New International VersionHe began by saying to them, “Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.”
New Living TranslationThen he began to speak to them. “The Scripture you’ve just heard has been fulfilled this very day!”
English Standard VersionAnd he began to say to them, “Today this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.”
Berean Standard Bibleand He began by saying, “Today this Scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.”
Berean Literal BibleAnd He began to say to them, "Today this Scripture is fulfilled in your hearing."
King James BibleAnd he began to say unto them, This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears.
New King James VersionAnd He began to say to them, “Today this Scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.”
New American Standard BibleNow He began to say to them, “Today this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.”
NASB 1995And He began to say to them, “Today this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.”
NASB 1977And He began to say to them, “Today this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.”
Legacy Standard BibleAnd He began to say to them, “Today this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.”
Amplified BibleHe began speaking to them: “Today this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing and in your presence.”
Christian Standard BibleHe began by saying to them, “Today as you listen, this Scripture has been fulfilled.”
Holman Christian Standard BibleHe began by saying to them, “Today as you listen, this Scripture has been fulfilled.”
American Standard VersionAnd he began to say unto them, To-day hath this scripture been fulfilled in your ears.
Contemporary English VersionThen Jesus said to them, "What you have just heard me read has come true today."
English Revised VersionAnd he began to say unto them, Today hath this scripture been fulfilled in your ears.
GOD'S WORD® TranslationThen he said to them, "This passage came true today when you heard me read it."
Good News Translationas he said to them, "This passage of scripture has come true today, as you heard it being read."
International Standard Versionhe began to say to them, "Today this Scripture has been fulfilled, as you've heard it read aloud."
NET BibleThen he began to tell them, "Today this scripture has been fulfilled even as you heard it being read."
New Heart English BibleHe began to tell them, "Today, this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing."
Webster's Bible TranslationAnd he began to say to them, This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears.
Weymouth New TestamentThen He proceeded to say to them, "To-day is this Scripture fulfilled in your hearing." Majority Text Translations Majority Standard Bibleand He began by saying, “Today this Scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.”
World English BibleHe began to tell them, “Today, this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.” Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd He began to say to them, “Today this writing has been fulfilled in your ears”;
Berean Literal BibleAnd He began to say to them, "Today this Scripture is fulfilled in your hearing."
Young's Literal Translation And he began to say unto them -- 'To-day hath this writing been fulfilled in your ears;'
Smith's Literal TranslationAnd he began to say to them, That this day has this writing been filled up in your ears. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd he began to say to them: This day is fulfilled this scripture in your ears.
Catholic Public Domain VersionThen he began to say to them, “On this day, this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.”
New American BibleHe said to them, “Today this scripture passage is fulfilled in your hearing.”
New Revised Standard VersionThen he began to say to them, “Today this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.” Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd he began to say to them, To-day this scripture is fulfilled in your ears.
Aramaic Bible in Plain EnglishAnd he began to say to them, “Today this scripture is fulfilled in your ears.” NT Translations Anderson New TestamentAnd he began to say to them: This scripture which you have heard, is this day fulfilled.
Godbey New TestamentAnd He began to say to them; This day has this Scripture been fulfilled in your ears.
Haweis New Testament
And he began to say to them, To day this scripture is fulfilled in your ears.
Mace New Testament
he undertook to show them, how the passage they had heard, was actually then accomplished.
Weymouth New Testament
Then He proceeded to say to them, "To-day is this Scripture fulfilled in your hearing."
Worrell New Testament
And He began to say to them,"To-day has this Scripture been fulfilled in your ears."
Worsley New Testament
And He said unto them,this day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears.
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context The Rejection at Nazareth… 20Then He rolled up the scroll, returned it to the attendant, and sat down. The eyes of everyone in the synagogue were fixed on Him, 21andHe beganby saying,“TodaythisScriptureis fulfilledinyourhearing.”22All spoke well of Him and marveled at the gracious words that came from His lips. “Isn’t this the son of Joseph?” they asked.…
Cross References Isaiah 61:1-2The Spirit of the Lord GOD is on Me, because the LORD has anointed Me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent Me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and freedom to the prisoners, / to proclaim the year of the LORD’s favor and the day of our God’s vengeance, to comfort all who mourn,
Matthew 5:17Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets. I have not come to abolish them, but to fulfill them.
John 5:39You pore over the Scriptures because you presume that by them you possess eternal life. These are the very words that testify about Me,
Acts 13:32-33And now we proclaim to you the good news: What God promised our fathers / He has fulfilled for us, their children, by raising up Jesus. As it is written in the second Psalm: ‘You are My Son; today I have become Your Father.’
Hebrews 1:1-2On many past occasions and in many different ways, God spoke to our fathers through the prophets. / But in these last days He has spoken to us by His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, and through whom He made the universe.
Matthew 11:4-5Jesus replied, “Go back and report to John what you hear and see: / The blind receive sight, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is preached to the poor.
John 4:25-26The woman said, “I know that Messiah” (called Christ) “is coming. When He comes, He will explain everything to us.” / Jesus answered, “I who speak to you am He.”
Acts 3:18But in this way God has fulfilled what He foretold through all the prophets, saying that His Christ would suffer.
Romans 15:8For I tell you that Christ has become a servant of the circumcised on behalf of God’s truth, to confirm the promises made to the patriarchs,
2 Corinthians 1:20For all the promises of God are “Yes” in Christ. And so through Him, our “Amen” is spoken to the glory of God.
Matthew 13:14-17In them the prophecy of Isaiah is fulfilled: ‘You will be ever hearing but never understanding; you will be ever seeing but never perceiving. / For this people’s heart has grown callous; they hardly hear with their ears, and they have closed their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts, and turn, and I would heal them.’ / But blessed are your eyes because they see, and your ears because they hear. ...
John 1:45Philip found Nathanael and told him, “We have found the One Moses wrote about in the Law, the One the prophets foretold—Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.”
Acts 10:43All the prophets testify about Him that everyone who believes in Him receives forgiveness of sins through His name.”
Romans 1:2-4the gospel He promised beforehand through His prophets in the Holy Scriptures, / regarding His Son, who was a descendant of David according to the flesh, / and who through the Spirit of holiness was declared with power to be the Son of God by His resurrection from the dead: Jesus Christ our Lord.
1 Peter 1:10-12Concerning this salvation, the prophets who foretold the grace to come to you searched and investigated carefully, / trying to determine the time and setting to which the Spirit of Christ in them was pointing when He predicted the sufferings of Christ and the glories to follow. / It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves, but you, when they foretold the things now announced by those who preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven. Even angels long to look into these things.
Treasury of Scripture And he began to say to them, This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears. This day. Luke 10:23,24 And he turned him untohis disciples, and said privately, Blessedare the eyes which see the things that ye see: … Matthew 13:14 And in them is fulfilled the prophecy of Esaias, which saith, By hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and shall not perceive: John 4:25,26 The woman saith unto him, I know that Messias cometh, which is called Christ: when he is come, he will tell us all things… Jump to Previous AttendantBookEarsEyesFixedFulfilledHearingRollingSatScriptureSpeakSynagogueTodayTo-DayTrue.WordWritingJump to Next AttendantBookEarsEyesFixedFulfilledHearingRollingSatScriptureSpeakSynagogueTodayTo-DayTrue.WordWritingLuke 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.and He began by sayingThis phrase marks the beginning of Jesus' public declaration in the synagogue at Nazareth. It signifies the start of His teaching ministry, which is a pivotal moment in the Gospel narrative. Jesus, having read from the scroll of Isaiah, now transitions from reading to teaching, a common practice in Jewish synagogues where the reader would often expound on the text. This moment is significant as it sets the tone for His ministry, emphasizing His role as a teacher and prophet. “Today this Scripture is fulfilled
The word "Today" emphasizes the immediacy and present reality of the fulfillment of prophecy. Jesus is referring to the passage He just read fromIsaiah 61:1-2, which speaks of the anointed one bringing good news to the poor, freedom for the captives, and sight for the blind. By declaring its fulfillment, Jesus is identifying Himself as the Messiah, the anointed one sent by God. This claim is profound, as it asserts that the long-awaited promises of God are being realized in Him. The concept of fulfillment is central to the Gospel message, as it ties the Old Testament prophecies to the New Testament revelation of Jesus Christ. in your hearing.”
The phrase "in your hearing" indicates that the fulfillment of the prophecy is not just a distant or abstract concept but is happening in the presence of those listening. It underscores the personal and immediate nature of Jesus' ministry. The audience in the synagogue, familiar with the messianic expectations, would have understood the gravity of His claim. This statement challenges the listeners to recognize and respond to the revelation of God's plan unfolding before them. It also highlights the importance of faith and perception, as the fulfillment of God's promises requires acknowledgment and acceptance by those who hear. Persons / Places / Events 1. Jesus ChristThe central figure in this passage, Jesus is in the synagogue in Nazareth, declaring the fulfillment of prophecy. 2. NazarethThe town where Jesus grew up and where this event takes place. It is significant as it represents Jesus' return to His roots. 3. SynagogueThe place of Jewish worship and teaching where Jesus reads from the scroll of Isaiah. 4. The AudienceThe people of Nazareth, including those who knew Jesus from His youth, are present and listening to His declaration. 5. The Scroll of IsaiahThe specific text Jesus reads from, which contains prophecies about the Messiah. Teaching Points Fulfillment of ProphecyJesus' declaration in Luke 4:21 emphasizes the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies. This underscores the reliability and divine inspiration of Scripture. The Authority of JesusBy claiming the fulfillment of Isaiah's prophecy, Jesus asserts His authority as the Messiah. Believers are called to recognize and submit to His authority in their lives. The Rejection of JesusDespite the clear fulfillment of prophecy, Jesus faced skepticism and rejection in His hometown. This serves as a reminder that following Christ may lead to misunderstanding or rejection by those closest to us. The Present Reality of SalvationJesus' use of the word "Today" signifies the immediacy of God's salvation. Believers are encouraged to live in the present reality of Christ's redemptive work. The Role of Scripture in Understanding JesusJesus uses Scripture to reveal His identity and mission. This highlights the importance of studying the Bible to understand God's plan and purpose. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1.What is the meaning of Luke 4:21?
2.How does Luke 4:21 reveal Jesus' fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy?
3.What does "Today this Scripture is fulfilled" mean for Jesus' identity and mission?
4.How should Jesus' declaration in Luke 4:21 impact our daily faith practice?
5.How does Isaiah 61:1-2 connect with Jesus' statement in Luke 4:21?
6.In what ways can we proclaim Jesus' fulfillment of Scripture in our communities?
7.How does Luke 4:21 fulfill Old Testament prophecy?
8.What is the significance of Jesus declaring, "Today this Scripture is fulfilled"?
9.How did the original audience react to Jesus' claim in Luke 4:21?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Luke 4?
11.What is the Acceptable Year of the Lord?
12.What is the 2024 Easter Bible reading plan?
13.What is the Acceptable Year of the Lord?
14.Where is the historical or archaeological evidence supporting the miraculous acts attributed to the anointed figure in Isaiah 61:1–2?What Does Luke 4:21 Mean He began- The setting is the synagogue in Nazareth (Luke 4:16-20), where Jesus has just readIsaiah 61:1-2 aloud. - Sitting down, the customary posture of an authoritative teacher, He starts His exposition. - Scripture notes, “Then He began by saying to them, ‘Today this Scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.’ ” (Luke 4:21). - Similar moments where Jesus opens His mouth to teach includeMatthew 5:2 andJohn 8:12, reminding us that divine revelation often starts with Jesus simply beginning to speak.
by saying- The Son of God uses spoken words to communicate eternal truth, echoingJohn 1:1, “In the beginning was the Word.” -Romans 10:17 explains, “Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ,” underlining why Jesus’ verbal proclamation matters. - His voice carries the authority that once spoke creation into existence (Psalm 33:6), so every syllable is weighty.
Today- “Today” signals immediacy: the prophetic future has arrived in their present moment. -2 Corinthians 6:2 says, “Now is the favorable time; now is the day of salvation,” showing God’s habit of turning promises into present realities. -Hebrews 3:7-8 warns not to harden hearts “today,” highlighting that divine opportunities come with urgency.
this Scripture- The passage read wasIsaiah 61:1-2: “The Spirit of the Lord GOD is on Me, because the LORD has anointed Me to preach good news to the poor… to proclaim the year of the LORD’s favor.” - Jesus identifies Himself as the Anointed One, the long-awaited Messiah foreshadowed throughout the prophets (Luke 24:27). -Luke 7:22 shows Him living out each clause—healing the blind, lifting the oppressed—demonstrating literal fulfillment.
is fulfilled- “Fulfilled” affirms that prophecy moves from promise to completion in Christ, exactly as written. -Matthew 5:17 records Jesus saying He came “not to abolish the Law or the Prophets but to fulfill them,” and here He does so in real time. -Acts 13:32-33 echoes the theme: “God has fulfilled for us, their children, what He promised.” - The perfect tense—completed action with ongoing results—assures believers that God’s word never fails (Isaiah 55:11).
in your hearing- The townspeople are eyewitnesses and “ear-witnesses,” accountable for what they have just heard. -Romans 10:14-15 notes the necessity of proclaimers so that people can hear and believe; Jesus Himself is the first preacher of His own gospel. -Revelation 1:3 blesses “the one who reads aloud” and “those who hear,” showing that hearing Scripture creates a covenant moment between God and listener. - By extension, anyone reading Luke’s gospel today joins that original audience, confronted with the same fulfilled promise.
summaryLuke 4:21 records the Messiah’s stunning declaration that Isaiah’s ancient prophecy was literally and completely realized that very day in Nazareth. Jesus begins to teach, speaks authoritative words, announces the present moment of salvation, identifies the specific messianic passage, proclaims its fulfillment, and places responsibility on every listener who hears. The verse showcases Scripture’s reliability, Christ’s identity, and the urgent call to respond to God’s now-fulfilled promise. (21) This day is this scripture fulfilled.--It is obvious that we have here only the opening, words of the sermon preached on the text from Isaiah. There must have been more than this, remembered too vaguely for record, to explain the admiration of which the next clause speaks. But this was what startled them: He had left them as the son of the carpenter--mother, brethren, sisters were still among them--and now He came back claiming to be the Christ, and to make words that had seemed to speak of a far-off glorious dream, as a living and present reality.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek andδὲ(de)Conjunction
Strong's 1161:A primary particle; but, and, etc.He beganἤρξατο(ērxato)Verb - Aorist Indicative Middle - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 756:To begin. Middle voice of archo; to commence.by saying,λέγειν(legein)Verb - Present Infinitive Active
Strong's 3004:(a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command.“TodayΣήμερον(Sēmeron)Adverb
Strong's 4594:Today, now. Neuter of a presumed compound of the article ho and hemera; on the day; generally, now.thisαὕτη(hautē)Demonstrative Pronoun - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3778:This; he, she, it.Scriptureγραφὴ(graphē)Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 1124:(a) a writing, (b) a passage of scripture; plur: the scriptures. A document, i.e. Holy Writ.is fulfilledπεπλήρωται(peplērōtai)Verb - Perfect Indicative Middle or Passive - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 4137:From pleres; to make replete, i.e. to cram, level up, or to furnish, satisfy, execute, finish, verify, etc.inἐν(en)Preposition
Strong's 1722:In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.yourὑμῶν(hymōn)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 4771:You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.hearing.”ὠσὶν(ōsin)Noun - Dative Neuter Plural
Strong's 3775:(a) the ear, (b) met: the faculty of perception. Apparently a primary word; the ear.
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NT Gospels: Luke 4:21 He began to tell them Today this (Luke Lu Lk) |
