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

LUKE 24:17KJV
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Luke 24:17 (KJV)

What does Luke 24:17 mean?

Luke 24:17 describes Jesus approaching two disciples after His resurrection and asking them why they are discussing things so seriously and why they look so sad as they walk together. The verse highlights their visible sorrow and confusion during their conversation.

Jesus is speaking to two followers on the road to Emmaus, though they do not recognize Him. The question draws attention to their emotional state and sets the stage for Jesus to address their disappointment and misunderstanding about recent events in Jerusalem. This moment opens a conversation that will lead to a deeper explanation of what has happened.

The Greek behind Luke 24:17

  • The word for "communications" is λόγος (logos, pronounced "LOH-gos"), which often means "words," "talk," or "conversation." Here, it points to the serious discussion the disciples are having, not just casual chatting.
  • The word for "sad" is σκυθρωπός (skythrōpos, pronounced "sky-throh-POS"), which means gloomy or downcast. The Greek word emphasizes a visible sadness on their faces, not just a private feeling.

Why Luke 24:17 matters

  • This verse shows that the disciples’ sadness and confusion were obvious, setting the emotional tone for the encounter and showing how deeply the recent events affected them.
  • By asking about their conversation and mood, Jesus invites them to express their doubts and pain, which becomes the starting point for Him to reveal the truth about His resurrection.
  • The verse connects to the wider passage by highlighting the disciples’ misunderstanding, which Jesus will gently correct as the story unfolds.

Where else these words appear

“sad” Greek G4659 · used in 2 verses

  • Matthew 6:16 Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.

“are” Greek G2075 · used in 88 verses

  • Matthew 5:11 Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.
  • John 13:10 Jesus saith to him, He that is washed needeth not save to wash his feet, but is clean every whit: and ye are clean, but not all.
  • 1 Corinthians 9:2 If I be not an apostle unto others, yet doubtless I am to you: for the seal of mine apostleship are ye in the Lord.

“walk” Greek G4043 · used in 90 verses

  • Matthew 4:18 And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers.
  • John 8:12 Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.
  • Ephesians 4:17 This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind,

“another” Greek G240 · used in 94 verses

  • Matthew 24:10 And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another.
  • Acts 4:15 But when they had commanded them to go aside out of the council, they conferred among themselves,
  • Ephesians 4:2 With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love;