Luke 2:11
What does Luke 2:11 mean?
A plain-English look at Luke 2:11 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Luke 2:11 means
The angel precisely identifies the joyous news: "there is born to you this day in the city of David a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord." This single verse encapsulates the profound identity of the newborn: He is the promised "Saviour," one who delivers from sin; He is "Christ," the anointed Messiah of Israel; and He is "the Lord," indicating His divine authority and sovereignty. This birth in Bethlehem, the "city of David," fulfills a critical Old Testament prophecy, confirming His messianic lineage.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000for there is born to you this day in the city of David a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord.
KJV
King James Version · 1611For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901for there is born to you this day in the city of David a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949For on this day, in the town of David, a Saviour has come to birth, who is Christ the Lord.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862because there was born to you to-day a Saviour--who is Christ the Lord--in the city of David,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752For, this day is born to you a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord, in the city of David.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890for to-day a Saviour has been born to you in David's city, who is Christ [the] Lord.
Context
This verse delivers the core of the angelic message, identifying the newborn in Bethlehem. It follows the angel's reassuring command not to fear and the promise of good tidings. This verse is the theological climax of the angel's announcement, revealing Jesus' identity and mission, which will soon be confirmed by the sign given in the subsequent verse.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- John 1:45
Philip findeth Nathanael, and saith unto him, We have found him, of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets, wrote, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.
- 1 John 4:14
And we have beheld and bear witness that the Father hath sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world.
- Acts 2:36
Let all the house of Israel therefore know assuredly, that God hath made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom ye crucified.
- Isaiah 9:6
For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
- John 7:41
Others said, This is the Christ. But some said, What, doth the Christ come out of Galilee?
- Luke 1:69
And hath raised up a horn of salvation for us In the house of his servant David
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