And they were offended in him. But Jesus said unto them, A prophet is not without honour, save in his own country, and in his own house.

MATTHEW 13:57KJV
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Matthew 13:57 (KJV)

What does Matthew 13:57 mean?

Matthew 13:57 describes how the people in Jesus’ hometown took offense at Him, doubting His authority and message. Jesus responds by saying that a prophet is usually respected everywhere except in his own community and family.

In this scene, Jesus is speaking to the people of Nazareth, where He grew up. The townspeople are skeptical of Him because they know His background and family, so they struggle to accept His wisdom and miracles. Jesus’ statement highlights a common human tendency: those closest to someone often have the hardest time recognizing that person’s true significance or calling.

The Greek behind Matthew 13:57

  • The word "offended" (σκανδαλίζω, skandalizō) means to stumble or to be caused to fall, often understood as being shocked or repelled. Here, it shows that the people were not just skeptical but actually disturbed or put off by Jesus.
  • The word "prophet" (προφήτης, prophētēs) refers to someone who speaks on behalf of God. Jesus uses this term to describe Himself, placing His rejection in the tradition of earlier prophets.
  • The phrase "in his own country" (ἐν τῇ πατρίδι αὐτοῦ, en tē patridi autou) and "in his own house" (ἐν τῇ οἰκίᾳ αὐτοῦ, en tē oikia autou) both stress the idea of familiarity breeding contempt—those who know someone best often fail to honor them.

Why Matthew 13:57 matters

  • This verse clears up the misconception that Jesus was always welcomed and honored during His ministry; even His own community doubted Him.
  • It emphasizes the broader theme in the Gospels that true prophets and messengers often face rejection, especially from those who think they know them best.
  • Matthew 13:57 connects to the surrounding passage, where Jesus’ teachings and miracles are met with disbelief, highlighting the barriers that familiarity and preconceived ideas can create.

Where else these words appear

“honour” Greek G820 · used in 4 verses

  • Mark 6:4 But Jesus said unto them, A prophet is not without honour, but in his own country, and among his own kin, and in his own house.
  • 1 Corinthians 4:10 We are fools for Christ's sake, but ye are wise in Christ; we are weak, but ye are strong; ye are honourable, but we are despised.
  • 1 Corinthians 12:23 And those members of the body, which we think to be less honourable, upon these we bestow more abundant honour; and our uncomely parts have more abundant comeliness.

“country” Greek G3968 · used in 8 verses

  • Matthew 13:54 And when he was come into his own country, he taught them in their synagogue, insomuch that they were astonished, and said, Whence hath this man this wisdom, and these mighty works?
  • Mark 6:4 But Jesus said unto them, A prophet is not without honour, but in his own country, and among his own kin, and in his own house.
  • Luke 4:24 And he said, Verily I say unto you, No prophet is accepted in his own country.

“offended” Greek G4624 · used in 28 verses

  • Matthew 5:29 And if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell.
  • Matthew 24:10 And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another.
  • Mark 14:27 And Jesus saith unto them, All ye shall be offended because of me this night: for it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered.

“house” Greek G3614 · used in 85 verses

  • Matthew 2:11 And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.
  • Mark 6:4 But Jesus said unto them, A prophet is not without honour, but in his own country, and among his own kin, and in his own house.
  • Luke 18:29 And he said unto them, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or parents, or brethren, or wife, or children, for the kingdom of God's sake,