King James Version

What Does Luke 4:15 Mean?

Luke 4:15 in the King James Version says “And he taught in their synagogues, being glorified of all.” — study this verse from Luke chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Luke 4:15 · KJV

Context

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.

17

And there was delivered unto him the book of the prophet Esaias. And when he had opened the book, he found the place where it was written,

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And he taught in their synagogues, being glorified of all. Following His wilderness victory and initial Galilean ministry, Jesus taught systematically in their synagogues (ἐν ταῖς συναγωγαῖς αὐτῶν, en tais synagōgais autōn)—the established centers of Jewish worship and Scripture instruction. The phrase being glorified of all (doxazomenos hypo pantōn, δοξαζόμενος ὑπὸ πάντων) indicates universal acclaim. The present participle suggests ongoing, continuous glorification—everywhere Jesus went, people honored and praised Him.

This initial popularity would prove short-lived. Within verses, His hometown of Nazareth would attempt to kill Him (v. 28-29). The fickleness of public opinion demonstrates that human glory is unreliable. Jesus' teaching combined with miracles produced amazement, but many who 'glorified' Him failed to truly believe unto salvation (John 2:23-25). The pattern continues throughout Scripture: crowds acclaim Jesus when He meets their expectations but turn hostile when He confronts their sin or challenges their assumptions.

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Historical & Cultural Context

First-century synagogues served as community centers for worship, Scripture reading, teaching, and prayer. Visiting teachers were invited to read and expound Scripture, giving Jesus ready access to audiences throughout Galilee. His teaching 'with authority' (v. 32) and accompanying miracles generated widespread fame. However, this popularity threatened religious leaders whose authority He implicitly challenged. The Galilean ministry represented a honeymoon period before mounting opposition would drive Jesus toward Jerusalem and the cross. Luke's mention that He was 'glorified of all' heightens the tragedy of His later rejection—the same people who praised Him would soon demand His crucifixion.

Reflection Questions

  1. Why does human acclaim and glorification prove unreliable as a measure of genuine spiritual response to Christ?
  2. How should ministers of the gospel respond to seasons of popularity and public acclaim?
  3. What does the pattern of initial glorification followed by rejection teach about the cost of faithful gospel ministry?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 10 words
καὶ1 of 10

“And”

G2532

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

αὐτῶν2 of 10

“their”

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

ἐδίδασκεν3 of 10

“he taught”

G1321

to teach (in the same broad application)

ἐν4 of 10

“in”

G1722

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

ταῖς5 of 10
G3588

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

συναγωγαῖς6 of 10

“synagogues”

G4864

an assemblage of persons; specially, a jewish "synagogue" (the meeting or the place); by analogy, a christian church

αὐτῶν7 of 10

“their”

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

δοξαζόμενος8 of 10

“being glorified”

G1392

to render (or esteem) glorious (in a wide application)

ὑπὸ9 of 10

“of”

G5259

under, i.e., (with the genitive case) of place (beneath), or with verbs (the agency or means, through); (with the accusative case) of place (whither (

πάντων10 of 10

“all”

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

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 4:15 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 4:15 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Matthew 4:23Matthew 9:8Matthew 9:35Mark 1:39Luke 13:10Matthew 13:54

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