King James Version

What Does Luke 4:19 Mean?

Luke 4:19 in the King James Version says “To preach the acceptable year of the Lord.” — study this verse from Luke chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“To preach the acceptable year of the Lord.”

Luke 4:19 · KJV

Context

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.

21

And he began to say unto them, This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
To preach the acceptable year of the Lord. Jesus reads the final phrase of His Isaiah 61:1-2 quotation: kēruxai eniauton Kyriou dekton (κηρύξαι ἐνιαυτὸν Κυρίου δεκτόν, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor). The term eniauton (ἐνιαυτόν, year) combined with dekton (δεκτόν, acceptable/favorable) likely alludes to the Jubilee year (Leviticus 25:8-55)—every fiftieth year when debts were cancelled, slaves freed, and land returned to original owners. The acceptable year represents God's time of grace, mercy, and restoration.

Significantly, Jesus stops mid-sentence from Isaiah 61:2, omitting 'and the day of vengeance of our God.' His first advent proclaims grace; His second advent will execute judgment. The 'acceptable year' refers to the gospel age—the period between Christ's first and second comings when salvation is freely offered to all who repent and believe. This is the 'day of salvation' (2 Corinthians 6:2), the time when God's favor is extended to all who call upon Christ. When Jesus returns, the acceptable year ends and the day of vengeance begins (2 Thessalonians 1:7-10).

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Historical & Cultural Context

The Jubilee year functioned as comprehensive economic and social reset, embodying God's concern for justice, mercy, and restoration. It prevented permanent economic stratification by returning land to original families and releasing debt slaves. Most scholars believe Jubilee was rarely if ever fully observed in Israel's history, making it an eschatological hope pointing to Messiah's reign. Jesus claims to inaugurate the ultimate Jubilee—not merely economic but spiritual. He cancels sin's debt, liberates Satan's captives, and restores fallen humanity to relationship with God. His selective reading (ending before 'day of vengeance') indicated that His first coming emphasized salvation, not judgment. The Nazareth audience expected a conquering Messiah who would execute vengeance on Rome; Jesus offered spiritual liberation instead.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the Jubilee imagery illuminate what Christ's gospel accomplishes for believers?
  2. Why does Jesus stop reading before 'the day of vengeance,' and what does this teach about His two advents?
  3. What does the 'acceptable year of the Lord' teach about the current gospel age and the urgency of responding to Christ while grace is offered?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 4 words
κηρύξαι1 of 4

“To preach”

G2784

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

ἐνιαυτὸν2 of 4

“year”

G1763

a year

κυρίου3 of 4

“of the Lord”

G2962

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

δεκτόν4 of 4

“the acceptable”

G1184

approved; (figuratively) propitious

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 4:19 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 4:19 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Isaiah 61:2Isaiah 63:4Leviticus 25:8-132 Corinthians 6:1Luke 19:42Leviticus 25:50-54

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