Luke 2:14 - Printer Friendly

ESV: "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!"

NIV: "Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests."

NASB: 'Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace among people with whom He is pleased.'

CSB: Glory to God in the highest heaven, and peace on earth to people he favors!

NLT: 'Glory to God in highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased.'

KJV: Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

NKJV: “Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!”

The same group of shepherds initially terrified by the appearance of one angel (Luke 2:9) are now thrilled to see a massive collection of heavenly beings praising God (Luke 2:10–13). These angels sing to celebrate the recent birth of Jesus (Luke 2:6–7), now resting with Mary in nearby Bethlehem.

Most translations of this verse connect the "peace" being proclaimed to God's pleasure with a certain group. This is alternately phrased as "those with whom he is pleased," "those on whom his favor rests," or "people He favors." The King James translation inverts part of the phrase, indicating a broader "good will toward men." While the gospel of Jesus Christ is a message of reconciliation and hope (John 3:16–17), that hope is only accessible to those who believe in Him (John 3:18, 36). Accurately translated, the angels are not declaring God's benevolence to all humanity; they are celebrating His mercy to those who follow His will by accepting His Son (John 6:28–29; Hebrews 11:6).

When the angelic choir departs, these shepherds will hurry into Bethlehem to see the newborn Christ for themselves (Luke 2:15–16).

Luke 2:8–21 describes shepherds who are visited by numerous angels. These beings proclaim the birth of Christ and explain where He can be found. The men follow the angels' directions and find Jesus, Joseph, and Mary just as predicted. Jesus' family celebrates these events, as God continues to use simple people to proclaim His most important truths. When Jesus is eight days old, in accordance with Jewish tradition, he is circumcised and officially given His prophesied name.

The early part of this chapter is famously read at Christmas, while celebrating the birth of Jesus. Luke gives a relatively brief description of how Mary came to give birth in a stable, laying Jesus in a feeding trough. Nearby shepherds are informed of the news by multiple angels. Two people speak in praise of God at Jesus' circumcision. Years later, Joseph and Mary lose track of Jesus on the way back from Jerusalem, only to find Him astounding teachers in the temple with His wisdom.

Luke began his well-organized account by explaining the conceptions of Jesus Christ and John the Baptist, in chapter 1. In chapter 2, he briefly summarizes Jesus' birth and the arrival of shepherds directed by angels. Prophecies and prayers celebrate His dedication at the temple. After briefly losing track of a twelve-year-old Jesus in the temple, Jesus' parents take Him home to Nazareth. There, He grows up relatively normally. Chapter 3 leaps forward many years to the beginning of John the Baptist's preaching. This is followed by Jesus' genealogy. Chapter 4 relates Jesus' temptations by Satan and the start of His public ministry.

Luke was a traveling companion of Paul (Acts 16:10) and a physician (Colossians 4:14). Unlike Matthew, Mark, and John, Luke writes his gospel as an historian, rather than as a first-hand eyewitness. His extensive writings also include the book of Acts (Acts 1:1–3). These are deliberately organized, carefully researched accounts of those events. The gospel of Luke focuses on the earthly ministry of Jesus Christ. Luke's Gentile perspective presents Christ as a Savior for all people, offering both forgiveness and direction to those who follow Him.