King James Version

What Does Luke 4:18 Mean?

Luke 4:18 in the King James Version says “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal... — study this verse from Luke chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted , to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised,

Luke 4:18 · KJV


Context

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,

18

The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted , to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised,

19

To preach the acceptable year of the Lord.

20

And he closed the book, and he gave it again to the minister, and sat down. And the eyes of all them that were in the synagogue were fastened on him.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Jesus quotes Isaiah 61:1-2, applying this messianic prophecy to Himself and defining His mission in terms of liberation for the oppressed. The Greek word 'euangelizō' (preach the gospel) encompasses both proclamation and the good news itself, demonstrating that the gospel brings concrete deliverance. Luke emphasizes Jesus' ministry to the marginalized—the poor, brokenhearted, captives, blind, and bruised—reflecting themes that permeate his entire Gospel. Notably, Jesus stops mid-sentence from Isaiah, omitting 'the day of vengeance,' reserving that aspect for His second coming.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Delivered in the Nazareth synagogue at the beginning of Jesus' Galilean ministry (around 27-28 AD), this programmatic statement announced His messianic mission to His hometown. Isaiah 61 was recognized as a messianic prophecy, and Jesus' claim to fulfill it would have been understood as a direct claim to messiahship, provoking both wonder and hostility.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Jesus' mission to the marginalized challenge your understanding of what the gospel accomplishes?
  2. In what ways are you experiencing spiritual poverty, captivity, or blindness that requires Jesus' liberating work?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 27 words
Πνεῦμα1 of 27

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

κυρίου2 of 27

of the Lord

G2962

supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)

ἐπ'3 of 27

is upon

G1909

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

ἐμέ4 of 27

me

G1691

me

οὗ5 of 27
G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

ἕνεκεν6 of 27

because

G1752

on account of

ἔχρισέν7 of 27

he hath anointed

G5548

to smear or rub with oil, i.e., (by implication) to consecrate to an office or religious service

με8 of 27

me

G3165

me

εὐαγγελίζεσθαι9 of 27

to preach the gospel

G2097

to announce good news ("evangelize") especially the gospel

πτωχοῖς10 of 27

to the poor

G4434

akin to g4422 and the alternate of g4098); a beggar (as cringing), i.e., pauper (strictly denoting absolute or public mendicancy, although also used i

ἀποστεῖλαι11 of 27

he hath sent

G649

set apart, i.e., (by implication) to send out (properly, on a mission) literally or figuratively

με12 of 27

me

G3165

me

ἰὰσασθαι13 of 27

to heal

G2390

to cure (literally or figuratively)

τοὺς14 of 27
G3588

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

συντετριμμένους15 of 27

the brokenhearted

G4937

to crush completely, i.e., to shatter (literally or figuratively)

τὴν16 of 27
G3588

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

καρδίαν,17 of 27
G2588

the heart, i.e., (figuratively) the thoughts or feelings (mind); also (by analogy) the middle

κηρύξαι18 of 27

to preach

G2784

to herald (as a public crier), especially divine truth (the gospel)

αἰχμαλώτοις19 of 27

to the captives

G164

properly, a prisoner of war, i.e., (genitive case) a captive

ἀφέσει20 of 27

deliverance

G859

freedom; (figuratively) pardon

καὶ21 of 27

and

G2532

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

τυφλοῖς22 of 27

to the blind

G5185

opaque (as if smoky), i.e., (by analogy) blind (physically or mentally)

ἀνάβλεψιν23 of 27

recovering of sight

G309

restoration of sight

ἀποστεῖλαι24 of 27

he hath sent

G649

set apart, i.e., (by implication) to send out (properly, on a mission) literally or figuratively

τεθραυσμένους25 of 27

them that are bruised

G2352

to crush

ἐν26 of 27

at

G1722

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

ἀφέσει27 of 27

deliverance

G859

freedom; (figuratively) pardon


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 4:18 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 4:18 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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