Luke 2 18

Luke 2:18 kjv

And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.

Luke 2:18 nkjv

And all those who heard it marveled at those things which were told them by the shepherds.

Luke 2:18 niv

and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them.

Luke 2:18 esv

And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them.

Luke 2:18 nlt

All who heard the shepherds' story were astonished,

Luke 2 verses

Luke 2 18 Meaning

Luke 2:18 describes the immediate reaction of "all who heard" the report of the shepherds regarding the birth of Jesus Christ. Their response was one of profound "wonder" and astonishment at the extraordinary news conveyed by these humble individuals. It highlights the divine nature and significance of the events that unfolded in Bethlehem, prompting awe in those who received the first human testimony concerning the Messiah's arrival.

Luke 2 18 Context

Luke 2:18 is situated immediately after the shepherds' account of their divine encounter and visit to the newborn Christ. Luke's Gospel consistently highlights God's preference for the humble and outcast, and the shepherds, considered among the lowest rung of society, become the first human evangelists of the Nativity. The preceding verses (Lk 2:8-14) detail the angelic announcement to them, revealing that a Savior, Christ the Lord, had been born in the city of David. Verses 15-17 then describe the shepherds' urgent journey to Bethlehem, their verification of the angel's message, and their subsequent public proclamation of what they had seen and heard concerning Jesus. This verse captures the audience's reaction to the incredible story, paving the way for Mary's contemplative response in the following verse. Historically, in a society where oral reports and eyewitness testimonies held significant weight, the shepherds' unified and consistent account, despite their low social standing, would have been profoundly impactful.

Luke 2 18 Word analysis

• All: (Grk: pantes, πάντες) – Not merely a few, but "all" who were present and privy to the shepherds' report. This emphasizes the wide scope of astonishment among the initial hearers, suggesting a collective and pervasive reaction, validating the extraordinary nature of the event. It signifies that the message penetrated widely within that immediate group.
• who heard: (Grk: hoi akousantes, οἱ ἀκούσαντες) – This particapial phrase highlights the active reception of the message. It's not passive background noise but an engaged act of listening and apprehending what was said. The act of "hearing" is fundamental in the Bible for receiving revelation and experiencing conviction (cf. Rom 10:17). This indicates intellectual and emotional processing, leading to their subsequent wonder.
• wondered: (Grk: ethaumasan, ἐθαύμασαν) – From thaumazō. This word denotes a strong sense of astonishment, marvel, awe, or admiration. It implies more than mere curiosity; it's a deep emotional response to something extraordinary, miraculous, or unexpected. It signifies an overwhelming sense of surprise that leads to reflection and sometimes a change in perspective. This wonder sets it apart from simple acceptance; it implies an impact.
• at those things: (Grk: peri tōn lalēthentōn, περὶ τῶν λαληθέντων) – Literally, "concerning the things spoken/reported." This highlights that the focus of their wonder was not merely the shepherds' presence, but the specific content of their message – the angelic announcement, the birth of the Messiah, and the signs given (babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger). This confirms the report's powerful effect.
• by the shepherds: (Grk: hypo tōn poimenōn, ὑπὸ τῶν ποιμένων) – Identifies the source of the report. This is significant because shepherds were generally low-status, often marginalized individuals in Jewish society. The fact that such a profound divine revelation was mediated through them amplifies the wonder. It challenges societal expectations, embodying God's practice of choosing the weak and humble to shame the strong and wise (1 Cor 1:27). Their testimony, despite their background, bore undeniable weight.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "All who heard... wondered": This phrase encapsulates a universal and powerful emotional and intellectual reaction. The sheer "wonder" suggests that the report deeply challenged their existing understanding of reality and divine intervention. It sets a precedent for how divine revelation often impacts initial hearers—with profound astonishment that necessitates internal processing.
• "at those things... by the shepherds": This linkage points to the incredible paradox. The substance of the message was awe-inspiring (the Savior's birth), but the messengers were humble shepherds. The contrast between the message's magnitude and the messengers' low social status is a key theme, amplifying the wonder and underscoring God's unconventional methods of revealing Himself, particularly to the world's disregarded.

Luke 2 18 Bonus section

The "wonder" described here can be understood as an early form of pre-evangelism, sparking inquiry and reflection. It stands in contrast to indifference or rejection, highlighting an open heart to the incredible news. This collective astonishment contrasts with Mary's response in Lk 2:19, where she "treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart," indicating a more reflective, internal processing rather than an overt, outward display of wonder. The fact that the wonder arose from a report delivered by shepherds aligns with Luke's thematic emphasis on God's inclusive grace, revealing Himself to the humble and marginalized before the powerful or prominent, consistent with God's pattern throughout Scripture.

Luke 2 18 Commentary

Luke 2:18 captures the initial human response to the world-altering news of Christ's birth. The "all who heard" reacting with "wonder" signifies the profound impact of divine revelation. This astonishment wasn't superficial; it stemmed from the clash between societal expectations and God's dramatic action. It's noteworthy that such earth-shattering news came from simple, low-status shepherds, serving as God's chosen, unexpected heralds. Their eyewitness account carried such conviction that it immediately sparked a widespread sense of awe, preparing hearts for the continued revelation of Christ. This verse implies the truthfulness and immediate persuasive power of the shepherds' testimony, highlighting the divine orchestrating that bypassed the religious elite and instead utilized humble witnesses to declare the Good News. It sets the stage for a world grappling with the miraculous arrival of its Savior, inciting wonder as the first step towards faith or further inquiry.