Luke 2:10

And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

And {G2532} the angel {G32} said {G2036} unto them {G846}, Fear {G5399} not {G3361}: for {G1063}, behold {G2400}, I bring {G2097} you {G5213} good tidings {G2097} of great {G3173} joy {G5479}, which {G3748} shall be {G2071} to all {G3956} people {G2992}.

but the angel said to them, "Don't be afraid, because I am here announcing to you Good News that will bring great joy to all the people.

But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid! For behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people:

And the angel said unto them, Be not afraid; for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which shall be to all the people:

Luke 2:10 captures the pivotal moment of the angelic announcement of Jesus' birth to the shepherds, delivering a message that would change the world. This verse is rich with theological significance, offering comfort and hope to all who hear it.

Context

This verse is set against the backdrop of a quiet night near Bethlehem, where humble shepherds were watching their flocks. Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, causing them great fear. The angel's first words, "Fear not," are a common angelic greeting throughout scripture, immediately addressing their understandable terror in the face of a divine encounter. This setting highlights God's choice to reveal the greatest news to ordinary people, underscoring the accessibility of the gospel message.

Key Themes

  • "Fear Not": This command is a powerful reassurance, often preceding a significant divine revelation. It signals that despite the overwhelming nature of God's presence, His intentions are benevolent. It invites a posture of trust rather than dread, setting the stage for the good news.
  • "Good Tidings of Great Joy": The phrase "good tidings" translates the Greek word euangelion, from which we derive "gospel." This is the core message of salvation and hope. The accompanying "great joy" indicates a profound, lasting delight that comes from the fulfillment of God's redemptive plan, a joy that transcends earthly circumstances. This joy is a central theme of the Christian faith, as seen in Jesus' desire for His disciples' joy.
  • "Which Shall Be To All People": This is a crucial declaration of universality. The birth of the Savior is not exclusively for the Jewish people, but for all humanity—regardless of race, social status, or background. This prophetic statement foreshadows the global reach of the Christian message and God's inclusive love, a theme echoed by Paul in Romans 1:16.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "good tidings" is euangelizomai (verb form of euangelion), meaning "to bring good news" or "to announce glad tidings." This term is foundational to Christian theology, signifying the proclamation of the gospel of Jesus Christ. The "joy" (Greek: chara) mentioned here is not merely superficial happiness but a deep, spiritual gladness rooted in God's presence and salvation.

Practical Application

Luke 2:10 reminds us that the message of Christ's birth is one of overcoming fear with faith. In times of anxiety or uncertainty, we can recall the angel's command to "Fear not" and embrace the inherent joy found in the gospel. This verse also compels believers to share this "good tidings of great joy" with others, recognizing that it is meant for "all people." It encourages us to live out the universal love and hope that the birth of Jesus Christ embodies, making the good news accessible and relevant in our own communities and beyond.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Isaiah 40:9

    ¶ O Zion, that bringest good tidings, get thee up into the high mountain; O Jerusalem, that bringest good tidings, lift up thy voice with strength; lift [it] up, be not afraid; say unto the cities of Judah, Behold your God!

  • Isaiah 61:1

    ¶ The Spirit of the Lord GOD [is] upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to [them that are] bound;

  • Isaiah 52:7

    ¶ How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth!

  • Genesis 12:3

    And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.

  • Matthew 28:18

    And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.

  • Matthew 14:27

    But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid.

  • Revelation 1:17

    And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last:
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