King James Version

What Does Luke 4:32 Mean?

Luke 4:32 in the King James Version says “And they were astonished at his doctrine: for his word was with power.” — study this verse from Luke chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And they were astonished at his doctrine: for his word was with power.”

Luke 4:32 · KJV

Context

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.

33

And in the synagogue there was a man, which had a spirit of an unclean devil, and cried out with a loud voice,

34

Saying, Let us alone; what have we to do with thee, thou Jesus of Nazareth? art thou come to destroy us? I know thee who thou art; the Holy One of God. Let: or, Away

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
In Capernaum synagogue, people 'were astonished at his doctrine: for his word was with power.' The Greek 'exousia' (ἐξουσία, authority/power) describes Jesus' teaching quality—not merely persuasive or learned, but authoritative and powerful. Unlike scribes who cited previous rabbis, Jesus spoke with inherent authority ('You have heard...but I say,' Matthew 5). His words carried weight, demanding response. This authoritative teaching distinguished Him from other teachers and validated His claims. Words spoken with divine authority accomplish what they declare.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Rabbinic teaching followed established patterns—citing previous rabbis, building arguments through reference to tradition and interpretation. Scribes gained authority through formal training and association with recognized teachers. Jesus' teaching was revolutionary—He spoke with direct authority, interpreting Scripture definitively without citing human authorities. His teaching authority derived from His divine identity—God's Word incarnate speaks God's word with inherent authority. This pattern continued throughout His ministry, amazing crowds and infuriating religious leaders whose authority He implicitly challenged.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Jesus' teaching 'with authority' differ from merely citing tradition or making persuasive arguments?
  2. What does the crowd's astonishment at Jesus' authoritative teaching reveal about the power of God's word spoken with divine authority?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 13 words
καὶ1 of 13

“And”

G2532

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

ἐξεπλήσσοντο2 of 13

“they were astonished”

G1605

to strike with astonishment

ἐπὶ3 of 13

“at”

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

τῇ4 of 13
G3588

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

διδαχῇ5 of 13

“doctrine”

G1322

instruction (the act or the matter)

αὐτοῦ6 of 13

“his”

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

ὅτι7 of 13

“for”

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

ἐν8 of 13

“with”

G1722

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

ἐξουσίᾳ9 of 13

“power”

G1849

privilege, i.e., (subjectively) force, capacity, competency, freedom, or (objectively) mastery (concretely, magistrate, superhuman, potentate, token o

ἦν10 of 13

“was”

G2258

i (thou, etc.) was (wast or were)

ὁ11 of 13
G3588

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

λόγος12 of 13

“word”

G3056

something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a

αὐτοῦ13 of 13

“his”

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

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 4:32 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 4:32 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Luke 4:36John 6:63Matthew 7:28-29Titus 2:15Hebrews 4:12-132 Corinthians 10:4-5

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