Question 1

What does Luke 4:19 mean?

Accepted Answer

Luke 4:19 describes the announcement of a special, favorable time from God—“the acceptable year of the Lord”—that Jesus is proclaiming as part of his mission. This verse highlights a moment when Jesus declares that a long-awaited, gracious period from God has arrived. In this scene, Jesus is reading from the scroll of Isaiah in a synagogue in Nazareth, speaking to his hometown audience. He is quoting a prophecy that pointed to a future time of God’s favor, and by reading this aloud, Jesus signals that this promise is being fulfilled in their hearing. The phrase “acceptable year of the Lord” refers to a season marked by God’s grace and restoration.

Question 2

The Greek behind Luke 4:19

Accepted Answer

The word “preach” (κηρύξαι, kēryxai) means to publicly announce or proclaim. Here, it underscores that Jesus is making an official, public declaration about God’s timing. The word “acceptable” (ἐνιαυτὸν εὐπρόσδεκτον, eniauton euprosdektos) carries the sense of something welcomed or pleasing. In this context, it means a time that is especially favorable or appointed by God. The word “year” (ἐνιαυτός, eniautos) in Greek can mean a literal year or a symbolic period of time. Here, it points to a divinely appointed season, not just a calendar year. The word “Lord” (Κύριος, Kyrios) refers to God as the one who determines and grants this special time of favor.

Question 3

Why Luke 4:19 matters

Accepted Answer

Luke 4:19 clarifies that Jesus is not just reading ancient words but is announcing their fulfillment, making this a turning point in his ministry and for his listeners. The verse connects Jesus’ mission to Old Testament hopes, especially the idea of a “year of Jubilee” or release, showing that Jesus brings a new era of God’s grace. Understanding the original Greek words helps readers see that “the acceptable year” is not about a literal year, but about God’s chosen time for mercy and restoration.

Luke 4:19 (KJV)