The Meaning of Luke 4:1 Explained

Luke 4:1

KJV: And Jesus being full of the Holy Ghost returned from Jordan, and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness,

YLT: And Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, turned back from the Jordan, and was brought in the Spirit to the wilderness,

Darby: But Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan, and was led by the Spirit in the wilderness

ASV: And Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan, and was led in the Spirit in the wilderness

KJV Reverse Interlinear

And  Jesus  being full  of the Holy  Ghost  returned  from  Jordan,  and  was led  by  the Spirit  into  the wilderness, 

What does Luke 4:1 Mean?

Context Summary

Luke 4:1-13 - The Threefold Temptation
As the waters of Jordan bisect the Holy Land, so does our Lord's baptism bisect His holy life. In that act He had identified Himself with the world's sin; and now, as the High Priest who was to deal with sin and sinners, He must be "in all points" tempted and tested "like as we are."
He took into the wilderness a perfect humanity of flesh and blood, made in all points like His brethren, though without sin. He elected to fight His great fight, not by the use of the divine attributes, but as Son of man. Where the first Adam fell, the second must stand.
First, He could not use His native power for His own gratification. Second, He would abide strictly within the limitations of the world He had entered, Hebrews 2:16-17. Third, He would win His kingdom by the Cross. [source]

Chapter Summary: Luke 4

1  The fasting and temptation of Jesus
14  He begins to preach
16  The people of Nazareth marvel at words, but seek to kill him
33  He cures one possessed of a demon,
38  Peter's mother-in-law,
40  and various other sick persons
41  The demons acknowledge Jesus, and are reproved for it
42  He preaches through the cities of Galilee

Greek Commentary for Luke 4:1

Full of the Holy Spirit [πληρης πνευματος αγιου]
An evident allusion to the descent of the Holy Spirit on Jesus at his baptism (Luke 3:21.). The distinctness of the Persons in the Trinity is shown there, but with evident unity. One recalls also Luke‘s account of the overshadowing of Mary by the Holy Spirit (Luke 1:35). Matthew 4:1 says that “Jesus was led of the Spirit” while Mark 1:12 states that “the Spirit driveth him forth” which see note for discussion. “Jesus had been endowed with supernatural power; and He was tempted to make use of it in furthering his own interests without regard to the Father‘s will” (Plummer). [source]
Was led by the Spirit [ηγετο εν τοι πνευματι]
Imperfect passive, continuously led. Εν — En may be the instrumental use as often, for Matthew 4:1 has here υπο — hupo of direct agency. But Matthew has the aorist passive ανηχτη — anēchthē which may be ingressive as he has εις την ερημον — eis tēn erēmon (into the wilderness) while Luke has εν τωι ερημωι — en tōi erēmōi (in the wilderness). At any rate Luke affirms that Jesus was now continuously under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Hence in this same sentence he mentions the Spirit twice.During the forty days (ημερας τεσσερακοντα — hēmerās tesserakonta). Accusative of duration of time, to be connected with “led” not with “tempted.” He was led in the Spirit during these forty days (cf. Deuteronomy 8:2, forty years). The words are amphibolous also in Mark 1:13. Matthew 4:2 seems to imply that the three recorded temptations came at the close of the fasting for forty days. That can be true and yet what Luke states be true also. These three may be merely specimens and so “representative of the struggle which continued throughout the whole period” (Plummer). [source]
During the forty days [ημερας τεσσερακοντα]
Accusative of duration of time, to be connected with “led” not with “tempted.” He was led in the Spirit during these forty days (cf. Deuteronomy 8:2, forty years). The words are amphibolous also in Mark 1:13. Matthew 4:2 seems to imply that the three recorded temptations came at the close of the fasting for forty days. That can be true and yet what Luke states be true also. These three may be merely specimens and so “representative of the struggle which continued throughout the whole period” (Plummer). [source]
Was led []
So Matthew. Mark says, “The Spirit driveth, ( ὲκβάλλει ) or thrusteth him forth. [source]
By the Spirit [ἐν τῷ πνεύματι]
The American Revisers render in the spirit, indicating the sphere rather than the impulse of his action. [source]
Into the wilderness []
The A. V. has followed the reading εἰς into. The proper reading is ἐν , in. He was not only impelled into the wilderness, but guided in the wilderness by the Spirit. [source]

Reverse Greek Commentary Search for Luke 4:1

Matthew 1:1 Christ [Χριστός]
Properly an adjective, not a noun, and meaning anointed ( Χρίω , to anoint). It is a translation of the Hebrew Messiah, the king and spiritual ruler from David's race, promised under that name in the Old Testament (Psalm 2:2; Daniel 9:25, Daniel 9:26). Hence Andrew says to Simon, “We have found the Messiah, which is, being interpreted, Christ (John 1:41; compare Acts 4:27; Acts 10:38; Acts 19:28). To us “Christ “has become a proper name, and is therefore written without the definite article; but, in the body of the gospel narratives, since the identity of Jesus with the promised Messiah is still in question with the people, the article is habitually used, and the name should therefore be translated “the Christ.” After the resurrection, when the recognition of Jesus as Messiah has become general, we find the word beginning to be used as a proper name, with or without the article. In this passage it omits the article, because it occurs in the heading of the chapter, and expresses the evangelist's own faith in Jesus as the Messiah. Anointing was applied to kings (1 Samuel 9:16; 1 Samuel 10:1), to prophets (1 Kings 19:16), and to priests (Exodus 29:29; Exodus 40:15; Leviticus 16:32) at their inauguration. “The Lord's anointed” was a common title of the king (1 Samuel 12:3, 1 Samuel 12:5; 2 Samuel 1:14, 2 Samuel 1:16). Prophets are called “Messiahs,” or anointed ones (1 Chronicles 16:22; Psalm 105:15). Cyrus is also called “the Lord's Anointed,” because called to the throne to deliver the Jews out of captivity (Isaiah 45:1). Hence the word” Christ” was representative of our Lord, who united in himself the offices of king, prophet, and priest. -DIVIDER-
-DIVIDER-
It is interesting to see how anointing attaches to our Lord in other and minor particulars. Anointing was an act of hospitality and a sign of festivity and cheerfulness. Jesus was anointed by the woman when a guest in the house of Simon the Pharisee, and rebuked his host for omitting this mark of respect toward hint (Luke 7:35, Luke 7:46). In the Epistle to the Hebrews (Hebrews 1:8, Hebrews 1:9), the words of the Messianic psalm (Psalm 45:7) are applied to Jesus, “God, even thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows.”-DIVIDER-
Anointing was practised upon the sick (Mark 6:13; Luke 10:34:; James 5:14). Jesus, “the Great Physician,” is described by Isaiah (Isaiah 61:1, Isaiah 61:2; compare Luke 4:18) as anointed by God to bind up the broken-hearted, and to give the mournful the oil of joy for mourning. He himself anointed the eyes of the blind man (John 9:6, John 9:11); and the twelve, in his name, “anointed with oil many that were sick, and healed them” (Mark 6:13). -DIVIDER-
-DIVIDER-
Anointing was practised upon the dead. Of her who brake the alabaster upon his head at Bethany, Jesus said, “She hath anointed my body aforehand for the burying” (Mark 14:8; see, also, Luke 23:56). [source]

Matthew 4:11 Angels came [aorist tense προσηλτον]
(aorist tense προσηλτον — prosēlthon punctiliar action) and were ministering The issues at stake were of vast import as the champions of light and darkness grappled for the mastery of men. Luke 4:13 adds, that the devil left Jesus only “until a good opportunity” (αχρι καιρου — achri kairou). [source]
Matthew 1:1 The Book [βιβλος]
There is no article in the Greek, but the following genitives make it definite. It is our word Bible that is here used, the Book as Sir Walter Scott called it as he lay dying. The usual word for book is a diminutive form (βιβλιον — biblion), a little book or roll such as we have in Luke 4:17, “The roll of the prophet Isaiah.” The pieces of papyrus (παπυρος — papuros), our paper, were pasted together to make a roll of varying lengths according to one‘s needs. Matthew, of course, is not applying the word book to the Old Testament, probably not to his own book, but to “the genealogical table of Jesus Christ” (βιβλος γενεσεως Ιησου Χριστου — biblos geneseōs Iēsou Christou), “the birth roll of Jesus Christ” Moffatt translates it. We have no means of knowing where the writer obtained the data for this genealogy. It differs radically from that in Luke 3:23-38. One can only give his own theory of the difference. Apparently in Matthew we have the actual genealogy of Joseph which would be the legal pedigree of Jesus according to Jewish custom. In Luke we apparently have the actual genealogy of Mary which would be the real line of Jesus which Luke naturally gives as he is writing for the Gentiles. [source]
Matthew 4:11 and were ministering [διηκονουν]
The issues at stake were of vast import as the champions of light and darkness grappled for the mastery of men. Luke 4:13 adds, that the devil left Jesus only “until a good opportunity” (αχρι καιρου — achri kairou). [source]
Matthew 4:11 unto him []
.” The victory was won in spite of the fast of forty days and the repeated onsets of the devil who had tried every avenue of approach. The angels could cheer him in the inevitable nervous and spiritual reaction from the strain of conflict, and probably also with food as in the case of Elijah (1 Kings 19:6.). The issues at stake were of vast import as the champions of light and darkness grappled for the mastery of men. Luke 4:13 adds, that the devil left Jesus only “until a good opportunity” (αχρι καιρου — achri kairou). [source]
Matthew 4:13 Dwelt in Capernaum [Κατωικησεν εις Καπαρναουμ]
He went first to Nazareth, his old home, but was rejected there (Luke 4:16-31). In Capernaum (probably the modern Τελλ μ — Tell Hūm) Jesus was in a large town, one of the centres of Galilean political and commercial life, a fishing mart, where many Gentiles came. Here the message of the kingdom would have a better chance than in Jerusalem with its ecclesiastical prejudices or in Nazareth with its local jealousies. So Jesus “made his home” (κατωικησεν — katōikēsen) here. [source]
Mark 10:51 Rabboni [αββουνει]
The Aramaic word translated Lord (Kurie) in Matthew 20:33 and Luke 18:41. This very form occurs again in John 20:16.That I may receive my sight (ινα αναβλεπσω — hina anablepsō). To recover sight (ανα — anȧ), see again. Apparently he had once been able to see. Here ινα — hina is used though τελω — thelō is not (cf. Mark 10:35). The Messiah was expected to give sight to the blind (Isaiah 61:1; Luke 4:18; Luke 7:22). [source]
Mark 10:51 That I may receive my sight [ινα αναβλεπσω]
To recover sight The Messiah was expected to give sight to the blind (Isaiah 61:1; Luke 4:18; Luke 7:22). [source]
Mark 5:17 To depart from their borders [απελτειν απο των οριων]
Once before the people of Nazareth had driven Jesus out of the city (Luke 4:16-31). Soon they will do it again on his return there (Mark 6:1-6; Matthew 13:54-58). Here in Decapolis pagan influence was strong and the owners of the hogs cared more for the loss of their property than for the healing of the wild demoniac. In the clash between business and spiritual welfare business came first with them as often today. All three Gospels tell of the request for Jesus to leave. They feared the power of Jesus and wanted no further interference with their business affairs. [source]
Mark 1:21 And taught [εδιδασκεν]
Inchoative imperfect, began to teach as soon as he entered the synagogue in Capernaum on the sabbath. The synagogue in Capernaum afforded the best opening for the teaching of Jesus. He had now made Capernaum (Tell Hum) his headquarters after the rejection in Nazareth as explained in Luke 4:16-31 and Matthew 4:13-16. The ruins of this synagogue have been discovered and there is even talk of restoring the building since the stones are in a good state of preservation. Jesus both taught The service consisted of prayer, praise, reading of scripture, and exposition by any rabbi or other competent person. Often Paul was invited to speak at such meetings. In Luke 4:20 Jesus gave back the roll of Isaiah to the attendant or beadle (τωι υπηρετηι — tōi hupēretēi) whose business it was to bring out the precious manuscript and return it to its place. Jesus was a preacher of over a year when he began to teach in the Capernaum synagogue. His reputation had preceded him (Luke 4:14). [source]
Mark 6:3 Is not this the carpenter? [Ουχ ουτος εστιν ο τεκτων]
Matthew 13:55 calls him “the carpenter‘s son” He was both. Evidently since Joseph‘s death he had carried on the business and was “the carpenter” of Nazareth. The word τεκτων — tektōn comes from τεκειν τικτω — tekein τεχνη — tiktō to beget, create, like τεκτων — technē (craft, art). It is a very old word, from Homer down. It was originally applied to the worker in wood or builder with wood like our carpenter. Then it was used of any artisan or craftsman in metal, or in stone as well as in wood and even of sculpture. It is certain that Jesus worked in wood. Justin Martyr speaks of ploughs, yokes, et cetera, made by Jesus. He may also have worked in stone and may even have helped build some of the stone synagogues in Galilee like that in Capernaum. But in Nazareth the people knew him, his family (no mention of Joseph), and his trade and discounted all that they now saw with their own eyes and heard with their own ears. This word carpenter “throws the only flash which falls on the continuous tenor of the first thirty years from infancy to manhood, of the life of Christ” (Farrar). That is an exaggeration for we have Luke 2:41-50 and “as his custom was” (Luke 4:16), to go no further. But we are grateful for Mark‘s realistic use of και εσκανδαλιζοντο εν αυτωι — tektōn here. [source]
Luke 8:1 Preaching [κηρύσσων]
Or proclaiming, as a herald. Compare Luke 4:18, and see on 2 Peter 2:5. [source]
Luke 4:31 On the Sabbath-days [τοῖς σάββασιν]
Rev., day. The word is often used in the plural form for the single day, as in Luke 4:16; probably after the analogy of plural names of festivals, as τὰ ἄζυμα ,the feast of unleavened bread; τὰ γενέσια ,the birth-day; or perhaps following the Aramaic plural. [source]
Luke 4:22 Bare him witness []
Compare Luke 4:14. They confirmed the reports which had been circulated about him. Note the imperfect tense. There was a continuous stream of admiring comment. Similarly, were wondering. [source]
Luke 4:20 He closed [πτύξας]
See on Luke 4:17. [source]
Luke 13:16 Satan []
“True to its principle of contrast, this book gives Satan a prominent position” (Abbot). See Luke 4:13; Luke 10:18; Luke 22:3, Luke 22:31. See Introduction. [source]
Luke 10:26 Read []
See on Luke 4:16. [source]
Luke 22:3 Satan entered into Judas [εισηλτεν εις Ιουδαν]
Ingressive aorist active indicative. Satan was now renewing his attack on Jesus suspended temporarily (Luke 4:13) “until a good chance.” He had come back by the use of Simon Peter (Mark 8:33; Matthew 16:23). The conflict went on and Jesus won ultimate victory (Luke 10:18). Now Satan uses Judas and has success with him for Judas allowed him to come again and again (John 13:27). Judas evidently opened the door to his heart and let Satan in. Then Satan took charge and he became a devil as Jesus said (John 6:70). This surrender to Satan in no way relieves Judas of his moral responsibility. [source]
Luke 4:14 In the power of the Spirit [εν τηι δυναμει του πνευματος]
Luke in these two verses (Luke 4:14) gives a description of the Galilean Ministry with three marked characteristics (Plummer): the power of the spirit, rapid spread of Christ‘s fame, use of the Jewish synagogues. Luke often notes the power of the Holy Spirit in the work of Christ. Our word dynamite is this same word δυναμις — dunamis (power).A fame (πημη — phēmē). An old Greek word found in the N.T. only here and Matthew 9:26. It is from πημι — phēmi to say. Talk ran rapidly in every direction. It assumes the previous ministry as told by John. [source]
Luke 4:16 Where he had been brought up [ου ην τετραμμενος]
Past perfect passive periphrastic indicative, a state of completion in past time, from τρεπω — trephō a common Greek verb. This visit is before that recorded in Mark 6:1-6; Matthew 13:54-58 which was just before the third tour of Galilee. Here Jesus comes back after a year of public ministry elsewhere and with a wide reputation (Luke 4:15). Luke may have in mind Luke 2:51, but for some time now Nazareth had not been his home and that fact may be implied by the past perfect tense. [source]
Luke 4:17 Found the place [ευρεν τον τοπον]
Second aorist active indicative. He continued to unroll (rolling up the other side) till he found the passage desired. It may have been a fixed lesson for the day or it may have been his own choosing. At any rate it was a marvellously appropriate passage (Isaiah 61:1, Isaiah 61:2 with one clause omitted and some words from Isaiah 58:6). It is a free quotation from the Septuagint.Where it was written (ου ην γεγραμμενον — hou ēn gegrammenon). Periphrastic pluperfect passive again as in Luke 4:16. [source]
Luke 4:17 Where it was written [ου ην γεγραμμενον]
Periphrastic pluperfect passive again as in Luke 4:16. [source]
Luke 4:22 Bare him witness [εμαρτυρουν]
Imperfect active, perhaps inchoative. They all began to bear witness that the rumours were not exaggerations (Luke 4:14) as they had supposed, but had foundation in fact if this discourse or its start was a fair sample of his teaching. The verb μαρτυρεω — martureō is a very old and common one. It is frequent in Acts, Paul‘s Epistles, and the Johannine books. The substantive μαρτυρ — martur is seen in our English μαρτψρ — martyr one who witnesses even by his death to his faith in Christ. [source]
Luke 4:2 Being tempted [πειραζομενος]
Present passive participle and naturally parallel with the imperfect passive ηγετο — ēgeto (was led) in Luke 4:1. This is another instance of poor verse division which should have come at the end of the sentence. See note on Matthew 4:1; note on Mark 1:13 for the words “tempt” and “devil.” The devil challenged the Son of man though also the Son of God. It was a contest between Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, and the slanderer of men. The devil had won with Adam and Eve. He has hopes of triumph over Jesus. The story of this conflict is given only in Matthew 4:1-11; Luke 4:1-13. There is a mere mention of it in Mark 1:12. So then here is a specimen of the Logia of Jesus (Q), a non-Markan portion of Matthew and Luke, the earliest document about Christ. The narrative could come ultimately only from Christ himself. It is noteworthy that it bears all the marks of the high conception of Jesus as the Son of God found in the Gospel of John and in Paul and Hebrews, the rest of the New Testament in fact, for Mark, Matthew, Luke, Acts, Peter, and Jude follow in this same strain. The point is that modern criticism has revealed the Messianic consciousness of Jesus as God‘s Son at his Baptism and in his Temptations at the very beginning of his ministry and in the oldest known documents about Christ (The Logia, Mark‘s Gospel). [source]
Luke 4:16 As his custom was [κατα το ειωτος αυτωι]
Second perfect active neuter singular participle of an old ετω — ethō (Homer), to be accustomed. Literally according to what was customary to him This is one of the flashlights on the early life of Jesus. He had the habit of going to public worship in the synagogue as a boy, a habit that he kept up when a grown man. If the child does not form the habit of going to church, the man is almost certain not to have it. We have already had in Matthew and Mark frequent instances of the word synagogue which played such a large part in Jewish life after the restoration from Babylon.Stood up (ανεστη — anestē). Second aorist active indicative and intransitive. Very common verb. It was the custom for the reader to stand except when the Book of Esther was read at the feast of Purim when he might sit. It is not here stated that Jesus had been in the habit of standing up to read here or elsewhere. It was his habit to go to the synagogue for worship. Since he entered upon his Messianic work his habit was to teach in the synagogues (Luke 4:15). This was apparently the first time that he had done so in Nazareth. He may have been asked to read as Paul was in Antioch in Pisidia (Acts 13:15). The ruler of the synagogue for that day may have invited Jesus to read and speak because of his now great reputation as a teacher. Jesus could have stood up voluntarily and appropriately because of his interest in his home town.To read Second aorist active infinitive of αναγινωσκω — anaginōskō to recognize again the written characters and so to read and then to read aloud. It appears first in Pindar in the sense of read and always so in the N.T. This public reading aloud with occasional comments may explain the parenthesis in Matthew 24:15 (Let him that readeth understand). [source]
Luke 4:16 Stood up [ανεστη]
Second aorist active indicative and intransitive. Very common verb. It was the custom for the reader to stand except when the Book of Esther was read at the feast of Purim when he might sit. It is not here stated that Jesus had been in the habit of standing up to read here or elsewhere. It was his habit to go to the synagogue for worship. Since he entered upon his Messianic work his habit was to teach in the synagogues (Luke 4:15). This was apparently the first time that he had done so in Nazareth. He may have been asked to read as Paul was in Antioch in Pisidia (Acts 13:15). The ruler of the synagogue for that day may have invited Jesus to read and speak because of his now great reputation as a teacher. Jesus could have stood up voluntarily and appropriately because of his interest in his home town. [source]
Luke 4:17 The book of the prophet Isaiah [βιβλιον του προπητου Εσαιου]
Literally, “a roll of the prophet Isaiah.” Apparently Isaiah was handed to Jesus without his asking for it. But certainly Jesus cared more for the prophets than for the ceremonial law. It was a congenial service that he was asked to perform. Jesus used Deuteronomy in his temptations and now Isaiah for this sermon. The Syriac Sinaitic manuscript has it that Jesus stood up after the attendant handed him the roll.Opened (ανοιχας — anoixas). Really it was unrolled (αναπτυχας — anaptuxas) as Aleph D have it. But the more general term ανοιχας — anoixas (from ανοιγω — anoigō common verb) is probably genuine. Αναπτυσσω — Anaptussō does not occur in the N.T. outside of this passage if genuine.Found the place Second aorist active indicative. He continued to unroll (rolling up the other side) till he found the passage desired. It may have been a fixed lesson for the day or it may have been his own choosing. At any rate it was a marvellously appropriate passage (Isaiah 61:1, Isaiah 61:2 with one clause omitted and some words from Isaiah 58:6). It is a free quotation from the Septuagint.Where it was written (ου ην γεγραμμενον — hou ēn gegrammenon). Periphrastic pluperfect passive again as in Luke 4:16. [source]
Luke 8:19 His mother and brethren [η μητηρ και οι αδελποι αυτου]
Mark 3:31-35; Matthew 12:46-50 place the visit of the mother and brothers of Jesus before the parable of the sower. Usually Luke follows Mark‘s order, but he does not do so here. At first the brothers of Jesus (younger sons of Joseph and Mary, I take the words to mean, there being sisters also) were not unfriendly to the work of Jesus as seen in John 2:12 when they with the mother of Jesus are with him and the small group (half dozen) disciples in Capernaum after the wedding in Cana. But as Jesus went on with his work and was rejected at Nazareth (Luke 4:16-31), there developed an evident disbelief in his claims on the part of the brothers who ridiculed him six months before the end (John 7:5). At this stage they have apparently come with Mary to take Jesus home out of the excitement of the crowds, perhaps thinking that he is beside himself (Mark 3:21). They hardly believed the charge of the rabbis that Jesus was in league with Beelzebub. Certainly the mother of Jesus could give no credence to that slander. But she herself was deeply concerned and wanted to help him if possible. See discussion of the problem in my little book The Mother of Jesus and also on Mark 3:31 and Matthew 12:46. [source]
John 1:6 Sent [ἀπεσταλμένος]
See on Matthew 10:2, Matthew 10:16; see on Mark 4:29; see on Luke 4:18. The verb carries the sense of sending an envoy with a special commission. Hence it is used of the mission of the Son of God, and of His apostles; the word apostle being directly derived from it. It is thus distinguished from πέμπω , to send, which denotes simply the relation of the sender to the sent. See on John 20:21, and see on 1 John 3:5. The statement is not merely equivalent to was sent. The finite verb and the participle are to be taken separately, as stating two distinct facts, the appearance and the mission of John. There came a man, and that man was sent from God. [source]
John 5:47 Writings [γράμμασιν]
It is important to understand the precise sense of this word, because it goes to determine whether Jesus intended an antithesis between Moses' writings and His own words, or simply between Moses ( ἐκείνου ) and Himself ( ἐμοῖς ). Γράμμα primarily means what is written. Hence it may describe either a single character or a document. From this general notion several forms develop themselves in the New Testament. The word occurs in its narrower sense of characters, at Luke 23:38; 2 Corinthians 3:7; Galatians 6:11. In Acts 28:21, it means official communications. Paul, with a single exception (2 Corinthians 3:7), uses it of the letter of scripture as contrasted with its spirit (Romans 2:27, Romans 2:29; Romans 7:6; 2 Corinthians 3:6). In Luke 16:6, Luke 16:7, it denotes a debtor's bond (A.V., bill ). In John 7:15, Acts 26:24) it is used in the plural as a general term for scriptural and Rabbinical learning. Compare Sept., Isaiah 29:11, Isaiah 29:12) where a learned man is described as ἐπιτάμενος γράμματα , acquainted with letters. Once it is used collectively of the sacred writings - the scriptures (2 Timothy 3:15), though some give it a wider reference to Rabbinical exegesis, as well as to scripture itself. Among the Alexandrian Greeks the term is not confined to elementary instruction, but includes exposition, based, however, on critical study of the text. The tendency of such exegesis was often toward mystical and allegorical interpretation, degenerating into a petty ingenuity in fixing new and recondite meanings upon the old and familiar forms. This was illustrated by the Neo-Platonists' expositions of Homer, and by the Rabbinical exegesis. Men unacquainted with such studies, especially if they appeared as public teachers, would be regarded as ignorant by the Jews of the times of Christ and the Apostles. Hence the question respecting our Lord Himself: How knoweth this man letters ( γράμματα John 7:15)? Also the comment upon Peter and John (Acts 4:13) that they were unlearned ( ἀγράμματοι ). Thus, too, those who discovered in the Old Testament scriptures references to Christ, would be stigmatized by Pagans, as following the ingenious and fanciful method of the Jewish interpreters, which they held in contempt. Some such feeling may have provoked the words of Festus to Paul: Much learning ( πολλά γράμματα ) doth make thee mad (Acts 26:24). It is well known with what minute care the literal transcription of the sacred writings was guarded. The Scribes ( γραμματεῖς ) were charged with producing copies according to the letter ( κατὰ τὸ γράμμα ). -DIVIDER-
-DIVIDER-
The one passage in second Timothy cannot be urged in favor of the general use of the term for the scriptures, especially since the best texts reject the article before ἱερὰ γράμμα , so that the meaning is apparently more general: “thou hast known sacred writings.” The familiar formula for the scriptures was αἱ γραφαὶ ἁγίαι . A single book of the collection of writings was known as βιβλίον (Luke 4:17), or βίβλος (Luke 20:42); never γραφή , which was the term for a particular passage. See on Mark 12:10. -DIVIDER-
-DIVIDER-
It seems to me, therefore, that the antithesis between the writings of Moses, superstitiously reverenced in the letter, and minutely and critically searched and expounded by the Jews, and the living words ( ῥήμασιν , see on Luke 1:37), is to be recognized. This, however, need not exclude the other antithesis between Moses and Jesus personally. -DIVIDER-
-DIVIDER-
[source]

John 11:2 Anointed [ἀλείψασα]
Three words for anointing are found in the New Testament: ἀλείφω, χρίω , and its compounds, and μυρίζω . The last is used but once, Mark 14:8, of anointing the Lord's body for burying. Between the two others the distinction is strictly maintained. Χρίω , which occurs five times, is used in every case but one of the anointing of the Son by the Father With the Holy Spirit (Luke 4:18; Acts 4:27; Acts 10:38; Hebrews 1:9). In the remaining instance (2 Corinthians 1:21) of enduing Christians with the gifts of the Holy Spirit. Thus the word is confined to sacred anointing. Ἁλείφω is used of all actual anointings. See Matthew 6:17; Mark 6:13; Luke 7:38; James 5:14. The same distinction is generally maintained in the Septuagint, though with a few exceptions, as Numbers 3:3. [source]
John 5:47 His writings [τοις εκεινου γραμμασιν]
Dative case with πιστυετε — pistuete See Luke 16:31 for a like argument. The authority of Moses was the greatest of all for Jews. There is a contrast also between writings Γραμμα — Gramma may mean the mere letter as opposed to spirit (2 Corinthians 3:6; Romans 2:27, Romans 2:29; Romans 7:6), a debtor‘s bond (Luke 16:6.), letters or learning (John 7:15; Acts 26:24) like αγραμματοι — agrammatoi for unlearned (Acts 4:13), merely written characters (Luke 23:38; 2 Corinthians 3:7; Galatians 6:11), official communications (Acts 28:21), once ιερα γραμματα — hiera grammata for the sacred writings (2 Timothy 3:15) instead of the more usual αι αγιαι γραπαι — hai hagiai graphai Γραπη — Graphē is used also for a single passage (Mark 12:10), but βιβλιον — biblion for a book or roll (Luke 4:17) or βιβλος — biblos (Luke 20:42). Jesus clearly states the fact that Moses wrote portions of the Old Testament, what portions he does not say. See also Luke 24:27, Luke 24:44 for the same idea. There was no answer from the rabbis to this conclusion of Christ. The scribes (οι γραμματεις — hoi grammateis) made copies according to the letter (κατα το γραμμα — kata to gramma). [source]
John 7:5 For even his brethren did not believe on him [ουδε γαρ οι αδελποι αυτου επιστευον εις αυτον]
Literally, “For not even were his brothers believing on him.” Imperfect tense of πιστευω — pisteuō with sad picture of the persistent refusal of the brothers of Jesus to believe in his Messianic assumptions, after the two rejections in Capernaum (Luke 4:16-31; Mark 6:1-6; Matthew 13:54-58), and also after the blasphemous accusation of being in league with Beelzebub when the mother and brothers came to take Jesus home (Mark 3:31-35; Matthew 12:46-50; Luke 8:19-21). The brothers here are sarcastic. [source]
John 9:39 For judgment [εις κριμα]
The Father had sent the Son for this purpose (John 3:17). This world He is engaged in that very work by this miracle. They which see not The spiritually blind as well as the physically blind (Luke 4:18; Isaiah 42:18). Purpose clause with ινα — hina and present active subjunctive βλεπωσιν — blepōsin (may keep on seeing). This man now sees physically and spiritually. And that they which see may become blind Another part of God‘s purpose, seen in Matthew 11:25; Luke 10:21, is the curse on those who blaspheme and reject the Son. Note ingressive aorist middle subjunctive of γινομαι — ginomai and predicate nominative. οι βλεποντες — Hoi blepontes are those who profess to see like these Pharisees, but are really blind. Blind guides they were (Matthew 23:16). Complacent satisfaction with their dim light. [source]
Acts 17:2 As his custom was [κατα το ειωτος τωι Παυλωι]
The same construction in Luke 4:16 about Jesus in Nazareth (κατα το ειωτος αυτωι — kata to eiōthos autōi) with the second perfect active participle neuter singular from ετω — ethō Paul‘s habit was to go to the Jewish synagogue to use the Jews and the God-fearers as a springboard for his work among the Gentiles. [source]
Acts 10:38 God anointed him [εχρισεν αυτον ο τεος]
First aorist active of the verb διηλτεν ευεργετων — chriō to anoint, from which the verbal διερεομαι — Christos is formed (Acts 2:36). The precise event referred to by Peter could be the Incarnation (Luke 1:35.), the Baptism (Luke 3:22), the Ministry at Nazareth (Luke 4:14). Why not to the life and work of Jesus as a whole? Went about doing good (δια — diēlthen euergetōn). Beautiful description of Jesus. Summary (constative) aorist active of ευεργετων — dierehomai to go through (ευεργετεω — dia) or from place to place. The present active participle ευ — euergetōn is from the old verb εργον — euergeteō (ευεργετης — eu well, και ιωμενος — ergon work) and occurs only here in the N.T. The substantive τους καταδυναστευομενους — euergetēs (benefactor) was often applied to kings like Ptolemy Euergetes and that is the sense in Luke 22:25 the only N.T. example. But the term applies to Jesus far more than to Ptolemy or any earthly king (Cornelius a Lapide). And healing And in particular healing. Luke does not exclude other diseases (cf. Luke 13:11, Luke 13:16), but he lays special emphasis on demoniacal possession (cf. Mark 1:23). That were oppressed (κατα — tous katadunasteuomenous). Present passive articular participle of διαβολος — katadunasteuō A late verb in lxx and papyri. In the N.T. only here and James 2:6 (best MSS.). One of the compounds of οτι ο τεος ην μετ αυτου — kata made transitive. The reality of the devil (the slanderer, diabolos) is recognized by Peter. For God was with him Surely this reason does not reveal “a low Christology” as some charge. Peter had used the same language in Acts 7:9 and earlier in Luke 1:28, Luke 1:66 as Nicodemus does in John 3:2. [source]
Acts 13:15 After the reading of the law and the prophets [μετα την αναγνωσιν του νομου και των προπητων]
The law was first read in the synagogues till b.c. 163 when Antiochus Epiphones prohibited it. Then the reading of the prophets was substituted for it. The Maccabees restored both. There was a reading from the law and one from the prophets in Hebrew which was interpreted into the Aramaic or the Greek Koiné{[28928]}š for the people. The reading was followed by the sermon as when Jesus was invited to read and to preach in Nazareth (Luke 4:16.). For the service in the synagogue see Schuerer, History of the Jewish People, Div. II, Vol. II, pp. 79ff. It was the duty of the rulers of the synagogue Any rabbi or distinguished stranger could be called on to speak. [source]
Acts 22:3 Born [γεγεννημενος]
Perfect passive participle of γενναω — gennaō See above in Acts 21:39 for the claim of Tarsus as his birth-place. He was a Hellenistic Jew, not an Aramaean Jew (cf. Philemon 3:4-7). Brought up (ανατετραμμενος — anatethrammenos). Perfect passive participle again of ανατρεπω — anatrephō to nurse up, to nourish up, common old verb, but in the N.T. only here, Acts 7:20., and MSS. in Luke 4:16. The implication is that Paul was sent to Jerusalem while still young, “from my youth” (Acts 26:4), how young we do not know, possibly thirteen or fourteen years old. He apparently had not seen Jesus in the flesh (2 Corinthians 5:16). At the feet of Gamaliel The rabbis usually sat on a raised seat with the pupils in a circle around either on lower seats or on the ground. Paul was thus nourished in Pharisaic Judaism as interpreted by Gamaliel, one of the lights of Judaism. For remarks on Gamaliel see chapter Acts 5:34. He was one of the seven Rabbis to whom the Jews gave the highest title αββαν — Rabban (our Rabbi). αββι — Rabbi (my teacher) was next, the lowest being αβ — Rab (teacher). “As Aquinas among the schoolmen was called Doctor Angelicus, and Bonaventura Doctor Seraphicus, so Gamaliel was called the Beauty of the Law ” (Conybeare and Howson). Instructed (πεπαιδευμενος — pepaideumenos). Perfect passive participle again (each participle beginning a clause), this time of παιδευω — paideuō old verb to train a child (παις — pais) as in Acts 7:22 which see. In this sense also in 1 Timothy 1:20; Titus 2:12. Then to chastise as in Luke 23:16, Luke 23:22 (which see); 2 Timothy 2:25; Hebrews 12:6. According to the strict manner Old word, only here in N.T. Mathematical accuracy, minute exactness as seen in the adjective in Acts 26:5. See also Romans 10:2; Galatians 1:4; Acts 6:1. Of our fathers (πατρωιου — patrōiou). Old adjective from πατερ — pater only here and Acts 24:14 in N.T. Means descending from father to son, especially property and other inherited privileges. Πατρικος — Patrikos (patrician) refers more to personal attributes and affiliations. Being zealous for God Not adjective, but substantive zealot (same word used by James of the thousands of Jewish Christians in Jerusalem, Acts 21:20 which see) with objective genitive του τεου — tou theou (for God). See also Acts 21:14; Acts 28:17; 2 Timothy 1:3 where he makes a similar claim. So did Peter (Acts 3:13; Acts 5:30) and Stephen (Acts 7:32). Paul definitely claims, whatever freedom he demanded for Gentile Christians, to be personally “a zealot for God” “even as ye all are this day” In his conciliation he went to the limit and puts himself by the side of the mob in their zeal for the law, mistaken as they were about him. He was generous surely to interpret their fanatical frenzy as zeal for God. But Paul is sincere as he proceeds to show by appeal to his own conduct. [source]
Acts 22:3 Brought up [ανατετραμμενος]
Perfect passive participle again of ανατρεπω — anatrephō to nurse up, to nourish up, common old verb, but in the N.T. only here, Acts 7:20., and MSS. in Luke 4:16. The implication is that Paul was sent to Jerusalem while still young, “from my youth” (Acts 26:4), how young we do not know, possibly thirteen or fourteen years old. He apparently had not seen Jesus in the flesh (2 Corinthians 5:16). [source]
Acts 4:27 Whom thou didst anoint [ον εχρισας]
As in Acts 4:26 (cf. Luke 4:18; Isaiah 61:1). Inaugurated as King Messiah. [source]
Romans 7:23 Bringing into captivity [αἰχμαλωτίζοντα]
Only here, 2 Corinthians 10:5, and Luke 21:24. See on captives, Luke 4:18. The warlike figure is maintained. Lit., making me prisoner of war. [source]
Romans 16:7 Fellow prisoners [συναιχμαλώτους]
See on captives, Luke 4:18. [source]
Romans 9:28 Finishing it and cutting it short [συντελων και συντεμνων]
Present active participles and note συν — sun - with each (perfective use of the preposition, finishing completely as in Luke 4:13, cutting off completely or abridging and here only in N.T.) The quotation is from Isaiah 28:22. [source]
1 Corinthians 10:9 Let us tempt Christ [ἐκπειράζωμεν τὸν Χριστόν]
The compound word is very significant, “to tempt out ” ( ἐκ ); tempt thoroughly; try to the utmost. It occurs in three other places: Matthew 4:7; Luke 4:12; Luke 10:25; and, in every case, is used of tempting or testing Christ. Compare Psalm 77:18(Sept.). For Christ read Κύριον theLord. [source]
1 Corinthians 10:9 Neither let us tempt the Lord [μηδε εκπειραζωμεν τον Κυριον]
So the best MSS. instead of Christ. This compound occurs in lxx and in N.T. always about Christ (here and Matthew 4:7; Luke 4:12; Luke 10:25). Let us cease sorely (εκ — ek̇) tempting the Lord by such conduct. [source]
2 Corinthians 6:2 The accepted time [καιρὸς εὐπρόσδεκτος]
Rev., acceptable. Paul uses for the simple adjective of the Septuagint a compound “well -received,” which is stronger, and which occurs mostly in his own writings. See Romans 15:16, Romans 15:31; 1 Peter 2:5; and compare acceptable year, Luke 4:19. [source]
2 Corinthians 10:5 Bringing into captivity [αἰχμαλωτίζοντες]
Or leading away captive. The military metaphor is continued; the leading away of the captives after the storming of the stronghold. See on captives, Luke 4:18. The campaign against the Cilician pirates resulted in the reduction of a hundred and twenty strongholds and the capture of more than ten thousand prisoners. [source]
Ephesians 4:8 Captivity []
Abstract for the body of captives. See on Luke 4:18. The captives are not the redeemed, but the enemies of Christ's kingdom, Satan, Sin, and Death. Compare on Colossians 2:15, and 2 Corinthians 2:14. [source]
Ephesians 4:8 He led captivity captive [ηιχμαλωτευσεν αιχμαλωσιαν]
Cognate accusative of αιχμαλωσιαν — aichmalōsian late word, in N.T. only here and Revelation 13:10. The verb also (αιχμαλωτευω — aichmalōteuō) is from the old word αιχμαλωτος — aichmalōtos captive in war (in N.T. only in Luke 4:18), in lxx and only here in N.T. [source]
1 Timothy 4:13 To reading [ἀναγνώσει]
Three times in N.T. See Acts 13:15; 2 Corinthians 3:14. The verb ἀναγινώσκειν usually of public reading. See on Luke 4:16. So in lxx. In post-classical Greek, sometimes of reading aloud with comments. See Epictetus, Diss. 3,23, 20. Dr. Hatch says: “It is probable that this practice of reading with comments … may account for the coordination of 'reading' with 'exhortation' and 'teaching' in 1 Timothy 4:13.” [source]
2 Timothy 3:6 Lead captive [αἰχμαλωτίζοντες]
Only here in Pastorals. See on captives, Luke 4:18; and see on 2 Corinthians 10:5. [source]
Hebrews 8:8 I will make [συντελέσω]
Rend. I will conclude or consummate. See on Luke 4:13. Only here in Hebrews, and once in Paul, Romans 9:28, a citation. [source]
Hebrews 9:22 And without shedding of blood is no remission [καὶ χωρὶς αἱματεκχυσίας οὐ γίνεται ἄφεσις]
This sentence also is covered by “I may almost say.” It does not state that without shedding of blood there is no remission of sins, which “would be in conflict with the history and literature of the Old Testament.” See exceptions above. Ἁιματεκχυσία sheddingof blood, N.T.oolxx, oClass. Οὐ γίνεται ἄφεσις , lit. remission does not take place or ensue. For ἄφεσις see on James 5:15; most frequent in Luke and Acts. In Hebrews only here and Hebrews 10:18. Commonly with a genitive, in the phrase remission of sins: but sometimes absolutely as here, Mark 3:29; Luke 4:18. [source]
Hebrews 1:9 Hath anointed thee [εχρισεν σε]
First aorist active indicative of χριω — chriō to anoint, from which verb the verbal Χριστος — Christos (Anointed One) comes. See Christ‘s use of εχρισεν — echrisen in Luke 4:18 from Isaiah 66:1. With the oil of gladness Accusative case with εχρισεν — echrisen (second accusative besides σε — se). Perhaps the festive anointing on occasions of joy (Hebrews 12:2). See Luke 1:44. Fellows Old word from μετεχω — metechō partners, sharers, in N.T. only in Hebrews save Luke 5:7. Note παρα — para with accusative here, beside, beyond, above (by comparison, extending beyond). [source]
James 2:2 If there come in [εαν εισελτηι]
Condition of third class (supposable case) with εαν — ean and second (ingressive) aorist active subjunctive of εισερχομαι — eiserchomai your synagogue The common word for the gathering of Jews for worship (Luke 12:11) and particularly for the building where they met (Luke 4:15, Luke 4:20, Luke 4:28, etc.). Here the first is the probable meaning as it clearly is in Hebrews 10:25 “A gold-fingered man,” “wearing a gold ring.” The word occurs nowhere else, but Lucian has χρυσοχειρ — chrusocheir (gold-handed) and Epictetus has χρυσους δακτυλιους — chrusous daktulious (golden seal-rings). “Hannibal, after the battle of Cannae, sent as a great trophy to Carthage, three bushels of gold-rings from the fingers of Roman knights slain in battle” (Vincent).In fine clothing “In bright (brilliant) clothing” as in Matthew 11:8; Luke 23:11; Acts 10:30. In contrast with “vile clothing” υπαρος — Ruparos (late word from ρυπος — rupos filth, 1 Peter 3:21) means filthy, dirty. In N.T. only here and Revelation 22:11 (filthy).Poor man (πτωχος — ptōchos). Beggarly mendicant (Matthew 19:21), the opposite of πλουσιος — plousios (rich). [source]
Revelation 6:14 Scroll [βιβλίον]
See on Luke 4:17. Compare Isaiah 34:4. [source]
Revelation 5:1 A Book [βιβλίον]
See on Matthew 19:7; see on Mark 10:4; see on Luke 4:17. Compare Ezekiel 2:9; Jeremiah 36:2; Zechariah 5:1, Zechariah 5:2. [source]
Revelation 22:7 Book [βιβλίου]
Diminutive, properly a little book or scroll. See on writing, Matthew 19:7; see on bill, Mark 10:2; see on book, Luke 4:17. [source]
Revelation 1:3 He that readeth [ὁ ἀναγινώσκων]
See on Luke 4:16. The Reader in the Church. See 2 Corinthians 3:14. They that hear, the congregation. The words imply a public, official reading, in full religious assembly for worship. The passage is of some weight in determining the date of this book. The stated reading of the Apostolical writings did not exist as a received form before the destruction of Jerusalem, a.d. 70. [source]
Revelation 1:11 In a book [εἰς βιβλίον]
Lit., into. Commit in writing to a book. For book see on Matthew 19:7; see on Mark 10:4; see on Luke 4:17. The command to write is given twelve times in Revelation. [source]
Revelation 5:1 Written [γεγραμμενον]
Perfect passive predicate participle of γραπω — graphō and on the back “Within and behind.” Description of a roll like that in Luke 4:17, not a codex as some scholars think. Usually these papyrus rolls were written only on the inside, but this one was so full of matter that it was written also on the back side (οπιστεν — opisthen), and so was an οπιστογραπον — opisthographon like that in Ezekiel 2:10. There are many allegorical interpretations of this fact which are all beside the point. [source]
Revelation 1:3 He that readeth [ο αναγινωσκων]
Present active singular articular participle of αναγινωσκω — anaginōskō (as in Luke 4:16). Christians in their public worship followed the Jewish custom of public reading of the Scriptures (2 Corinthians 3:14.). The church reader Present active plural articular participle of ακουω — akouō (the audience).And keep Present active participle of τηρεω — tēreō a common Johannine word (1 John 2:4, etc.). Cf. Matthew 7:24. “The content of the Apocalypse is not merely prediction; moral counsel and religious instruction are the primary burdens of its pages” (Moffatt).Written (γεγραμμενα — gegrammena). Perfect passive participle of γραπω — graphō the time is at hand (ο γαρ καιρος εγγυς — ho gar kairos eggus). Reason for listening and keeping. On καιρος — kairos see Matthew 12:1, time of crisis as in 1 Corinthians 7:29. How near εγγυς — eggus (at hand) is we do not know any more than we do about εν ταχει — en tachei (shortly) in Revelation 1:1. [source]
Revelation 5:1 A book [βιβλιον]
Diminutive of βιβλος — biblos but no longer so used, βιβλαριδιον — biblaridion occurring instead (Revelation 10:2).Written (γεγραμμενον — gegrammenon). Perfect passive predicate participle of γραπω — graphō and on the back (εσωτεν και οπιστεν — esōthen kai opisthen). “Within and behind.” Description of a roll like that in Luke 4:17, not a codex as some scholars think. Usually these papyrus rolls were written only on the inside, but this one was so full of matter that it was written also on the back side (οπιστεν — opisthen), and so was an οπιστογραπον — opisthographon like that in Ezekiel 2:10. There are many allegorical interpretations of this fact which are all beside the point.Sealed Perfect passive predicate participle of κατασπραγιζω — katasphragizō old compound (perfective use of κατα — kata), to seal up (down), here only in N.T.With seven seals (σπραγισιν επτα — sphragisin hepta). Instrumental case of σπραγις — sphragis old word used in various senses, proof or authentication (1 Corinthians 9:2; Romans 4:11), signet-ring (Revelation 7:2), impression made by the seal (Revelation 9:4; 2 Timothy 2:19), the seal on books closing the book (Revelation 5:1, Revelation 5:2, Revelation 5:5, Revelation 5:9; Revelation 6:1, Revelation 6:3, Revelation 6:5, Revelation 6:7, Revelation 6:9, Revelation 6:12; Revelation 8:1). “A will in Roman law bore the seven seals of the seven witnesses” (Charles). But this sealed book of doom calls for no witnesses beyond God‘s own will. Alford sees in the number seven merely the completeness of God‘s purposes. [source]
Revelation 6:14 As a scroll when it is rolled up [ως βιβλιον ελισσομενον]
Present passive participle of ελισσω — helissō old verb, to roll up, in N.T. only here (from Isaiah 34:4) and Hebrews 1:12 (from Psalm 102:27). Vivid picture of the expanse of the sky rolled up and away as a papyrus roll (Luke 4:17).Were moved (εκινητησαν — ekinēthēsan). First aorist passive indicative of κινεω — kineō to move.Out of their places See also Revelation 16:20 for these violent displacements in the earth‘s crust. Cf. Nahum 1:5; Jeremiah 4:24. Jesus spoke of faith removing mountains (of difficulty) as in Mark 11:23 (cf. 1 Corinthians 13:2). [source]

What do the individual words in Luke 4:1 mean?

Jesus then full of [the] Spirit Holy returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness
Ἰησοῦς δὲ πλήρης Πνεύματος Ἁγίου ὑπέστρεψεν ἀπὸ τοῦ Ἰορδάνου καὶ ἤγετο ἐν τῷ Πνεύματι ἐν τῇ ἐρήμῳ

Ἰησοῦς  Jesus 
Parse: Noun, Nominative Masculine Singular
Root: Ἰησοῦς  
Sense: Joshua was the famous captain of the Israelites, Moses’ successor.
πλήρης  full 
Parse: Adjective, Nominative Masculine Singular
Root: πλήρης  
Sense: full, i.e. filled up (as opposed to empty).
Πνεύματος  of  [the]  Spirit 
Parse: Noun, Genitive Neuter Singular
Root: πνεῦμα  
Sense: a movement of air (a gentle blast.
Ἁγίου  Holy 
Parse: Adjective, Genitive Neuter Singular
Root: ἅγιος  
Sense: most holy thing, a saint.
ὑπέστρεψεν  returned 
Parse: Verb, Aorist Indicative Active, 3rd Person Singular
Root: ὑποστρέφω  
Sense: to turn back.
Ἰορδάνου  Jordan 
Parse: Noun, Genitive Masculine Singular
Root: Ἰορδάνης  
Sense: the one river of Palestine, has its course of little more than 200 miles (300 km), from the roots of Anti-Lebanon to the head of the Dead Sea.
ἤγετο  was  led 
Parse: Verb, Imperfect Indicative Middle or Passive, 3rd Person Singular
Root: ἄγω  
Sense: to lead, take with one.
Πνεύματι  Spirit 
Parse: Noun, Dative Neuter Singular
Root: πνεῦμα  
Sense: a movement of air (a gentle blast.
ἐν  into 
Parse: Preposition
Root: ἐν 
Sense: in, by, with etc.
ἐρήμῳ  wilderness 
Parse: Adjective, Dative Feminine Singular
Root: ἔρημος  
Sense: solitary, lonely, desolate, uninhabited.