Luke 4:20
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.
Original Language Analysis
Cross References
Historical Context
Synagogue teaching followed the reading—the reader would sit and expound the text just read, applying it to the congregation. The rabbi's seat symbolized teaching authority (Matthew 23:2). Jesus' sitting signaled He would now interpret Isaiah 61:1-2. The congregation's rapt attention reflects both Jesus' growing fame (v. 14-15) and their recognition that He had selected a profoundly significant messianic text. Nazareth's residents had known Jesus from childhood—watching Joseph's son claim to fulfill Isaiah's messianic prophecy would be shocking. Their initial wonder (v. 22) would turn to murderous rage when Jesus confronted their unbelief and cited examples of Gentiles receiving God's blessing (v. 25-29). This scene inaugurates Jesus' public ministry and establishes the pattern of initial acceptance followed by rejection.
Questions for Reflection
- What does Jesus' sitting to teach signify about His authority to interpret and apply Scripture?
- How does the congregation's fixed attention illustrate the power of God's Word to command focus and demand response?
- Why does familiarity with Jesus ('Is not this Joseph's son?') often create obstacles to recognizing His true identity and mission?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
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. Jesus concludes the reading with formal liturgical actions: ptuxas to biblion (πτύξας τὸ βιβλίον, closing/rolling up the scroll), He gave it again to the minister (apodous tō hypēretē, ἀποδοὺς τῷ ὑπηρέτῃ, returning it to the attendant), then sat down (ekathisen, ἐκάθισεν). In synagogue custom, readers stood to read Scripture but sat to teach—the seated position indicated authoritative instruction was about to begin.
The scene's dramatic tension peaks: the eyes of all them that were in the synagogue were fastened on him (kai pantōn hoi ophthalmoi...ēsan atenizontes autō, καὶ πάντων οἱ ὀφθαλμοὶ...ἦσαν ἀτενίζοντες αὐτῷ). The verb atenizō (ἀτενίζω) means to gaze intently, stare fixedly. Complete attention focused on Jesus—they sensed something momentous was about to occur. The hometown crowd knew Him as Joseph's son (v. 22); now He had read a messianic prophecy. What would He say? The stage is set for His explosive claim: 'This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears' (v. 21).