Luke 2:13

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,

And {G2532} suddenly {G1810} there was {G1096} with {G4862} the angel {G32} a multitude {G4128} of the heavenly {G3770} host {G4756} praising {G134} God {G2316}, and {G2532} saying {G3004},

Suddenly, along with the angel was a vast army from heaven praising God:

And suddenly there appeared with the angel a great multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying:

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,

Luke 2:13 immediately follows the singular angel's announcement to the shepherds regarding the birth of Jesus Christ. This verse dramatically expands the scene, revealing the immense significance of the Incarnation through a spectacular heavenly display.

Context of Luke 2:13

The preceding verses describe a single angel appearing to humble shepherds in the fields near Bethlehem, bringing them "good tidings of great joy" concerning the birth of a Saviour, Christ the Lord (Luke 2:10). The angel even provides a sign: finding the baby wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger (Luke 2:12). Suddenly, as the initial message concludes, the sky is filled with a vast assembly of angels, joining in praise.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Spectacle and Confirmation: The sudden appearance of a "multitude" emphasizes the extraordinary and cosmic importance of the birth of Jesus. It serves as a powerful divine confirmation of the single angel's message, leaving no doubt about its truth or significance.
  • Angelic Worship and God's Glory: The primary activity of this heavenly host is "praising God." This highlights the immediate and overwhelming response of the heavenly realms to the Incarnation, acknowledging God's wisdom, love, and power in sending His Son. The event is a profound manifestation of God's glory breaking into the earthly sphere.
  • The Significance of Christ's Birth: The sheer number of angels and their unified praise underscore that this was not merely a local event but a pivotal moment in salvation history, celebrated by all of heaven.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "heavenly host" translates the Greek stratia ouranios (στρατιὰ οὐράνιος). The term stratia refers to an army, a multitude, or a company, often with military connotations. Ouranios means heavenly. Thus, "heavenly host" conveys the idea of a vast, organized assembly of celestial beings, an army of heaven. This imagery suggests not only their countless numbers but also their organized purpose and power in serving God, bringing His message and celebrating His mighty acts.

Practical Application

The angelic chorus reminds us that the birth of Jesus was an event of universal joy and cosmic significance. It calls us to join the angels in worship and adoration, recognizing the profound love and wisdom of God in orchestrating our salvation. Just as the shepherds were given an extraordinary glimpse into the heavenly realm, we too are invited to marvel at God's work and respond with lives of praise and obedience. The angels' song in the following verse encapsulates the profound implications of this divine advent.

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.

  • Revelation 5:11

    And I beheld, and I heard the voice of many angels round about the throne and the beasts and the elders: and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands;

  • 1 Kings 22:19

    And he said, Hear thou therefore the word of the LORD: I saw the LORD sitting on his throne, and all the host of heaven standing by him on his right hand and on his left.

  • Psalms 148:2

    Praise ye him, all his angels: praise ye him, all his hosts.

  • Psalms 103:20

    Bless the LORD, ye his angels, that excel in strength, that do his commandments, hearkening unto the voice of his word.

  • Psalms 103:21

    Bless ye the LORD, all [ye] his hosts; [ye] ministers of his, that do his pleasure.

  • Hebrews 1:14

    Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?

  • Daniel 7:10

    A fiery stream issued and came forth from before him: thousand thousands ministered unto him, and ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him: the judgment was set, and the books were opened.

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