Luke 4:14 kjv

And Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit into Galilee: and there went out a fame of him through all the region round about.

Luke 4:14 nkjv

Then Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit to Galilee, and news of Him went out through all the surrounding region.

Luke 4:14 niv

Jesus returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit, and news about him spread through the whole countryside.

Luke 4:14 esv

And Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit to Galilee, and a report about him went out through all the surrounding country.

Luke 4:14 nlt

Then Jesus returned to Galilee, filled with the Holy Spirit's power. Reports about him spread quickly through the whole region.

Luke 4 verses

Luke 4 14 Meaning

This verse marks the definitive beginning of Jesus' public ministry following His baptism and wilderness temptation. It reveals that Jesus returned to Galilee, His home region, not in His own strength, but in the power of the Holy Spirit. This divine empowerment was the direct source and enabling force behind His every action. As a direct consequence of His Spirit-filled presence and actions, a widespread fame and reputation concerning Him began to spread rapidly through all the surrounding regions, signifying the immediate and potent impact of His emerging ministry.

Luke 4 14 Context

Luke chapter 4 details the pivotal transition from Jesus' private life and preparatory period to His public ministry. It immediately follows the account of Jesus' baptism where He was anointed by the Holy Spirit (Lk 3:21-22) and His forty-day temptation in the wilderness where He resisted Satan by wielding the Word of God and demonstrating His complete reliance on the Father (Lk 4:1-13). This period of spiritual preparation and testing proved His absolute devotion and readiness for the monumental task ahead. Verse 14, therefore, serves as the formal opening of His Galilean ministry, asserting that His actions and authority were under the direct, powerful influence of the Holy Spirit. This sets the stage for His initial teachings and miracles, particularly His significant declaration in the synagogue at Nazareth, found immediately after this verse (Lk 4:16-30), where He directly announces the fulfillment of Isaiah's prophecy concerning the Spirit-anointed Messiah.

Historically and culturally, Galilee was distinct. It was a northern region, religiously mixed with significant Gentile populations ("Galilee of the Gentiles," Isa 9:1), often viewed with disdain by the Judeans to the south who considered it less pure. For the Messiah to begin His public ministry there highlighted His focus on reaching all people, including those on the periphery. The spread of "fame" for a prophet was crucial in that society for gaining followers and validating authority.

Luke 4 14 Word analysis

• And Jesus (Καὶ Ἰησοῦς - Kai Iēsous): "And" (kai) connects this event directly to the preceding temptation narrative, indicating a logical progression. "Jesus" refers to the Son of God, truly God and truly human, about to embark on His public mission.
• returned (ὑπέστρεψεν - hypestrepsen): This Greek verb signifies coming back or turning back, implying a previous departure from Galilee to the Jordan for baptism and then into the wilderness for temptation. It suggests a decisive movement back to His primary area of future activity, but now fundamentally transformed and empowered for mission.
• in the power (ἐν τῇ δυνάμει - en tē dynamei): "In the" (en tē) suggests not merely with power, but immersed in or acting within the sphere of this power. "Power" (dynamis) denotes inherent, dynamic capability, strength, and authority, especially miraculous power. It points to a divine enabling force, not human ability. It implies God's effectual energy at work through Him.
• of the Spirit (τοῦ Πνεύματος - tou Pneumatos): "Spirit" (Pneuma), referring to the Holy Spirit, the third person of the Trinity. This emphasizes that Jesus' return and subsequent ministry were entirely dependent upon and actuated by the divine Person of the Holy Spirit. It directly links to His anointing at baptism (Lk 3:22) and being "full of the Spirit" after temptation (Lk 4:1). This counters any notion of Jesus performing miracles or teaching solely through His divine nature; His human nature was perfectly empowered by the Spirit for the task.
• into Galilee (εἰς τὴν Γαλιλαίαν - eis tēn Galilaian): "Galilee" was the region north of Samaria and Judea, known for its diverse population, rural character, and sometimes being culturally looked down upon by those in Jerusalem. It was strategic as it served as a primary base for His ministry and was foretold in prophecy (Isa 9:1-2) as a place where light would dawn.
• and there went out (καὶ ἐξῆλθεν - kai exēlthen): Literally "and went out." Implies diffusion or spreading.
• a fame (φήμη - phēmē): This noun means a report, a rumor, a widespread account, or public reputation. It indicates that Jesus' actions were immediately noticed and talked about, creating a public awareness and expectation around Him. It was not merely gossip but news about His presence and evident power.
• of him (περὶ αὐτοῦ - peri autou): "Concerning Him," clearly stating Jesus as the subject of this widespread fame.
• through all the region round about (δι᾽ ὅλης τῆς περιχώρου - di' holēs tēs perichōrou): "Through" (dia) implies progression or movement throughout. "All the region round about" (holēs tēs perichōrou) emphasizes the comprehensive and pervasive nature of His spreading reputation. It wasn't limited to one town but encompassed the entire geographical area, signaling a significant shift in public awareness concerning Jesus.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "And Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit": This phrase underlines the essential condition and character of Jesus' subsequent ministry. It wasn't merely a physical return but a spiritual enablement that transformed His presence. His preparation through baptism and temptation led to a deeper level of Spirit-filled activity. This highlights the Trinity's work: the Father sends the Son, the Spirit empowers the Son for the Father's mission.
• "into Galilee: and there went out a fame of him": This illustrates the immediate consequence of His Spirit-empowered return. Galilee becomes the primary setting for this initial surge of public attention. The divine power He carried inevitably led to public recognition and report, indicating His actions were discernibly impactful and remarkable.
• "through all the region round about": This specifies the extensive reach of Jesus' fame. It suggests a rapid and broad dissemination of news about His presence, teachings, and perhaps already, His deeds, setting the stage for the massive crowds that would soon follow Him. The Spirit's power ensured the word about the Messiah could not be contained.

Luke 4 14 Bonus section

• The wilderness temptation was not just a test but a final, perfecting stage in Jesus' dependence on God's Word and Spirit before commencing public ministry. He returned from the wilderness having definitively demonstrated who His Father was and whom He would serve, fully prepared for ministry powered by God, not by human will or satanic influence.
• This verse subtly differentiates Jesus from prior prophets; while they received portions of the Spirit, Jesus possessed the Spirit in full measure for His redemptive mission. His power was inherent through divine appointment and sustained by the Spirit, enabling not just prophetic utterance but Kingdom demonstration through mighty works.
• The "power" (dynamis) referred to here is not merely an internal feeling or conviction but a tangible divine enablement that manifests outwardly in teaching with authority (Lk 4:32), casting out demons (Lk 4:36), and performing healing miracles (Lk 4:40). This Spirit-enabled authority caused His fame to spread, prompting people to seek Him out.

Luke 4 14 Commentary

Luke 4:14 succinctly introduces Jesus' public ministry by highlighting two crucial elements: divine empowerment and immediate public recognition. After His wilderness victory, Jesus did not embark on His mission relying on inherent divine authority alone, nor on human strategies. Instead, He began "in the power of the Spirit," underscoring His complete reliance on God for His earthly work, even as God Incarnate. This reliance provides a paradigm for all Christian service – power for ministry flows from the Holy Spirit. His return to Galilee, often dismissed by religious elites, demonstrates His heart for all people and fulfilling ancient prophecy. The swift and widespread "fame" that emanated from Him attests to the undeniable impact of God's presence at work through Him. It was a divinely orchestrated reputation that preceded His formal teaching and miraculous acts, demonstrating the palpable effect of the Kingdom breaking into the world through the anointed Messiah.