Luke 2:16
And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 18
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἦλθον
they came
G2064
ἦλθον
they came
Strong's:
G2064
Word #:
2 of 18
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
σπεύσαντες
with haste
G4692
σπεύσαντες
with haste
Strong's:
G4692
Word #:
3 of 18
to "speed" ("study"), i.e., urge on (diligently or earnestly); by implication, to await eagerly
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
4 of 18
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τήν
G3588
τήν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Μαριὰμ
Mary
G3137
Μαριὰμ
Mary
Strong's:
G3137
Word #:
8 of 18
maria or mariam (i.e., mirjam), the name of six christian females
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
9 of 18
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
12 of 18
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
13 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
βρέφος
the babe
G1025
βρέφος
the babe
Strong's:
G1025
Word #:
14 of 18
an infant (properly, unborn) literally or figuratively
Cross References
Luke 2:12And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.Luke 19:32And they that were sent went their way, and found even as he had said unto them.Luke 2:7And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.Luke 22:13And they went, and found as he had said unto them: and they made ready the passover.Luke 1:39And Mary arose in those days, and went into the hill country with haste, into a city of Juda;
Historical Context
The shepherds' successful finding of the infant based on the sign (manger) confirmed the supernatural nature of the announcement. In Bethlehem's small size, a newborn in a manger would be unusual and identifiable. Their witness as first visitors emphasizes God's choice of the lowly.
Questions for Reflection
- How does finding what God promises strengthen faith in His revelation?
- What does God's choice of shepherds as first witnesses teach about His values?
- How should successful finding of what God promised affect our testimony?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The shepherds 'came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger' demonstrates that faith is rewarded with finding what God promised. The detail 'with haste' emphasizes eager urgency, not panic. That they 'found' confirms the angel's specific directions were accurate and God's revelation reliable. The listing order—Mary, Joseph, the babe—emphasizes the human context of divine incarnation. The repetition 'lying in a manger' confirms this was indeed the sign the angel gave (v12). Their finding exactly what was promised validates faith in divine revelation and demonstrates God's faithfulness to His word. Simple shepherds received the privilege of being first human witnesses to the incarnate God.