And the disciples of John shewed him of all these things.

LUKE 7:18KJV
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Luke 7:18 (KJV)

What does Luke 7:18 mean?

Luke 7:18 means that the followers of John the Baptist went to John and told him about everything that had been happening, especially the miracles and teachings of Jesus. This verse shows that John's disciples were keeping him informed about Jesus' actions.

In this setting, John the Baptist is in prison, and his disciples are acting as messengers. They report to John about Jesus healing people and performing other remarkable deeds, which leads to John's next questions in the story. This verse connects John's ministry to Jesus' growing reputation and sets up the conversation that follows between John and Jesus.

The Greek behind Luke 7:18

  • μαθηταί (mathētai, "disciples"): This word refers to students or followers, highlighting that John had his own group of committed followers who looked to him for guidance.
  • ἀπήγγειλαν (apēngeilan, "shewed"): This Greek word means to report or announce, carrying the sense of giving a detailed account. It shows that John's disciples were not just sharing rumors but giving a careful report of specific events.
  • πάντα (panta, "all"): The Greek word for "all" emphasizes that the disciples told John about everything, not just a few selected events, suggesting the full scope of Jesus' activity was important.

Why Luke 7:18 matters

  • This verse makes clear that John the Baptist was not personally witnessing Jesus' ministry but was relying on reports from his disciples, which helps explain John's later questions about Jesus' identity.
  • It highlights the connection and communication between the ministries of John and Jesus, showing that John's followers were paying close attention to Jesus' work.
  • The verse sets the stage for the following passage, where John sends his disciples to ask Jesus a direct question, deepening the narrative about Jesus' identity and mission.

Where else these words appear

“shewed” Greek G518 · used in 44 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.
  • Luke 8:34 When they that fed them saw what was done, they fled, and went and told it in the city and in the country.
  • Acts 12:14 And when she knew Peter's voice, she opened not the gate for gladness, but ran in, and told how Peter stood before the gate.

“things” Greek G5130 · used in 68 verses

  • Matthew 3:9 And think not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, that God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham.
  • Luke 24:48 And ye are witnesses of these things.
  • Acts 26:21 For these causes the Jews caught me in the temple, and went about to kill me.

“John” Greek G2491 · used in 130 verses

  • Matthew 3:1 In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea,
  • Mark 9:2 And after six days Jesus taketh with him Peter, and James, and John, and leadeth them up into an high mountain apart by themselves: and he was transfigured before them.
  • John 1:32 And John bare record, saying, I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it abode upon him.