Matthew 13:54
And when he was come into his own country, he taught them in their synagogue, insomuch that they were astonished, and said, Whence hath this man this wisdom, and these mighty works?
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 25
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἐλθὼν
when he was come
G2064
ἐλθὼν
when he was come
Strong's:
G2064
Word #:
2 of 25
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
εἰς
into
G1519
εἰς
into
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
3 of 25
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 25
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πατρίδα
country
G3968
πατρίδα
country
Strong's:
G3968
Word #:
5 of 25
a father-land, i.e., native town; (figuratively) heavenly home
αὐτοὺς
their
G846
αὐτοὺς
their
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
6 of 25
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
αὐτοὺς
their
G846
αὐτοὺς
their
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
8 of 25
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
τῇ
G3588
τῇ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 25
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
συναγωγῇ
synagogue
G4864
συναγωγῇ
synagogue
Strong's:
G4864
Word #:
11 of 25
an assemblage of persons; specially, a jewish "synagogue" (the meeting or the place); by analogy, a christian church
αὐτοὺς
their
G846
αὐτοὺς
their
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
12 of 25
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
ὥστε
insomuch that
G5620
ὥστε
insomuch that
Strong's:
G5620
Word #:
13 of 25
so too, i.e., thus therefore (in various relations of consecution, as follow)
αὐτοὺς
their
G846
αὐτοὺς
their
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
15 of 25
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
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
16 of 25
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
λέγειν
said
G3004
λέγειν
said
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
17 of 25
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
Πόθεν
Whence
G4159
Πόθεν
Whence
Strong's:
G4159
Word #:
18 of 25
from which (as interrogative) or what (as relative) place, state, source or cause
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
20 of 25
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
αὕτη
this
G3778
αὕτη
this
Strong's:
G3778
Word #:
22 of 25
the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
23 of 25
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Cross References
Matthew 7:28And it came to pass, when Jesus had ended these sayings, the people were astonished at his doctrine:Psalms 22:22I will declare thy name unto my brethren: in the midst of the congregation will I praise thee.Matthew 4:23And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people.Matthew 2:23And he came and dwelt in a city called Nazareth: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophets, He shall be called a Nazarene.
Historical Context
Synagogue worship in first-century Judaism included Torah reading, prophetic texts, and exposition by respected teachers. Jesus's habit was to attend synagogue (Luke 4:16), where His teaching astonished hearers (Matthew 7:28-29) because He taught with authority, not like the scribes who relied on rabbinic tradition. Nazareth's rejection fulfilled the pattern that prophets face greatest resistance from those who knew them in obscurity (Luke 4:24).
Questions for Reflection
- Why does familiarity with Jesus's humanity sometimes blind people to His deity?
- How can you guard against the contempt of familiarity in your relationship with Christ and Scripture?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
When he was come into his own country (εἰς τὴν πατρίδα αὐτοῦ)—The πατρίς (homeland, native place) refers to Nazareth (Mark 6:1; Luke 4:16), where Jesus grew up (Matthew 2:23). This return occurs after extensive Galilean ministry, making their rejection more culpable. He taught them in their synagogue—Despite knowing He would face rejection (Luke 4:24), Jesus faithfully proclaimed truth. The imperfect ἐδίδασκεν ('He was teaching') suggests sustained instruction, not a single sermon.
Insomuch that they were astonished (ὥστε ἐκπλήσσεσθαι αὐτούς)—The verb ἐκπλήσσω means 'to strike out of one's senses, astound.' Their amazement stemmed from cognitive dissonance: they knew His humble origins but witnessed divine wisdom and power. Whence hath this man this wisdom, and these mighty works? (πόθεν τούτῳ ἡ σοφία αὕτη καὶ αἱ δυνάμεις;)—The σοφία (sophia, wisdom) parallels Solomon's reputation (1 Kings 4:29-34), while δυνάμεις (dynameis, 'mighty works, miracles') attests supernatural authority. Yet instead of faith, familiarity bred contempt (v. 57).