King James Version

What Does Matthew 13:54 Mean?

Matthew 13:54 in the King James Version says “And when he was come into his own country, he taught them in their synagogue, insomuch that they were astonished, and sa... — study this verse from Matthew chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

And when he was come into his own country, he taught them in their synagogue, insomuch that they were astonished, and said, Whence hath this man this wisdom, and these mighty works?

Matthew 13:54 · KJV


Context

52

Then said he unto them, Therefore every scribe which is instructed unto the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is an householder, which bringeth forth out of his treasure things new and old.

53

And it came to pass, that when Jesus had finished these parables, he departed thence.

54

And when he was come into his own country, he taught them in their synagogue, insomuch that they were astonished, and said, Whence hath this man this wisdom, and these mighty works?

55

Is not this the carpenter's son? is not his mother called Mary? and his brethren, James, and Joses, and Simon, and Judas?

56

And his sisters, are they not all with us? Whence then hath this man all these things?


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
When he was come into his own country (εἰς τὴν πατρίδα αὐτοῦ)—The πατρίς (homeland, native place) refers to Nazareth (Mark 6:1; Luke 4:16), where Jesus grew up (Matthew 2:23). This return occurs after extensive Galilean ministry, making their rejection more culpable. He taught them in their synagogue—Despite knowing He would face rejection (Luke 4:24), Jesus faithfully proclaimed truth. The imperfect ἐδίδασκεν ('He was teaching') suggests sustained instruction, not a single sermon.

Insomuch that they were astonished (ὥστε ἐκπλήσσεσθαι αὐτούς)—The verb ἐκπλήσσω means 'to strike out of one's senses, astound.' Their amazement stemmed from cognitive dissonance: they knew His humble origins but witnessed divine wisdom and power. Whence hath this man this wisdom, and these mighty works? (πόθεν τούτῳ ἡ σοφία αὕτη καὶ αἱ δυνάμεις;)—The σοφία (sophia, wisdom) parallels Solomon's reputation (1 Kings 4:29-34), while δυνάμεις (dynameis, 'mighty works, miracles') attests supernatural authority. Yet instead of faith, familiarity bred contempt (v. 57).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Synagogue worship in first-century Judaism included Torah reading, prophetic texts, and exposition by respected teachers. Jesus's habit was to attend synagogue (Luke 4:16), where His teaching astonished hearers (Matthew 7:28-29) because He taught with authority, not like the scribes who relied on rabbinic tradition. Nazareth's rejection fulfilled the pattern that prophets face greatest resistance from those who knew them in obscurity (Luke 4:24).

Reflection Questions

  1. Why does familiarity with Jesus's humanity sometimes blind people to His deity?
  2. How can you guard against the contempt of familiarity in your relationship with Christ and Scripture?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 25 words
καὶ1 of 25

And

G2532

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

ἐλθὼν2 of 25

when he was come

G2064

to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

εἰς3 of 25

into

G1519

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

τὴν4 of 25
G3588

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

πατρίδα5 of 25

country

G3968

a father-land, i.e., native town; (figuratively) heavenly home

αὐτοὺς6 of 25

their

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

ἐδίδασκεν7 of 25

he taught

G1321

to teach (in the same broad application)

αὐτοὺς8 of 25

their

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

ἐν9 of 25

in

G1722

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

τῇ10 of 25
G3588

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

συναγωγῇ11 of 25

synagogue

G4864

an assemblage of persons; specially, a jewish "synagogue" (the meeting or the place); by analogy, a christian church

αὐτοὺς12 of 25

their

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

ὥστε13 of 25

insomuch that

G5620

so too, i.e., thus therefore (in various relations of consecution, as follow)

ἐκπλήττεσθαι14 of 25

they were astonished

G1605

to strike with astonishment

αὐτοὺς15 of 25

their

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

καὶ16 of 25

And

G2532

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

λέγειν17 of 25

said

G3004

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

Πόθεν18 of 25

Whence

G4159

from which (as interrogative) or what (as relative) place, state, source or cause

τούτῳ19 of 25

hath this man

G5129

to (in, with or by) this (person or thing)

20 of 25
G3588

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

σοφία21 of 25

wisdom

G4678

wisdom (higher or lower, worldly or spiritual)

αὕτη22 of 25

this

G3778

the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)

καὶ23 of 25

And

G2532

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

αἱ24 of 25
G3588

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

δυνάμεις25 of 25

these mighty works

G1411

force (literally or figuratively); specially, miraculous power (usually by implication, a miracle itself)


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Matthew. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Matthew 13:54 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 Matthew 13:54 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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