Luke 2:13
What does Luke 2:13 mean?
A plain-English look at Luke 2:13 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Luke 2:13 means
Immediately after the initial angel's announcement, a vast multitude of heavenly beings, the "heavenly host," suddenly appeared alongside him, all praising God. This explosion of celestial glory and worship underscored the immense significance of Jesus' birth. It was not merely a human event, but a cosmic one, celebrated by the entire spiritual realm. The presence of so many angels magnified the divine importance of the newborn King.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
KJV
King James Version · 1611And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And suddenly there was with the angel a great band of spirits from heaven, giving praise to God, and saying,
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862And suddenly there came with the messenger a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God, and saying,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly army, praising God and saying:
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praisingGod and saying,
Context
This verse dramatically expands the scene from a single angel to a multitude of heavenly host. It follows the specific instruction given to the shepherds, intensifying the divine revelation. This sudden appearance emphasizes the cosmic importance of Jesus' birth, setting the stage for their glorious praise, which immediately follows.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Job 38:7
When the morning stars sang together, And all the sons of God shouted for joy?
- Isaiah 6:2
Above him stood the seraphim: each one had six wings; with twain he covered his face, and with twain he covered his feet, and with twain he did fly.
- Psalms 148:2
Praise ye him, all his angels: Praise ye him, all his host.
- Ezekiel 3:12
Then the Spirit lifted me up, and I heard behind me the voice of a great rushing, saying, Blessed be the glory of Jehovah from his place.
- Daniel 7:10
A fiery stream issued and came forth from before him: thousands of thousands ministered unto him, and ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him: the judgment was set, and the books were opened.
- Hebrews 1:14
Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to do service for the sake of them that shall inherit salvation?
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