New Testament
Luke 2:18
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Everyone who heard the shepherds' story was amazed.
Compare translations
And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.
What Luke 2:18 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, we see the reaction of the people who heard the shepherds recount their experience of the angelic announcement of Jesus' birth. The shepherds, humble and often overlooked, shared a miraculous story that left listeners in awe. Their message was not just about a baby being born, but about the fulfillment of God's promise to send a Savior. The amazement of the crowd highlights the significance of this event in history. It shows how the news of Jesus' birth was extraordinary and stirred curiosity and wonder among those who heard it. This moment emphasizes the power of testimony and how sharing our experiences can impact others, leading them to reflect on deeper truths about faith and hope. The shepherds' story serves as a reminder that God often uses the least likely people to convey His greatest messages, inviting everyone to be part of His divine plan.
How to apply Luke 2:18 to your life
We can learn from the shepherds' story that sharing our experiences of faith can inspire and amaze others. Just as the shepherds boldly proclaimed the good news, we too should share our testimonies, allowing God's work in our lives to encourage those around us. Our stories can spark curiosity and lead others to seek a deeper understanding of faith.
Curated for this public verse page. Luke Summary
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.

Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: The Shepherds Visit (Luke 2:8–20)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Jesus

Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002725045). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Nazareth, Israel; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Nazareth
The small town in Galilee where Jesus grew up.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Luke 2:18
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Luke 2:18
Related Bible verses
At a Glance — the Book of Luke
- Author
- Luke the physician
- Written
- Around AD 60-62
- Genre
- Gospel and history
- Original Audience
- Gentile Christians (addressed to Theophilus)
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Luke 2:18 mean?
Luke 2:18 describes the reaction of people who heard the shepherds' account of Jesus' birth. Their amazement reflects the significance of the event and how the news of the Savior's arrival stirred curiosity and wonder.
What is the significance of the shepherds' story in Luke 2:18?
The shepherds' story in Luke 2:18 highlights the fulfillment of God's promise to send a Savior. Their humble background and miraculous experience emphasize that God can use anyone to share important messages.
Why were people amazed in Luke 2:18?
People were amazed in Luke 2:18 because the shepherds shared a miraculous story about the birth of Jesus, which was a significant event that fulfilled God's promise. Their testimony captured the attention and curiosity of the listeners.
How can we apply Luke 2:18 to our lives?
We can apply Luke 2:18 by sharing our own experiences of faith with others. Just as the shepherds did, our testimonies can inspire and encourage those around us to explore deeper truths about faith and hope.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.