Matthew 13:54

New Testament Gospel ASV (1901)

What does Matthew 13:54 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “And coming 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?” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

And coming 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?
Matthew 13:54 — American Standard Version

Context — Matthew 13

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
54And coming 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?

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“And when he was come into his own country, etc.] Not where he was born, Bethlehem, for it is never observed, that he went thither; but where he was educated, and where his parents and near relations, according to the flesh, lived; who had been some little time ago seeking for him, and desirous of speaking with him, even Nazareth: he taught them in their synagogue, it being the sabbath day; (see <410601>Mark 6:1,2). The Vulgate Latin, and all the Eastern versions, the Syriac, Arabic, Persic, and Ethiopic, and Munster’s Hebrew Gospel read, “in their synagogues”; but as Nazareth was so mean and obscure a place, it is not likely that there should be in it more synagogues than one; and of no more…”
Read attributed excerpt →
Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“And when he was come into his own country--that is, Nazareth; as is plain from Mar 6:1. See on Joh 4:43, where also the same phrase occurs. This, according to the majority of Harmonists, was the second of two visits which our Lord paid to Nazareth during His public ministry; but in our view it was His first and only visit to it. See on Mat 4:13; and for the reasons, see Luk 4:16-30. Whence hath this man this wisdom, and these mighty works?--"these miracles." These surely are not like the questions of people who had asked precisely the same questions before, who from astonishment had proceeded to rage, and in their rage had hurried Him out of the synagogue, and away to the brow of the hill…”
Read attributed excerpt →
Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Into his own country - That is, into Nazareth. Mark, who has also recorded this Mark 6:1-6, says that it took place on the Sabbath. It was common for our Saviour to speak in the synagogues. Any Jew had a fight to address the people, if called on by the minister; and our Saviour often availed himself of the right to instruct the people and declare his doctrines. See Matthew 4:23. return to 'Top of Page'”
Read attributed excerpt →
Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“Whence hath HE - Many texts are not understood, for want of knowing the proper emphasis; and others are utterly misunderstood, by placing the emphasis wrong. To prevent this in some measure, the emphatical words are here printed in capital letters. Mar 6:1; Luk 4:16, Luk 4:22. Matthew 13:55”
Read attributed excerpt →
Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“13:54-58 That Jesus was rejected at home is part of the ongoing theme of the Messiah’s rejection by his own people (see ch 12; 15:1-20; 16:1-12).”
Read attributed excerpt →
Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“when: Mat 2:23; Mar 6:1, Mar 6:2; Luk 4:16-30; Joh 1:11 he taught: Psa 22:22, Psa 40:9, Psa 40:10; Act 13:46, Act 28:17-29 they were: Joh 7:15, Joh 7:16; Act 4:13 Matthew 13:55”
Read attributed excerpt →

Related study paths

Sources and verification