Lexical Summary ophrus: Brow, Eyebrow Original Word: ὀφρῦς Strong's Exhaustive Concordance brow. Perhaps from optanomai (through the idea of the shading or proximity to the organ of vision); the eye-"brow" or forehead, i.e. (figuratively) the brink of a precipice -- brow. see GREEK optanomai NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origina prim. word Definition an eyebrow NASB Translation brow (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 3790: ὀφρύςὀφρύς, ὀφρύος, ἡ, 1. the eyebrow, so from Homer down. 2. any prominence or projection; as (English the brow) of a mountain (so the Latinsupercilium, Vergil, georg. 1, 108; Hirtius, bell. afr. 58; Livy 27, 18; 34, 29): Luke 4:29 (Homer, Iliad 20, 151; often in Polybius, Plutarch, others). STRONGS NT 3790a: ὀχετός [ὀχετός, ὀχετου, ὁ, 1. a water-pipe, duct. 2. the intestinal canal: Mark 7:19 WH (rejected) marginal reading (others, ἀφεδρών).] ὀφρῦς denotes the “brow,” the forward-jutting edge or ridge of a height. While classical Greek often applies the word to the human eyebrow, Luke employs the geographic nuance—a projecting summit or precipice from which a fall would be deadly. The lone New Testament use therefore conveys both elevation and danger. Geographic Imagery and Cultural Background First-century Nazareth lay on limestone terraces below a steep ridge overlooking the Jezreel Valley. Local tradition identifies several sheer faces near the town that match Luke’s description. A “brow” offered three things familiar to ancient readers: 1. A vantage point for watchmen (compare 2 Samuel 18:24-26). Biblical Context of Luke 4:29 Luke narrates the first public rejection of Jesus in His hometown synagogue. After proclaiming Isaiah’s Jubilee prophecy fulfilled, Christ is driven out: “They got up, drove Him out of the town, and led Him to the brow of the hill on which the town was built, in order to throw Him over the cliff” (Luke 4:29). The “brow” sets the scene for attempted murder before Jesus’ ministry has scarcely begun. Yet “passing through their midst, He went on His way” (Luke 4:30), underscoring divine protection and the sovereign timetable that would lead not to an accidental fall but to a purposeful cross. Christological Significance 1. Rejection Foretells the Passion: The precipice episode foreshadows later hostility culminating in Jerusalem (Luke 9:51; 23:21). Thematic Connections in Scripture • Protective Providence: Psalm 91:11-12 promises angelic guardianship lest Messiah “strike His foot against a stone.” Luke’s narrative displays that care on an actual rocky ledge. Historical Interpretations in Church Tradition Early commentators such as Irenaeus and Tertullian viewed the attempted precipice execution as Satan’s use of Nazareth’s citizens to accomplish what the wilderness temptation failed to achieve. John Chrysostom highlighted Jesus’ restraint—He neither calls down fire (contrast 2 Kings 1:10) nor compels belief by force; He merely departs, leaving space for repentance. Medieval homilists often contrasted the brow of Nazareth with the brow of Calvary: one cliff could not claim Him, but another hill willingly did. Practical Ministry Applications • Faithfulness amid Hostility: Ministers should expect resistance even from the most familiar audiences yet remain confident in God’s timing. Related Lexical and Theological Concepts • Greek κορυφή (koruphē, summit) and ἄκρον (akron, extreme point) appear in Septuagint passages about sacred mountains. Key Points for Teaching and Preaching • ὀφρῦς encapsulates the brink between acceptance and rejection, life and death. |
    |