Luke Chapter 4 · Verse 21

Authorized King James Version

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And he began to say unto them, This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears.

Original Language Analysis

ἤρξατο he began G756
ἤρξατο he began
Strong's: G756
Word #: 1 of 15
to commence (in order of time)
δὲ And G1161
δὲ And
Strong's: G1161
Word #: 2 of 15
but, and, etc
λέγειν to say G3004
λέγειν to say
Strong's: G3004
Word #: 3 of 15
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
πρὸς unto G4314
πρὸς unto
Strong's: G4314
Word #: 4 of 15
a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,
αὐτοὺς them G846
αὐτοὺς them
Strong's: G846
Word #: 5 of 15
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
ὅτι This G3754
ὅτι This
Strong's: G3754
Word #: 6 of 15
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
Σήμερον day G4594
Σήμερον day
Strong's: G4594
Word #: 7 of 15
on the (i.e., this) day (or night current or just passed); generally, now (i.e., at present, hitherto)
πεπλήρωται fulfilled G4137
πεπλήρωται fulfilled
Strong's: G4137
Word #: 8 of 15
to make replete, i.e., (literally) to cram (a net), level up (a hollow), or (figuratively) to furnish (or imbue, diffuse, influence), satisfy, execute
ἡ G3588
ἡ
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 9 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
γραφὴ scripture G1124
γραφὴ scripture
Strong's: G1124
Word #: 10 of 15
a document, i.e., holy writ (or its contents or a statement in it)
αὕτη this G3778
αὕτη this
Strong's: G3778
Word #: 11 of 15
the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)
ἐν in G1722
ἐν in
Strong's: G1722
Word #: 12 of 15
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
τοῖς G3588
τοῖς
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 13 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὠσὶν ears G3775
ὠσὶν ears
Strong's: G3775
Word #: 14 of 15
the ear (physically or mentally)
ὑμῶν your G5216
ὑμῶν your
Strong's: G5216
Word #: 15 of 15
of (from or concerning) you

Analysis & Commentary

After reading Isaiah 61:1-2, Jesus declares: 'This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears.' The Greek 'peplērōtai' (πεπλήρωται, has been fulfilled, perfect tense) indicates completed action with ongoing effects—the prophecy finds its fulfillment in Jesus' presence and ministry. This bold claim asserts Jesus is the Spirit-anointed one Isaiah prophesied—the Messiah who brings good news to the poor, liberty to captives, recovery of sight to the blind, and freedom to the oppressed. Jesus' self-identification as prophecy's fulfillment was clear and shocking, dividing His audience between faith and offense.

Historical Context

Isaiah 61 was recognized as a messianic prophecy describing the coming deliverer. Jesus' application to Himself clearly claimed to be the Messiah. His hometown audience initially responded positively ('all bare him witness, and wondered at the gracious words,' v. 22), but when Jesus confronted their unbelief and cited examples of Gentiles receiving God's blessings (v. 25-27), they became enraged and attempted to kill Him (v. 28-29). This inaugural sermon set the pattern for Jesus' ministry—offering grace, confronting unbelief, facing rejection even by those closest to Him.

Questions for Reflection