King James Version

What Does Luke 4:37 Mean?

Luke 4:37 in the King James Version says “And the fame of him went out into every place of the country round about.” — study this verse from Luke chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And the fame of him went out into every place of the country round about.”

Luke 4:37 · KJV

Context

35

And Jesus rebuked him, saying, Hold thy peace, and come out of him. And when the devil had thrown him in the midst, he came out of him, and hurt him not.

36

And they were all amazed, and spake among themselves, saying, What a word is this! for with authority and power he commandeth the unclean spirits, and they come out.

37

And the fame of him went out into every place of the country round about.

38

And he arose out of the synagogue, and entered into Simon's house. And Simon's wife's mother was taken with a great fever; and they besought him for her.

39

And he stood over her, and rebuked the fever; and it left her: and immediately she arose and ministered unto them.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And the fame of him went out into every place of the country round about. The Greek exeporeueto ēchos peri autou (ἐξεπορεύετο ἦχος περὶ αὐτοῦ, went out a report concerning him) describes rapid dissemination of news about Jesus. The word ēchos (ἦχος, sound/report/fame) suggests spreading like sound waves—expanding outward in all directions. The phrase eis panta topon (εἰς πάντα τόπον, into every place) indicates comprehensive geographic spread throughout the region.

This fame resulted from the combination of authoritative teaching (v. 32) and demonstrative power (vv. 33-36). Word and deed worked together to validate Jesus' messianic claims. The exorcism proved what His teaching proclaimed—God's kingdom was breaking into the present, evil's power was being destroyed. News of such unprecedented authority naturally spread rapidly in a culture hungry for messianic deliverance.

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Historical & Cultural Context

News traveled quickly in first-century Galilee through trade routes, synagogue networks, and oral culture. Galilean towns were relatively close together, with active commerce and communication. Miracle workers and rabbis with distinctive teaching attracted attention, but Jesus was unprecedented—teaching with inherent authority and performing miracles with simple commands. This combination drew crowds and created both opportunity and opposition. The spreading fame fulfilled Isaiah 9:1-2's prophecy that Galilee would see great light. Yet fame also brought challenges—crowds seeking miracles rather than repentance, and religious leaders' growing opposition.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do Jesus' authoritative teaching and demonstrative power work together to validate His messianic identity?
  2. What does the rapid spread of Jesus' fame reveal about human hunger for genuine spiritual authority and power?
  3. Why might widespread fame be both beneficial and challenging for Jesus' ministry?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 10 words
καὶ1 of 10

“And”

G2532

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

ἐξεπορεύετο2 of 10

“went out”

G1607

to depart, be discharged, proceed, project

ἦχος3 of 10

“the fame”

G2279

a loud or confused noise ("echo"), i.e., roar; figuratively, a rumor

περὶ4 of 10

“of”

G4012

properly, through (all over), i.e., around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time (with the genitive cas

αὐτοῦ5 of 10

“him”

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

εἰς6 of 10

“into”

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

πάντα7 of 10

“every”

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

τόπον8 of 10

“place”

G5117

a spot (general in space, but limited by occupancy; whereas g5561 is a large but participle locality), i.e., location (as a position, home, tract, etc

τῆς9 of 10
G3588

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

περιχώρου10 of 10

“of the country round about”

G4066

around the region, i.e., circumjacent (as noun, with g1093 implied vicinity)

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 4:37 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 4:37 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Luke 4:14Mark 1:45Isaiah 52:13Matthew 9:26Mark 6:14Matthew 4:23-25

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