King James Version

What Does Luke 4:14 Mean?

Luke 4:14 in the King James Version says “And Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit into Galilee: and there went out a fame of him through all the region roun... — study this verse from Luke chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

And Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit into Galilee: and there went out a fame of him through all the region round about.

Luke 4:14 · KJV


Context

12

And Jesus answering said unto him, It is said , Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God.

13

And when the devil had ended all the temptation, he departed from him for a season.

14

And Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit into Galilee: and there went out a fame of him through all the region round about.

15

And he taught in their synagogues, being glorified of all.

16

And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up: and, as his custom was, he went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and stood up for to read.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
After defeating temptation, 'Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit into Galilee: and there went out a fame of him through all the region round about.' The phrase 'in the power of the Spirit' (Greek 'en tē dynamei tou pneumatos,' ἐν τῇ δυνάμει τοῦ πνεύματος) emphasizes Jesus' Spirit-empowered ministry. His wilderness victory qualified Him for public ministry, and His fame spread rapidly. Successful spiritual warfare releases spiritual power—Jesus emerged from temptation strengthened, not weakened. His growing reputation prepared for His teaching and healing ministry.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Galilee was Jesus' primary ministry region during the early phase—a predominantly Jewish area with significant Gentile influence, more receptive than Judea's religious establishment. News traveled quickly along trade routes and through synagogue networks. Jesus' fame stemmed from teaching with authority (Mark 1:27) and performing miracles (healing, exorcisms). This initial popularity created opportunities for ministry but also attracted opposition from religious leaders who saw Him as a threat. The Spirit's power made Jesus' ministry effective and drew crowds seeking teaching and healing.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Jesus' return 'in the power of the Spirit' after wilderness victory demonstrate the relationship between spiritual warfare and ministry effectiveness?
  2. What does Jesus' rapid rise to fame teach about how God prepares for and validates authentic ministry?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 21 words
καὶ1 of 21

And

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ὑπέστρεψεν2 of 21

returned

G5290

to turn under (behind), i.e., to return (literally or figuratively)

3 of 21
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

Ἰησοῦς4 of 21

Jesus

G2424

jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites

ἐν5 of 21

in

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

τῇ6 of 21
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

δυνάμει7 of 21

the power

G1411

force (literally or figuratively); specially, miraculous power (usually by implication, a miracle itself)

τοῦ8 of 21
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

πνεύματος9 of 21

of the Spirit

G4151

a current of air, i.e., breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit, i.e., (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital prin

εἰς10 of 21

into

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

τὴν11 of 21
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

Γαλιλαίαν12 of 21

Galilee

G1056

galilaea (i.e., the heathen circle), a region of palestine

καὶ13 of 21

And

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

φήμη14 of 21

a fame

G5345

a saying, i.e., rumor ("fame")

ἐξῆλθεν15 of 21

there went out

G1831

to issue (literally or figuratively)

καθ'16 of 21

through

G2596

(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)

ὅλης17 of 21

all

G3650

"whole" or "all", i.e., complete (in extent, amount, time or degree), especially (neuter) as noun or adverb

τῆς18 of 21
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

περιχώρου19 of 21

the region round about

G4066

around the region, i.e., circumjacent (as noun, with g1093 implied vicinity)

περὶ20 of 21

of

G4012

properly, through (all over), i.e., around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time (with the genitive cas

αὐτοῦ21 of 21

him

G846

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


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Luke. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Luke 4:14 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Luke 4:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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