Luke Chapter 7 · Verse 17
And this rumour of him went forth throughout all Judaea, and throughout all the region round about.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 16
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
λόγος
rumour
G3056
λόγος
rumour
Strong's:
G3056
Word #:
4 of 16
something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a
οὗτος
this
G3778
οὗτος
this
Strong's:
G3778
Word #:
5 of 16
the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)
ὅλῃ
all
G3650
ὅλῃ
all
Strong's:
G3650
Word #:
7 of 16
"whole" or "all", i.e., complete (in extent, amount, time or degree), especially (neuter) as noun or adverb
τῇ
G3588
τῇ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Ἰουδαίᾳ
Judaea
G2449
Ἰουδαίᾳ
Judaea
Strong's:
G2449
Word #:
9 of 16
the judaean land (i.e., judaea), a region of palestine
περὶ
of
G4012
περὶ
of
Strong's:
G4012
Word #:
10 of 16
properly, through (all over), i.e., around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time (with the genitive cas
αὐτοῦ
him
G846
αὐτοῦ
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
11 of 16
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
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
12 of 16
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Historical 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.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the widespread proclamation of Jesus' miracles create spiritual accountability for those who hear?
- What should be the Christian response to Christ's mighty works—mere amazement or life-transforming faith?
- How does this verse challenge believers to be faithful witnesses who spread the report of Christ's power and grace?
Analysis & Commentary
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?"