Luke Chapter 4 · Verse 24
And he said, Verily I say unto you, No prophet is accepted in his own country.
Original Language Analysis
Ἀμὴν
Verily
G281
Ἀμὴν
Verily
Strong's:
G281
Word #:
3 of 14
properly, firm, i.e., (figuratively) trustworthy; adverbially, surely (often as interjection, so be it)
λέγω
I say
G3004
λέγω
I say
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
4 of 14
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
ὅτι
G3754
οὐδεὶς
No
G3762
οὐδεὶς
No
Strong's:
G3762
Word #:
7 of 14
not even one (man, woman or thing), i.e., none, nobody, nothing
προφήτης
prophet
G4396
προφήτης
prophet
Strong's:
G4396
Word #:
8 of 14
a foreteller ("prophet"); by analogy, an inspired speaker; by extension, a poet
τῇ
G3588
τῇ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
12 of 14
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Historical Context
Biblical history confirms this pattern. Joseph's brothers rejected him before God exalted him (Genesis 37). Moses was rejected by Israelites before becoming their deliverer (Exodus 2:14, Acts 7:25-29). David was despised by his brothers before his anointing (1 Samuel 16:11, 17:28). Jeremiah faced rejection in his hometown Anathoth (Jeremiah 11:21-23). This pattern demonstrates that God's calling contradicts human assessment. Those closest often resist God's elevation of the familiar to prophetic office because it disrupts social hierarchies and exposes their own spiritual blindness.
Questions for Reflection
- Why does familiarity so often breed contempt for God's messengers, and how can you guard against this tendency?
- How does Jesus' rejection in Nazareth foreshadow Israel's rejection of Messiah and the gospel going to the Gentiles?
- What does this principle teach about judging spiritual matters by outward appearance versus spiritual discernment?
Analysis & Commentary
Verily I say unto you, No prophet is accepted in his own country. The solemn formula amēn legō hymin (ἀμήν λέγω ὑμῖν, truly I say to you) introduces authoritative pronouncement. Jesus states a universal principle: prophets face rejection among those who knew them before their calling. The verb dektos (δεκτός, accepted/welcome) indicates not merely tolerated but genuinely received with honor and belief.
This principle applied supremely to Jesus. Nazareth's rejection foreshadows Israel's rejection of Messiah. Familiarity blinds people to God's work in their midst. They judge by outward appearance (John 7:24) rather than recognizing divine authority. Jesus' own brothers didn't believe in Him until after the resurrection (John 7:5). The hometown rejection previews the ultimate rejection—"He came unto his own, and his own received him not" (John 1:11).