Luke 2:20
What does Luke 2:20 mean?
A plain-English look at Luke 2:20 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Luke 2:20 means
The shepherds returned to their fields, their hearts overflowing with praise and adoration for God. They glorified and praised Him for everything they had heard and seen, confirming that the angelic message and the humble reality of Jesus in the manger were perfectly aligned with what had been spoken to them. Their return to their ordinary lives was transformed by their extraordinary encounter, as they continued to worship God for His faithfulness and the fulfillment of His promises.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, even as it was spoken unto them.
KJV
King James Version · 1611And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, even as it was spoken unto them.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Then the keepers of the sheep went back, giving glory and praise to God for all the things which had come to their ears and which they had seen, as it had been said to them.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862and the shepherds turned back, glorifying and praising God, for all those things they heard and saw, as it was spoken unto them.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praisingGod for all things which they had heard and seen, as it had been said to them.
Context
This verse concludes the episode of the shepherds, showing them returning to their daily lives, but with transformed hearts. It follows their witness to others and Mary's reflection. This glorification of God by the shepherds serves as a powerful testament to the impact of the angelic announcement and their encounter with the newborn Messiah, bringing this segment of the story to a worshipful close.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Psalms 106:48
Blessed be Jehovah, the God of Israel, From everlasting even to everlasting. And let all the people say, Amen. Praise ye Jehovah.
- Psalms 72:17
His name shall endure for ever; His name shall be continued as long as the sun: And men shall be blessed in him; All nations shall call him happy.
- 1 Chronicles 29:10
Wherefore David blessed Jehovah before all the assembly; and David said, Blessed be thou, O Jehovah, the God of Israel our father, for ever and ever.
- Luke 19:37
And as he was now drawing nigh, even at the descent of the mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works which they had seen;
- Psalms 107:15
Oh that men would praise Jehovah for his lovingkindness, And for his wonderful works to the children of men!
- Psalms 107:21
Oh that men would praise Jehovah for his lovingkindness, And for his wonderful works to the children of men!
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.
Topics that quote it
Topic
Bible Verses About Fasting
Fasting in the Bible is a spiritual discipline involving abstinence from food for a period, often coupled with prayer and repentance.
Topic
Bible Verses About the Humanity of Christ
The Bible clearly teaches that Jesus Christ was fully human, experiencing life as we do in a sinless state
Topic
Bible Verses About Children
God’s Word provides profound insights into the rearing, value, and blessing of children, as well as the responsibilities of both parents and children.
What the Bible says about…
Verses for this moment
Verses for
Bible Verses for Anxiety Before a Job Interview
Quiet your nerves and walk in with steady steps — six verses to pray on the way.
Verses for
Bible Verses for When Prayer Feels Empty
When the words won't come — scripture for the dry prayer life.
Verses for
Bible Verses for When You Feel Forgotten by God
When the prayers feel one-sided — verses for the quiet seasons.