But he passing through the midst of them went his way,

LUKE 4:30KJV
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Luke 4:30 (KJV)

What does Luke 4:30 mean?

Luke 4:30 describes how Jesus, despite being surrounded by a hostile crowd, calmly walked through the middle of them and continued on his way without harm. The verse highlights Jesus’ ability to leave the dangerous situation unhindered.

In this scene, Jesus is in Nazareth, his hometown, where the people have just become angry with him after he spoke in the synagogue. The crowd tried to force him out of town and intended to harm him, but Luke 4:30 simply states that Jesus passed through them and left. The verse quietly emphasizes Jesus’ authority and calm presence, even when threatened.

The Greek behind Luke 4:30

  • διαπορεύομαι (diaporeuomai, “passing”): This word means to go through or travel through. Here, it suggests a deliberate and unhindered movement, not a hurried escape.
  • μέσος (mesos, “midst”): This word means the middle or center. The verse points out that Jesus walked right through the center of the crowd, not around the edges.
  • πορεύομαι (poreuomai, “went his way”): This word means to go or to proceed. It underscores that Jesus continued on his journey as he intended, unaffected by the crowd’s hostility.

Why Luke 4:30 matters

  • Luke 4:30 clears up the idea that Jesus escaped by stealth or panic; the language shows a calm, purposeful departure.
  • The verse emphasizes Jesus’ authority and the inability of the crowd to harm him before his appointed time.
  • This moment connects to the larger theme in Luke’s Gospel of Jesus’ mission being guided by divine purpose, not by the will of those around him.

Where else these words appear

“passing” Greek G1330 · used in 42 verses

  • Matthew 12:43 When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest, and findeth none.
  • John 4:4 And he must needs go through Samaria.
  • Acts 15:41 And he went through Syria and Cilicia, confirming the churches.

“midst” Greek G3319 · used in 59 verses

  • Matthew 10:16 Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.
  • Luke 17:11 And it came to pass, as he went to Jerusalem, that he passed through the midst of Samaria and Galilee.
  • Acts 23:10 And when there arose a great dissension, the chief captain, fearing lest Paul should have been pulled in pieces of them, commanded the soldiers to go down, and to take him by force from among them, and to bring him into the castle.

“way” Greek G4198 · used in 147 verses

  • Matthew 2:8 And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also.
  • Luke 9:53 And they did not receive him, because his face was as though he would go to Jerusalem.
  • Acts 8:26 And the angel of the Lord spake unto Philip, saying, Arise, and go toward the south unto the way that goeth down from Jerusalem unto Gaza, which is desert.