Bible Strands
Luke 4:32
They were astonished at His teaching, because His message had authority.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Jesus instructs the crowd in the Capernaum synagogue on the Sabbath. The text records the people's immediate reaction as He begins speaking to them.
The words — The Greek ἐξεπλὴσσοντο (exeplēssonto) literally means "they were struck with awe," describing the crowd's response to His διδαχῆς (didachēs), or teaching. The verse explicitly links this reaction to the inherent authority present in His message rather than human credentials.
The thread — The pattern of crowds reacting with astonishment to Jesus' instruction appears in Matthew 7:28 and Luke 4:36. The underlying principle of divine authority operating apart from human systems connects to the spiritual power described in 2 Corinthians 10:4.
Why it lands — The text requires the reader to acknowledge that His instruction carries weight by its own nature. A listener must evaluate the source of that authority rather than rely on external validation.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
And they were astonished at his doctrine: for his word was with power.
Cross-references
- Luke 4:36 All the people were overcome with amazement and asked one another, “What is this message? With authority and power He commands the unclean spirits, and they come out!”
- Matthew 7:28 When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were astonished at His teaching,
- 2 Corinthians 10:4 The weapons of our warfare are not the weapons of the flesh. Instead, they have divine power to demolish strongholds.
- Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it pierces even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow. It judges the thoughts and intentions of the heart.
- John 6:63 The Spirit gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words I have spoken to you are spirit and they are life.
- 1 Thessalonians 1:5 because our gospel came to you not only in word, but also in power, in the Holy Spirit, and with great conviction—just as you know we lived among you for your sake.
- Titus 2:15 Speak these things as you encourage and rebuke with all authority. Let no one despise you.
- Mark 1:22 The people were astonished at His teaching, because He taught as one who had authority, and not as the scribes.
- 1 Corinthians 2:4 My message and my preaching were not with persuasive words of wisdom, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power,
- 1 Corinthians 14:24 But if an unbeliever or uninstructed person comes in while everyone is prophesying, he will be convicted and called to account by all,