The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised,

LUKE 4:18KJV
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Luke 4:18 (KJV)

What does Luke 4:18 mean?

Luke 4:18 describes Jesus announcing that God’s Spirit has chosen and empowered him to bring good news to people in need, to heal those with broken hearts, to proclaim freedom to those held captive, to give sight to the blind, and to set free those who are oppressed. This verse shows Jesus describing his mission as one of restoration, hope, and liberation for those suffering or marginalized.

In this scene, Jesus is reading from the scroll of Isaiah in a synagogue in Nazareth, speaking to his hometown neighbors. By quoting this passage, Jesus is publicly identifying himself with the promised deliverer described in the Hebrew Scriptures. The verse sets the tone for Jesus’s ministry, focusing on compassion, healing, and release for those who are hurting or overlooked.

The Greek behind Luke 4:18

  • The word for “anointed” is χρίω (chriō), which means to be set apart or specially chosen for a task. In the ancient world, anointing was a sign of being given a unique role, often by God.
  • The word for “deliverance” is ἄφεσις (aphesis), which is often understood as release or forgiveness. Here, it carries the sense of setting people free from whatever binds or imprisons them.
  • The phrase “set at liberty” also uses ἄφεσις (aphesis), emphasizing that the freedom Jesus brings is both spiritual and practical, affecting real lives.
  • The word for “bruised” is θραύω (thrauo), which means crushed or broken. This highlights that Jesus’s mission is especially for those who feel beaten down by life.

Why Luke 4:18 matters

  • Luke 4:18 clarifies that Jesus’s mission is not just spiritual but also deeply practical, aimed at real people with real needs—those who are poor, hurting, or trapped.
  • The verse connects Jesus’s work directly to Old Testament prophecy, showing that he sees himself as the fulfillment of God’s promises to bring freedom and healing.
  • Understanding the original words for “deliverance” and “liberty” helps readers see that Jesus’s message is about genuine release from all kinds of burdens, not just physical but also emotional and spiritual.

Where else these words appear

“anointed” Greek G5548 · used in 5 verses

  • Acts 4:27 For of a truth against thy holy child Jesus, whom thou hast anointed, both Herod, and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles, and the people of Israel, were gathered together,
  • Acts 10:38 How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.
  • 2 Corinthians 1:21 Now he which stablisheth us with you in Christ, and hath anointed us, is God;

“brokenhearted” Greek G4937 · used in 8 verses

  • Matthew 12:20 A bruised reed shall he not break, and smoking flax shall he not quench, till he send forth judgment unto victory.
  • Mark 14:3 And being in Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, as he sat at meat, there came a woman having an alabaster box of ointment of spikenard very precious; and she brake the box, and poured it on his head.
  • John 19:36 For these things were done, that the scripture should be fulfilled, A bone of him shall not be broken.

“deliverance” Greek G859 · used in 16 verses

  • Matthew 26:28 For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.
  • Luke 24:47 And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.
  • Acts 26:18 To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.

“because” Greek G1752 · used in 23 verses

  • Matthew 5:10 Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
  • Mark 8:35 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel's, the same shall save it.
  • Luke 21:12 But before all these, they shall lay their hands on you, and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues, and into prisons, being brought before kings and rulers for my name's sake.