What does Luke 2:17 mean?

"And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child." - Luke 2:17

"And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child." - Luke 2:17

Luke 2:17 (KJV) states, "And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child." This verse comes from the account of the shepherds who were visited by an angel of the Lord, and were informed of the birth of Jesus Christ. After witnessing this miraculous event, the shepherds were filled with awe and excitement, and they made known the message about the child to others.

This verse serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of sharing the good news about Jesus and his birth. It also reflects the theme of evangelism and the spreading of the gospel. The shepherds, after encountering the Savior, felt compelled to share the message they had received with others. In doing so, they became the first evangelists, spreading the news of the Messiah's birth.

The context of this verse is significant, as it highlights the humility and simplicity of the shepherds who were among the first to witness the arrival of Jesus. The fact that the angel appeared to them, rather than to the rich or powerful, underscores the idea that the message of salvation is for all people, regardless of their social or economic status. This reflects the inclusive nature of the gospel, as it is meant to be shared with everyone, regardless of their background or circumstances.

Furthermore, the shepherds' response to the angel's message demonstrates their faith and obedience. Upon hearing about the birth of the Savior, they did not hesitate to seek out the child and verify the truth of the angel's proclamation. Their actions serve as an example of how believers should respond to the revelation of God's truth – with humility, faith, and a willingness to share the good news with others.

Symbolically, the shepherds in this verse represent the ordinary people to whom God reveals himself. Their occupation as shepherds was often associated with humility and simplicity, and their presence at the manger emphasizes the idea that Jesus came for all people, regardless of their station in life. The shepherds' proclamation of the Savior's birth also serves as a symbol of the role every believer can play in spreading the gospel and sharing the message of salvation with others.

Overall, Luke 2:17 (KJV) conveys a message of evangelism, emphasizing the importance of sharing the good news of Jesus Christ with others. The humble response of the shepherds to the angel's message serves as a model for believers, encouraging them to respond to God's truth with faith and obedience, and to share the message of salvation with those around them. The context and symbolism of this verse further highlight the inclusive nature of the gospel and the universal significance of Jesus' birth.

Have questions about Luke 2:17?

Dive deeper into this scripture with Bible Chat — an AI-powered tool for exploring God's Word through conversation. Ask questions, get context, and grow in your understanding of the Bible.

Luke 2:17 Artwork

Luke 2:17 - "And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child."

Luke 2:17 - "And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child."

"And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child." - Luke 2:17

"And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child." - Luke 2:17

Luke 17:2 - "It were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he cast into the sea, than that he should offend one of these little ones."

Luke 17:2 - "It were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he cast into the sea, than that he should offend one of these little ones."

Luke 10:17-19

Luke 10:17-19

Luke 10:17-19

Luke 10:17-19

Luke 17:17 - "And Jesus answering said, Were there not ten cleansed? but where are the nine?"

Luke 17:17 - "And Jesus answering said, Were there not ten cleansed? but where are the nine?"

Luke 8:17

Luke 8:17

Luke 17:10

Luke 17:10

luke 24:17

luke 24:17

Luke 17:32-37

Luke 17:32-37

Luke 17:32 - "Remember Lot's wife."

Luke 17:32 - "Remember Lot's wife."

Luke 5:17-26

Luke 5:17-26

Luke 17:2 It would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were thrown into the sea, than that he should offend one of these little ones.

Luke 17:2 It would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were thrown into the sea, than that he should offend one of these little ones.

Luke 17:5 - "And the apostles said unto the Lord, Increase our faith."

Luke 17:5 - "And the apostles said unto the Lord, Increase our faith."

Luke 17:18 - "There are not found that returned to give glory to God, save this stranger."

Luke 17:18 - "There are not found that returned to give glory to God, save this stranger."

Luke 21:17 - "And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake."

Luke 21:17 - "And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake."

Luke 23:17 - "(For of necessity he must release one unto them at the feast.)"

Luke 23:17 - "(For of necessity he must release one unto them at the feast.)"

Luke 17:26 - "And as it was in the days of Noe, so shall it be also in the days of the Son of man."

Luke 17:26 - "And as it was in the days of Noe, so shall it be also in the days of the Son of man."

"Remember Lot's wife." - Luke 17:32

"Remember Lot's wife." - Luke 17:32

Luke 17:30 - "Even thus shall it be in the day when the Son of man is revealed."

Luke 17:30 - "Even thus shall it be in the day when the Son of man is revealed."

Luke 17:25 - "But first must he suffer many things, and be rejected of this generation."

Luke 17:25 - "But first must he suffer many things, and be rejected of this generation."

"And Jesus answering said, Were there not ten cleansed? but where are the nine?" - Luke 17:17

"And Jesus answering said, Were there not ten cleansed? but where are the nine?" - Luke 17:17

Luke 17:13 - "And they lifted up their voices, and said, Jesus, Master, have mercy on us."

Luke 17:13 - "And they lifted up their voices, and said, Jesus, Master, have mercy on us."

Luke 17:36 - "Two men shall be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left."

Luke 17:36 - "Two men shall be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left."

Luke 16:17 - "And it is easier for heaven and earth to pass, than one tittle of the law to fail."

Luke 16:17 - "And it is easier for heaven and earth to pass, than one tittle of the law to fail."

Luke 17:35 - "Two women shall be grinding together; the one shall be taken, and the other left."

Luke 17:35 - "Two women shall be grinding together; the one shall be taken, and the other left."

Luke 22:17 - "And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and said, Take this, and divide it among yourselves:"

Luke 22:17 - "And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and said, Take this, and divide it among yourselves:"

Luke 17:16 - "And fell down on his face at his feet, giving him thanks: and he was a Samaritan."

Luke 17:16 - "And fell down on his face at his feet, giving him thanks: and he was a Samaritan."

Luke 17:21 - "Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you."

Luke 17:21 - "Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you."

Luke 2:2

Luke 2:2