Luke 4:29
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Luke 4:29
29 And rose up, and thrust him out of the city, and led him unto the brow of the hill whereon their city was built, that they might cast him down headlong.
Chapter Context
Luke 4 is a historical gospel chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of righteousness, fellowship, hope. Written during the late first century CE (c. 80-85 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Written when Christians needed to understand their place in the Roman world.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-44: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it offers practical wisdom for godly living in a fallen world. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Luke and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Luke 4:29
29 And rose up, and thrust him out of the city, and led him unto the brow of the hill whereon their city was built, that they might cast him down headlong.
Analysis
And rose up, and thrust him out of the city, and led him unto the brow of the hill whereon their city was built, that they might cast him down headlong. The verbs anastantes (ἀναστάντες, rising up), exebalon (ἐξέβαλον, threw out), and ēgagon (ἤγαγον, led) describe violent mob action. They expelled Jesus from the synagogue and city, intent on executing Him by throwing Him off a cliff—katakrēmnisai (κατακρημνίσαι, to cast down headlong).
This attempted murder foreshadows Jesus' crucifixion. His hometown rejected Him first; the nation would follow. The phrase ophryos tou orous (ὀφρύος τοῦ ὄρους, brow/edge of the hill) indicates Nazareth's location on a hillside with steep cliffs nearby. Their intent was clear: kill this blasphemer who challenged their religious assumptions and ethnic pride. Luke's Gospel begins Jesus' public ministry with this rejection, establishing the pattern that will culminate at Calvary.
Historical Context
Jewish law prescribed stoning for blasphemy (Leviticus 24:16), typically preceded by throwing the condemned from a height. While this mob action wasn't formal legal execution, it followed that pattern. Nazareth is situated on a hill, and traditional sites identify a precipice south of the town as the likely location. The attempted murder demonstrates how quickly religious crowds can turn violent when their foundational assumptions are challenged. Stephen's later stoning (Acts 7:54-60) followed a similar pattern: enraged religious leaders violently rejecting God's messenger.
Reflection
- How does this attempted murder foreshadow Jesus' crucifixion and the pattern of prophetic rejection?
- What does the crowd's sudden shift to violence reveal about the danger of challenging deeply-held religious presumptions?
- In what ways does religious zeal without true knowledge of God lead to destructive actions?
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: Numbers 15:35, Psalms 37:14, John 8:37, 8:40, 8:59, Hebrews 13:12