Luke 2:20
And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 19
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
δοξάζοντες
glorifying
G1392
δοξάζοντες
glorifying
Strong's:
G1392
Word #:
5 of 19
to render (or esteem) glorious (in a wide application)
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
6 of 19
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 #:
8 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θεὸν
God
G2316
θεὸν
God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
9 of 19
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
ἐπὶ
for
G1909
ἐπὶ
for
Strong's:
G1909
Word #:
10 of 19
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
οἷς
that
G3739
οἷς
that
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
12 of 19
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
14 of 19
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
εἶδον
seen
G1492
εἶδον
seen
Strong's:
G1492
Word #:
15 of 19
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
Cross References
Isaiah 29:19The meek also shall increase their joy in the LORD, and the poor among men shall rejoice in the Holy One of Israel.Acts 11:18When they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life.Psalms 106:48Blessed be the LORD God of Israel from everlasting to everlasting: and let all the people say, Amen. Praise ye the LORD.Psalms 107:21Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!Psalms 107:8Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!Psalms 107:15Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!Matthew 9:8But when the multitudes saw it, they marvelled, and glorified God, which had given such power unto men.Luke 18:43And immediately he received his sight, and followed him, glorifying God: and all the people, when they saw it, gave praise unto God.
Historical Context
The shepherds returned to their occupation (watching flocks) but transformed by what they had experienced. Their return to normal life while praising God models how divine encounter should affect ordinary living. They fulfilled their role as witnesses and worshipers before returning to daily duties.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's faithfulness to His promises naturally produce praise?
- Why is it important to glorify God rather than His instruments or creation?
- How should extraordinary divine encounters transform ordinary daily living?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The shepherds returned 'glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.' Their worship flows from finding everything exactly as the angel promised—perfect correspondence between revelation and reality strengthens faith and produces praise. The distinction 'heard and seen' encompasses both the angels' announcement and its confirmation in finding the infant. Their glorifying God (not the baby or Mary) demonstrates proper theological understanding—worship belongs to God alone. That they praised 'as it was told unto them' shows their joy came from God's faithfulness to His word. The shepherds model the pattern: revelation received, faithfully investigated, completely confirmed, resulting in worship and testimony.