Luke 2:13

Authorized King James Version

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
καὶ
G2532
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#2
ἐξαίφνης
G1810
suddenly
of a sudden (unexpectedly)
#3
ἐγένετο
G1096
there was
to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)
#4
σὺν
G4862
with
with or together (but much closer than g3326 or g3844), i.e., by association, companionship, process, resemblance, possession, instrumentality, additi
#5
τῷ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#6
ἀγγέλῳ
G32
the angel
compare g0034) (to bring tidings); a messenger; especially an "angel"; by implication, a pastor
#7
πλῆθος
G4128
a multitude
a fulness, i.e., a large number, throng, populace
#8
στρατιᾶς
G4756
host
from the base of g4766, as encamped); camp-likeness, i.e., an army, i.e., (figuratively) the angels, the celestial luminaries
#9
οὐρανίου
G3770
of the heavenly
celestial, i.e., belonging to or coming from the sky
#10
αἰνούντων
G134
praising
to praise (god)
#11
τὸν
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#12
θεὸν
G2316
God
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
#13
καὶ
G2532
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#14
λεγόντων
G3004
saying
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine sovereignty contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Luke Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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