Luke 2:17
What does Luke 2:17 mean?
A plain-English look at Luke 2:17 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Luke 2:17 means
Upon seeing the baby Jesus and verifying the angel's sign, the shepherds wasted no time in spreading the word. They "made known concerning the saying which was spoken to them about this child" — sharing the incredible account of the angelic visitation and the divine identity of this newborn King. Their eyewitness testimony became the first proclamation of the Gospel, demonstrating their joy and eagerness to share the good news with others.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000And when they saw it, they made known concerning the saying which was spoken to them about this child.
KJV
King James Version · 1611And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901And when they saw it, they made known concerning the saying which was spoken to them about this child.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And when they saw it, they gave them an account of the things which had been said to them about the child.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862and having seen, they made known abroad concerning the saying spoken to them concerning the child.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And seeing, they understood of the word that had been spoken to them concerning this child.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890and having seen [it] they made known about the country the thing which had been said to them concerning this child.
Context
This verse describes the immediate consequence of the shepherds' encounter: they began to tell others what they had heard and seen. It directly follows their discovery of Jesus in the manger. This act of witness begins the spread of the Christmas story, highlighting the impact of their experience and leading to the wonder of those who heard them.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- John 1:41
He findeth first his own brother Simon, and saith unto him, We have found the Messiah (which is, being interpreted, Christ).
- Malachi 3:16
Then they that feared Jehovah spake one with another; and Jehovah hearkened, and heard, and a book of remembrance was written before him, for them that feared Jehovah, and that thought upon his name.
- Psalms 66:16
Come, and hear, all ye that fear God, And I will declare what he hath done for my soul.
- Psalms 16:9
Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth: My flesh also shall dwell in safety.
- Luke 2:38
And coming up at that very hour she gave thanks unto God, and spake of him to all them that were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem.
- Psalms 71:17
O God, thou hast taught me from my youth; And hitherto have I declared thy wondrous works.
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