King James Version

What Does Luke 8:1 Mean?

Luke 8:1 in the King James Version says “And it came to pass afterward , that he went throughout every city and village, preaching and shewing the glad tidings o... — study this verse from Luke chapter 8 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

And it came to pass afterward , that he went throughout every city and village, preaching and shewing the glad tidings of the kingdom of God: and the twelve were with him,

Luke 8:1 · KJV


Context

1

And it came to pass afterward , that he went throughout every city and village, preaching and shewing the glad tidings of the kingdom of God: and the twelve were with him,

2

And certain women, which had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities, Mary called Magdalene, out of whom went seven devils,

3

And Joanna the wife of Chuza Herod's steward, and Susanna, and many others, which ministered unto him of their substance.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And it came to pass afterward, that he went throughout every city and village, preaching and shewing the glad tidings of the kingdom of God—Luke emphasizes Jesus' comprehensive itinerant ministry using diodeuen (διοδεύειν, "to journey through") describing systematic travel through urban centers (polin, πόλιν) and rural settlements (kōmēn, κώμην). The dual verbs kēryssōn (κηρύσσων, "preaching/proclaiming") and euangelizomenos (εὐαγγελιζόμενος, "announcing good news") highlight Jesus' prophetic role as herald of divine truth.

The phrase tēn basileian tou Theou (τὴν βασιλείαν τοῦ Θεοῦ, "the kingdom of God") is Luke's central theological theme—God's sovereign reign breaking into history through Messiah. This wasn't merely ethical teaching but announcement of eschatological fulfillment. And the twelve were with him (hoi dōdeka syn autō, οἱ δώδεκα σὺν αὐτῷ) emphasizes apostolic accompaniment. The Twelve weren't passive observers but active learners in Jesus' peripatetic seminary, embodying the rabbinic discipleship model where students absorbed teaching through constant proximity to their master.

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Historical & Cultural Context

First-century rabbinic education emphasized accompanying teachers in daily life rather than formal classroom instruction. Jesus' itinerant ministry pattern followed prophetic precedent (Elijah, Elisha) while radically expanding accessibility—most rabbis taught in fixed locations, but Jesus brought the kingdom message to remote villages. Galilee contained numerous small towns within walking distance, allowing systematic coverage. This period (likely AD 28-29) represents Jesus' most intensive public ministry phase before opposition intensified. The presence of the Twelve (formally commissioned in Luke 6:13-16) indicates this occurred after their appointment, as Jesus trained them through observation and participation in His ministry.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Jesus' systematic evangelization of both cities and villages challenge modern tendencies to focus ministry efforts only on urban centers or only on established congregations?
  2. What does the pairing of 'preaching' and 'showing glad tidings' teach about the balance between prophetic proclamation and gospel invitation in Christian ministry?
  3. In what ways does Jesus' model of training the Twelve through constant accompaniment rather than mere classroom instruction inform discipleship practices today?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 24 words
καὶ1 of 24

And

G2532

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

ἐγένετο2 of 24

it came to pass

G1096

to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)

ἐν3 of 24

afterward

G1722

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

τῷ4 of 24
G3588

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

καθεξῆς5 of 24
G2517

thereafter, i.e., consecutively; as a noun (by ellipsis of noun) a subsequent person or time

καὶ6 of 24

And

G2532

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

αὐτῷ7 of 24

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

διώδευεν8 of 24

he went

G1353

to travel through

κατὰ9 of 24

throughout every

G2596

(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)

πόλιν10 of 24

city

G4172

a town (properly, with walls, of greater or less size)

καὶ11 of 24

And

G2532

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

κώμην12 of 24

village

G2968

a hamlet (as if laid down)

κηρύσσων13 of 24

preaching

G2784

to herald (as a public crier), especially divine truth (the gospel)

καὶ14 of 24

And

G2532

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

εὐαγγελιζόμενος15 of 24

shewing the glad tidings

G2097

to announce good news ("evangelize") especially the gospel

τὴν16 of 24
G3588

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

βασιλείαν17 of 24

of the kingdom

G932

properly, royalty, i.e., (abstractly) rule, or (concretely) a realm (literally or figuratively)

τοῦ18 of 24
G3588

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

θεοῦ19 of 24

of God

G2316

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

καὶ20 of 24

And

G2532

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

οἱ21 of 24
G3588

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

δώδεκα22 of 24

the twelve

G1427

two and ten, i.e., a dozen

σὺν23 of 24

were with

G4862

with or together (but much closer than g3326 or g3844), i.e., by association, companionship, process, resemblance, possession, instrumentality, additi

αὐτῷ24 of 24

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


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 8:1 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 8:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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