King James Version

What Does Luke 7:17 Mean?

Luke 7:17 in the King James Version says “And this rumour of him went forth throughout all Judaea, and throughout all the region round about.” — study this verse from Luke chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And this rumour of him went forth throughout all Judaea, and throughout all the region round about.”

Luke 7:17 · King James Version

Context

15

And he that was dead sat up, and began to speak. And he delivered him to his mother.

16

And there came a fear on all: and they glorified God, saying, That a great prophet is risen up among us; and, That God hath visited his people.

17

And this rumour of him went forth throughout all Judaea, and throughout all the region round about.

18

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

19

And John calling unto him two of his disciples sent them to Jesus, saying, Art thou he that should come? or look we for another?

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Commentaries4 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
And this rumour of him went forth throughout all Judaea, and throughout all the region round about. The Greek word for "rumour" is ὁ λόγος οὗτος (ho logos houtos), literally "this word" or "this report"—not idle gossip but significant news about Jesus' identity and power. The verb "went forth" (ἐξῆλθεν, exēlthen, aorist) indicates the rapid, forceful spread of news about the Nain resurrection. The geographical scope is comprehensive: "all Judaea" (ἐν ὅλῃ τῇ Ἰουδαίᾳ, en holē tē Ioudaia) refers to the broader Jewish territory, while "all the region round about" (περιχώρῳ, perichōrō) includes surrounding areas like Galilee, Samaria, and the Decapolis.

This widespread report accomplishes two theological purposes: it fulfills messianic expectation by demonstrating the marks of the Messiah (Isaiah 26:19, 35:5-6), and it creates accountability—those who heard this testimony would be responsible for their response to Jesus. The verse connects to the previous declaration that "a great prophet is risen" and "God hath visited his people" (v. 16). The spreading report forces a decision: Is Jesus merely a prophet, or something more? The miracle's publicity sets the stage for John the Baptist's question (vv. 18-19): "Art thou he that should come?"

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

First-century Palestine had no mass media, so news traveled through oral networks—pilgrims, merchants, and travelers spreading reports from town to town. The strategic location of Nain on major trade routes facilitated rapid dissemination of this extraordinary event. "All Judaea" in Luke often means the Jewish world broadly, not just the southern province. The report's spread created messianic expectations and increased religious leaders' concern about Jesus' growing influence, ultimately contributing to the opposition that led to His crucifixion.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the widespread proclamation of Jesus' miracles create spiritual accountability for those who hear?
  2. What should be the Christian response to Christ's mighty works—mere amazement or life-transforming faith?
  3. How does this verse challenge believers to be faithful witnesses who spread the report of Christ's power and grace?

Compare 4 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 16 words
καὶ1 of 16

“And”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἐξῆλθεν2 of 16

“went forth”

G1831

to issue (literally or figuratively)

ὁ3 of 16
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

λόγος4 of 16

“rumour”

G3056

something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a

οὗτος5 of 16

“this”

G3778

the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)

ἐν6 of 16

“throughout”

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

ὅλῃ7 of 16

“all”

G3650

"whole" or "all", i.e., complete (in extent, amount, time or degree), especially (neuter) as noun or adverb

τῇ8 of 16
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

Ἰουδαίᾳ9 of 16

“Judaea”

G2449

the judaean land (i.e., judaea), a region of palestine

περὶ10 of 16

“of”

G4012

properly, through (all over), i.e., around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time (with the genitive cas

αὐτοῦ11 of 16

“him”

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

καὶ12 of 16

“And”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἐν13 of 16

“throughout”

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

πάσῃ14 of 16

“all”

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

τῇ15 of 16
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

περιχώρῳ16 of 16

“the region round about”

G4066

around the region, i.e., circumjacent (as noun, with g1093 implied vicinity)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Luke. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Luke 7:17 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Luke 7:17 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Matthew 4:24Luke 7:14Matthew 9:26Mark 1:28Mark 6:14Matthew 9:31

Places in This Verse

Judea 1Region · Modern: Jerusalem · 31.78°N, 35.23°E52 verses across 9 books
View all places in Luke 7 →

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