King James Version
What Does Luke 4:30 Mean?
“But he passing through the midst of them went his way,”
Luke 4:30 · KJV
Context
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,
31
And came down to Capernaum, a city of Galilee, and taught them on the sabbath days.
32
And they were astonished at his doctrine: for his word was with power.
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryBut he passing through the midst of them went his way. The simple statement conceals a miracle. The Greek dielthen dia mesou autōn (διῆλθεν διὰ μέσου αὐτῶν, passed through their midst) indicates Jesus walked directly through the murderous mob unharmed. Whether through supernatural intervention (making Himself invisible or the crowd unable to seize Him) or through the sheer force of His divine presence and authority, Jesus departed unscathed.
This demonstrates Jesus' sovereignty over His own death—He would die at the appointed time in the appointed way, not before. John 7:30, 8:20 repeatedly note that "no man laid hands on him; for his hour was not yet come." Jesus' hour of crucifixion was divinely appointed (John 12:23, 13:1, 17:1). No mob could kill Him prematurely. His walking through them unharmed also demonstrates divine protection of His servants until their mission is complete.
This demonstrates Jesus' sovereignty over His own death—He would die at the appointed time in the appointed way, not before. John 7:30, 8:20 repeatedly note that "no man laid hands on him; for his hour was not yet come." Jesus' hour of crucifixion was divinely appointed (John 12:23, 13:1, 17:1). No mob could kill Him prematurely. His walking through them unharmed also demonstrates divine protection of His servants until their mission is complete.
KJV Study — Public Domain
Historical & Cultural Context
This miraculous deliverance previews Jesus' eventual resurrection and ascension. The crowd that sought to throw Him down could not hold Him. His passing through them unharmed demonstrates authority over human violence and divine timing. Similar incidents occur throughout Jesus' ministry—He escaped the crowd seeking to stone Him (John 8:59, 10:39) and walked past the temple guards (John 7:30). Only when the appointed hour arrived did Jesus willingly lay down His life (John 10:18). This pattern encouraged early Christians facing persecution: God protects His servants until their appointed time.
Reflection Questions
- What does Jesus' miraculous deliverance teach about God's sovereignty over timing and circumstances?
- How should this account encourage believers facing opposition: that God protects His people until their mission is complete?
- In what ways does Jesus' passing through the murderous crowd preview His resurrection victory over death?
Original Language Analysis
Greek · 7 wordsαὐτῶν1 of 7
“of them”
G846the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
αὐτῶν6 of 7
“of them”
G846the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
ἐπορεύετο7 of 7
“went his way”
G4198to traverse, i.e., travel (literally or figuratively; especially to remove (figuratively, die), live, etc.)
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 4:30 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 4:30 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge