King James Version

What Does Luke 7:18 Mean?

Luke 7:18 in the King James Version says “And the disciples of John shewed him of all these things. — study this verse from Luke chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Luke 7:18 · KJV


Context

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?

20

When the men were come unto him, they said, John Baptist hath sent us unto thee, saying, Art thou he that should come? or look we for another?


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And the disciples of John shewed him of all these things. John the Baptist, now imprisoned by Herod Antipas (3:19-20), receives reports from his disciples about Jesus' ministry. The verb "shewed" (ἀπήγγειλαν, apēngeilan, "announced" or "reported") indicates detailed testimony about Jesus' miracles, teaching, and growing influence. The phrase "all these things" (περὶ πάντων τούτων, peri pantōn toutōn) refers specifically to the preceding context: the raising of the widow's son at Nain (vv. 11-17), but likely includes Jesus' broader Galilean ministry—healings, exorcisms, the Sermon on the Plain (6:20-49), and table fellowship with sinners.

This report prompts John's famous question in verse 19: "Art thou he that should come? or look we for another?" The verse sets up one of Scripture's most poignant moments—the forerunner's crisis of doubt. John's disciples maintained loyalty to their imprisoned teacher while simultaneously observing Jesus' ministry. Their reporting function was crucial: John could not witness Jesus personally, so he depended on secondhand accounts. This highlights the importance of faithful testimony—how we report Christ's works can strengthen or trouble faith.

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Historical & Cultural Context

John was imprisoned in the fortress of Machaerus, east of the Dead Sea, by Herod Antipas for denouncing Herod's marriage to Herodias, his brother Philip's wife (Mark 6:17-18). Despite imprisonment, John's disciples maintained contact with him and continued their own semi-independent movement. Their ongoing loyalty created potential competition with Jesus' disciples (compare John 3:25-26), though John had clearly identified Jesus as superior (Luke 3:16). John's imprisonment lasted approximately a year before his execution at Herod's birthday feast (Matthew 14:1-12).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does John's dependence on his disciples' testimony illustrate the vital role of faithful witness-bearing in Christian community?
  2. What does this verse teach about the validity of doubt and questioning even among the most faithful believers?
  3. How should Christians respond when their expectations of how God should work don't align with His actual methods?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 9 words
Καὶ1 of 9

And

G2532

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

ἀπήγγειλαν2 of 9

shewed

G518

to announce

Ἰωάννῃ3 of 9

of John

G2491

joannes (i.e., jochanan), the name of four israelites

οἱ4 of 9
G3588

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

μαθηταὶ5 of 9

the disciples

G3101

a learner, i.e., pupil

αὐτοῦ6 of 9

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

περὶ7 of 9

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

πάντων8 of 9

all

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

τούτων9 of 9

these things

G5130

of (from or concerning) these (persons or things)


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 7:18 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 7:18 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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