Luke 2:15
And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.
Original Language Analysis
Καὶ
And
G2532
Καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 35
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
γεγονὸς
it came to pass
G1096
γεγονὸς
it came to pass
Strong's:
G1096
Word #:
2 of 35
to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)
ὡς
as
G5613
ὡς
as
Strong's:
G5613
Word #:
3 of 35
which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)
ἀπῆλθον
were gone away
G565
ἀπῆλθον
were gone away
Strong's:
G565
Word #:
4 of 35
to go off (i.e., depart), aside (i.e., apart) or behind (i.e., follow), literally or figuratively
ἀπ'
from
G575
ἀπ'
from
Strong's:
G575
Word #:
5 of 35
"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
αὐτῶν
them
G846
αὐτῶν
them
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
6 of 35
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
εἰς
into
G1519
εἰς
into
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
7 of 35
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
ὁ
which
G3588
ὁ
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 35
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
οὐρανὸν
heaven
G3772
οὐρανὸν
heaven
Strong's:
G3772
Word #:
9 of 35
the sky; by extension, heaven (as the abode of god); by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the gospel (christianity)
ὁ
which
G3588
ὁ
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 35
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἄγγελοι
the angels
G32
ἄγγελοι
the angels
Strong's:
G32
Word #:
11 of 35
compare g0034) (to bring tidings); a messenger; especially an "angel"; by implication, a pastor
Καὶ
And
G2532
Καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
12 of 35
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ὁ
which
G3588
ὁ
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
13 of 35
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὁ
which
G3588
ὁ
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
15 of 35
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πρὸς
to
G4314
πρὸς
to
Strong's:
G4314
Word #:
18 of 35
a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,
ἕως
even unto
G2193
ἕως
even unto
Strong's:
G2193
Word #:
22 of 35
a conjunction, preposition and adverb of continuance, until (of time and place)
Βηθλέεμ
Bethlehem
G965
Βηθλέεμ
Bethlehem
Strong's:
G965
Word #:
23 of 35
bethleem (i.e., beth-lechem), a place in palestine
Καὶ
And
G2532
Καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
24 of 35
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἴδωμεν
see
G1492
ἴδωμεν
see
Strong's:
G1492
Word #:
25 of 35
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
ὁ
which
G3588
ὁ
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
26 of 35
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ῥῆμα
thing
G4487
ῥῆμα
thing
Strong's:
G4487
Word #:
27 of 35
an utterance (individually, collectively or specially),; by implication, a matter or topic (especially of narration, command or dispute); with a negat
ὁ
which
G3588
ὁ
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
29 of 35
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
γεγονὸς
it came to pass
G1096
γεγονὸς
it came to pass
Strong's:
G1096
Word #:
30 of 35
to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)
ὃ
G3739
ὃ
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
31 of 35
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
ὁ
which
G3588
ὁ
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
32 of 35
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κύριος
the Lord
G2962
κύριος
the Lord
Strong's:
G2962
Word #:
33 of 35
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
Historical Context
Shepherds leaving flocks at night risked financial loss and violated occupational responsibility, yet they prioritized seeing what God had done. Their immediate response contrasts with others who would later reject Christ despite greater evidence. Simple shepherds demonstrated faith that educated rulers would lack.
Questions for Reflection
- How does genuine faith express itself in immediate obedience and action?
- What does the shepherds' willingness to risk their livelihood teach about priorities?
- How should we respond when God reveals His work to us?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The shepherds' response—'Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass'—demonstrates faith expressed in immediate action. Their words 'which the Lord hath made known unto us' show recognition that the angel's message came from God. They didn't debate whether to go but exhorted each other to immediate obedience. The phrase 'come to pass' indicates their faith that what angels announced has actually occurred. Their willingness to leave flocks unguarded shows the priority of spiritual reality over economic security. This models proper response to divine revelation: immediate, corporate, faith-filled action to investigate and worship what God has revealed.