Luke 2:20

Authorized King James Version

And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.

Word-by-Word Analysis

καὶ

G2532

And

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἐπέστρεψαν

G1994

returned

to revert (literally, figuratively or morally)

οἱ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ποιμένες

G4166

the shepherds

a shepherd (literally or figuratively)

δοξάζοντες

G1392

glorifying

to render (or esteem) glorious (in a wide application)

καὶ

G2532

And

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

αἰνοῦντες

G134

praising

to praise (god)

τὸν

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

θεὸν

G2316

God

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

#10

ἐπὶ

G1909

for

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

#11

πᾶσιν

G3956

all the things

all, any, every, the whole

#12

οἷς

G3739

that

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

#13

ἤκουσαν

G191

they had heard

to hear (in various senses)

#14

καὶ

G2532

And

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#15

εἶδον

G1492

seen

used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl

#16

καθὼς

G2531

just (or inasmuch) as, that

#17

ἐλαλήθη

G2980

it was told

to talk, i.e., utter words

#18

πρὸς

G4314

unto

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,

#19

αὐτούς

G846

them

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

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Luke. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

How might the original audience's understanding of divine sovereignty differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine sovereignty address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?

Related Resources

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Luke 2:20

Analysis

Historical Context

Questions for Reflection

Related Resources

Topics

People

Study Resources