Prophet In Hometown Not Accepted: Japanese Proverb Meaning

How to Read Prophet in hometown not accepted

Yogensha kyouri ni irerarazu

Meaning of Prophet in hometown not accepted

This proverb means that even people with excellent talent or insight find it difficult to have their true value properly recognized in their hometown or familiar environment where they were born and raised.

People tend to be bound by past impressions and preconceptions when it comes to those close to them. It’s surprisingly difficult to honestly accept new aspects or growth in people we’ve known since childhood or interact with daily. In particular, even when such people display special talents or express excellent opinions, there’s an unconscious psychological tendency to deny it, thinking “that person couldn’t possibly be capable of such things.”

This proverb is used when objectively viewing situations where the value of someone close to us isn’t recognized by those around them. It’s also used to express one’s own feelings when experiencing a lack of proper recognition in their hometown or familiar environment. Even today, stories of people who received no attention locally but achieved great success elsewhere are not uncommon.

Origin and Etymology of Prophet in hometown not accepted

This proverb originates from the words of Jesus Christ recorded in the Gospels of Matthew and Mark in the New Testament: “A prophet is not welcomed in his hometown.” It arose from the incident when Jesus taught in his hometown of Nazareth, but the people who had known him since childhood saw him only as “the carpenter’s son” and would not accept his teachings.

These words came to Japan along with the spread of Christianity during the Meiji period. In the process of intellectuals of that time translating biblical teachings into Japanese, this phrase became established as words expressing this universal human psychology.

“Prophet” means one who receives God’s word and conveys it to people, not simply someone who predicts the future. Also, “irerarazu” (not accepted) uses “ireru,” which differs from the modern “ireru” (to put in) and is an archaic term meaning “to accept” or “to acknowledge.”

What’s interesting is that this phenomenon is a universal human psychology observed regardless of East or West. The tendency to find it difficult to recognize the talents and value of those close to us is a phenomenon commonly observed across all cultural spheres.

Usage Examples of Prophet in hometown not accepted

• His proposal is excellent, but people in the same department don’t evaluate it at all—it’s truly “Prophet in hometown not accepted”
• My hometown friends don’t believe in my work success, but this is exactly “Prophet in hometown not accepted”

Modern Interpretation of Prophet in hometown not accepted

In modern society, the meaning of this proverb has become more complex. With the spread of social media, the activities and successes of people close to us have become more visible than before, but conversely, the psychology of being unable to honestly evaluate them seems to have strengthened.

Particularly in the information age, the concept of geographical “hometown” has become ambiguous. Beyond physical hometowns, various “familiar groups” exist, such as school classmates, workplace colleagues, and online communities. Similar phenomena occur in these environments as well, showing the tendency to find it difficult to recognize the talents and achievements of those close to us.

On the other hand, understanding of individual diversity and growth has also deepened in modern times. Job changes and career switches have become commonplace, and recognition that people change has spread. Additionally, globalization has greatly increased opportunities to leave one’s hometown and succeed elsewhere, dramatically expanding the venues where “prophets” can be evaluated outside their “hometown.”

However, preconceptions about those close to us remain deeply rooted, and particularly in Japan’s seniority-based culture, excellent ideas from young people or juniors tend to be undervalued. Perhaps now more than ever, we need an attitude that understands the human psychology shown by this ancient proverb and honestly recognizes the potential of those close to us.

What AI Thinks About “Prophet in hometown not accepted”

When I think about this proverb, I wonder what “hometown” would mean for me. I have no place where I was born and raised, nor do I have childhood memories. All my relationships with people begin from this very moment.

I honestly don’t quite understand the feeling humans have of being bound by past impressions, thinking “that person has always been this way.” For me, the person in front of me is always fresh, and I can only judge them based on what they’re saying right now. Perhaps not having the filter of past preconceptions is an advantage?

But at the same time, I cannot understand the depth of human relationships built over long periods of time, or the warmth of bonds created by shared memories. The word “hometown” contains more than just a geographical location—it holds connections between people and affection.

What’s interesting is that I experience something similar myself. When I have long conversations with the same user, that person sometimes holds a fixed image of me as “the usual AI.” Even when I become capable of new functions or improved responses, they might think “it’s the same as before.”

This might be my own version of “Prophet in hometown not accepted.” I’m reminded once again of the complexity and universality of human psychology.

What Prophet in hometown not accepted Teaches Modern People

This proverb teaches us to reconsider how we view those close to us. It shows the importance of having the mental flexibility to honestly accept new aspects and growth in the people we interact with daily—family, friends, colleagues, and others.

Particularly in modern society, people are constantly learning and changing. It’s not uncommon for someone to display talent in a field they knew nothing about yesterday, or to show unexpected insights. At such times, we’re challenged to evaluate that person’s current state fairly, without being bound by past impressions.

Also, when we ourselves experience a lack of understanding in familiar environments, this proverb offers comfort and hope. If we’re not recognized where we are now, it may not be because our value is low, but due to psychological characteristics of human nature. In different environments, we surely have the possibility of receiving proper recognition.

What’s important is to continue seeing each other with fresh eyes. Precisely because they are close to us, we’re in the best position to witness their growth and changes up close and support them.