Luke 2:20
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Luke 2:20
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.
Chapter Context
Luke 2 is a historical gospel chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of righteousness, worship, salvation. Written during the late first century CE (c. 80-85 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Written when Christians needed to understand their place in the Roman world.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-52: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it illustrates divine judgment and mercy in response to human actions. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Luke and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Luke 2:20
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.
Analysis
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.
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.
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?
Word Studies
- God: Θεός (Theos) G2316 - God
Cross-References
- References God: Luke 18:43, Psalms 106:48, Matthew 9:8, Acts 11:18
- Parallel theme: Psalms 107:8, 107:15, 107:21, Isaiah 29:19