And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.

LUKE 2:17KJV
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Luke 2:17 (KJV)

What does Luke 2:17 mean?

Luke 2:17 describes how, after seeing the newborn Jesus, the shepherds spread the word about what had been told to them concerning this child. The shepherds became messengers, sharing with others the message they had received about Jesus.

The verse takes place just after the shepherds visit Mary, Joseph, and the baby Jesus in Bethlehem. The shepherds had been told by angels about the birth and its significance. After witnessing Jesus for themselves, they could not keep the news to themselves and began telling others what the angels had revealed about who this child was.

The Greek behind Luke 2:17

  • "Abroad" (διεγνώρισαν, G1232, diegnōrisan): This word means to make something widely known or to spread information publicly. It suggests the shepherds did not just tell a few people, but actively spread the news far and wide.
  • "Saying" (λόγος, G4487, logos): Here, "logos" refers to the specific message or report given to the shepherds about Jesus. It emphasizes that what they shared was not just their own opinion, but a message they had received.
  • "Concerning" (περί, G4012, peri): This word means "about" or "regarding," clarifying that the content of their message was specifically about the child, Jesus, and what had been revealed about him.

Why Luke 2:17 matters

  • Luke 2:17 shows that the shepherds were not passive observers but became active participants in spreading the news about Jesus, highlighting the importance of witness and testimony in the story.
  • The verse connects the shepherds’ experience directly to the angelic message, underlining that their report was rooted in divine revelation, not just personal excitement.
  • This moment sets the tone for the rest of Luke’s Gospel, where ordinary people often play a key role in announcing God’s work, emphasizing that the message of Jesus is meant to be shared widely.

Where else these words appear

“child” Greek G3813 · used in 48 verses

  • Matthew 2:8 And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also.
  • Mark 5:39 And when he was come in, he saith unto them, Why make ye this ado, and weep? the damsel is not dead, but sleepeth.
  • Luke 2:40 And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him.

“saying” Greek G4487 · used in 67 verses

  • Matthew 4:4 But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.
  • Luke 20:26 And they could not take hold of his words before the people: and they marvelled at his answer, and held their peace.
  • Acts 10:44 While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word.

“this” Greek G5127 · used in 72 verses

  • Matthew 13:15 For this people's heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them.
  • John 13:1 Now before the feast of the passover, when Jesus knew that his hour was come that he should depart out of this world unto the Father, having loved his own which were in the world, he loved them unto the end.
  • Romans 11:7 What then? Israel hath not obtained that which he seeketh for; but the election hath obtained it, and the rest were blinded