Luke 24:17

KJV

And he said unto them, What manner of communications [are] these that ye have one to another, as ye walk, and are sad?

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} he said {G2036} unto {G4314} them {G846}, What {G5101} manner of communications {G3056} are these {G3778} that {G3739} ye have {G474} one to {G4314} another {G240}, as ye walk {G4043}, and {G2532} are {G2075} sad {G4659}?

Complete Jewish Bible

He asked them, “What are you talking about with each other as you walk along?” They stopped short, their faces downcast;

Berean Standard Bible

He asked them, “What are you discussing so intently as you walk along?” They stood still, with sadness on their faces.

American Standard Version

And he said unto them, What communications are these that ye have one with another, as ye walk? And they stood still, looking sad.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 24:17 captures the pivotal moment on the Emmaus Road when the resurrected Jesus, unrecognized by two grieving disciples, initiates a profound conversation. Observing their somber countenances and earnest discussion, Jesus gently inquires about the nature of their "communications" as they walk, setting the stage for a divine revelation that would transform their sorrow into understanding and joy. This verse highlights Jesus' compassionate approach to those in despair, inviting them to articulate their pain before offering the comfort of truth.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Luke 24:17 is situated within the profound narrative of the Emmaus Road encounter, which immediately follows the accounts of Jesus' resurrection and the initial reports from the women at the tomb. Beginning in [Luke 24:13](/luke/24-13 "Luke 24:13 - The Emmaus Road Journey Begins"), two disciples, Cleopas and an unnamed companion, are walking away from Jerusalem towards Emmaus, deeply engrossed in a sorrowful discussion about the recent events—specifically the crucifixion and the perplexing news of an empty tomb. Just prior to this verse, [Luke 24:16](/luke/24-16 "Luke 24:16 - Their Eyes Were Held") explicitly states that their "eyes were holden that they should not know him," setting up the dramatic irony of Jesus' unrecognized presence. This verse marks Jesus' direct engagement with their grief, initiating the dialogue that will culminate in their eyes being opened and their hearts burning within them as He expounds the Scriptures.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events of Luke 24 unfold on the first day of the week, the very day of Jesus' resurrection, likely still within the Passover festival period. For the disciples, this was a time of immense confusion and shattered hopes. Jewish expectations for the Messiah often centered on a political or military deliverer who would liberate Israel from Roman oppression, as subtly expressed by the disciples' hope that Jesus "should have redeemed Israel" in [Luke 24:21](/luke/24-21 "Luke 24:21 - Disciples' Hope for Redemption"). The crucifixion, therefore, was not merely a tragedy but a catastrophic failure of their messianic expectations. Walking and conversing was a common mode of travel and intellectual exchange in the ancient world, and the distance to Emmaus (approximately seven miles from Jerusalem) provided ample time for deep, sorrowful reflection. Their "sad" countenances would have been a clear outward sign of their profound inner turmoil and disillusionment, easily discernible to any observer.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes within Luke's Gospel and the broader biblical narrative. A primary theme is the **Unrecognized Presence of Christ**, where Jesus appears to His followers in a veiled form, challenging their preconceived notions and inviting deeper spiritual insight. This highlights how grief, misunderstanding, or spiritual blindness can prevent individuals from discerning God's activity, even when He is intimately present. Another key theme is **Grief and Disillusionment**, as the disciples' palpable sadness underscores the human experience of dashed hopes and profound loss, particularly when divine promises seem to fail. Jesus' compassionate initiative here introduces the theme of **Divine Engagement and Revelation**, demonstrating that God often meets humanity in its moments of deepest sorrow and confusion, initiating dialogue to lead to truth. Finally, their "walk" symbolizes the **Journey of Faith**, portraying a spiritual pilgrimage that, though currently marked by doubt and despair, is transformed by Christ's presence and the illuminating power of His Word, leading to the ultimate recognition of the Risen Lord in [Luke 24:31](/luke/24-31 "Luke 24:31 - Their Eyes Were Opened").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **communications (Greek, _lógos'_):** From G3056, this word is far richer than mere "talk." While it can mean 'something said,' 'discourse,' or 'conversation,' it also encompasses 'reasoning,' 'a topic,' or 'a matter.' In a broader theological sense, especially in John's Gospel, it refers to the 'Divine Expression' or Christ Himself. Here, it signifies the weighty, earnest, and deeply significant discussion the disciples were having, reflecting the gravity of the events they were processing concerning Jesus' death and the reports of His resurrection.
* **walk (Greek, _peripatéō'_):** From G4043, this verb literally means 'to tread all around' or 'walk at large.' Figuratively, it denotes 'to live,' 'to deport oneself,' or 'to follow (as a companion or votary).' In this context, it describes their physical journey, but also subtly hints at their current spiritual "walk" or manner of life—one consumed by sorrow and confusion. Jesus joins them not just on their physical journey, but metaphorically, on their journey of faith and understanding.
* **sad (Greek, _skythrōpós'_):** From G4659, this adjective means 'angry-visaged,' 'gloomy,' or 'affecting a mournful appearance.' It emphasizes the disciples' visible dejection and profound sorrow, which was evident in their facial expressions and demeanor. Jesus' question is not merely about their words, but about the deeply rooted sadness that their physical appearance betrayed.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he said unto them,"**: This clause highlights Jesus' proactive and compassionate initiative. He does not wait for the disciples to recognize Him or approach Him. Instead, He steps into their sorrow and confusion, demonstrating His desire to engage with their pain and provide understanding. This sets the tone for a divine encounter where the Lord pursues His grieving followers.
* **"What manner of communications [are] these that ye have one to another,"**: Jesus' question is gentle yet probing. He is not merely asking for a summary of their discussion, but inquiring into the *nature* or *quality* of their conversation. He perceives the intensity and depth of their exchange, recognizing that it is not casual chatter but a weighty discourse born of significant events and profound emotional distress. This invitation to articulate their thoughts and feelings is a crucial first step toward revelation.
* **"as ye walk, and are sad?"**: This final phrase ties their physical activity to their emotional state. Jesus observes their outward demeanor—their walking, which represents their journey, and their evident sadness. The juxtaposition of their physical movement with their emotional stagnation (being "sad") underscores their internal turmoil. Jesus' question acknowledges their visible dejection, affirming their experience and creating an opening for them to express their broken hopes and fears.

#### Literary Devices
Luke's narrative in this verse masterfully employs several literary devices. **Irony** is prominent, as the very person they are discussing, the resurrected Jesus, is walking beside them, yet they are unable to recognize Him. This creates dramatic tension and highlights the theme of spiritual blindness. The disciples' profound sadness, despite the greatest triumph in history, is a poignant example of this irony. There is also an element of **Foreshadowing**, as Jesus' question, though seemingly simple, anticipates the profound revelation that is about to unfold. His inquiry is the first step in a process that will ultimately open their eyes to His true identity and the meaning of the Scriptures. The entire interaction is framed as **Dialogue**, with Jesus initiating a conversation that is both pastoral and pedagogical, inviting the disciples to articulate their pain before He provides the divine interpretation. Finally, the act of **Symbolism** is present in their "walk" to Emmaus, representing not just a physical journey but a spiritual pilgrimage from despair to hope, from misunderstanding to profound recognition of the Risen Christ.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 24:17 profoundly illustrates the compassionate and redemptive nature of God, who does not abandon His people in their confusion and grief. It underscores the theological truth that even when we are spiritually veiled or emotionally overwhelmed, the Risen Christ is actively present, drawing near to us. His initiative in asking "What manner of communications are these...?" demonstrates His desire for authentic engagement, inviting us to voice our doubts and sorrows so that He might illuminate our understanding through His Word. This encounter foreshadows the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit to open hearts and minds to the truth of Christ, transforming despair into profound joy and recognition, and revealing that God's plan unfolds even through suffering and apparent defeat. The Emmaus Road experience is a paradigm for how Christ ministers to His disciples, meeting them in their brokenness and leading them to a deeper, Spirit-empowered faith.

* [Genesis 18:1-15](/genesis/18-1-15 "Abraham and the Unrecognized Visitors")
* [John 20:11-16](/john/20-11-16 "Mary Magdalene and the Unrecognized Jesus")
* [Psalm 34:18](/psalms/34-18 "The Lord Is Near the Brokenhearted")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 24:17 offers a timeless lesson on the nature of divine encounter in the midst of human sorrow. Just as Jesus approached the sorrowful disciples on the road, He continues to draw near to us in our moments of grief, confusion, or disillusionment. He doesn't wait for us to "have it all together" or to fully understand our circumstances; instead, He meets us precisely in our raw emotions and unanswered questions. His gentle inquiry, "What manner of communications are these... and are sad?", serves as an invitation for us to open up about our struggles, to articulate our doubts, and to express our fears. Sharing our inner turmoil with Him, and with trusted fellow believers, can be the crucial first step towards understanding, healing, and renewed hope. The disciples' sadness was a precursor to profound joy and understanding, reminding us that even in our darkest moments, the resurrected Christ is present, offering comfort, illuminating truth, and promising a restored perspective that can transform our sorrow into a pathway for deeper encounter and revelation.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I typically respond when I feel sad, disillusioned, or confused about life's circumstances or God's plan?**
* **Am I open to the possibility that Jesus might be present with me, even when I don't immediately recognize His work or presence in my life?**
* **What "communications" or internal dialogues am I having about my struggles, and how might articulating them to Christ or a trusted spiritual mentor lead to greater clarity and hope?**

### FAQ
**Why didn't the disciples recognize Jesus immediately on the Emmaus Road?**

Answer: The text explicitly states in [Luke 24:16](/luke/24-16 "Luke 24:16 - Their Eyes Were Held") that "their eyes were holden that they should not know him." This suggests a divine intervention or supernatural veiling that prevented their recognition. Beyond this spiritual restraint, their deep grief and disillusionment likely played a role. They were so consumed by their sorrow and the apparent failure of their hopes regarding Jesus as the Redeemer of Israel ([Luke 24:21](/luke/24-21 "Luke 24:21 - Disciples' Hope for Redemption")) that they were not expecting to see Him alive, let alone walking beside them. Their emotional state, combined with God's sovereign timing for revelation, contributed to their initial blindness. Their eyes were only opened later when Jesus broke bread with them in [Luke 24:31](/luke/24-31 "Luke 24:31 - Their Eyes Were Opened").

**What is the significance of the disciples "walking" in this context?**

Answer: The act of "walking" in this narrative carries both a literal and symbolic significance. Literally, it describes their physical journey from Jerusalem to Emmaus, a common mode of travel in the ancient world. Symbolically, however, their walk represents their spiritual journey—a journey away from the center of God's redemptive work (Jerusalem) and into a state of doubt, despair, and misunderstanding. Jesus joins them on this physical journey, but more importantly, He joins them on their spiritual journey, transforming their walk of sorrow into a walk of revelation and renewed hope. It underscores the idea that Christ meets us where we are, engaging with us in our current state of being, even when we are moving away from Him in our hearts.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 24:17, while seemingly a simple question, is profoundly Christ-centered in its implications. It reveals the resurrected Christ as the compassionate High Priest who intimately understands and engages with human sorrow and disillusionment. Jesus, the very **Word made flesh** ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")), initiates a "communication" that leads to ultimate revelation. His presence on the Emmaus Road, though unrecognized, foreshadows His enduring promise to be with His disciples "always, even unto the end of the world" ([Matthew 28:20](/matthew/28-20 "Matthew 28:20 - The Great Commission")). He doesn't merely observe their sadness; He steps into it, inviting them to articulate their pain, which then allows Him to open their minds to the Scriptures concerning Himself ([Luke 24:27](/luke/24-27 "Luke 24:27 - Jesus Expounds the Scriptures")). This encounter perfectly illustrates Christ's empathetic nature, as He is one who can "sympathize with our weaknesses" ([Hebrews 4:15](/hebrews/4-15 "Hebrews 4:15 - Our High Priest Understands")). The sorrowful "communications" of the disciples are met by the ultimate "communication" of God's redemptive plan, fulfilled in the death and resurrection of Jesus. This foundational moment on the Emmaus Road demonstrates how Christ comforts those who mourn ([Matthew 5:4](/matthew/5-4 "Matthew 5:4 - Blessed Are Those Who Mourn")) and transforms despair into a burning heart of faith, empowering His followers to then go forth and proclaim the good news of His resurrection ([Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - Power to Witness")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

John 16:6

But because I have said these things unto you, sorrow hath filled your heart.

John 16:20

Verily, verily, I say unto you, That ye shall weep and lament, but the world shall rejoice: and ye shall be sorrowful, but your sorrow shall be turned into joy.

John 16:22

And ye now therefore have sorrow: but I will see you again, and your heart shall rejoice, and your joy no man taketh from you.

Ezekiel 9:4

And the LORD said unto him, Go through the midst of the city, through the midst of Jerusalem, and set a mark upon the foreheads of the men that sigh and that cry for all the abominations that be done in the midst thereof.

Ezekiel 9:6

Slay utterly old [and] young, both maids, and little children, and women: but come not near any man upon whom [is] the mark; and begin at my sanctuary. Then they began at the ancient men which [were] before the house.