Luke 2:13
And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 14
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἐγένετο
there was
G1096
ἐγένετο
there was
Strong's:
G1096
Word #:
3 of 14
to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)
σὺν
with
G4862
σὺν
with
Strong's:
G4862
Word #:
4 of 14
with or together (but much closer than g3326 or g3844), i.e., by association, companionship, process, resemblance, possession, instrumentality, additi
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 14
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀγγέλῳ
the angel
G32
ἀγγέλῳ
the angel
Strong's:
G32
Word #:
6 of 14
compare g0034) (to bring tidings); a messenger; especially an "angel"; by implication, a pastor
πλῆθος
a multitude
G4128
πλῆθος
a multitude
Strong's:
G4128
Word #:
7 of 14
a fulness, i.e., a large number, throng, populace
στρατιᾶς
host
G4756
στρατιᾶς
host
Strong's:
G4756
Word #:
8 of 14
from the base of g4766, as encamped); camp-likeness, i.e., an army, i.e., (figuratively) the angels, the celestial luminaries
οὐρανίου
of the heavenly
G3770
οὐρανίου
of the heavenly
Strong's:
G3770
Word #:
9 of 14
celestial, i.e., belonging to or coming from the sky
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 14
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θεὸν
God
G2316
θεὸν
God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
12 of 14
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
Cross References
Revelation 5:11And I beheld, and I heard the voice of many angels round about the throne and the beasts and the elders: and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands;1 Kings 22:19And he said, Hear thou therefore the word of the LORD: I saw the LORD sitting on his throne, and all the host of heaven standing by him on his right hand and on his left.Hebrews 1:14Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?Psalms 148:2Praise ye him, all his angels: praise ye him, all his hosts.Daniel 7:10A fiery stream issued and came forth from before him: thousand thousands ministered unto him, and ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him: the judgment was set, and the books were opened.Job 38:7When the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy?Luke 15:10Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth.Psalms 68:17The chariots of God are twenty thousand, even thousands of angels: the Lord is among them, as in Sinai, in the holy place.Ephesians 3:10To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God,Genesis 28:12And he dreamed, and behold a ladder set up on the earth, and the top of it reached to heaven: and behold the angels of God ascending and descending on it.
Historical Context
Old Testament theophanies often featured angelic hosts (Jacob's ladder, Joshua meeting the commander of the LORD's army, Elisha's vision of chariots of fire). The term 'host' applied to both earthly armies and angelic forces, emphasizing God's sovereignty over all powers. That this multitude appears to announce Christ's birth demonstrates heaven's unified witness to incarnation's significance. Later revelation shows these angelic armies accompanying Christ's second coming (Revelation 19:14), but here they herald His first coming with praise rather than judgment.
Questions for Reflection
- What does the appearance of heaven's armies at Christ's birth reveal about the incarnation's cosmic significance?
- How does the contrast between military imagery (hosts/armies) and peaceful message (glory to God, peace on earth) characterize Christ's kingdom?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Suddenly 'a multitude of the heavenly host' joins the angel, praising God. The term 'heavenly host' (Greek 'plēthos stratias ouraniou,' πλῆθος στρατιᾶς οὐρανίου) literally means 'multitude of heaven's army'—myriads of angels constituting God's forces. Their sudden appearance magnifies the birth's significance—all heaven celebrates this moment. The military imagery of 'host/army' contrasts with their peaceful message, suggesting that Christ's birth initiates spiritual warfare's decisive battle, where Prince of Peace conquers through suffering rather than military might.