King James Version

What Does Luke 8:4 Mean?

Luke 8:4 in the King James Version says “And when much people were gathered together, and were come to him out of every city, he spake by a parable:” — study this verse from Luke chapter 8 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And when much people were gathered together, and were come to him out of every city, he spake by a parable:”

Luke 8:4 · KJV

Context

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.

4

And when much people were gathered together, and were come to him out of every city, he spake by a parable:

5

A sower went out to sow his seed: and as he sowed, some fell by the way side; and it was trodden down, and the fowls of the air devoured it.

6

And some fell upon a rock; and as soon as it was sprung up, it withered away, because it lacked moisture.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And when much people were gathered together, and were come to him out of every city, he spake by a parable—The Greek ochlou pollou (ὄχλου πολλοῦ, "great crowd") emphasizes the massive audience, while kata polin (κατὰ πόλιν, "according to city" or "from each city") indicates representatives from multiple municipalities converged. This diverse, large assembly prompted Jesus to shift teaching methods. The phrase eipen dia parabolēs (εἶπεν διὰ παραβολῆς, "spoke through a parable") introduces Jesus' characteristic pedagogical tool.

The term parabolē (παραβολή) literally means "a throwing alongside," from para (beside) and ballō (to throw)—placing one thing beside another for comparison. Parables simultaneously reveal truth to receptive hearers and conceal it from hardened hearts (v. 10). Jesus' use of parables fulfilled prophetic pattern (Psalm 78:2, quoted in Matthew 13:35) and represented wisdom teaching common in Jewish tradition (Proverbs, rabbinic mashal). The shift to parabolic teaching at this point in Luke's narrative signals increasing opposition and the need to distinguish genuine disciples from mere curiosity-seekers.

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Historical & Cultural Context

First-century Palestinian culture was largely agrarian, making agricultural parables immediately accessible. Open-air teaching to large crowds was common practice for popular rabbis and philosophers. The mention of crowds from every city indicates Jesus' fame had spread throughout Galilee, likely following the miracles and exorcisms of chapters 4-7. Outdoor acoustics and the custom of sitting while teaching (rabbinic practice) allowed large groups to hear. Jewish wisdom literature extensively used parables and metaphorical teaching (Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, prophetic literature). Jesus' parables, however, were unique in their eschatological urgency—announcing the kingdom's arrival rather than merely communicating timeless wisdom. The parable method allowed Jesus to challenge listeners without direct confrontation, inviting reflection rather than provoking immediate hostility from religious authorities.

Reflection Questions

  1. Why does Jesus choose parabolic teaching when crowds are largest, and what does this reveal about the relationship between popularity and spiritual receptivity?
  2. How does the parable form's dual function—revealing truth to some while concealing it from others—challenge modern assumptions about making the gospel as clear and accessible as possible?
  3. What does the gathering of crowds from multiple cities indicate about the hunger for spiritual truth, and how should this inform contemporary evangelistic strategy?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 14 words
Συνιόντος1 of 14

“were gathered together”

G4896

to assemble

δὲ2 of 14

“And”

G1161

but, and, etc

ὄχλου3 of 14

“people”

G3793

a throng (as borne along); by implication, the rabble; by extension, a class of people; figuratively, a riot

πολλοῦ4 of 14

“when much”

G4183

(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely

καὶ5 of 14

“and”

G2532

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

τῶν6 of 14
G3588

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

κατὰ7 of 14

“out of every”

G2596

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

πόλιν8 of 14

“city”

G4172

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

ἐπιπορευομένων9 of 14

“were come”

G1975

to journey further, i.e., travel on (reach)

πρὸς10 of 14

“to”

G4314

a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,

αὐτὸν11 of 14

“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

εἶπεν12 of 14

“he spake”

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

διὰ13 of 14

“by”

G1223

through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)

παραβολῆς·14 of 14

“a parable”

G3850

a similitude ("parable"), i.e., (symbolic) fictitious narrative (of common life conveying a moral), apothegm or adage

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 8:4 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 8:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Mark 4:1-9Matthew 13:2-9

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