And it came to pass the day after, that he went into a city called Nain; and many of his disciples went with him, and much people.

LUKE 7:11KJV
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What does Luke 7:11 mean?

Luke 7:11 describes Jesus traveling to a city called Nain the day after a previous event, accompanied by many of his disciples and a large crowd of people. This verse sets the scene for what is about to happen, highlighting that Jesus was not alone but followed by a significant group.

The verse is part of a narrative in the Gospel of Luke, where the writer is telling the story of Jesus’ ministry. Here, Luke is describing Jesus’ movements and the growing interest in him. The mention of both “many of his disciples” and “much people” shows that Jesus attracted not only close followers but also a broader audience, setting up the importance of the event that will take place in Nain.

The Greek behind Luke 7:11

  • πόλις (polis, G4172): This word means “city.” The use of this term shows that Nain was a recognized settlement, not just a small village, which helps explain why a large crowd could gather.
  • μαθηταί (mathētai, G3101): This is the word for “disciples.” It refers specifically to those who were committed followers of Jesus, not just casual listeners.
  • ὄχλος (ochlos, G3793): This word means “crowd” or “multitude.” The Greek here emphasizes that it was not just a handful of people, but a sizable group, which adds weight to the public nature of what is about to happen.

Why Luke 7:11 matters

  • Luke 7:11 highlights the growing reputation of Jesus, showing that his actions and teachings were attracting both dedicated followers and curious crowds.
  • The verse prepares the reader for a significant event by emphasizing the public setting and the number of witnesses, which adds credibility and importance to what follows.
  • By naming the city of Nain, Luke grounds the story in a real location, connecting the narrative to actual geography and history.

Where else these words appear

“with” Greek G4848 · used in 4 verses

  • Mark 10:1 And he arose from thence, and cometh into the coasts of Judaea by the farther side of Jordan: and the people resort unto him again; and, as he was wont, he taught them again.
  • Luke 14:25 And there went great multitudes with him: and he turned, and said unto them,
  • Luke 24:15 And it came to pass, that, while they communed together and reasoned, Jesus himself drew near, and went with them.

“after” Greek G1836 · used in 5 verses

  • Luke 9:37 And it came to pass, that on the next day, when they were come down from the hill, much people met him.
  • Acts 21:1 And it came to pass, that after we were gotten from them, and had launched, we came with a straight course unto Coos, and the day following unto Rhodes, and from thence unto Patara:
  • Acts 25:17 Therefore, when they were come hither, without any delay on the morrow I sat on the judgment seat, and commanded the man to be brought forth.

“many” Greek G2425 · used in 41 verses

  • Matthew 3:11 I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire:
  • Luke 23:8 And when Herod saw Jesus, he was exceeding glad: for he was desirous to see him of a long season, because he had heard many things of him; and he hoped to have seen some miracle done by him.
  • Acts 19:19 Many of them also which used curious arts brought their books together, and burned them before all men: and they counted the price of them, and found it fifty thousand pieces of silver.

“called” Greek G2564 · used in 138 verses

  • Matthew 1:21 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.
  • Luke 8:2 And certain women, which had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities, Mary called Magdalene, out of whom went seven devils,
  • Romans 9:26 And it shall come to pass, that in the place where it was said unto them, Ye are not my people; there shall they be called the children of the living God.