King James Version

What Does Luke 4:28 Mean?

Luke 4:28 in the King James Version says “And all they in the synagogue, when they heard these things, were filled with wrath,” — study this verse from Luke chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And all they in the synagogue, when they heard these things, were filled with wrath,”

Luke 4:28 · KJV

Context

26

But unto none of them was Elias sent, save unto Sarepta, a city of Sidon, unto a woman that was a widow.

27

And many lepers were in Israel in the time of Eliseus the prophet; and none of them was cleansed, saving Naaman the Syrian.

28

And all they in the synagogue, when they heard these things, were filled with wrath,

29

And rose up, and thrust him out of the city, and led him unto the brow of the hill whereon their city was built, that they might cast him down headlong. brow: or, edge

30

But he passing through the midst of them went his way,

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And all they in the synagogue, when they heard these things, were filled with wrath. The Greek eplēsthēsan thymou (ἐπλήσθησαν θυμοῦ, were filled with rage) describes explosive anger, not mere annoyance. The verb pimplēmi (πίμπλημι, to fill) suggests complete saturation—they were consumed by rage. This sudden shift from admiring Jesus' "words of grace" (v. 22) to murderous fury reveals the depth of their offense.

Jesus' examples of God blessing Gentiles while judging Israel struck at the core of their ethnic pride and religious presumption. They assumed covenant status guaranteed God's favor regardless of faith or obedience. Jesus exposed this as false security—God honors faith wherever He finds it and judges unbelief even in covenant Israel. Their rage demonstrates that religious pride, when confronted, often produces violence rather than repentance.

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Historical & Cultural Context

First-century Judaism struggled with the tension between Israel's covenant election and God's universal sovereignty. Most Jews assumed Messiah would exalt Israel and judge Gentiles. Jesus' teaching inverted this expectation—Gentiles who believe receive blessing while unbelieving Israel faces judgment. This became the pattern in Acts: the gospel went "to the Jew first, and also to the Greek" (Romans 1:16), but Jewish rejection often led to Gentile inclusion (Acts 13:46, 18:6, 28:28). The Nazareth synagogue's violent rejection previewed Israel's rejection of Messiah.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does the sudden shift from admiration to murderous rage reveal about superficial versus genuine faith?
  2. How does religious pride (assuming God's favor based on heritage or status) blind people to the true gospel?
  3. In what ways might you react defensively when Jesus challenges your assumptions about deserving God's blessings?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 9 words
καὶ1 of 9

“And”

G2532

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

ἐπλήσθησαν2 of 9

“were filled”

G4130

to "fill" (literally or figuratively (imbue, influence, supply)); specially, to fulfil (time)

πάντες3 of 9

“all they”

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

θυμοῦ4 of 9

“with wrath”

G2372

passion (as if breathing hard)

ἐν5 of 9

“in”

G1722

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

τῇ6 of 9
G3588

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

συναγωγῇ7 of 9

“the synagogue”

G4864

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

ἀκούοντες8 of 9

“when they heard”

G191

to hear (in various senses)

ταῦτα9 of 9

“these things”

G5023

these things

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 4:28 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 4:28 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Acts 7:54Jeremiah 37:15-16Jeremiah 38:62 Chronicles 24:20-21Luke 6:11Acts 5:33

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