Devine Scripture

Luke 2:12

What does Luke 2:12 mean?

A plain-English look at Luke 2:12 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Luke 2:12 means

To help the shepherds identify this divine child, the angel provided a specific sign: they would find a baby wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger. This unconventional sign further emphasizes the humility of Jesus' birth, contrasting sharply with the majesty of the angelic announcement. It was a tangible, verifiable detail that would confirm the truth of the angel's words, inviting the shepherds not just to hear, but to actively go and see for themselves.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And this is the sign unto you: Ye shall find a babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, and lying in a manger.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And this is the sign unto you: Ye shall find a babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, and lying in a manger.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And this is the sign to you: you will see a young child folded in linen, in the place where the cattle have their food.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and this <FI>is<Fi> to you the sign: Ye shall find a babe wrapped up, lying in the manger.'

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And this shall be a sign unto you. You shall find the infant wrapped in swaddling clothes and laid in a manger.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And this is the sign to you: ye shall find a babe wrapped in swaddling-clothes, and lying in a manger.

Context

This verse gives the shepherds a concrete sign to verify the angelic message. It directly follows the declaration of Jesus' identity as Savior, Christ the Lord. This practical instruction serves as a call to action for the shepherds and provides them with a clear, humble clue to locate the newborn Messiah, preparing for their swift journey.

v.11for there is born to you this day in the city of David a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord.

v.12This passage

v.13And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • 1 Samuel 10:2

    When thou art departed from me to-day, then thou shalt find two men by Rachel’s sepulchre, in the border of Benjamin at Zelzah; and they will say unto thee, The asses which thou wentest to seek are found; and, lo, thy father hath left off caring for the asses, and is anxious for you, saying, What shall I do for my son?

  • Isaiah 53:1

    Who hath believed our message? and to whom hath the arm of Jehovah been revealed?

  • Isaiah 7:11

    Ask thee a sign of Jehovah thy God; ask it either in the depth, or in the height above.

  • 1 Samuel 2:34

    And this shall be the sign unto thee, that shall come upon thy two sons, on Hophni and Phinehas: in one day they shall die both of them.

  • 2 Kings 19:29

    And this shall be the sign unto thee: ye shall eat this year that which groweth of itself, and in the second year that which springeth of the same; and in the third year sow ye, and reap, and plant vineyards, and eat the fruit thereof.

  • Psalms 22:6

    But I am a worm, and no man; A reproach of men, and despised of the people.

Related questions readers ask

Keep reading

Want to dig deeper? Explore Luke 2

Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on Luke 2.

Keep exploring

Follow this verse across Scripture

Topics, devotionals, original-language word studies, and figures connected to Luke 2:12.

Browse every hub

BibleTopicsBible answersDevotionalsFamous passagesWord studiesPeoplePlacesVerses for…Reading plansCommentary