Luke Chapter 4 · Verse 37
And the fame of him went out into every place of the country round about.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 10
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἦχος
the fame
G2279
ἦχος
the fame
Strong's:
G2279
Word #:
3 of 10
a loud or confused noise ("echo"), i.e., roar; figuratively, a rumor
περὶ
of
G4012
περὶ
of
Strong's:
G4012
Word #:
4 of 10
properly, through (all over), i.e., around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time (with the genitive cas
αὐτοῦ
him
G846
αὐτοῦ
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
5 of 10
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
εἰς
into
G1519
εἰς
into
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
6 of 10
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τόπον
place
G5117
τόπον
place
Strong's:
G5117
Word #:
8 of 10
a spot (general in space, but limited by occupancy; whereas g5561 is a large but participle locality), i.e., location (as a position, home, tract, etc
Cross References
Luke 4:14And Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit into Galilee: and there went out a fame of him through all the region round about.Isaiah 52:13Behold, my servant shall deal prudently, he shall be exalted and extolled, and be very high.Mark 1:28And immediately his fame spread abroad throughout all the region round about Galilee.Mark 6:14And king Herod heard of him; (for his name was spread abroad:) and he said, That John the Baptist was risen from the dead, and therefore mighty works do shew forth themselves in him.Matthew 9:26And the fame hereof went abroad into all that land.
Historical Context
News traveled quickly in first-century Galilee through trade routes, synagogue networks, and oral culture. Galilean towns were relatively close together, with active commerce and communication. Miracle workers and rabbis with distinctive teaching attracted attention, but Jesus was unprecedented—teaching with inherent authority and performing miracles with simple commands. This combination drew crowds and created both opportunity and opposition. The spreading fame fulfilled Isaiah 9:1-2's prophecy that Galilee would see great light. Yet fame also brought challenges—crowds seeking miracles rather than repentance, and religious leaders' growing opposition.
Questions for Reflection
- How do Jesus' authoritative teaching and demonstrative power work together to validate His messianic identity?
- What does the rapid spread of Jesus' fame reveal about human hunger for genuine spiritual authority and power?
- Why might widespread fame be both beneficial and challenging for Jesus' ministry?
Analysis & Commentary
And the fame of him went out into every place of the country round about. The Greek exeporeueto ēchos peri autou (ἐξεπορεύετο ἦχος περὶ αὐτοῦ, went out a report concerning him) describes rapid dissemination of news about Jesus. The word ēchos (ἦχος, sound/report/fame) suggests spreading like sound waves—expanding outward in all directions. The phrase eis panta topon (εἰς πάντα τόπον, into every place) indicates comprehensive geographic spread throughout the region.
This fame resulted from the combination of authoritative teaching (v. 32) and demonstrative power (vv. 33-36). Word and deed worked together to validate Jesus' messianic claims. The exorcism proved what His teaching proclaimed—God's kingdom was breaking into the present, evil's power was being destroyed. News of such unprecedented authority naturally spread rapidly in a culture hungry for messianic deliverance.