Devine Scripture

Luke 2:9

What does Luke 2:9 mean?

A plain-English look at Luke 2:9 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Luke 2:9 means

Suddenly, a single angel of the Lord appeared to the shepherds, and the divine glory of God enveloped them, radiating light. This breathtaking manifestation of God's presence caused the shepherds to be profoundly terrified, overwhelmed by the sudden intrusion of the supernatural into their ordinary night. Their fear was a natural human response to encountering the holy and majestic power of God, far beyond anything they had ever experienced.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And an angel of the Lord stood by them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And an angel of the Lord stood by them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And an angel of the Lord came to them, and the glory of the Lord was shining round about them: and fear came on them.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and lo, a messenger of the Lord stood over them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they feared a great fear.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And behold an angel of the Lord stood by them and the brightness of God shone round about them: and they feared with a great fear.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And lo, an angel of [the] Lord was there by them, and [the] glory of [the] Lord shone around them, and they feared [with] great fear.

Context

Following the introduction of the shepherds in their routine, this verse marks a dramatic shift with the sudden appearance of an angel and the glory of the Lord. This divine intervention immediately elevates the narrative. It explains the shepherds' fear, setting the stage for the angel's comforting message and the glorious announcement of Jesus' birth.

v.8And there were shepherds in the same country abiding in the field, and keeping watch by night over their flock.

v.9This passage

v.10And the angel said unto them, Be not afraid; for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which shall be to all the people:

Cross references

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

  • Matthew 1:20

    But when he thought on these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit.

  • Exodus 16:10

    And it came to pass, as Aaron spake unto the whole congregation of the children of Israel, that they looked toward the wilderness, and, behold, the glory of Jehovah appeared in the cloud.

  • Acts 5:19

    But an angel of the Lord by night opened the prison doors, and brought them out, and said,

  • Revelation 18:1

    After these things I saw another angel coming down out of heaven, having great authority; and the earth was lightened with his glory.

  • 2 Corinthians 4:6

    Seeing it is God, that said, Light shall shine out of darkness, who shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.

  • Luke 24:4

    And it came to pass, while they were perplexed thereabout, behold, two men stood by them in dazzling apparel:

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