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 4:14KJV
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Luke 4:14 (KJV)

What does Luke 4:14 mean?

Luke 4:14 describes how Jesus returned to the region of Galilee, filled with the power of the Holy Spirit, and quickly became well-known throughout the surrounding areas. The verse highlights both Jesus’ spiritual empowerment and the growing public attention to his presence and actions.

This moment comes right after Jesus’ time of temptation in the wilderness. Luke, the author, is narrating how Jesus begins his public ministry. The verse sets the stage for the events that follow, showing that Jesus’ ministry starts with a clear sense of divine power and that news about him spreads rapidly among the people.

The Greek behind Luke 4:14

  • δύναμις (dynamis, transliterated as "power"): This word means strength or miraculous ability. Here, it emphasizes that Jesus is not just returning physically but is empowered in a special way by the Holy Spirit.
  • πνεῦμα (pneuma, transliterated as "Spirit"): This refers to the Holy Spirit, underlining that Jesus’ actions and reputation are closely connected to God’s presence and work through him.
  • φήμη (phēmē, transliterated as "fame"): This word means report, news, or reputation. The verse shows that Jesus’ arrival and actions quickly became the talk of the region, not just a private event.

Why Luke 4:14 matters

  • Luke 4:14 clarifies that Jesus’ ministry begins with visible spiritual power, not just teaching or miracles, but with the clear presence of the Holy Spirit.
  • The verse shows that Jesus’ reputation spread rapidly, which helps explain the crowds and interest in his later ministry.
  • This verse connects the private preparation of Jesus (his baptism and temptation) to his public work, marking a turning point in the narrative.

Where else these words appear

“fame” Greek G5345 · used in 2 verses

  • Matthew 9:26 And the fame hereof went abroad into all that land.

“about” Greek G4066 · used in 10 verses

  • Matthew 3:5 Then went out to him Jerusalem, and all Judaea, and all the region round about Jordan,
  • Mark 6:55 And ran through that whole region round about, and began to carry about in beds those that were sick, where they heard he was.
  • Luke 7:17 And this rumour of him went forth throughout all Judaea, and throughout all the region round about.

“returned” Greek G5290 · used in 35 verses

  • Mark 14:40 And when he returned, he found them asleep again,(for their eyes were heavy,) neither wist they what to answer him.
  • Luke 10:17 And the seventy returned again with joy, saying, Lord, even the devils are subject unto us through thy name.
  • Acts 8:25 And they, when they had testified and preached the word of the Lord, returned to Jerusalem, and preached the gospel in many villages of the Samaritans.

“Galilee” Greek G1056 · used in 62 verses

  • Matthew 2:22 But when he heard that Archelaus did reign in Judaea in the room of his father Herod, he was afraid to go thither: notwithstanding, being warned of God in a dream, he turned aside into the parts of Galilee:
  • Mark 1:39 And he preached in their synagogues throughout all Galilee, and cast out devils.
  • Luke 23:55 And the women also, which came with him from Galilee, followed after, and beheld the sepulchre, and how his body was laid.