Luke 7:17 (KJV)

What does Luke 7:17 mean?

Luke 7:17 describes how news about Jesus spread rapidly throughout all of Judea and the surrounding areas after He performed a remarkable miracle. The verse emphasizes that word of what Jesus had done reached far beyond the immediate location, capturing the attention of a wide region.

In the context of Luke chapter 7, Jesus had just raised a widow’s son from the dead in the town of Nain. The people who witnessed this miracle were amazed and began telling others, leading to widespread reports about Jesus. This verse highlights how Jesus’ actions could not be kept quiet and quickly became known throughout the land, setting the stage for the growing public awareness of His ministry.

The Greek behind Luke 7:17

• The word translated "rumour" is λόγος (logos, pronounced "LOH-goss"), which often means "word," "message," or "report." Here, it suggests that what spread was not just gossip, but a significant report or account of what Jesus had done.
• The phrase "went forth" comes from the Greek word ἐξῆλθεν (exēlthen), meaning "went out" or "spread out." This gives the sense that the news actively moved outward, reaching many people.
• The word "all" is represented by both ὅλη (holē) and πᾶς (pas), both meaning "all" or "every." The use of both emphasizes the totality of the area affected—no part of Judea or the surrounding region was left untouched by the news.

Why Luke 7:17 matters

• This verse shows how quickly and widely Jesus’ miracles became known, helping explain why large crowds later gathered around Him and why religious leaders took notice.
• Luke 7:17 connects the miracle at Nain to the broader narrative, showing that Jesus’ ministry was not hidden or isolated but was becoming a public phenomenon.
• The verse helps clarify that Jesus’ reputation was built not only on His teaching but also on powerful acts that people could witness and report, shaping how He was perceived throughout the region.