Luke 2:17
And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.
Original Language Analysis
ἰδόντες
when they had seen
G1492
ἰδόντες
when they had seen
Strong's:
G1492
Word #:
1 of 13
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
περὶ
concerning
G4012
περὶ
concerning
Strong's:
G4012
Word #:
4 of 13
properly, through (all over), i.e., around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time (with the genitive cas
τοῦ
which
G3588
τοῦ
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ῥήματος
G4487
ῥήματος
Strong's:
G4487
Word #:
6 of 13
an utterance (individually, collectively or specially),; by implication, a matter or topic (especially of narration, command or dispute); with a negat
τοῦ
which
G3588
τοῦ
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
αὐτοῖς
them
G846
αὐτοῖς
them
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
9 of 13
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
περὶ
concerning
G4012
περὶ
concerning
Strong's:
G4012
Word #:
10 of 13
properly, through (all over), i.e., around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time (with the genitive cas
τοῦ
which
G3588
τοῦ
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Psalms 66:16Come and hear, all ye that fear God, and I will declare what he hath done for my soul.Luke 8:39Return to thine own house, and shew how great things God hath done unto thee. And he went his way, and published throughout the whole city how great things Jesus had done unto him.Luke 2:38And she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem.Malachi 3:16Then they that feared the LORD spake often one to another: and the LORD hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the LORD, and that thought upon his name.
Historical Context
The shepherds' testimony in Bethlehem would have spread news of the supernatural birth announcement and messianic claims. Their witness prepared the community to pay attention to this unusual child. As social outcasts, their testimony carried weight precisely because they had nothing to gain from fabrication.
Questions for Reflection
- How does genuine encounter with Christ produce testimony and proclamation?
- Why is it important to proclaim what God has revealed rather than our opinions?
- What does God's use of shepherds as first evangelists teach about whom He calls to witness?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The shepherds, 'when they had seen it, made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.' Their response to seeing was proclamation—faith that sees must tell. The phrase 'made known abroad' (Greek 'egno̱risan') indicates they publicized what they had been told. They proclaimed not merely that they saw a baby but repeated the angels' theological interpretation—this child is Savior, Christ the Lord. Their witness demonstrates that encountering Christ produces testimony. As first evangelists, shepherds model the pattern: hear revelation, investigate by faith, find Christ, proclaim what God has revealed. They didn't add their opinions but faithfully reported the angels' message.