Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version They were amazed at his teaching, because his words had authority. New Living Translation There, too, the people were amazed at his teaching, for he spoke with authority. English Standard Version and they were astonished at his teaching, for his word possessed authority. Berean Standard Bible They were astonished at His teaching, because His message had authority. Berean Literal Bible and they were astonished at His teaching, for His message was with authority. King James Bible And they were astonished at his doctrine: for his word was with power. New King James Version And they were astonished at His teaching, for His word was with authority. New American Standard Bible and they were amazed at His teaching, because His message was delivered with authority. NASB 1995 and they were amazed at His teaching, for His message was with authority. NASB 1977 and they were amazed at His teaching, for His message was with authority. Legacy Standard Bible and they were amazed at His teaching, for His message was with authority. Amplified Bible and they were surprised [almost overwhelmed] at His teaching, because His message was [given] with authority and power and great ability. Christian Standard Bible They were astonished at his teaching because his message had authority. Holman Christian Standard Bible They were astonished at His teaching because His message had authority. American Standard Version and they were astonished at his teaching; for his word was with authority. Contemporary English Version His teaching amazed them because he spoke with power. English Revised Version and they were astonished at his teaching; for his word was with authority. GOD'S WORD® Translation The people were amazed at his teachings because he spoke with authority. Good News Translation They were all amazed at the way he taught, because he spoke with authority. International Standard Version They were utterly amazed at what he taught, because his message was spoken with authority. NET Bible They were amazed at his teaching, because he spoke with authority. New Heart English Bible and they were astonished at his teaching, for his word was with authority. Webster's Bible Translation And they were astonished at his doctrine: for his word was with power. Weymouth New Testament And they were greatly impressed by His teaching, because He spoke with the language of authority. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleThey were astonished at His teaching, because His message had authority. World English Bible and they were astonished at his teaching, for his word was with authority. Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionand they were astonished at His teaching, because His word was with authority. Berean Literal Bible and they were astonished at His teaching, for His message was with authority. Young's Literal Translation and they were astonished at his teaching, because his word was with authority. Smith's Literal Translation And they were struck with amazement at his teaching: for his word was with power. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd they were astonished at his doctrine: for his speech was with power. Catholic Public Domain Version And they were astonished at his doctrine, for his word was spoken with authority. New American Bible and they were astonished at his teaching because he spoke with authority. New Revised Standard Version They were astounded at his teaching, because he spoke with authority. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd they were astonished at his teaching; because his word had power. Aramaic Bible in Plain English And they were astonished at his teaching for his message was with authority. NT Translations Anderson New TestamentAnd they were astonished at his teaching, for his word was with authority. Godbey New Testament And they were astonished at His teaching; because His word was with authority. Haweis New Testament And they were struck with astonishment at his teaching; for his discourse was with authority. Mace New Testament and they were astonished at his doctrine, for he spoke with authority. Weymouth New Testament And they were greatly impressed by His teaching, because He spoke with the language of authority. Worrell New Testament and they were astonished at His teaching, because His word was with authority. Worsley New Testament and they were astonished at his doctrine; for He spake with authority. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Jesus Expels an Unclean Spirit31Then He went down to Capernaum, a town in Galilee, and on the Sabbath He began to teach the people. 32 They were astonished at His teaching, because His message had authority. 33In the synagogue there was a man possessed by the spirit of an unclean demon. He cried out in a loud voice,… Cross References Matthew 7:28-29 When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were astonished at His teaching, / because He taught as one who had authority, and not as their scribes. Mark 1:22 The people were astonished at His teaching, because He taught as one who had authority, and not as the scribes. John 7:46 “Never has anyone spoken like this man!” the officers answered. Matthew 13:54 Coming to His hometown, He taught the people in their synagogue, and they were astonished. “Where did this man get such wisdom and miraculous powers?” they asked. Mark 6:2 When the Sabbath came, He began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard Him were astonished. “Where did this man get these ideas?” they asked. “What is this wisdom He has been given? And how can He perform such miracles? John 6:63 The Spirit gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words I have spoken to you are spirit and they are life. Matthew 22:33 When the crowds heard this, they were astonished at His teaching. John 1:14 The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the one and only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. Acts 2:12 Astounded and perplexed, they asked one another, “What does this mean?” John 3:34 For the One whom God has sent speaks the words of God, for God gives the Spirit without limit. Matthew 11:1 After Jesus had finished instructing His twelve disciples, He went on from there to teach and preach in their cities. John 7:15 The Jews were amazed and asked, “How did this man attain such learning without having studied?” Acts 4:13 When they saw the boldness of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they marveled and took note that these men had been with Jesus. Isaiah 50:4 The Lord GOD has given Me the tongue of discipleship, to sustain the weary with a word. He awakens Me morning by morning; He awakens My ear to listen as a disciple. Deuteronomy 18:18 I will raise up for them a prophet like you from among their brothers. I will put My words in his mouth, and he will tell them everything I command him. Treasury of Scripture And they were astonished at his doctrine: for his word was with power. Luke 4:36 And they were all amazed, and spake among themselves, saying, What a word is this! for with authority and power he commandeth the unclean spirits, and they come out. Jeremiah 23:28,29 The prophet that hath a dream, let him tell a dream; and he that hath my word, let him speak my word faithfully. What is the chaff to the wheat? saith the LORD… Matthew 7:28,29 And it came to pass, when Jesus had ended these sayings, the people were astonished at his doctrine: … Jump to Previous Amazed Astonished Authority Capernaum Doctrine Frequently Galilee Message Power Sabbath Surprised Taught Teaching WordJump to Next Amazed Astonished Authority Capernaum Doctrine Frequently Galilee Message Power Sabbath Surprised Taught Teaching WordLuke 4 1. The fasting and temptation of Jesus.14. He begins to preach. 16. The people of Nazareth marvel at words, but seek to kill him. 33. He cures one possessed of a demon, 38. Peter's mother-in-law, 40. and various other sick persons. 41. The demons acknowledge Jesus, and are reproved for it. 42. He preaches through the cities of Galilee. They were astonished at His teaching The reaction of astonishment indicates that Jesus' teaching was unlike anything the people had heard before. In the context of first-century Judaism, teaching was often based on the traditions of the elders and the interpretations of the scribes and Pharisees. Jesus, however, taught with a directness and clarity that was both new and compelling. This astonishment is echoed in other parts of the Gospels, such as Matthew 7:28-29, where the crowds are amazed because He taught as one having authority, not as their teachers of the law. The Greek word for "astonished" suggests a deep, overwhelming amazement, indicating that His teaching had a profound impact on His listeners. because His message had authority Persons / Places / Events 1. Jesus ChristThe central figure in this passage, Jesus is teaching in the synagogue. His authority in teaching is the focus of this verse. 2. The People in the Synagogue These are the individuals who are listening to Jesus' teaching. Their reaction of astonishment highlights the impact of His authoritative message. 3. Capernaum The town where this event takes place. It is significant as a location where Jesus performed many miracles and teachings. 4. The Synagogue A place of Jewish worship and teaching, where Jesus often taught and engaged with the people. Teaching Points The Authority of Jesus' TeachingJesus' teaching was not like that of the scribes or Pharisees; it carried divine authority. This authority comes from His identity as the Son of God, which should compel us to listen and obey His words. Astonishment and Recognition The people's astonishment reflects a recognition of something divine and powerful. We should approach Jesus' teachings with a sense of awe and readiness to be transformed. The Power of God's Word Jesus' authoritative teaching reminds us of the power inherent in God's Word. As believers, we should immerse ourselves in Scripture, allowing it to guide and shape our lives. Responding to Jesus' Authority Recognizing Jesus' authority should lead to a response of faith and obedience. We are called to submit to His teachings and allow them to direct our paths. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Luke 4:32?2. How does Jesus' authority in Luke 4:32 inspire confidence in His teachings today? 3. What distinguishes Jesus' teaching style from others, as noted in Luke 4:32? 4. How can we apply Jesus' authoritative teaching to our daily decision-making? 5. Which Old Testament prophecies align with Jesus' authoritative teaching in Luke 4:32? 6. How does recognizing Jesus' authority in Luke 4:32 deepen our faith and obedience? 7. How does Luke 4:32 demonstrate Jesus' authority in teaching compared to other religious leaders? 8. Why were people astonished at Jesus' teaching in Luke 4:32? 9. What does Luke 4:32 reveal about the nature of Jesus' authority? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Luke 4? 11. What does the Word of Christ mean? 12. How does Deuteronomy 32:39's portrayal of God as both life-giver and destroyer align or conflict with other biblical texts that emphasize only God's benevolence? 13. In Luke 5:27-28, why would a tax collector immediately abandon a lucrative profession at Jesus' brief invitation with no apparent hesitation? 14. If Jesus and the devil were alone (Matthew 4:1-11), how could this event have been recorded so specifically? What Does Luke 4:32 Mean They were astonishedThe men and women sitting in the Capernaum synagogue that Sabbath morning had heard many rabbis, yet Luke records, “They were astonished” (Luke 4:32). • This was no polite interest; the crowd was dumbstruck, jaws dropped in amazement—just as others would be in Mark 1:22 and Matthew 7:28–29 when Jesus taught. • Their reaction affirms that something literally extraordinary had taken place; Scripture presents this event as historical fact, not hyperbole. • Later, even a Roman official “was astonished at the teaching of the Lord” and believed (Acts 13:12). The pattern is clear: whenever Jesus speaks, honest hearts are left in awe. at His teaching What produced such wonder was not showmanship but the content and clarity of what He said. Moments earlier Jesus had read Isaiah 61 and declared, “Today this Scripture is fulfilled in your hearing” (Luke 4:18–21). • He expounded God’s Word with crystal precision, unveiling its true meaning (John 7:16–17). • Unlike the scribes who piled tradition upon tradition, He spoke directly to the heart, calling listeners to repentance and faith (Matthew 4:17). • His teaching harmonized perfectly with all prior revelation, underscoring the unity and reliability of Scripture (Psalm 119:160; Luke 24:27). • Throughout His ministry, crowds marveled because “He taught them as one who had authority, and not as the scribes” (Mark 1:22). because His message had authority Luke pinpoints the cause of their astonishment: authority—real, divine, unrivaled. • Origin: The authority was inherent, not borrowed. “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me” (Matthew 28:18). • Confirmation: His words were immediately backed by deeds. In the very next verse He commands a demon, and “with authority and power He commands the unclean spirits, and they come out!” (Luke 4:36). • Scope: He exercised authority over nature (Mark 4:39), sickness (Luke 5:24–25), sin (Mark 2:5–12), and death itself (John 11:43–44). • Impact: Even His opponents admitted, “No one ever spoke like this man!” (John 7:46). • Continuation: The same authoritative message now works in believers. “When you received the word of God…you accepted it not as the word of men, but as the word of God” (1 Thessalonians 2:13). Jesus’ authority validates every promise, warning, and hope He proclaims; we can stake our lives—and eternity—on His words. summary Luke 4:32 shows a real congregation stunned because the Son of God taught with undeniable authority. Their astonishment underscores the living power of Scripture, the perfection of Jesus’ teaching, and His unique right to command belief and obedience. The same authoritative voice still speaks through His written Word today, inviting us to hear, trust, and follow Him without hesitation. (32) At his doctrine.--Better, His teaching, as elsewhere. The form and manner was what amazed men.His word was with power.--The word used is the same as the "authority" of Matthew 7:29. There was no timid references to the traditions of the elders or the dictum of this or that scribe, such as they were familiar with in the sermons they commonly heard in their synagogues. Verse 32. - And they were astonished at his doctrine: for his word was with power. We have here again a picture which gives a general summary of Jesus' life extending over a considerable period. This is the fifth of these pictures of St. Luke. It represents the Master dwelling quietly at Capernaum, in the midst of his disciples, teaching and preaching; on the sabbath days gathering a considerable concourse drawn from the people at large, and generally surprising the listeners with his earnestness, freshness, and ability, which carried conviction into many a heart, Gentile as well as Jew. Although this period of the life of Jesus was signalized by many miracles, it does not seem that his ordinary preaching and teaching needed any such supernatural testimony to enable it to win its way. St. Luke especially tells us it was with power, and that the crowds heard it amazed and astonished. St. Matthew gives us (Matthew 7:29) one reason, which helps us to understand something of this success which attended his teaching. It was "not as the scribes." In the Talmud we have many a fair specimen of the sacred instruction of the "schools" in the time of our Lord. Frivolous minutiae, hair-splitting of texts, weary repetition of the sayings of the men of old, questions connected with the exact keeping of the sabbath, with the tithing of mint, anise, and cummin, a singular lack of all dealing with the weightier matters of the Law - justice, judgment, truth - were among the characteristics of the scribes' popular instruction. The practical heart-searching words of Jesus were in strong contrast with the curious but useless themes dwelt on by the official teachers of the day. It was with the thirty-first verse of this chapter that the great Gnostic heretic, Marcion (second century) began his Gospel, which, in the early days of Christianity, had a vast circulation. Marcion, while preferring St. Luke's Gospel, as emanating from St. Paul, before putting it out as the authoritative history to be used by his numerous followers, cut out the earlier chapters of our Gospel, which bore on the birth and infancy of the Lord, commencing here - prefixing, however, a note of time, thus: "In the fifteenth year of the government of Tiberius, Jesus went down" (Marcioh probably intended it to be understood from heaven) "into the town of Galilee named Capernaum."Parallel Commentaries ... Greek They were astonishedἐξεπλήσσοντο (exeplēssonto) Verb - Imperfect Indicative Middle or Passive - 3rd Person Plural Strong's 1605: To strike with panic or shock; I amaze, astonish. From ek and plesso; to strike with astonishment. at ἐπὶ (epi) Preposition Strong's 1909: On, to, against, on the basis of, at. His αὐτοῦ (autou) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Singular Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons. teaching, διδαχῇ (didachē) Noun - Dative Feminine Singular Strong's 1322: Teaching, doctrine, what is taught. From didasko; instruction. because ὅτι (hoti) Conjunction Strong's 3754: Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because. His αὐτοῦ (autou) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Singular Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons. message λόγος (logos) Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular Strong's 3056: From lego; something said; by implication, a topic, also reasoning or motive; by extension, a computation; specially, the Divine Expression. had ἦν (ēn) Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular Strong's 1510: I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist. authority. ἐξουσίᾳ (exousia) Noun - Dative Feminine Singular Strong's 1849: From exesti; privilege, i.e. force, capacity, competency, freedom, or mastery, delegated influence. Links Luke 4:32 NIVLuke 4:32 NLT Luke 4:32 ESV Luke 4:32 NASB Luke 4:32 KJV Luke 4:32 BibleApps.com Luke 4:32 Biblia Paralela Luke 4:32 Chinese Bible Luke 4:32 French Bible Luke 4:32 Catholic Bible NT Gospels: Luke 4:32 And they were astonished at his teaching (Luke Lu Lk) |