Luke Chapter 4 · Verse 32
And they were astonished at his doctrine: for his word was with power.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 13
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἐπὶ
at
G1909
ἐπὶ
at
Strong's:
G1909
Word #:
3 of 13
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
τῇ
G3588
τῇ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
αὐτοῦ
his
G846
αὐτοῦ
his
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
6 of 13
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
for
G3754
ὅτι
for
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
7 of 13
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
ἐξουσίᾳ
power
G1849
ἐξουσίᾳ
power
Strong's:
G1849
Word #:
9 of 13
privilege, i.e., (subjectively) force, capacity, competency, freedom, or (objectively) mastery (concretely, magistrate, superhuman, potentate, token o
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Luke 4:36And they were all amazed, and spake among themselves, saying, What a word is this! for with authority and power he commandeth the unclean spirits, and they come out.John 6:63It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.Titus 2:15These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee.1 Thessalonians 1:5For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake.
Historical Context
Rabbinic teaching followed established patterns—citing previous rabbis, building arguments through reference to tradition and interpretation. Scribes gained authority through formal training and association with recognized teachers. Jesus' teaching was revolutionary—He spoke with direct authority, interpreting Scripture definitively without citing human authorities. His teaching authority derived from His divine identity—God's Word incarnate speaks God's word with inherent authority. This pattern continued throughout His ministry, amazing crowds and infuriating religious leaders whose authority He implicitly challenged.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Jesus' teaching 'with authority' differ from merely citing tradition or making persuasive arguments?
- What does the crowd's astonishment at Jesus' authoritative teaching reveal about the power of God's word spoken with divine authority?
Analysis & Commentary
In Capernaum synagogue, people 'were astonished at his doctrine: for his word was with power.' The Greek 'exousia' (ἐξουσία, authority/power) describes Jesus' teaching quality—not merely persuasive or learned, but authoritative and powerful. Unlike scribes who cited previous rabbis, Jesus spoke with inherent authority ('You have heard...but I say,' Matthew 5). His words carried weight, demanding response. This authoritative teaching distinguished Him from other teachers and validated His claims. Words spoken with divine authority accomplish what they declare.