And he was teaching in one of the synagogues on the sabbath.

LUKE 13:10KJV
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Luke 13:10 (KJV)

What does Luke 13:10 mean?

Luke 13:10 describes Jesus teaching in one of the synagogues on the Sabbath day. This verse sets the scene for what follows, showing Jesus in a public place of worship, engaging in religious instruction during a significant weekly gathering.

The verse is narrated by Luke, introducing a moment where Jesus is addressing a Jewish audience in their local synagogue. The mention of the Sabbath highlights both the religious context and the importance of the day for communal worship and teaching. This detail prepares the reader for the events that will unfold next, especially regarding Jesus’ actions and the reactions of those present.

The Greek behind Luke 13:10

  • The word "συναγωγαῖς" (synagogais, transliteration: synagogais) refers to the local Jewish places of assembly for worship and teaching. Its use here emphasizes that Jesus was participating in established Jewish religious life.
  • The word "σαββάτῳ" (sabbato, transliteration: sabbatō) means "on the Sabbath," marking the day as the weekly day of rest and worship in Jewish tradition. This sets up the significance of what Jesus does in the following verses, as actions on the Sabbath were often closely scrutinized.

Why Luke 13:10 matters

  • This verse clarifies that Jesus’ ministry often took place within traditional Jewish settings, not outside or in opposition to them.
  • By mentioning the Sabbath, Luke signals to the reader that issues related to Sabbath observance may become important in the story that follows.
  • The setting in the synagogue connects this event to the broader theme in Luke’s Gospel of Jesus teaching and interacting with people in communal and religious spaces.

Where else these words appear

“synagogues” Greek G4864 · used in 57 verses

  • Matthew 4:23 And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people.
  • Luke 4:16 And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up: and, as his custom was, he went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and stood up for to read.
  • Acts 13:14 But when they departed from Perga, they came to Antioch in Pisidia, and went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and sat down.

“sabbath” Greek G4521 · used in 62 verses

  • Matthew 12:1 At that time Jesus went on the sabbath day through the corn; and his disciples were an hungred, and began to pluck the ears of corn, and to eat.
  • Luke 4:16 And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up: and, as his custom was, he went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and stood up for to read.
  • John 5:16 And therefore did the Jews persecute Jesus, and sought to slay him, because he had done these things on the sabbath day.

“one” Greek G3391 · used in 70 verses

  • Matthew 5:18 For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.
  • Luke 15:8 Either what woman having ten pieces of silver, if she lose one piece, doth not light a candle, and sweep the house, and seek diligently till she find it?
  • Ephesians 4:4 There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling;

“teaching” Greek G1321 · used in 91 verses

  • Matthew 4:23 And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people.
  • Luke 4:15 And he taught in their synagogues, being glorified of all.
  • Acts 5:42 And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ.