Devine Scripture

Luke 24:17

What does Luke 24:17 mean?

A plain-English look at Luke 24:17 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Luke 24:17 means

Jesus asks what they are discussing as they walk, and their sadness becomes visible. His question invites them to state their grief and hopes plainly. The Lord does not rush to correct; He first listens, drawing out their story. Their standing still reflects how sorrow can halt our steps; His presence will turn that standstill into renewed movement back to Jerusalem. By prompting them to speak, Jesus will later show how their understanding was selective—believing some parts, neglecting others. He aims to replace vague expectations with truth rooted in the prophets and His own necessary sufferings.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And he said unto them, What communications are these that ye have one with another, as ye walk? And they stood still, looking sad.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And he said unto them, What manner of communications are these that ye have one to another, as ye walk, and are sad?

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And he said unto them, What communications are these that ye have one with another, as ye walk? And they stood still, looking sad.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And he said to them, What are you talking about together while you go?

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and he said unto them, `What <FI>are<Fi> these words that ye exchange with one another, walking, and ye are sad?'

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And he said to them: What are these discourses that you hold one with another as you walk and are sad?

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And he said to them, What discourses are these which pass between you as ye walk, and are downcast?

Context

Following the concealment of His identity (v. 16), Jesus’ open-ended question in verse 17 begins the therapeutic dialogue. The disciples’ sadness links their experience with the broader disbelief among the eleven (v. 11). Verses 18–24 will allow them to pour out a summary of recent events from their perspective—accurate in parts, deficient in synthesis. This sets the stage for Jesus’ rebuke and exposition in verses 25–27. The flow shows Jesus as a wise teacher: He gathers the raw material of their thoughts before reshaping it by Scripture and, finally, by personal revelation at the table.

v.16But their eyes were holden that they should not know him.

v.17This passage

v.18And one of them, named Cleopas, answering said unto him, Dost thou alone sojourn in Jerusalem and not know the things which are come to pass there in these days?

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • John 16:20

    Verily, verily, I say unto you, that ye shall weep and lament, but the world shall rejoice: ye shall be sorrowful, but your sorrow shall be turned into joy.

  • Ezekiel 9:4

    And Jehovah said unto him, Go through the midst of the city, through the midst of Jerusalem, and set a mark upon the foreheads of the men that sigh and that cry over all the abominations that are done in the midst thereof.

  • John 16:6

    But because I have spoken these things unto you, sorrow hath filled your heart.

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