Luke 2:10

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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.

Berean Standard Bible

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:

American Standard Version

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:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 2:10 captures the profound moment of the angelic announcement to humble shepherds, declaring the birth of Jesus Christ. This verse encapsulates the essence of the gospel message: a divine proclamation of "good tidings of great joy" that is not exclusive but universally intended for "all people," signaling the dawn of God's redemptive plan for humanity.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This pivotal verse is situated within Luke's meticulously crafted birth narrative, immediately following the dramatic appearance of an angel of the Lord to shepherds in the fields outside Bethlehem. The preceding verses ([Luke 2:8-9](/luke/2-8-9 "Luke 2:8-9 - Shepherds and the Angelic Appearance")) describe the shepherds' initial terror as the glory of the Lord shone around them. The angel's opening command, "Fear not," directly addresses this overwhelming fear, setting a tone of divine comfort and benevolent intent before delivering the world-changing news. This scene contrasts sharply with the earlier, more private angelic announcements to Zechariah and Mary, highlighting God's choice to reveal the Messiah's birth first to the marginalized and humble, underscoring the inclusive nature of the coming salvation.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is Judea during the Roman occupation, specifically during a census decreed by Caesar Augustus ([Luke 2:1](/luke/2-1 "Luke 2:1 - Caesar Augustus's Decree")). Bethlehem, a small town, held significant prophetic importance as the birthplace of King David ([1 Samuel 17:12](/1_samuel/17-12 "1 Samuel 17:12 - David's Bethlehem Origin")) and the prophesied birthplace of the Messiah ([Micah 5:2](/micah/5-2 "Micah 5:2 - Prophecy of Bethlehem")). Shepherds in this era were often considered low-status, ritually unclean, and ostracized members of society. God's choice to reveal the birth of His Son to these humble individuals, rather than to the religious or political elite, subverts societal expectations and emphasizes that God's grace is available to all, regardless of social standing. This act foreshadows the Messiah's ministry, which would consistently prioritize the poor, the outcast, and the marginalized.
* **Key Themes:** Luke 2:10 introduces and reinforces several foundational themes woven throughout Luke's Gospel and the broader biblical narrative. The command to "[Fear not](/luke/1-13 "Luke 1:13 - Angel Gabriel to Zechariah")" is a recurring motif in divine encounters, signifying that God's presence, though awe-inspiring, brings reassurance rather than condemnation. The central message of "good tidings of great joy" is the very essence of the gospel, translating the Greek *euangelion*, which denotes the announcement of a momentous, beneficial event—in this case, the arrival of the Savior. This joy is not fleeting happiness but a profound, spiritual delight rooted in God's redemptive work, a joy that Jesus himself would later promise to his disciples ([John 15:11](/john/15-11 "John 15:11 - Jesus' Desire for His Disciples' Joy")). Crucially, the declaration that this joy "shall be to all people" establishes the universal scope of salvation, breaking down ethnic and social barriers. This theme of inclusivity is central to Luke's portrayal of Jesus' ministry, which extends beyond Israel to embrace Gentiles and the marginalized, echoing the prophetic vision of a light for the Gentiles ([Isaiah 49:6](/isaiah/49-6 "Isaiah 49:6 - A Light for the Nations")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **good tidings (Greek, _euangelízō'_):** From εὖ (eu, "well") and ἄγγελος (angelos, "messenger"), meaning "to announce good news" or "to evangelize." This term is foundational to the Christian message, signifying the proclamation of the gospel of Jesus Christ. It implies a message of profound significance and benefit, bringing about a positive change in circumstance or status.
* **joy (Greek, _chará'_):** Denotes cheerfulness, calm delight, gladness. This is not merely superficial happiness but a deep, spiritual gladness that arises from a right relationship with God and the experience of His salvation. It is a lasting, internal state, often associated with the presence of the Holy Spirit and the Kingdom of God.
* **people (Greek, _laós'_):: ** Refers to a people in general, a nation or populace, particularly God's chosen people, but in this context, it expands to include all humanity. It contrasts with *dēmos*, which refers more narrowly to one's own populace or a specific local community. Here, *laós* emphasizes the broad, inclusive reach of the good news.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the angel said unto them, Fear not:"** The angel's immediate address aims to calm the shepherds' terror, which was a natural response to a divine manifestation. This phrase is a common angelic greeting in Scripture, always preceding a significant revelation or command from God. It reassures the recipients that the divine encounter is for their good, not their harm, inviting them to receive the message with open hearts rather than dread.
* **"for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy,"** The conjunction "for" introduces the reason for the command "Fear not"—the message is one of profound positivity. "Behold" (idoú) is an imperative, drawing immediate attention to the momentous nature of what is about to be revealed. The angel is not merely delivering news but "evangelizing" (euangelízō), proclaiming a message of "great joy" (megas chará). This joy is not ordinary or fleeting; it is of immense spiritual and eternal significance, arising from God's direct intervention in human history for salvation.
* **"which shall be to all people."** This clause declares the universal scope of the good tidings. The joy and salvation brought by the Messiah are not exclusive to a particular nation, tribe, or social class, but are intended for "all people" (pas laós)—Jew and Gentile, rich and poor, powerful and marginalized. This is a radical, inclusive declaration, foreshadowing the global reach of the gospel and God's expansive love for humanity.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 2:10 is rich in literary devices that amplify its theological weight. The most prominent is **Proclamation**, as the angel's words constitute a direct, authoritative announcement from God, setting the tone for the entire Gospel message. There is significant **Irony** in God choosing humble, marginalized shepherds as the first recipients of the most monumental news in history, rather than the religious or political elite. This choice underscores God's counter-cultural values and the accessibility of His grace. The phrase "great joy" employs **Hyperbole**, emphasizing the extraordinary and unparalleled nature of the joy that the Messiah's birth brings, a joy that transcends human experience. Furthermore, the angelic presence and the "glory of the Lord" (mentioned in the preceding verse) serve as **Symbolism** for divine presence and approval, validating the truth and significance of the message delivered. The entire scene functions as a **Theophany**, a visible manifestation of God, albeit through His messenger, signaling a decisive moment in salvation history.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 2:10 stands as a foundational theological statement, revealing God's character as a benevolent, inclusive, and sovereign Lord who initiates salvation for all humanity. The announcement of "good tidings of great joy" signifies the inauguration of God's redemptive plan, fulfilling centuries of prophetic anticipation. This joy is not merely emotional but theological, rooted in the reconciliation of humanity with God through the Incarnation. The universality of the message—"to all people"—underscores God's boundless love and His desire for all to come to Him, breaking down the traditional barriers of ethnicity and social status. It foreshadows the global mission of the church and the ultimate gathering of people from every nation, tribe, and tongue into God's eternal kingdom.

* [Isaiah 9:6-7](/isaiah/9-6-7 "Isaiah 9:6-7 - Prophecy of the Messiah's Birth")
* [John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God's Love for the World")
* [Revelation 7:9-10](/revelation/7-9-10 "Revelation 7:9-10 - Multitude from Every Nation")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The angel's message in Luke 2:10 serves as a timeless source of comfort, hope, and purpose for believers today. In a world often plagued by fear, uncertainty, and division, the divine command "Fear not" resonates deeply, reminding us that God's presence brings peace, not panic. The "good tidings of great joy" invite us to embrace a profound, enduring gladness that transcends our circumstances, knowing that our salvation is secured in Christ. This joy is not meant to be hoarded but shared, as the message is explicitly "to all people." This compels us to participate in God's mission, extending the universal love and hope embodied by Jesus' birth to our families, communities, and the world. It challenges us to look beyond our immediate circles and embrace the diverse tapestry of humanity, recognizing that the gospel's embrace is wide enough for everyone.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What specific fears in your life can be addressed by the angel's command, "Fear not," in light of Christ's birth?**
* **How does the "great joy" proclaimed by the angel differ from worldly happiness, and how can you cultivate this deeper joy in your daily life?**
* **In what ways can you actively participate in sharing these "good tidings of great joy" with "all people" in your sphere of influence?**
* **How does the universality of this message challenge any exclusive or narrow perspectives you might hold about God's love and salvation?**

### FAQ

**Why were shepherds chosen to receive this momentous announcement?**

Answer: The choice of shepherds as the first recipients of the angelic announcement is highly significant. Historically and culturally, shepherds were often marginalized, considered ritually unclean, and held a low social status. By revealing the Messiah's birth to them, God demonstrated His counter-cultural values, emphasizing that His salvation is not limited to the powerful, the wealthy, or the religiously elite, but is accessible to the humble and the outcast. This choice underscores the inclusive nature of the gospel and foreshadows Jesus' ministry, which consistently prioritized the poor and the marginalized, as seen throughout [Luke's Gospel](/luke/4-18 "Luke 4:18 - Jesus' Mission to the Poor"). It highlights that God often works through unexpected people and places to accomplish His divine purposes.

**What is the nature of the "great joy" mentioned by the angel?**

Answer: The "great joy" (Greek: *chará*) proclaimed by the angel is far more profound than mere fleeting happiness or emotional excitement. It is a deep, spiritual gladness rooted in the fulfillment of God's redemptive plan through the birth of the Messiah. This joy is a theological joy, arising from the knowledge of salvation, reconciliation with God, and the inauguration of His Kingdom. It is a joy that transcends earthly circumstances, sorrows, or trials, because its source is divine and eternal. It is the joy that comes from knowing that God has intervened decisively in human history to bring hope, peace, and eternal life, a joy that Jesus Himself later promised to His disciples ([John 16:22](/john/16-22 "John 16:22 - Your Joy No One Will Take From You")).

**What does "to all people" truly signify in this context?**

Answer: The phrase "to all people" (Greek: *pas laós*) is a crucial declaration of the universal scope of the gospel message. It signifies that the salvation and joy brought by the birth of Jesus are not exclusively for the Jewish people, but for all humanity—every nation, tribe, and tongue. This breaks down ethnic, social, and religious barriers, emphasizing God's boundless love and His desire for all people to come to Him. It foreshadows the global mission of the church to spread the good news to the ends of the earth ([Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - Witnesses to the Ends of the Earth")) and the ultimate vision of a redeemed multitude from every nation worshipping God ([Revelation 7:9](/revelation/7-9 "Revelation 7:9 - A Great Multitude from Every Nation")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 2:10 finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in Jesus Himself, who is the very embodiment and source of the "good tidings of great joy." The angel's announcement is not merely about a birth but about the Incarnation of God's Son, the promised Messiah and Savior. Jesus is the ultimate "good tidings" because His life, atoning death, and glorious resurrection provide the only means of salvation and reconciliation with God ([Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - God Demonstrates His Love")). He is the one who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")) and offers eternal life to all who believe. The "great joy" is realized in the peace, hope, and new life found exclusively in Him ([Romans 15:13](/romans/15-13 "Romans 15:13 - God of Hope Fill You with Joy")). Furthermore, Jesus' ministry and the Great Commission ([Matthew 28:19-20](/matthew/28-19-20 "Matthew 28:19-20 - The Great Commission")) confirm that this message of joy and salvation is indeed "to all people," transcending all human divisions and inviting every individual into God's family through faith in Him. He is the light that has come into the world, bringing salvation to all who embrace Him ([John 8:12](/john/8-12 "John 8:12 - Jesus, the Light of the World")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

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: