Luke Chapter 4 · Verse 43

Authorized King James Version

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And he said unto them, I must preach the kingdom of God to other cities also: for therefore am I sent.

Original Language Analysis

ὁ G3588
ὁ
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 1 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
δὲ And G1161
δὲ And
Strong's: G1161
Word #: 2 of 21
but, and, etc
εἶπεν he said G2036
εἶπεν he said
Strong's: G2036
Word #: 3 of 21
to speak or say (by word or writing)
πρὸς unto G4314
πρὸς unto
Strong's: G4314
Word #: 4 of 21
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 21
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 #: 6 of 21
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
Καὶ also G2532
Καὶ also
Strong's: G2532
Word #: 7 of 21
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ταῖς G3588
ταῖς
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 8 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἑτέραις to other G2087
ἑτέραις to other
Strong's: G2087
Word #: 9 of 21
(an-, the) other or different
πόλεσιν cities G4172
πόλεσιν cities
Strong's: G4172
Word #: 10 of 21
a town (properly, with walls, of greater or less size)
εὐαγγελίσασθαί preach G2097
εὐαγγελίσασθαί preach
Strong's: G2097
Word #: 11 of 21
to announce good news ("evangelize") especially the gospel
με I G3165
με I
Strong's: G3165
Word #: 12 of 21
me
δεῖ must G1163
δεῖ must
Strong's: G1163
Word #: 13 of 21
also deon deh-on'; neuter active participle of the same; both used impersonally; it is (was, etc.) necessary (as binding)
τὴν G3588
τὴν
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 14 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
βασιλείαν the kingdom G932
βασιλείαν the kingdom
Strong's: G932
Word #: 15 of 21
properly, royalty, i.e., (abstractly) rule, or (concretely) a realm (literally or figuratively)
τοῦ G3588
τοῦ
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 16 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θεοῦ of God G2316
θεοῦ of God
Strong's: G2316
Word #: 17 of 21
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
ὅτι for G3754
ὅτι for
Strong's: G3754
Word #: 18 of 21
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
εἲς therefore G1519
εἲς therefore
Strong's: G1519
Word #: 19 of 21
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τοῦτο G5124
τοῦτο
Strong's: G5124
Word #: 20 of 21
that thing
ἀπεστάλμαι am I sent G649
ἀπεστάλμαι am I sent
Strong's: G649
Word #: 21 of 21
set apart, i.e., (by implication) to send out (properly, on a mission) literally or figuratively

Analysis & Commentary

When crowds try to keep Jesus in their city, He responds: 'I must preach the kingdom of God to other cities also: for therefore am I sent.' The Greek 'dei' (δεῖ, must) indicates divine necessity—not mere preference but mission imperative. Jesus' purpose is preaching God's kingdom to all, not settling in one location. The phrase 'therefore am I sent' (Greek 'apestalēn,' ἀπεστάλην, I was sent) reveals Jesus' consciousness of being sent by the Father. He remains focused on His mission despite popularity and people's desire to monopolize Him. Ministry effectiveness requires prioritizing God's call over human expectations.

Historical Context

The 'kingdom of God' was Jesus' central message—God's reign breaking into human history through the Messiah. First-century Jews expected a political-military kingdom to overthrow Rome. Jesus redefined the kingdom as spiritual, entering hearts through repentance and faith, though it will culminate in visible, physical reign at His second coming. His itinerant ministry throughout Galilee spread the kingdom message broadly rather than establishing a fixed base. The word 'sent' (apestalēn) identifies Jesus as the ultimate apostle (Hebrews 3:1), sent by the Father to accomplish redemption.

Questions for Reflection