee, spoke Aramaic but couldn't read Hebrew. The Isaiah scroll would have been expensive and carefully preserved. That Nazareth's small synagogue possessed a complete Isaiah scroll indicates the community's commitment to Scripture. Jesus' selection of Isaiah 61:1-2 was profoundly significant—this passage was recognized as messianic, describing the Spirit-anointed deliverer who would bring good news to the poor and liberty to captives.
Questions for Reflection
- What does Jesus' deliberate selection of Isaiah 61:1-2 teach about His self-understanding and mission?
- How does the careful preservation and reverent handling of Scripture in synagogue worship model proper attitude toward God's Word?
- Why is it significant that Jesus reads from Isaiah, the most explicitly messianic prophetic book?
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Analysis & Commentary
And there was delivered unto him the book of the prophet Esaias. And when he had opened the book, he found the place where it was written. The formal liturgical action unfolds: epedothē autō biblion (ἐπεδόθη αὐτῷ βιβλίον, there was delivered to him the scroll) indicates the hazzan (attendant/minister) handed Jesus the Isaiah scroll. The term biblion (βιβλίον, scroll/book) refers to a rolled parchment containing Isaiah's prophecy. When he had opened (anaptuxas, ἀναπτύξας, unrolling) describes the physical action of unrolling the scroll to the desired passage.
The phrase he found the place where it was written (heuren ton topon hou ēn gegrammenon, εὗρεν τὸν τόπον οὗ ἦν γεγραμμένον) may indicate either divine providence directing Him to Isaiah 61:1-2 or His intentional selection of this messianic text. Given Jesus' perfect knowledge of Scripture and His deliberate self-revelation, this was likely purposeful choice, not coincidence. He selects the passage that most clearly defines His messianic mission, preparing to make the stunning claim: 'This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears' (v. 21).