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Luke 1:4

Luke 1:4 in Multiple Translations

so that you may know the certainty of the things you have been taught.

That thou mightest know the certainty of those things, wherein thou hast been instructed.

that thou mightest know the certainty concerning the things wherein thou wast instructed.

So that you might have certain knowledge of those things about which you were given teaching.

I have done this Theophilus, Your Excellency, so you can be certain that what you were taught is completely reliable.

That thou mightest acknowledge the certaintie of those things, whereof thou hast bene instructed.

that thou mayest know the certainty of the things wherein thou wast instructed.

that you might know the certainty concerning the things in which you were instructed.

That thou mayest know the certainty of those things in which thou hast been instructed.

That thou mayest know the verity of those words in which thou hast been instructed.

I want you to know the truth about what you have been taught {what others have taught you}.

You already heard some of this, but I want you to know the right story, and I want you to be sure about it.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Luke 1:4

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Luke 1:4 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
GRK ινα επιγνως περι ων κατηχηθης λογων την ασφαλειαν
ινα hina G2443 in order that/to Conj
επιγνως epiginōskō G1921 to come to know Verb-2AAS-2S
περι peri G4012 about Prep
ων hos, hē G3739 which Rel-GPM
κατηχηθης katēcheō G2727 to instruct Verb-API-2S
λογων logos G3056 word Noun-GPM
την ho G3588 the/this/who Art-ASF
ασφαλειαν asphaleia G803 security Noun-ASF
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Greek Word Reference — Luke 1:4

ινα hina G2443 "in order that/to" Conj
This word means 'in order that' or 'to', showing purpose or result, as seen in Acts 19:4 and Romans 11:31. It's used to express a goal or outcome. In Ephesians 1:17, it's used to describe a purpose.
Definition: ἵνα, __I. adverb (poët., Hom., al.), __1. of place, where, whither. __2. of circumstance, when. __II. Conjunction, __1. prop., final, denoting purpose or end (cl.), that, in order that, usually the first word in the clause, but sometimes (cl. also) preceded by an emphatic word (Act.19:4, Rom.11:31 (?), Gal.2:10, al.); __(a) with optative (so in cl. after historic tenses): after a pres., Eph.1:17 (but WH, mg., subjc.; see Burton, §225, Rem., 2); __(b) with subjc.: after a pres., Mrk.4:21, Luk.6:34, Jhn.3:15, Act.2:25, Rom.1:11, al.; after a pf., Mat.1:22, Jhn.5:23 1Co.9:22, al.; after an imperat. (present or aor.), Mat.7:1, Mrk.11:25, Jhn.10:38, 1Co.7:5, al.; after a delib. subjc., Mrk.1:38, al.; after a fut., Luk.16:4, Jhn.14:3, 1Co.15:28, al.; after historic tenses (where optative in cl.; WM, 359f.; M, Pr., 196f.), Mrk.6:41 (impf.), Jhn.4:8 (plpf.), Mrk.3:14 (aor.), al.; __(with) in late writers (M, Pr., 35; Burton, §§198, 199), with indic., fut: Luk.20:10, 1Pe.3:1, al.; __(d) as often in eccl. writers (Thayer, see word), with indic. pres.: 1Co.4:6, Gal.4:17, al. (?; but V. Burton, §198, Rem.); __(e) εἰς (διὰ) τοῦτο, ἵνα: Jhn.18:37, 1Ti.1:16, al.; τούτου χάριν, Tit.1:5; __(f) elliptical constructions: omission of the principal verb, Jhn.1:8, 2Th.3:9, 1Jn.2:19, al.; of the final verb, Rom.4:16, 2Co.8:13, al. __2. In late writers, definitive, = inf. (WM, 420; Bl, §69, 1), that; __(a) after verbs of wishing, caring, striving, etc.: θέλω, Mat.7:12, al.; ζητῶ, 1Co.4:2 14:12; ζηλόω, 1Co.14:1, al.; __(b) after verbs of saying, asking, exhorting: εἰπεῖν, Mat.4:3, al.; ἐρωτῶ, Mrk.7:26, al.; παρακαλῶ, Mat.14:36, 1Co.1:10, al., etc.; __(with) after words expressing expediency, etc.: συμφέρει, Mat.18:6, Jhn.11:50, al.; ἱκανός, Mat.8:8, Luk.7:6; χρείαν ἔχω, Jhn.2:25, al, etc.; __(d) after substantives, adding further definition: ὥρα, Jhn.12:23 13:1; χρόνος, Rev.2:21; συνήθεια, Jhn.18:39; μισθός, 1Co.9:18. __3. In late writers, ecbatic, denoting the result, = ὥστε, that, so that (M, Pr., 206ff.; WM, 572; Bl., §69, 3; Burton, §223): Rom.11:11, 1Co.7:29, 1Th.5:4, al. (but see Thayer, see word); so with the formula referring to the fulfilment of prophecy, ἵνα πληρωθῇ, Mat.1:22 2:14, Jhn.13:18, al. (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 626 NT verses. KJV: albeit, because, to the intent (that), lest, so as, (so) that, (for) to See also: 1 Corinthians 1:10; 1 Timothy 5:20; 1 Peter 1:7.
επιγνως epiginōskō G1921 "to come to know" Verb-2AAS-2S
To know something deeply, like recognizing a person or understanding a truth. In the Bible, it's used in Acts 25:10 and 1 Corinthians 13:12 to describe knowing God or others intimately.
Definition: ἐπι-γινώσκω [in LXX chiefly for נָכַר: hi., also for יָדַע, etc. ;] "directive" of γινώσκω (AR, Eph., 249), as in cl.; __1. to observe, perceive, discern, recognize; __(a) absol.: Act.25:10, 1Co.13:12; before ὅτι, Luk.1:22; τ. πνεύματι, before ὅτι, Mrk.2:8; __(b) with accusative of thing(s): Luk.1:4 5:22, Act.12:14 27:39, Rom.1:32, 2Co.1:13, Col.1:6, 1Ti.4:3; ἐν ἐαυτῷ, Mrk.5:30; before ὅτι, 1Co.14:37; __(with) with accusative of person(s): Mat.11:27 14:36 17:12, Mrk.6:33 (T, αὐτούς, but LTr., WH, R, omit the prop., and LTr., WH, txt., read ἔγνωσαν), Mrk.6:54 Luk.24:16, 31, 1Co.16:18, 2Co.1:14; before ἀπό, with genitive of thing(s), Mat.7:16, 20; before ὅτι, Act.3:10 4:13, 2Co.13:5; pass., 1Co.13:12; opposite to ἀγνοούμενοι, 2Co.6:9. __2. to discover, ascertain, determine: Act.9:30; before ὅτι, Luk.7:37 23:7, Act.19:34 22:29 24:11 28:1; with accusative of thing(s), before quæst., Act.23:28; δι᾽ ἣν αἰτίαν, Act.22:24; παρά, with genitive of person(s), before περ, with genitive of thing(s), Act.24:8; τ. ὁδὸν τῆς δικαιοσύνης, 2Pe.2:21 (cf. Lft., Col., 136; Cremer, 159; M, Pr., 113; AR, Eph., 248 ff.).† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 38 NT verses. KJV: (ac-, have, take)know(-ledge, well), perceive See also: 1 Corinthians 13:12; Acts 28:1; Romans 1:32.
περι peri G4012 "about" Prep
The Greek word for about or around, used in various contexts such as place, cause, or time. It is often translated as 'about' or 'concerning' in the KJV, and appears in many passages, including Matthew 2:8 and John 16:26.
Definition: περί, prep. with genitive, accusative (in cl. also with dative; cf. M, Pr., 105f.), with radical sense round about (as distinct from ἀμφί, on both sides). __I. C. genitive, __1. of place, about (poët.). __2. Causal, about, on account of, concerning, in reference to: Mat.2:8, Mrk.1:44, Luk.4:38, Jhn.16:26, Act.28:21, al. mult.; τὰ περί, with genitive, the things concerning one, one's state or case: Mrk.5:27, Act.1:3 28:15, Eph.6:22, al.; at the beginning of a sentence, περί, regarding, as to, 1Co.7:1, al.; in the sense on account of (Mat.26:28, 1Co.1:13, al.), often with ὑπέρ as variant (cf. M, Pr., 105). __II. C. accusative, __1. of place, about, around: Mat.3:4, Mrk.1:6, Luk.13:8, Act.22:6, al.; οἱ περί, with accusative of person(s), of one's associates, friends, etc., Mrk.4:10, Luk.22:49, Jhn.11:19, Act.13:13; οἱ περὶ τ. τοιαῦτα ἐργάται, Act.19:25; metaphorically, about, as to, concerning: 1Ti.1:19 6:4 2Ti.2:18 3:8, Tit.2:7; τὰ περὶ ἐμέ, Php.2:23; αἱ περὶ τ. λοιπὰ ἐπιθυμίαι, Mrk.4:19. __2. Of time, in a loose reckoning, about, near: Mat.20:3, 5 6, 9 27:46, Mrk.6:48, Act.10:3, 9 22:6. __III. In composition: round about (περιβάλλω, περίκειμαι), beyond, over and above (περιποιέω, περιλείπω), to excess (περιεργάζομαι, περισσεύω). (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 305 NT verses. KJV: (there-)about, above, against, at, on behalf of, X and his company, which concern, (as) concerning, for, X how it will go with, ((there-, where-)) of, on, over, pertaining (to), for sake, X (e-)state, (as) touching, (where-)by (in), with See also: 1 Corinthians 1:4; Acts 26:2; 1 Peter 1:10.
ων hos, hē G3739 "which" Rel-GPM
The word which is a pronoun used to ask for or identify something, as seen in John 5:11. It can also be used to describe a person or thing, such as in Mark 15:23. This word helps to clarify or specify what is being talked about.
Definition: ὅς, ἥ, ὅ, the postpositive article (ἄρθρον ὑποτακτικόν). __I. As demonstr. pron. = οὗτος, ὅδε, this, that, also for αὐτός, chiefly in nom.: ὅς δέ, but he (cf. ἦ δὲ ὅς, frequently in Plat.), Mrk.15:23, Jhn.5:11; ὃς μὲν . . . ὃς δέ, the one . . . the other, Mat.21:35, 22:5, 25:15, Luk.23:33, Act.27:14, Rom.14:5, 1Co.11:21, 2Co.2:18, Ju 22; neut., ὃ μὲν . . . ὃ δέ, the one . . . the other, some . . . some, Mat.13:8, 23, Rom.9:21; ὃς (ὃ) μὲν . . . (ἄλλος (ἄλλο)) . . . ἕτερος, Mrk.4:4, Luk.8:5, 1Co.12:8-10; οὓς μέν, absol., 1Co.12:28; ὃς μὲν . . . ὁ δέ, Rom.14:2. __II. As relat. pron., who, which, what, that; __1. agreeing in gender with its antecedent, but differently governed as to case: Mat.2:9, Luk.9:9, Act.20:18, Rom.2:29, al. mult. __2. In variation from the common construction; __(a) in gender, agreeing with a noun in apposition to the antecedent: Mrk.15:16, Gal.3:16, Eph.6:17, al.; constr. ad sensum: Jhn.6:9, Col.2:19, 1Ti.3:16, Rev.13:14, al.; __(b) in number, constr. ad sensum: Act.15:36, 2Pe.3:1; __(with) in case, by attraction to the case of the antecedent (Bl., §50, 2): Jhn.4:18, Act.3:21, Rom.15:18, 1Co.6:19, Eph.1:8, al. __3. The neut. ὅ with nouns of other gender and with phrases, which thing, which term: Mrk.3:17 12:42, Jhn.1:39, Col.3:14, al.; with a sentence, Act.2:32, Gal.2:10, 1Jn.2:8, al. __4. With ellipse of a demonstrative (οὗτος or ἐκεῖνος), before or after: before, Mat.20:23, Luk.7:43, Rom.10:14, al.; after, Mat.10:38, Mrk.9:40, Jhn.19:22, Rom.2:1 al. __5. Expressing purpose, end or cause: Mat.11:10 (who = that he may), Mrk.1:2, Heb.12:6 al. __6. C. prep, as periphrasis for conjc.: ἀνθ᾽ ὧν ( = ἀντὶ τούτων ὧν), because, Luk.1:20, al.; wherefore, Luk.12:3; ἐξ οὗ, since, for that, Rom.5:12; ἀφ᾽ οὗ, since (temporal), Luk.13:25; ἐξ οὗ, whence, Php.3:20; etc. __7. With particles: ὃς ἄν (ἐάν), see: ἄν, ἐάν; ὃς καί, Mrk.3:19, Jhn.21:20, Rom.5:2, al.; ὃς καὶ αὐτός, Mat.27:57. __8. Gen., οὗ, absol., as adv. (see: οὗ). (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 1230 NT verses. KJV: one, (an-, the) other, some, that, what, which, who(-m, -se), etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:8; 1 Peter 5:9; 1 Peter 1:6.
κατηχηθης katēcheō G2727 "to instruct" Verb-API-2S
To instruct someone means to teach them by word of mouth, like in Galatians 6:6 where teachers instruct others about the gospel.
Definition: κατ-ηχέω, -ῶ __1. to resound. __2. to teach by word of mouth, instruct, inform (see 131., Phil. Gosp., 20, 31): Gal.6:6; with accusative of person(s), 1Co.14:19; pass. with accusative of thing(s), Luk.1:4 (ICC, in l), Act.18:25 21:24 (cf. Lk, l.with), Gal.6:6; before κ, with genitive of thing(s), Rom.2:18; περί, with genitive of person(s), Act.21:21.† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 7 NT verses. KJV: inform, instruct, teach See also: 1 Corinthians 14:19; Acts 21:24; Romans 2:18.
λογων logos G3056 "word" Noun-GPM
In the Bible, this word refers to a message or idea expressed through words, like in Matthew 8:8 and Luke 7:7. It's not just a single word, but a whole thought or concept. Jesus used this word to teach about God's kingdom.
Definition: λόγος, -ου, ὁ (λέγω) [in LXX chiefly for דָּבָר, also for מִלָּה ,אֵמֶר, etc. ;] __I. Of that by which the inward thought is expressed, Lat. oratio, sermo, vox, verbum. __1. a word, not in the grammatical sense of a mere name (ἔπος, ὄνομα, ῥῆμα), but a word as embodying a conception or idea: Mat.8:8, Luk.7:7, 1Co.14:9, 19 Heb.12:19, al. __2. a saying, statement, declaration: Mat.19:22 (T om.), Mrk.5:36 7:29, Luk.1:29, Jhn.2:22 6:60, Act.7:29, al.; with genitive attrib., Act.13:15, Rom.9:9, Heb.7:28, al.; of the sayings, commands, promises, etc., of teachers, Mat.7:24 10:14, Mrk.8:38, Luk.9:4, Jhn.14:24, al.; λ. κενοί, Eph.5:6; ἀληθινοί, Rev.19:9; πιστοί, Rev.22:6; esp. of the precepts, decrees and promises of God, ὁ λ. τ. θεοῦ, the word of God: Mrk.7:13, Jhn.10:35, Rom.13:9, 1Co.14:36, Php.1:14, al.; absol., ὁ λ., Mat.13:21, 22 Mrk.16:[20], Luk.1:2, Act.6:4, Heb.4:12, al. __3. speech, discourse: Act.14:12, 2Co.10:10, Jas.3:2; opposite to ἐπιστολή, 2Th.2:15; disting, from σοφία, 1Co.2:1; ἀναστροφή, 1Ti.4:12; δύναμις, 1Co.4:19, 1Th.1:5; ἔργον, Rom.15:18; οὐδενὸς λ. τίμιον (not worthy of mention), Act.20:24; of the faculty of speech, Luk.24:19, 2Co.11:6; of the style of speech, Mat.5:37, 1Co.1:5; of instruction, Col.4:3, 1Pe.3:1; with genitive of person(s), Jhn.5:24 8:52, Act.2:41, al.; ὁ λ. ὁ ἐμός, Jhn.8:31; with genitive obj. (τ.) ἀληθείας, 2Co.6:7, Col.1:5, Jas.1:18; τ. καταλλαγῆς, 2Co.5:19; τ. σταυροῦ, 1Co.1:18; of mere talk, 1Co.4:19, 2o, Col.2:23, 1Jn.3:18; of the talk which one occasions, hence, repute: Col.2:23. __4. subject-matter, hence, teaching, doctrine: Act.18:15, 2Ti.2:17, al.; esp. of Christian doctrine: Mat.13:20-23, Mrk.4:14-20 8:32, Luk.1:2, Act.8:4, Gal.6:6, 1Th.1:6, al.; with genitive of person(s), τ. θεοῦ, Luk.5:1, Jhn.17:6, Act.4:29, 1Co.14:36, I Jhn.1:10, Rev.6:9, al.; τ. Κυρίου, Act.8:25, 1Th.1:8, al.; τ. Χριστοῦ, Col.3:16, Rev.3:8; with genitive appos., Act.15:7; with genitive attrib., Heb.5:13. __5. a story, tale, narrative: Mat.28:15, Jhn.21:23, Act.1:1 11:22; before περί, Luk.5:15. __6. That which is spoken of (Plat., al.; V. Kennedy, Sources, 124), matter, affair, thing: Mat.21:24, Mrk.1:45 11:29, Luk.20:3, Act.8:21; of a matter in dispute, as a case or suit at law, Act.19:38; pl. (1Ma.7:33, al.), Luk.1:4. __II. Of the inward thought itself, Lat. ratio. __1. reason, __(a) of the mental faculty (Hdt., Plat., al.): κατὰ λόγον, Act.18:14; __(b) a reason, cause: τίνι λόγῳ, Act.10:29; παρεκτὸς λόγου πορνείας, Mat.5:32 19:9, WH, mg., R, mg. __2. account, __(a) regard: Act.20:24, Rec.; __(b) reckoning: Php.4:15, 17; συναίρειν (which see) λ., Mat.18:23 25:19; in forensic sense, Rom.14:12, Heb.13:17, 1Pe.4:5; with genitive of thing(s), Luk.16:2; before περί, Mat.12:36, Act.19:40, 1Pe.3:15. __3. proportion, analogy: Php.2:16 (Field, Notes, 193 f.). __III. ὁ λ., the Divine Word or Logos: Jhn.1:1, 14; τ. ζωῆς, 1Jn.1:1; τ. θεοῦ, Rev.19:13 (see Westc, Swete, CGT, in ll.; reff. in Artt., Logos, DB, DCG). (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 317 NT verses. KJV: account, cause, communication, X concerning, doctrine, fame, X have to do, intent, matter, mouth, preaching, question, reason, + reckon, remove, say(-ing), shew, X speaker, speech, talk, thing, + none of these things move me, tidings, treatise, utterance, word, work See also: 1 Corinthians 1:5; Acts 13:49; 1 Peter 1:23.
την ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-ASF
The Greek word for 'the' or 'this', used to point out a specific person or thing, like in Acts 17:28. It can also mean 'he', 'she', or 'it'.
Definition: ὁ, ἡ, τό, the prepositive article (ἄρθρον προτακτικόν), originally a demonstr. pron. (so usually in Hom.), in general corresponding to the Eng. definite article. __I. As demonstr. pron. __1. As frequently in Hom., absol., he (she, it), his (etc.): Act.17:28 (quoted from the poet Aratus). __2. Distributive, ὁ μὲν . . . ὁ δέ, the one . . . the other: 1Co.7:7, Gal.4:22; pl., Act.14:4, 17:32, Php.1:16, al.; οἱ μὲν . . . ἄλλοι δέ, Mat.16:14, Jhn.7:12; οἱ μεν̀ . . . ὁδέ, Heb.7:21, 23. __3. In narration (without ὁ μὲν preceding), ὁ δέ, but he: Mat.2:14, Mrk.1:45, Luk.8:21, Jhn.9:38, al. mult. __II. As prepositive article, the, prefixed, __1. to nouns unmodified: ὁ θεός, τὸ φῶς, etc.; to abstract nouns, ἡ σοφία, etc., to pl. nouns which indicate a class, οἱ ἀλώπεκες, foxes, Mat.8:20, al.; to an individual as representing a class, ὁ ἐργάτης, Luk.10:7; with nom. = voc. in addresses, Mat.11:26, Jhn.19:3, Jas.5:1, al.; to things which pertain to one, ἡ χεῖρ, his hand, Mrk.3:1; to names of persons well known or already mentioned; usually to names of countries (originally adjectives), ἡ Ἰουδαία, etc. __2. To modified nouns: with of person(s) pron. genitive, μοῦ, σοῦ, etc.; with poss. pron., ἐμός, σός, etc.; with adj. between the art. and the noun, ὁ ἀγαθὸς ἄνθρωπος, Mat.12:35; the noun foll, by adj., both with art., ὁ ποιμὴν ὁ καλός, Jhn.10:11 (on ὁ ὄχλος πολύς, Jhn.12:9, see M, Pr., 84); before adjectival phrases, ἡ κατ᾽ ἐκλογὴν πρόθεσις, Rom.9:11. __3. To Other parts of speech used as substantives; __(a) neuter adjectives: τ. ἀγαθόν, etc.; __(b) cardinal numerals: ὁ εἶς, οἷ δύο, etc.; __(with) participles: ὁ βαπτίζων (= ὁ Βαπτιστής, Mat.14:2), Mrk.6:14; πᾶς ὁ, with ptcp., every one who, etc.; __(d) adverbs: τὸ πέραν, τὰ νῦν, ὁ ἔσω ἄνθρωπος; __(e) infinitives: nom., τὸ θέλειν, Rom.7:18, al.; genitive, τοῦ, after adjectives, ἄξιον τοῦ πορεύεσθαι, 1Co.16:4; verbs, ἐλαχεν τοῦ θυμιᾶσαι, Luk.1:9; and frequently in a final sense, ἐξῆλθεν ὁ σπείρειν, Mat.13:3 (on the artic. inf., see Bl., §71). __4. In the neut. to sentences, phrases or single words treated as a quotation: τὸ Ἐι δύνῃ, Mrk.9:23; τὸ ἔτι ἅπαξ, Heb.12:27; τὸ ἀνέβη, Eph.4:9, al. __5. To prepositional phrases: οἱ ἀπὸ Ἰταλίας, Heb.13:24; οἱ ἐκ νόμου, Rom.4:14; neut. accusative absol., in adverbial phrases, τὸ καθ᾽ ἡμέραν, daily, Luk.11:3; τὸ κατὰ σάρκα, as regards the flesh, Rom.9:5. __6. To nouns in the genitive, denoting kinship, association, etc.: ὁ τοῦ, the son of (unless context indicates a different relationship), Mat.10:2, al.; τὰ τοῦ θεοῦ, the things that pertain to God, Mat.16:23; τὰ τῆς εἰρήνης, Rom.14:19 (cf. M, Pr., 81ff.; Bl, §§46, 47). (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 7033 NT verses. KJV: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 7:16; 1 Corinthians 11:24.
ασφαλειαν asphaleia G803 "security" Noun-ASF
This word means security or safety, and is used in the Bible to describe a sense of certainty or firmness. In Luke 1:4, it refers to being certain about the truth, while in Acts 5:23, it describes a place of safety. It's about feeling secure and protected.
Definition: ἀσφάλεια, -ας, ἡ (ἀσφαλής), [in LXX for בָּטַח, etc. ;] __1. firmness. __2. certainty: Luk.1:4. __3. security: Act.5:23, 1Th.5:3. (In π. it is used as a law-term, proof, security; see MM, see word; M, Th., l.with)† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 3 NT verses. KJV: certainty, safety See also: 1 Thessalonians 5:3; Acts 5:23; Luke 1:4.

Study Notes — Luke 1:4

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Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 John 20:31 But these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in His name.
2 Acts 18:25 He had been instructed in the way of the Lord and was fervent in spirit. He spoke and taught accurately about Jesus, though he knew only the baptism of John.
3 1 Corinthians 14:19 But in the church, I would rather speak five coherent words to instruct others than ten thousand words in a tongue.
4 Galatians 6:6 Nevertheless, the one who receives instruction in the word must share in all good things with his instructor.
5 2 Peter 1:15–16 And I will make every effort to ensure that after my departure, you will be able to recall these things at all times. For we did not follow cleverly devised fables when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of His majesty.
6 Romans 2:18 if you know His will and approve of what is superior because you are instructed by the law;

Luke 1:4 Summary

This verse is saying that the purpose of Luke's writing is to help us be certain about the things we have been taught about God and the Bible. It's like having a solid foundation to stand on, where we can trust that what we believe is true, as seen in Psalm 19:7-11, where the Word of God is described as trustworthy and reliable. By knowing the certainty of the things we have been taught, we can have confidence in our faith and trust in God's promises, as seen in Jeremiah 29:11, where God says He has plans to prosper us and not to harm us.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Luke mean by 'the certainty of the things' in this verse?

Luke is referring to the reliability and trustworthiness of the teachings and events that have been passed down, as seen in Luke 1:2, where he mentions the eyewitnesses and servants of the word, and this is similar to the concept of assurance found in Hebrews 6:11.

Why is it important to know the certainty of the things we have been taught?

Knowing the certainty of the things we have been taught gives us confidence and assurance in our faith, as seen in 2 Timothy 1:12, where Paul says he knows whom he has believed, and this is essential for our spiritual growth and maturity.

How does this verse relate to the concept of faith and doubt?

This verse shows that faith is not blind, but rather it is based on the reliable and trustworthy teachings of the Word of God, as seen in Romans 10:17, where faith comes from hearing the message, and this helps to alleviate doubts and uncertainties.

What role does the concept of certainty play in the Christian life?

The concept of certainty is crucial in the Christian life, as it provides a foundation for our faith, as seen in Matthew 7:24-27, where Jesus teaches about the importance of building on the rock, and this certainty gives us the confidence to live out our faith and trust in God's promises.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some things that you have been taught about God and the Bible that you are not entirely certain about, and how can you seek to deepen your understanding of these things?
  2. How does the concept of certainty impact your daily life and decision-making, and are there areas where you need to seek greater assurance and confidence in God's Word?
  3. What role does faith play in your life, and how do you balance faith with the need for certainty and assurance, as seen in this verse and other passages like Hebrews 11:1?
  4. How can you apply the concept of certainty in this verse to your own spiritual journey, and what steps can you take to deepen your understanding of God's Word and strengthen your faith?

Gill's Exposition on Luke 1:4

That thou mightest know the certainty,.... The end the evangelist had in writing this Gospel, and sending it to Theophilus, was, that he might be more strongly assured of and more firmly established in the truths of the Gospel.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Luke 1:4

That thou mightest know the certainty of those things, wherein thou hast been instructed.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Luke 1:4

See Poole on ""

Trapp's Commentary on Luke 1:4

4 That thou mightest know the certainty of those things, wherein thou hast been instructed. Ver. 4. Wherein thou hast been instructed] Which thou hast received by hearsay, or by word of mouth; and wherein thou hast been catechised, receiving the mysteries of the faith by the ministry of the voice, κατηχηθης. And surely when we see men caring and casting how to find out this certainty here spoken of, and not be led by conjectural, suppositions, but be fully persuaded as St Luke was, and would have his Theophilus to be, then there will be some hopes that the Lord’ s party will increase.

Ellicott's Commentary on Luke 1:4

(4) Wherein thou hast been instructed.—The verb used is that from which are formed the words “catechise,” “catechumen.” &c., and implies oral teaching—in its later sense, teaching preparatory to baptism. The passage is important as showing that such instruction mainly turned on the facts of our Lord’s life, death, and resurrection, and on the records of His teaching.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Luke 1:4

Verse 4. Wherein thou hast been instructed.] κατηχηθης - In which thou hast been catechized. It appears that Theophilus had already received the first elements of the Christian doctrine, but had not as yet been completely grounded in them. That he might know the certainty of the things in which he had been thus catechized, by having all the facts and their proofs brought before him in order, the evangelist sent him this faithful and Divinely inspired narrative. Those who content themselves with that knowledge of the doctrines of Christ which they receive from catechisms and schoolmasters, however important these elementary instructions may be, are never likely to arrive at such a knowledge of the truth as will make them wise unto salvation, or fortify them against the attacks of infidelity and irreligion. Every man should labour to acquire the most correct knowledge, and indubitable certainty, of those doctrines on which he stakes his eternal salvation. Some suppose that St. Luke refers here to the imperfect instruction which Theophilus had received from the defective Gospels to which he refers in Lu 1:1.

Cambridge Bible on Luke 1:4

4. mightest know] Rather, mayest fully know.of those things, wherein thou hast been instructed] Rather, of those accounts in which thou wast orally instructed. Galatians 6:6. From the word κατηχεῖν ‘to teach orally’ comes our ‘catechise,’ &c. Oral instruction (katechesis) flourished especially at Alexandria, which was famous for its catechetical school. This may possibly have favoured the notion that Theophilus was an Alexandrian.

Barnes' Notes on Luke 1:4

The certainty - Have full evidence or proof of. Been instructed - By the preachers of the gospel.

Whedon's Commentary on Luke 1:4

4. Mightest know the certainty—This was the great ultimate object; that the Christian laity, of whom Theophilus was a representative, might be fully assured of the perfect confirmation of the Christian history.

Sermons on Luke 1:4

SermonDescription
Victor Maxwell A Look at Luke by Victor Maxwell Victor Maxwell delves into the Gospel of Luke, highlighting the desire to witness Jesus firsthand and the significance of studying the Son of God to know God's character, power, an
Stephen Kaung 1 John - the Glory of Fellowship by Stephen Kaung In this sermon, the speaker begins by expressing gratitude to God for the gift of His Son, Jesus Christ. The focus of the sermon is on the importance of practicing righteousness an
Stephen Kaung John's Ministry of Recovery by Stephen Kaung Stephen Kaung emphasizes the significance of John's ministry as a ministry of recovery, focusing on the themes of life and light found in Christ. He explains that John's approach l
Willie Mullan (John) the Triumphal Entry Into Jerusalem by Willie Mullan In this sermon, the preacher discusses the triumphant entry of Jesus into Jerusalem and the timid inquiry of the Greeks. He emphasizes the precious picture of the potentate that is
T. Austin-Sparks Men Whose Eyes Have Seen the King - Part 7 by T. Austin-Sparks In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the visions of God that Ezekiel saw. The speaker highlights that whenever the Lord takes a new step or movement, He reveals His glory to some
Leonard Ravenhill Prayer Matthew 6 by Leonard Ravenhill In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of contending for the faith once delivered to the saints, as mentioned in the book of Matthew, chapter six. He addresses the
T. Austin-Sparks Los Angeles Conference #2 by T. Austin-Sparks In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the uniqueness of Christ and the importance of recognizing Him as the source of life. The Gospel of John is highlighted as a testament to thi

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