King James Version

What Does Luke 7:1 Mean?

Luke 7:1 in the King James Version says “Now when he had ended all his sayings in the audience of the people, he entered into Capernaum. — study this verse from Luke chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

Now when he had ended all his sayings in the audience of the people, he entered into Capernaum.

Luke 7:1 · KJV


Context

1

Now when he had ended all his sayings in the audience of the people, he entered into Capernaum.

2

And a certain centurion's servant, who was dear unto him, was sick, and ready to die.

3

And when he heard of Jesus, he sent unto him the elders of the Jews, beseeching him that he would come and heal his servant.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Now when he had ended all his sayings in the audience of the people, he entered into Capernaum. The Greek etelesen (ἐτέλεσεν, finished/completed) marks the conclusion of the Sermon on the Plain (Luke 6:20-49), Jesus' ethical manifesto paralleling Matthew's Sermon on the Mount. Luke transitions from teaching to demonstration—Christ's authority proclaimed in words (chapter 6) is now validated through miraculous works (chapter 7).

Capernaum (Καφαρναούμ, Kapharnaoum, 'village of consolation') served as Jesus' ministry headquarters, His adopted hometown after Nazareth's rejection. This city witnessed more miracles than any other yet would face severe judgment for unbelief (Luke 10:15), proving that privilege intensifies accountability.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Capernaum was a prosperous fishing village on the Sea of Galilee's northern shore, home to a Roman garrison and customs station. Archaeological evidence confirms a first-century synagogue beneath the later limestone structure, likely the one the centurion built (Luke 7:5).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Jesus demonstrate that His teaching authority is validated by His power over sickness, death, and nature?
  2. What does Capernaum's later judgment teach about the danger of spiritual privilege without genuine faith?
  3. How should the transition from hearing Christ's words to seeing His works shape your faith?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 15 words
Ἐπει1 of 15

when

G1893

thereupon, i.e., since (of time or cause)

δὲ2 of 15

Now

G1161

but, and, etc

ἐπλήρωσεν3 of 15

he had ended

G4137

to make replete, i.e., (literally) to cram (a net), level up (a hollow), or (figuratively) to furnish (or imbue, diffuse, influence), satisfy, execute

πάντα4 of 15

all

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

τὰ5 of 15
G3588

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

ῥήματα6 of 15

sayings

G4487

an utterance (individually, collectively or specially),; by implication, a matter or topic (especially of narration, command or dispute); with a negat

αὐτοῦ7 of 15
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

εἰς8 of 15

in

G1519

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

τὰς9 of 15
G3588

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

ἀκοὰς10 of 15

the audience

G189

hearing (the act, the sense or the thing heard)

τοῦ11 of 15
G3588

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

λαοῦ12 of 15

of the people

G2992

a people (in general; thus differing from g1218, which denotes one's own populace)

εἰσῆλθεν13 of 15

he entered

G1525

to enter (literally or figuratively)

εἰς14 of 15

in

G1519

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

Καπερναούμ15 of 15

Capernaum

G2584

capernaum (i.e., caphanachum), a place in palestine


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 7:1 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 7:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Places in This Verse

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