And he began to say unto them, This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears.

LUKE 4:21KJV
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Luke 4:21 (KJV)

What does Luke 4:21 mean?

Luke 4:21 records Jesus telling the people in the synagogue that the scripture He just read has been fulfilled as they listen. Jesus is declaring that a prophecy from their sacred writings is coming true in their presence, right at that moment.

In this scene, Jesus is speaking to a Jewish audience in the synagogue at Nazareth, His hometown. He has just read from the scroll of Isaiah, which describes the coming of God’s anointed one who brings good news and healing. By saying “This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears,” Jesus is openly identifying Himself as the one Isaiah spoke about, making a bold claim about His identity and mission.

The Greek behind Luke 4:21

  • ἐπληρώθη (eplērōthē, “fulfilled”): This word means to bring something to completion or to fill up. Here, it signals that what was promised or predicted in the scripture has now actually happened, not just in theory but in reality, as they hear it.
  • ἐν (en, “in”) + τοῖς ὠσὶν (tois ōsin, “your ears”): The phrase “in your ears” is a way of saying “as you are hearing it.” The fulfillment is not distant or abstract; it is happening right now, as they listen.

Why Luke 4:21 matters

  • Luke 4:21 clarifies that Jesus is not just reading scripture but claiming to be the fulfillment of a specific prophecy, which would have been shocking and significant to His listeners.
  • This moment sets the stage for the rest of Jesus’ ministry, showing that He understands His role as the Messiah from the very beginning.
  • The verse connects Jesus directly to the Old Testament promises, helping readers see the continuity between the Hebrew scriptures and the story of Jesus in the New Testament.

Where else these words appear

“ears” Greek G3775 · used in 35 verses

  • Matthew 10:27 What I tell you in darkness, that speak ye in light: and what ye hear in the ear, that preach ye upon the housetops.
  • Luke 1:44 For, lo, as soon as the voice of thy salutation sounded in mine ears, the babe leaped in my womb for joy.
  • 1 Corinthians 2:9 But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.

“day” Greek G4594 · used in 40 verses

  • Matthew 6:11 Give us this day our daily bread.
  • Luke 13:33 Nevertheless I must walk to day, and to morrow, and the day following: for it cannot be that a prophet perish out of Jerusalem.
  • Acts 26:29 And Paul said, I would to God, that not only thou, but also all that hear me this day, were both almost, and altogether such as I am, except these bonds.

“scripture” Greek G1124 · used in 51 verses

  • Matthew 21:42 Jesus saith unto them, Did ye never read in the scriptures, The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner: this is the Lord's doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes?
  • John 13:18 I speak not of you all: I know whom I have chosen: but that the scripture may be fulfilled, He that eateth bread with me hath lifted up his heel against me.
  • Romans 10:11 For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.

“began” Greek G756 · used in 84 verses

  • Matthew 4:17 From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
  • Mark 10:41 And when the ten heard it, they began to be much displeased with James and John.
  • Luke 14:29 Lest haply, after he hath laid the foundation, and is not able to finish it, all that behold it begin to mock him,