To preach the acceptable year of the Lord.

LUKE 4:19KJV
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Luke 4:19 (KJV)

What does Luke 4:19 mean?

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.

The Greek behind Luke 4:19

  • 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.

Why Luke 4:19 matters

  • 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.

Where else these words appear

“acceptable” Greek G1184 · used in 5 verses

  • Luke 4:24 And he said, Verily I say unto you, No prophet is accepted in his own country.
  • Acts 10:35 But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him.
  • 2 Corinthians 6:2 (For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.)

“year” Greek G1763 · used in 14 verses

  • John 11:49 And one of them, named Caiaphas, being the high priest that same year, said unto them, Ye know nothing at all,
  • Acts 18:11 And he continued there a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them.
  • Hebrews 10:1 For the law having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually make the comers thereunto perfect.

“preach” Greek G2784 · used in 60 verses

  • Matthew 3:1 In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea,
  • Mark 13:10 And the gospel must first be published among all nations.
  • Romans 2:21 Thou therefore which teachest another, teachest thou not thyself? thou that preachest a man should not steal, dost thou steal?