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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Luke 4:25 But I tell you truthfully that there were many widows in Israel in the time of Elijah, when the sky was shut for three and a half years and great famine swept over all the land.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/luke/4-25.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/17/42_Luk_04_25.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Luke 4:25 - The Rejection at Nazareth" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="But I tell you truthfully that there were many widows in Israel in the time of Elijah, when the sky was shut for three and a half years and great famine swept over all the land." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; 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<a href="/kjv/luke/4.htm">King James Bible</a> But I tell you of a truth, many widows were in Israel in the days of Elias, when the heaven was shut up three years and six months, when great famine was throughout all the land; <a href="/nkjv/luke/4.htm">New King James Version</a> But I tell you truly, many widows were in Israel in the days of Elijah, when the heaven was shut up three years and six months, and there was a great famine throughout all the land; <a href="/nasb_/luke/4.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> But I say to you in truth, there were many widows in Israel in the days of Elijah, when the sky was shut up for three years and six months, when a severe famine came over all the land; <a href="/nasb/luke/4.htm">NASB 1995</a> &#8220But I say to you in truth, there were many widows in Israel in the days of Elijah, when the sky was shut up for three years and six months, when a great famine came over all the land; <a href="/nasb77/luke/4.htm">NASB 1977 </a> “But I say to you in truth, there were many widows in Israel in the days of Elijah, when the sky was shut up for three years and six months, when a great famine came over all the land; <a href="/lsb/luke/4.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> But I say to you in truth, there were many widows in Israel in the days of Elijah, when the sky was shut up for three years and six months, when a great famine came over all the land, <a href="/amp/luke/4.htm">Amplified Bible</a> But in truth I say to you, there were many widows in Israel in the days of Elijah, when the sky was closed up for three years and six months, when a great famine came over all the land; <a href="/csb/luke/4.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> But I say to you, there were certainly many widows in Israel in Elijah’s days, when the sky was shut up for three years and six months while a great famine came over all the land. <a href="/hcsb/luke/4.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> But I say to you, there were certainly many widows in Israel in Elijah&#8217s days, when the sky was shut up for three years and six months while a great famine came over all the land. <a href="/asv/luke/4.htm">American Standard Version</a> But of a truth I say unto you, There were many widows in Israel in the days of Elijah, when the heaven was shut up three years and six months, when there came a great famine over all the land; <a href="/cev/luke/4.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Once during the time of Elijah there was no rain for three and a half years, and people everywhere were starving. There were many widows in Israel, <a href="/erv/luke/4.htm">English Revised Version</a> But of a truth I say unto you, There were many widows in Israel in the days of Elijah, when the heaven was shut up three years and six months, when there came a great famine over all the land; <a href="/gwt/luke/4.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> "I can guarantee this truth: There were many widows in Israel in Elijah's time. It had not rained for three-and-a-half years, and the famine was severe everywhere in the country. <a href="/gnt/luke/4.htm">Good News Translation</a> Listen to me: it is true that there were many widows in Israel during the time of Elijah, when there was no rain for three and a half years and a severe famine spread throughout the whole land. <a href="/isv/luke/4.htm">International Standard Version</a> I'm telling you the truth—there were many widows in Israel in Elijah's time, when it didn't rain for three years and six months and there was a severe famine everywhere in the land. <a href="/msb/luke/4.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> But I tell you truthfully that there were many widows in Israel in the time of Elijah, when the sky was shut for three and a half years and great famine swept over all the land. <a href="/net/luke/4.htm">NET Bible</a> But in truth I tell you, there were many widows in Israel in Elijah's days, when the sky was shut up three and a half years, and there was a great famine over all the land. <a href="/nheb/luke/4.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> But truly I tell you, there were many widows in Israel in the days of Elijah, when the sky was shut up three years and six months, when a great famine came over all the land. <a href="/wbt/luke/4.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> But I tell you in truth, many widows were in Israel in the days of Elijah, when the heaven was shut three years and six months when great famine was throughout all the land: <a href="/wey/luke/4.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> But I tell you in truth that there was many a widow in Israel in the time of Elijah, when there was no rain for three years and six months and there came a severe famine over all the land; <a href="/web/luke/4.htm">World English Bible</a> But truly I tell you, there were many widows in Israel in the days of Elijah, when the sky was shut up three years and six months, when a great famine came over all the land. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/luke/4.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> and of a truth I say to you, many widows were in the days of Elijah, in Israel, when the sky was shut for three years and six months, when great famine came on all the land, <a href="/blb/luke/4.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> And in truth I say to you, there were many widows in Israel in the days of Elijah, when the heaven was shut up for three years and six months, when there was a great famine upon all the land; <a href="/ylt/luke/4.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> and of a truth I say to you, Many widows were in the days of Elijah, in Israel, when the heaven was shut for three years and six months, when great famine came on all the land, <a href="/slt/luke/4.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And I tell you of a truth, many widows were in the days of Elias in Israel, When heaven was shut up three years and six months, when a great famine Was upon all the land;<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/luke/4.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> In truth I say to you, there were many widows in the days of Elias in Israel, when heaven was shut up three years and six months, when there was a great famine throughout all the earth. <a href="/cpdv/luke/4.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> In truth, I say to you, there were many widows in the days of Elijah in Israel, when the heavens were closed for three years and six months, when a great famine had occurred throughout the entire land. <a href="/nabre/luke/4.htm">New American Bible</a> Indeed, I tell you, there were many widows in Israel in the days of Elijah when the sky was closed for three and a half years and a severe famine spread over the entire land. <a href="/nrsvce/luke/4.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> But the truth is, there were many widows in Israel in the time of Elijah, when the heaven was shut up three years and six months, and there was a severe famine over all the land;<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/luke/4.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> For truly I say to you, There were many widows in Israel in the days of the prophet Elijah, when the heaven was closed for three years and six months, and there was a great famine throughout the land; <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/luke/4.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> “For truly I say to you that many widows were in Israel in the days of Elijah the Prophet, when the heavens were shut for three years and six months, and there was great hunger in all the land.”<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/luke/4.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> And I tell you, in truth, there were many widows in Israel in the days of Elijah, when the heaven was shut up for three years and six months, so that a great famine was on all the land: <a href="/godbey/luke/4.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> <FR>And in truth I say unto you, There were many widows in Israel in the days of Elijah. When the heaven was shut up three years and six months, how the famine was great over all the land;<Fr> <a href="/haweis/luke/4.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> Now I tell you of a certainty, that there were many widows in the days of Elias, in Israel, when the heaven was shut up three years and six months, so that a grievous famine was upon all the land. <a href="/mace/luke/4.htm">Mace New Testament</a> I assure you, though there were many widows in Israel, when the heaven had furnished no rain for three years and a half, and a great famine spread through all the land: <a href="/wey/luke/4.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> But I tell you in truth that there was many a widow in Israel in the time of Elijah, when there was no rain for three years and six months and there came a severe famine over all the land; <a href="/worrell/luke/4.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> <FR>But of a truth I say to you, there were many widows in Israel in the days of Elijah, when the heaven was shut up three years and six months, when there came a great famine upon all the land;<Fr> <a href="/worsley/luke/4.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> <FR>And I assure you, there were many widows in Israel, in the days of Elias, when the heaven was shut up for three years and six months, and there was a great famine through all the land;<Fr> <a href="/parallel/luke/4-25.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/3-5_0Jtd9Lc?start=1535" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/luke/4.htm">The Rejection at Nazareth</a> …24Then He added, “Truly I tell you, no prophet is accepted in his hometown. 25<a href="/greek/1161.htm" title="1161: de (Conj) -- A primary particle; but, and, etc.">But</a> <a href="/greek/3004.htm" title="3004: legō (V-PIA-1S) -- (a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command. ">I tell</a> <a href="/greek/4771.htm" title="4771: hymin (PPro-D2P) -- You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.">you</a> <a href="/greek/1909.htm" title="1909: ep’ (Prep) -- On, to, against, on the basis of, at. "></a> <a href="/greek/225.htm" title="225: alētheias (N-GFS) -- From alethes; truth.">truthfully that</a> <a href="/greek/1510.htm" title="1510: ēsan (V-IIA-3P) -- I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.">there were</a> <a href="/greek/4183.htm" title="4183: pollai (Adj-NFP) -- Much, many; often. ">many</a> <a href="/greek/5503.htm" title="5503: chērai (N-NFP) -- Feminine of a presumed derivative apparently from the base of chasma through the idea of deficiency; a widow, literally or figuratively.">widows</a> <a href="/greek/1722.htm" title="1722: en (Prep) -- In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; in, at, on, by, etc.">in</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tō (Art-DMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/2474.htm" title="2474: Israēl (N-DMS) -- Of Hebrew origin; Israel, the adopted name of Jacob, including his descendants.">Israel</a> <a href="/greek/1722.htm" title="1722: en (Prep) -- In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; in, at, on, by, etc.">in</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tais (Art-DFP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">the</a> <a href="/greek/2250.htm" title="2250: hēmerais (N-DFP) -- A day, the period from sunrise to sunset. ">time</a> <a href="/greek/2243.htm" title="2243: Ēliou (N-GMS) -- Elijah, the prophet. Of Hebrew origin; Helias, an Israelite.">of Elijah,</a> <a href="/greek/3753.htm" title="3753: hote (Adv) -- When, at which time. From hos and te; at which too, i.e. When.">when</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ho (Art-NMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">the</a> <a href="/greek/3772.htm" title="3772: ouranos (N-NMS) -- Perhaps from the same as oros; the sky; by extension, heaven; by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the Gospel.">sky</a> <a href="/greek/2808.htm" title="2808: ekleisthē (V-AIP-3S) -- To shut, shut up. A primary verb; to close.">was shut</a> <a href="/greek/1909.htm" title="1909: epi (Prep) -- On, to, against, on the basis of, at. ">for</a> <a href="/greek/5140.htm" title="5140: tria (Adj-ANP) -- Three. Or neuter tria a primary number; three.">three</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/1803.htm" title="1803: hex (Adj-AMP) -- Six. A primary numeral; six.">a half</a> <a href="/greek/3376.htm" title="3376: mēnas (N-AMP) -- A (lunar) month. A primary word; a month."></a> <a href="/greek/2094.htm" title="2094: etē (N-ANP) -- A year. Apparently a primary word; a year.">years</a> <a href="/greek/5613.htm" title="5613: hōs (Adv) -- Probably adverb of comparative from hos; which how, i.e. In that manner.">and</a> <a href="/greek/3173.htm" title="3173: megas (Adj-NMS) -- Large, great, in the widest sense. ">great</a> <a href="/greek/3042.htm" title="3042: limos (N-NMS) -- A famine, hunger. Probably from leipo; a scarcity of food.">famine</a> <a href="/greek/1096.htm" title="1096: egeneto (V-AIM-3S) -- A prolongation and middle voice form of a primary verb; to cause to be, i.e. to become, used with great latitude.">swept</a> <a href="/greek/1909.htm" title="1909: epi (Prep) -- On, to, against, on the basis of, at. ">over</a> <a href="/greek/3956.htm" title="3956: pasan (Adj-AFS) -- All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole.">all</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tēn (Art-AFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">the</a> <a href="/greek/1093.htm" title="1093: gēn (N-AFS) -- Contracted from a primary word; soil; by extension a region, or the solid part or the whole of the terrene globe.">land.</a> 26Yet Elijah was not sent to any of them, but to the widow of Zarephath in Sidon.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/1_kings/17-1.htm">1 Kings 17:1</a> Now Elijah the Tishbite, who was among the settlers of Gilead, said to Ahab, “As surely as the LORD, the God of Israel, lives, before whom I stand, there will be neither dew nor rain in these years except at my word!” <a href="/1_kings/17-8.htm">1 Kings 17:8-16</a> Then the word of the LORD came to Elijah: / “Get up and go to Zarephath of Sidon, and stay there. Behold, I have commanded a widow there to provide for you.” / So Elijah got up and went to Zarephath. When he arrived at the city gate, there was a widow gathering sticks. Elijah called to her and said, “Please bring me a little water in a cup, so that I may drink.” ... <a href="/james/5-17.htm">James 5:17-18</a> Elijah was a man just like us. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years. / Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth yielded its crops. <a href="/1_kings/18-1.htm">1 Kings 18:1</a> After a long time, in the third year of the drought, the word of the LORD came to Elijah: “Go and present yourself to Ahab, and I will send rain upon the face of the earth.” <a href="/1_kings/18-41.htm">1 Kings 18:41-45</a> And Elijah said to Ahab, “Go up, eat and drink, for there is the sound of a heavy rain.” / So Ahab went up to eat and drink. But Elijah climbed to the summit of Carmel, bent down on the ground, and put his face between his knees. / “Go and look toward the sea,” he said to his servant. So the servant went and looked, and he said, “There is nothing there.” Seven times Elijah said, “Go back.” ... <a href="/2_kings/4-25.htm">2 Kings 4:25-37</a> So she set out and went to the man of God at Mount Carmel. When the man of God saw her at a distance, he said to his servant Gehazi, “Look, there is the Shunammite woman. / Please run out now to meet her and ask, ‘Are you all right? Is your husband all right? Is your child all right?’” And she answered, “Everything is all right.” / When she reached the man of God at the mountain, she clung to his feet. Gehazi came over to push her away, but the man of God said, “Leave her alone, for her soul is in deep distress, and the LORD has hidden it from me and has not told me.” ... <a href="/2_kings/5-1.htm">2 Kings 5:1-14</a> Now Naaman, the commander of the army of the king of Aram, was a great man in his master’s sight and highly regarded, for through him the LORD had given victory to Aram. And he was a mighty man of valor, but he was a leper. / At this time the Arameans had gone out in bands and had taken a young girl from the land of Israel, and she was serving Naaman’s wife. / She said to her mistress, “If only my master would go to the prophet who is in Samaria, he would cure him of his leprosy.” ... <a href="/matthew/13-57.htm">Matthew 13:57-58</a> And they took offense at Him. But Jesus said to them, “Only in his hometown and in his own household is a prophet without honor.” / And He did not do many miracles there, because of their unbelief. <a href="/john/4-44.htm">John 4:44</a> Now He Himself had testified that a prophet has no honor in his own hometown. <a href="/romans/11-2.htm">Romans 11:2-4</a> God did not reject His people, whom He foreknew. Do you not know what the Scripture says about Elijah, how he appealed to God against Israel: / “Lord, they have killed Your prophets and torn down Your altars. I am the only one left, and they are seeking my life as well”? / And what was the divine reply to him? “I have reserved for Myself seven thousand men who have not bowed the knee to Baal.” <a href="/hebrews/11-35.htm">Hebrews 11:35</a> Women received back their dead, raised to life again. Others were tortured and refused their release, so that they might gain a better resurrection. <a href="/1_kings/19-10.htm">1 Kings 19:10</a> “I have been very zealous for the LORD, the God of Hosts,” he replied, “but the Israelites have forsaken Your covenant, torn down Your altars, and killed Your prophets with the sword. I am the only one left, and they are seeking my life as well.” <a href="/1_kings/19-14.htm">1 Kings 19:14</a> “I have been very zealous for the LORD, the God of Hosts,” he replied, “but the Israelites have forsaken Your covenant, torn down Your altars, and killed Your prophets with the sword. I am the only one left, and they are seeking my life as well.” <a href="/2_kings/4-1.htm">2 Kings 4:1-7</a> Now the wife of one of the sons of the prophets cried out to Elisha, “Your servant, my husband, is dead, and you know that your servant feared the LORD. And now his creditor is coming to take my two children as his slaves!” / “How can I help you?” asked Elisha. “Tell me, what do you have in the house?” She answered, “Your servant has nothing in the house but a jar of oil.” / “Go,” said Elisha, “borrow empty jars from all your neighbors. Do not gather just a few. ... <a href="/2_kings/4-8.htm">2 Kings 4:8-17</a> One day Elisha went to Shunem, and a prominent woman who lived there persuaded him to have a meal. So whenever he would pass by, he would stop there to eat. / Then the woman said to her husband, “Behold, now I know that the one who often comes our way is a holy man of God. / Please let us make a small room upstairs and put in it a bed, a table, a chair, and a lamp for him. Then when he comes to us, he can stay there.” ...</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>But I tell you of a truth, many widows were in Israel in the days of Elias, when the heaven was shut up three years and six months, when great famine was throughout all the land;many.<a href="/luke/10-21.htm">Luke 10:21</a> In that hour Jesus rejoiced in spirit, and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes: even so, Father; for so it seemed good in thy sight.<a href="/isaiah/55-8.htm">Isaiah 55:8</a> For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD.<a href="/matthew/20-15.htm">Matthew 20:15</a> Is it not lawful for me to do what I will with mine own? Is thine eye evil, because I am good?when the.<a href="/1_kings/17-1.htm">1 Kings 17:1</a> And Elijah the Tishbite, who was of the inhabitants of Gilead, said unto Ahab, As the LORD God of Israel liveth, before whom I stand, there shall not be dew nor rain these years, but according to my word.<a href="/1_kings/18-1.htm">1 Kings 18:1,2</a> And it came to pass after many days, that the word of the LORD came to Elijah in the third year, saying, Go, shew thyself unto Ahab; and I will send rain upon the earth… Elijah.<a href="/james/5-17.htm">James 5:17</a> Elias was a man subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain: and it rained not on the earth by the space of three years and six months.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/luke/3-21.htm">Added</a> <a href="/matthew/5-20.htm">Assure</a> <a href="/luke/1-17.htm">Elias</a> <a href="/luke/1-17.htm">Elijah</a> <a href="/mark/15-35.htm">Eli'jah</a> <a href="/2_kings/2-14.htm">Elijah's</a> <a href="/amos/8-11.htm">Famine</a> <a href="/luke/2-37.htm">Great</a> <a href="/mark/6-47.htm">Half</a> <a href="/luke/3-23.htm">Heaven</a> <a href="/luke/2-35.htm">Israel</a> <a href="/luke/1-56.htm">Months</a> <a href="/luke/4-24.htm">Prophet</a> <a href="/matthew/28-2.htm">Severe</a> <a href="/luke/3-20.htm">Shut</a> <a href="/mark/9-2.htm">Six</a> <a href="/luke/3-22.htm">Sky</a> <a href="/mark/13-30.htm">Solemn</a> <a href="/luke/2-46.htm">Three</a> <a href="/luke/1-65.htm">Throughout</a> <a href="/luke/4-14.htm">Time</a> <a href="/luke/4-24.htm">Truth</a> <a href="/matthew/25-35.htm">Welcomed</a> <a href="/mark/12-40.htm">Widows</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/luke/6-6.htm">Added</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/2-8.htm">Assure</a> <a href="/luke/4-26.htm">Elias</a> <a href="/luke/4-26.htm">Elijah</a> <a href="/luke/4-26.htm">Eli'jah</a> <a href="/1_kings/17-22.htm">Elijah's</a> <a href="/luke/4-26.htm">Famine</a> <a href="/luke/4-33.htm">Great</a> <a href="/luke/10-30.htm">Half</a> <a href="/luke/6-23.htm">Heaven</a> <a href="/luke/4-26.htm">Israel</a> <a href="/luke/4-26.htm">Months</a> <a href="/luke/4-27.htm">Prophet</a> <a href="/luke/4-26.htm">Severe</a> <a href="/luke/11-7.htm">Shut</a> <a href="/luke/4-26.htm">Six</a> <a href="/luke/8-5.htm">Sky</a> <a href="/luke/12-37.htm">Solemn</a> <a href="/luke/4-26.htm">Three</a> <a href="/luke/4-37.htm">Throughout</a> <a href="/luke/4-26.htm">Time</a> <a href="/luke/4-26.htm">Truth</a> <a href="/luke/8-40.htm">Welcomed</a> <a href="/luke/20-47.htm">Widows</a><div class="vheading2">Luke 4</div>1. <a href="/luke/4-1.htm">The fasting and temptation of Jesus.</a> 14. <a href="/luke/4-14.htm">He begins to preach.</a> 16. <a href="/luke/4-16.htm">The people of Nazareth marvel at words, but seek to kill him.</a> 33. <a href="/luke/4-33.htm">He cures one possessed of a demon,</a> 38. <a href="/luke/4-38.htm">Peter's mother-in-law,</a> 40. <a href="/luke/4-40.htm">and various other sick persons.</a> 41. <a href="/luke/4-41.htm">The demons acknowledge Jesus, and are reproved for it.</a> 42. <a href="/luke/4-42.htm">He preaches through the cities of Galilee.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/luke/4.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/luke/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/luke/4.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>But I tell you truthfully This phrase emphasizes the authority and certainty of Jesus' statement. In the Gospels, Jesus often uses such expressions to underscore the importance and veracity of His teachings. It reflects His role as a prophet and teacher, speaking with divine authority.that there were many widows in Israel Widows in ancient Israel were often among the most vulnerable members of society, lacking a husband's protection and provision. The mention of "many widows" highlights the widespread suffering and need during this period. This sets the stage for understanding the significance of God's intervention through Elijah.in the time of Elijah Elijah was a prominent prophet in Israel during the 9th century BC, known for his powerful miracles and confrontation with the idolatrous practices of King Ahab and Queen Jezebel. His ministry is recorded in <a href="/1_kings/17.htm">1 Kings 17-19</a>. Elijah's time was marked by spiritual decline and apostasy in Israel, making his prophetic role crucial.when the sky was shut for three and a half years This refers to the drought that Elijah prophesied as a judgment from God due to Israel's idolatry and sin (<a href="/1_kings/17.htm">1 Kings 17:1</a>). The "three and a half years" is a specific period also mentioned in <a href="/james/5-17.htm">James 5:17</a>, symbolizing a time of divine testing and judgment. The drought was a direct challenge to Baal, the Canaanite storm god, demonstrating the LORD's supremacy.and great famine swept over all the land The famine was a natural consequence of the prolonged drought, affecting not only Israel but surrounding regions. This severe famine underscores the seriousness of God's judgment and the dire circumstances faced by the people. It also sets the stage for God's miraculous provision through Elijah, as seen in the story of the widow of Zarephath (<a href="/1_kings/17-8.htm">1 Kings 17:8-16</a>). This passage, as a whole, serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty and the importance of faithfulness to Him. It also foreshadows the inclusion of Gentiles in God's plan, as Elijah was sent to a Gentile widow, prefiguring the broader mission of Jesus.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/e/elijah.htm">Elijah</a> A prophet in the Old Testament known for his powerful ministry and miracles, including the confrontation with the prophets of Baal and the raising of the widow's son. 2. <a href="/topical/w/widows_in_israel.htm">Widows in Israel</a> Refers to the many widows living in Israel during the time of Elijah, highlighting their suffering during the famine. 3. <a href="/topical/f/famine.htm">Famine</a> A severe lack of food that lasted for three and a half years, affecting the entire land of Israel as a divine judgment. 4. <a href="/topical/i/israel.htm">Israel</a> The nation chosen by God, often experiencing cycles of faithfulness and rebellion, which led to various judgments and blessings. 5. <a href="/topical/s/sky_was_shut.htm">Sky was shut</a> A phrase indicating the cessation of rain, leading to the famine, as a result of Elijah's prayer and God's judgment.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty_in_judgment.htm">God's Sovereignty in Judgment</a> The famine was a direct result of God's judgment on Israel for their unfaithfulness. This reminds us of God's control over nature and history. <a href="/topical/f/faithfulness_in_times_of_trial.htm">Faithfulness in Times of Trial</a> Elijah's faithfulness during the famine serves as an example for believers to remain steadfast in difficult times, trusting in God's provision. <a href="/topical/g/god's_provision_for_the_faithful.htm">God's Provision for the Faithful</a> Despite the widespread famine, God provided for Elijah and the widow of Zarephath, illustrating His care for those who trust in Him. <a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_prayer.htm">The Importance of Prayer</a> Elijah's prayer life was instrumental in the events of his time, teaching us the power and importance of prayer in our own lives. <a href="/topical/g/god's_grace_extends_beyond_israel.htm">God's Grace Extends Beyond Israel</a> The mention of the widow of Zarephath, a Gentile, receiving God's provision highlights God's grace extending beyond the boundaries of Israel, foreshadowing the inclusion of Gentiles in the New Covenant.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_luke_4.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Luke 4</a> <a href="/q/what_is_the_purpose_of_prayer.htm">How does the Bible describe famine's impact?</a> <a href="/q/bible_events'_chronological_order.htm">What is the chronological order of events in the Bible?</a> <a href="/q/does_1_kings_17_14_have_historical_proof.htm">Is there any historical or archaeological support for the miraculous provision of flour and oil (1 Kings 17:14), or does this story conflict with known evidence? </a> <a href="/q/why_do_gospels_differ_on_jesus_and_gentiles.htm">Why do the Gospels present different accounts of how Jesus treated Gentiles?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/luke/4.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verses 25-27. - But I tell you of a truth, many widows were in Israel in the days of Elias, when the heaven was shut up three years and six months, when great famine was throughout all the land; but unto none of them was Elias sent, save unto Sarepta, a city of Sidon, unto a woman that was a widow. And many lepers were in Israel in the time of Eliseus the prophet; and none of them was cleansed, saving Naaman the Syrian. In support of these assertions, Jesus proceeds to quote two well known incidents in the story of Israel. They must remember God's mercies in past times were not confined to Israel. There were many starving widows among the chosen people, not a few childless, desolate hearths; but their own great Elijah was sent to none of these, but to a despised Phoenician woman in Sarepta, hard by Sidon. Elisha, that loved man of God, who passed by the homes of the people continually, performed his famous miracle of healing on no child of Israel, though many a leper mourned his sad lot among the chosen people; but the one on whom Elisha worked his mighty miracle of mercy was the Syrian leper Naaman, the great foe of Israel. <a href="/commentaries/luke/4-25.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>But δὲ (de) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_1161.htm">Strong's 1161: </a> A primary particle; but, and, etc. I tell λέγω (legō) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3004.htm">Strong's 3004: </a> (a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command. you ὑμῖν (hymin) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 2nd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_4771.htm">Strong's 4771: </a> You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou. truthfully [that] ἀληθείας (alētheias) Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_225.htm">Strong's 225: </a> From alethes; truth. there were ἦσαν (ēsan) Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1510.htm">Strong's 1510: </a> I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist. many πολλαὶ (pollai) Adjective - Nominative Feminine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_4183.htm">Strong's 4183: </a> Much, many; often. widows χῆραι (chērai) Noun - Nominative Feminine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_5503.htm">Strong's 5503: </a> Feminine of a presumed derivative apparently from the base of chasma through the idea of deficiency; a widow, literally or figuratively. in ἐν (en) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1722.htm">Strong's 1722: </a> In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc. Israel Ἰσραήλ (Israēl) Noun - Dative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2474.htm">Strong's 2474: </a> Of Hebrew origin; Israel, the adopted name of Jacob, including his descendants. in ἐν (en) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1722.htm">Strong's 1722: </a> In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc. the ταῖς (tais) Article - Dative Feminine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. time ἡμέραις (hēmerais) Noun - Dative Feminine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_2250.htm">Strong's 2250: </a> A day, the period from sunrise to sunset. of Elijah, Ἠλίου (Ēliou) Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2243.htm">Strong's 2243: </a> Elijah, the prophet. Of Hebrew origin; Helias, an Israelite. when ὅτε (hote) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_3753.htm">Strong's 3753: </a> When, at which time. From hos and te; at which too, i.e. When. the ὁ (ho) Article - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. sky οὐρανὸς (ouranos) Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3772.htm">Strong's 3772: </a> Perhaps from the same as oros; the sky; by extension, heaven; by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the Gospel. was shut ἐκλείσθη (ekleisthē) Verb - Aorist Indicative Passive - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2808.htm">Strong's 2808: </a> To shut, shut up. A primary verb; to close. for ἐπὶ (epi) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1909.htm">Strong's 1909: </a> On, to, against, on the basis of, at. three τρία (tria) Adjective - Accusative Neuter Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_5140.htm">Strong's 5140: </a> Three. Or neuter tria a primary number; 'three'. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. a half ἕξ (hex) Adjective - Accusative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1803.htm">Strong's 1803: </a> Six. A primary numeral; six. years ἔτη (etē) Noun - Accusative Neuter Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_2094.htm">Strong's 2094: </a> A year. Apparently a primary word; a year. [and] ὡς (hōs) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_5613.htm">Strong's 5613: </a> Probably adverb of comparative from hos; which how, i.e. In that manner. great μέγας (megas) Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3173.htm">Strong's 3173: </a> Large, great, in the widest sense. famine λιμὸς (limos) Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3042.htm">Strong's 3042: </a> A famine, hunger. Probably from leipo; a scarcity of food. swept ἐγένετο (egeneto) Verb - Aorist Indicative Middle - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1096.htm">Strong's 1096: </a> A prolongation and middle voice form of a primary verb; to cause to be, i.e. to become, used with great latitude. over ἐπὶ (epi) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1909.htm">Strong's 1909: </a> On, to, against, on the basis of, at. all πᾶσαν (pasan) Adjective - Accusative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3956.htm">Strong's 3956: </a> All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole. the τὴν (tēn) Article - Accusative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. land. γῆν (gēn) Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1093.htm">Strong's 1093: </a> Contracted from a primary word; soil; by extension a region, or the solid part or the whole of the terrene globe. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/luke/4-25.htm">Luke 4:25 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/luke/4-25.htm">Luke 4:25 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/luke/4-25.htm">Luke 4:25 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/luke/4-25.htm">Luke 4:25 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/luke/4-25.htm">Luke 4:25 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/luke/4-25.htm">Luke 4:25 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/luke/4-25.htm">Luke 4:25 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/luke/4-25.htm">Luke 4:25 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/luke/4-25.htm">Luke 4:25 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/luke/4-25.htm">Luke 4:25 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/luke/4-25.htm">NT Gospels: Luke 4:25 But truly I tell you there were (Luke Lu Lk) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/luke/4-24.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Luke 4:24"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Luke 4:24" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/luke/4-26.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Luke 4:26"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Luke 4:26" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>