Luke 2:14
What does Luke 2:14 mean?
A plain-English look at Luke 2:14 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Luke 2:14 means
The heavenly host's declaration proclaimed: "Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace among men in whom he is well pleased." This dual message celebrated God's supreme glory, now made manifest in the Incarnation, and announced the dawning of peace on earth. This peace is not merely the absence of conflict but a spiritual reconciliation with God, offered to those upon whom His favor rests. It speaks to the spiritual restoration Jesus came to bring.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace among men in whom he is well pleased.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace among men in whom he is well pleased.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Glory to God in the highest, and on the earth peace among men with whom he is well pleased.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862`Glory in the highest to God, and upon earth peace, among men--good will.'
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Glory to God in the highest: and on earth peace to men of good will.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Glory toGod in the highest, and on earth peace, good pleasure in men.
Context
This verse presents the glorious anthem sung by the heavenly host, directly following their sudden appearance. This declaration is a summary of the spiritual significance of Jesus' birth, offering both praise to God and a promise of peace to humanity. It offers a profound theological statement, contrasting with the humble circumstances previously described and preparing the reader for the shepherds' response to this good news.
v.13And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
v.14This passage
v.15And it came to pass, when the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing that is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Jeremiah 23:5
Behold, the days come, saith Jehovah, that I will raise unto David a righteous Branch, and he shall reign as king and deal wisely, and shall execute justice and righteousness in the land.
- Isaiah 44:23
Sing, O ye heavens, for Jehovah hath done it; shout, ye lower parts of the earth; break forth into singing, ye mountains, O forest, and every tree therein: for Jehovah hath redeemed Jacob, and will glorify himself in Israel.
- Matthew 21:9
And the multitudes that went before him, and that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna to the son of David: Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord; Hosanna in the highest.
- Ephesians 1:9
making known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he purposed in him
- Ephesians 2:7
that in the ages to come he might show the exceeding riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus:
- Zechariah 6:12
and speak unto him, saying, Thus speaketh Jehovah of hosts, saying, Behold, the man whose name is the Branch: and he shall grow up out of his place; and he shall build the temple of Jehovah;
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