And he said, “Truly, I say to you, no prophet is acceptable in his hometown.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus isn't just stating a fact; he's quoting a common proverb that highlights how familiarity can breed contempt, suggesting his neighbors' close acquaintance with him as a regular guy prevents them from recognizing his divine authority. This proverb, "No prophet is acceptable in his hometown," points to a deeper truth about human nature – it's often harder for those who know us best to see the extraordinary in us.
And he said, “Truly, I say to you, no prophet is acceptable in his hometown.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus has just proclaimed himself as the fulfillment of Isaiah's prophecy in his hometown synagogue, but the people of Nazareth, familiar with him as a carpenter's son, react with disbelief and demand a sign. Jesus responds by quoting a proverb, explaining that prophets are rarely honored by those who know them best, implying their disbelief stems from their familiarity rather than a lack of evidence. He then uses this proverb to explain why he will turn his attention to those outside his hometown.
Ever feel like people who know you best struggle to see your potential? Jesus faced this head-on in His own hometown.
Jesus quotes a well-known proverb: 'No prophet is acceptable in his hometown.' This wasn't just a casual observation; it was a profound psychological truth He understood.
The Danger of the Everyday
When people know you intimately—your childhood quirks, your family history, your everyday struggles—it's incredibly hard for them to see you as anything more than that familiar person. They struggle to accept a new or elevated role for you.
A Universal Principle
This isn't unique to prophets or Jesus. Think about it: how often do we overlook the amazing gifts in our own families or among our closest friends? We’re so used to them being 'just them' that we miss the extraordinary. Jesus was too 'common' to them, living among them as a neighbor, making it difficult for them to recognize His divine authority.
Jesus knew His message and mission extended far beyond the expectations of His neighbors.
While Jesus acknowledges the painful reality of rejection in his hometown, He doesn't stop there. His words carry a deeper implication.
A Wider Vision
He's not just talking about Nazareth; He's speaking prophetically about the broader rejection He would face from His own people, Israel, as a nation. This proverb becomes a lens through which He sees His entire mission.
Ask a follow-up
The Open Door
But there's a silver lining! If 'his own country' rejects him, where else will His message go? The text hints that Jesus' gaze goes even further, toward the Gentiles – those outside the immediate circle of familiarity and national expectation. His mission, though met with resistance at home, is destined for a global reach.
Understand the original words
prophētēs · Greek Noun
An individual sent by God to communicate His message, rebuke sin, and predict future events; they serve as the mouthpieces of God, often experiencing rejection by those to whom they are sent.
Jesus' own hometown rejected him, demonstrating a common human tendency for people to dismiss or devalue those they know intimately, while readily accepting strangers.
c. 6 BC
Jesus Born in Bethlehem
Jesus is born in Bethlehem, fulfilling prophecy, but spends his infancy and early childhood in Nazareth.
c. AD 1-30
Jesus' Life and Ministry in Nazareth
Jesus grows up in Nazareth, living as a carpenter and participating in the local community life, making him very familiar to the townsfolk.
c. AD 27-30
Jesus Begins Public Ministry
Jesus begins his public ministry, preaching and performing miracles throughout Galilee, drawing crowds and gaining a reputation.
c. AD 30— this verse
Jesus Visits Nazareth
Jesus returns to his hometown synagogue in Nazareth and reads from Isaiah, applying the prophecy to himself. The crowd is initially amazed but then hostile.
c. AD 30
Rejection and Departure from Nazareth
The people of Nazareth, unwilling to accept Jesus as the promised Messiah due to their familiarity with him, attempt to throw him off a cliff. Jesus escapes and leaves.
This passage echoes the same sentiment, as Jesus himself notes that a prophet has no honor in his own country, highlighting this recurring theme of rejection by those closest.
Matthew 13:57Matthew records a similar statement from Jesus, adding 'and in his own house,' which further emphasizes the difficulty prophets and even Jesus faced in gaining acceptance from their own families and communities.
1 Corinthians 1:23This verse speaks to the 'offense' of the cross, a concept that resonates with the idea that people often reject what is familiar or what doesn't fit their expectations, even if it comes from God.
Jeremiah 1:1While not a direct parallel of rejection, Jeremiah's call to prophecy shows the immense burden and often isolation prophets faced, even before they began to minister, hinting at the challenges of being a messenger of God.
barnesLuke 4:24: "And he said, Verily I say unto you, No prophet is accepted in his own country."
No prophet is accepted - Has honor, or is acknowledged as a prophet. See the notes at Matthew 13:57 .
cambridgeLuke 4:24: "And he said, Verily I say unto you, No prophet is accepted in his own country."
24–30. Rejection by the Nazarenes 24 . is accepted in his own country ] St Matthew adds ( Matthew 13:57 ) “and in his own house,” implying that “neither did His brethren believe on Him.” This curious psychological fact, which has its analogy in the worldly proverb that ‘No man is a hero to his valet,’ or, ‘Familiarity breeds contempt,’ was more than once referred to by our Lord; John 4:44 . (“Vile habetu…
Jesus isn't just stating a fact; he's quoting a common proverb that highlights how familiarity can breed contempt, suggesting his neighbors' close acquaintance with him as a regular guy prevents them from recognizing his divine authority. This proverb, "No prophet is acceptable in his hometown," points to a deeper truth about human nature – it's often harder for those who know us best to see the extraordinary in us.
Jesus has just proclaimed himself as the fulfillment of Isaiah's prophecy in his hometown synagogue, but the people of Nazareth, familiar with him as a carpenter's son, react with disbelief and demand a sign. Jesus responds by quoting a proverb, explaining that prophets are rarely honored by those who know them best, implying their disbelief stems from their familiarity rather than a lack of evidence. He then uses this proverb to explain why he will turn his attention to those outside his hometown.
Jesus has just proclaimed himself as the fulfillment of Isaiah's prophecy in his hometown synagogue, but the people of Nazareth, familiar with him as a carpenter's son, react with disbelief and demand a sign. Jesus responds by quoting a proverb, explaining that prophets are rarely honored by those who know them best, implying their disbelief stems from their familiarity rather than a lack of evidence. He then uses this proverb to explain why he will turn his attention to those outside his hometown.
"And he said, “Truly, I say to you, no prophet is acceptable in his hometown." — Jesus isn't just stating a fact; he's quoting a common proverb that highlights how familiarity can breed contempt, suggesting his neighbors' close acquaintance with him as a regular guy prevents them…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026