Luke 7 1

Luke 7:1 kjv

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

Luke 7:1 nkjv

Now when He concluded all His sayings in the hearing of the people, He entered Capernaum.

Luke 7:1 niv

When Jesus had finished saying all this to the people who were listening, he entered Capernaum.

Luke 7:1 esv

After he had finished all his sayings in the hearing of the people, he entered Capernaum.

Luke 7:1 nlt

When Jesus had finished saying all this to the people, he returned to Capernaum.

Luke 7 verses

Luke 7 1 Meaning

Luke 7:1 serves as a transitional verse, marking the conclusion of a significant teaching segment by Jesus, often referred to as the Sermon on the Plain (Luke 6:20-49). After delivering all His words publicly, Jesus deliberately moves His base of operation to Capernaum, signaling a shift from extensive teaching to a period characterized by miraculous works and direct interactions with people in a key Galilean city. This verse sets the stage for the powerful demonstrations of His authority and compassion that follow.

Luke 7 1 Context

Luke 7:1 acts as a pivotal transition from Jesus's extended discourse in Luke 6, known as the Sermon on the Plain, to His ensuing actions. The Sermon on the Plain, similar to Matthew's Sermon on the Mount, provides foundational teachings on discipleship, love, judgment, and the importance of acting upon His words. Following this comprehensive teaching, Jesus's movement to Capernaum immediately precipitates two significant miracles: the healing of the centurion's servant (Luke 7:2-10) and the raising of the widow's son in Nain (Luke 7:11-17).

Historically and culturally, Capernaum (Kefar Nahum, "village of Nahum") was a vital fishing and trade town on the northwest shore of the Sea of Galilee. It served as a Roman customs post, indicating a mix of Jewish and Gentile inhabitants and diverse cultural influences. Jesus made Capernaum His primary residence and ministry headquarters in Galilee after leaving Nazareth (Matt 4:13). This strategic location allowed Him to reach both Jews and Gentiles and provided a consistent base for His Galilean ministry, attracting large crowds and facilitating extensive teaching and healing. The phrase "in the hearing of the people" emphasizes the public nature of Jesus's ministry, distinguishing Him from secretive cults or isolated spiritual practices.

Indirect polemics might be discerned against the rabbinic teachings of the time, which often relied on complex interpretations of tradition and debate without possessing inherent power or authority. Jesus's teachings, concluded in Luke 6 and immediately followed by powerful actions in Luke 7, demonstrated an intrinsic divine authority (Matt 7:29) that transcended mere scholarly debate, setting Him apart from the religious establishment.

Luke 7 1 Word analysis

• After: Greek: epei (ἐπεί). A temporal conjunction indicating sequence, signifying that the events in Luke 7 begin immediately after the conclusion of what preceded in Luke 6. It implies direct causation or progression.

• he had finished: Greek: eplesen (ἐπλήσεν), from plēthō (πλήθω), meaning "to fill," "to complete," or "to fulfill." This word emphasizes the completeness and sufficiency of His discourse. Jesus had fully delivered what He intended to say. It contrasts with merely stopping or pausing.

• all: Greek: pantas (πάντας), plural masculine accusative of pas (πᾶς), meaning "all," "every," "whole." This stresses the exhaustive nature of His sayings. It was not a partial or preliminary teaching, but a full discourse for His audience at that time.

• his sayings: Greek: tous logous autou (τοὺς λόγους αὐτοῦ). Logous (λόγους) refers to His words, teachings, messages, or discourses. It encapsulates the comprehensive doctrinal and ethical instructions Jesus had just given. It refers not merely to individual utterances but the entirety of His verbal instruction.

• in the hearing: Greek: eis tas akoas (εἰς τὰς ἀκοὰς). Akoas (ἀκοὰς) literally means "ears" but is used here idiomatically to mean "within earshot," "in the presence," or "to be heard by." This highlights the public and accessible nature of Jesus's teaching. His message was not secret or exclusive to a select few.

• of the people: Greek: tou laou (τοῦ λαοῦ). Laou (λαοῦ) refers to the "people," specifically the nation of Israel, God's chosen people, but often inclusive of all who gathered to hear Him. This denotes a general audience, indicating that Jesus's message was broadly proclaimed, rather than being confined to His disciples or a small group.

• he entered: Greek: eisēlthen (εἰσῆλθεν), aorist active indicative of eiserchomai (εἰσέρχομαι), meaning "to come into," "to go into." This is a straightforward verb of movement but indicates a purposeful relocation, signifying the start of a new phase of ministry in a specific location.

• Capernaum: Greek: Kapernaoum (Καπερναούμ). A significant city on the northwest shore of the Sea of Galilee. This city served as Jesus's ministry base in Galilee. Its mention grounds the narrative geographically and indicates where the next events will unfold. It was a center of commerce and Jewish life, making it an ideal place for extensive ministry.

• "After he had finished all his sayings": This phrase emphasizes the completeness and finality of Jesus's preceding discourse. It sets up a contrast or transition from His role as a teacher of doctrine to His demonstration of divine power through action. It signals the closure of a significant period of verbal instruction, preparing the audience for subsequent events rooted in the authority of His preceding words. This often implies His authority over His message, not just delivering it, but also concluding it purposefully.

• "in the hearing of the people": This group of words stresses the public nature and accessibility of Jesus's teachings. His ministry was not hidden or exclusive. It implies a broader outreach beyond just His inner circle, signifying that His words were intended for general consumption and challenge. The phrase also suggests the audience's responsibility in listening and responding to such weighty teachings, leading into the immediate stories of faith and response (centurion, widow).

• "he entered Capernaum": This simple phrase signifies a crucial geographical shift and intentional change in ministry focus. Entering Capernaum, Jesus's adopted "home," prepares the narrative for a concentration of miracles and intensive ministry, linking the authority of His words (just finished) to the power of His deeds (about to begin). This was a deliberate choice of location, underscoring the strategic nature of Jesus's ministry movement.

Luke 7 1 Bonus section

Luke's consistent attention to geographical details, such as naming Capernaum, underlines the historical groundedness of his Gospel. This contrasts with more abstract or mythological accounts and lends credence to the eyewitness testimonies likely compiled by Luke. Furthermore, the explicit statement "all his sayings" serves as a narrative marker for Luke, ensuring the reader understands that a particular discourse has been entirely delivered and the scene is shifting. This rhetorical device helps structure the Gospel, moving from Jesus's comprehensive teachings to their practical manifestation through His miracles. The deliberate transition from words to deeds in this verse also previews a core Lukan theme: the Kingdom of God is not just preached but powerfully demonstrated in action.

Luke 7 1 Commentary

Luke 7:1 acts as a critical juncture in Luke's narrative. Following a substantive teaching event (the Sermon on the Plain), Jesus transitions from extended verbal instruction to demonstrating His divine authority through miraculous deeds. The completion of "all His sayings" is significant; it underscores the exhaustive and authoritative nature of His teaching. He concludes a core part of His didactic ministry, moving on to validate these words with signs and wonders. The phrase "in the hearing of the people" reiterates that Jesus's ministry was transparent and public, challenging the common populace directly with His message before performing His miracles among them. His deliberate entry into Capernaum is strategic. This bustling town was His operational base, allowing for immediate and wide-reaching impact with the events that directly follow – notably the healing of the centurion's servant and the raising of the widow's son. Thus, the verse bridges Jesus's authority in word (Luke 6) with His authority in deed (Luke 7).

Practical examples:

• A leader finishes explaining a vision or plan, then immediately takes action to implement it.
• A parent gives a comprehensive set of instructions, then takes their child to a practical scenario where those instructions are needed.
• A speaker concludes a powerful sermon, then moves into a time of specific application or call to action.