Luke 2:14

KJV

Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

KJV (with Strong's)

Glory {G1391} to God {G2316} in {G1722} the highest {G5310}, and {G2532} on {G1909} earth {G1093} peace {G1515}, good will {G2107} toward {G1722} men {G444}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"In the highest heaven, glory to God! And on earth, peace among people of good will!"

Berean Standard Bible

“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom His favor rests!”

American Standard Version

Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace among men in whom he is well pleased.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 2:14 captures the climactic declaration of the heavenly host to the shepherds, announcing the profound significance of Jesus Christ's birth. This concise yet powerful verse encapsulates the core message of the Nativity: the ultimate purpose of Christ's arrival is to bring supreme glory to God in the heavens and to establish a profound, holistic peace on earth, rooted in God's benevolent favor and good will toward humanity.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the triumphant crescendo of the angelic announcement to the humble shepherds in the fields outside Bethlehem. Following the initial appearance of a single angel who delivered the "good news of great joy" concerning the Savior's birth ([Luke 2:10-12](/luke/2-10-12 "Luke 2:10-12 - The Angelic Announcement to the Shepherds")), a sudden, vast multitude of the heavenly host appears, spontaneously erupting in this chorus of praise. This collective worship underscores the cosmic magnitude of the Incarnation, transitioning from the specific message about the baby Jesus to a universal declaration of God's glory and the peace He brings. The shepherds' subsequent response of going to Bethlehem and spreading the word ([Luke 2:15-20](/luke/2-15-20 "Luke 2:15-20 - The Shepherds' Response")) directly flows from this powerful angelic proclamation.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The birth of Jesus occurred within the historical backdrop of the Roman Empire, a period often characterized by the "Pax Romana," a forced peace maintained through military might. However, the angelic declaration speaks of a different kind of peace—a spiritual and relational wholeness (Hebrew *shalom*) that transcends political stability. The choice of shepherds, a marginalized and often disdained group in Jewish society, as the first recipients of this divine revelation highlights God's preference for the humble and overlooked, a recurring theme in Luke's Gospel. Bethlehem, though small, was significant as the ancestral home of King David and the prophesied birthplace of the Messiah ([Micah 5:2](/micah/5-2 "Micah 5:2 - Prophecy of Bethlehem's Significance")). The angelic appearance itself would have been an awe-inspiring, terrifying, and profoundly significant event, marking a direct divine intervention into human history.
* **Key Themes:** Luke 2:14 contributes significantly to several major themes within Luke's Gospel and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it emphasizes **God's Supreme Glory** ([dóxa](/luke/2-14 "Luke 2:14 - Glory to God")), asserting that the Incarnation is primarily for God's exaltation, not merely for humanity's benefit. Secondly, it introduces the theme of **Divine Peace** ([eirḗnē](/luke/2-14 "Luke 2:14 - Peace on Earth")), a peace that encompasses reconciliation with God, inner tranquility, and holistic well-being, contrasting sharply with worldly peace. This peace is a central promise of the Messiah, as foreshadowed in passages like [Isaiah 9:6-7](/isaiah/9-6-7 "Isaiah 9:6-7 - The Prince of Peace"). Lastly, the phrase "good will toward men" highlights **God's Benevolent Initiative** ([eudokía](/luke/2-14 "Luke 2:14 - Good Will Toward Men")), revealing His gracious disposition and purposeful intent to bring salvation and favor to humanity through Christ, echoing the overarching narrative of God's love for the world found in [John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God's Love for the World")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Glory (Greek, _dóxa'_):** From the base of *dokéō*, meaning "glory (as very apparent), in a wide application (literal or figurative, objective or subjective): dignity, glory(-ious), honour, praise, worship." In this context, *dóxa* refers to the manifest splendor, honor, and praise due to God. The birth of Jesus is seen as the ultimate revelation of God's character, power, and redemptive plan, eliciting profound worship from the heavenly host.
* **Earth (Greek, _gē'_):** Contracted from a primary word; "soil; by extension a region, or the solid part or the whole of the terrene globe (including the occupants in each application): country, earth(-ly), ground, land, world." Here, *gē* signifies the terrestrial realm, the physical world and its inhabitants, indicating that the peace and good will are specifically directed towards the human sphere.
* **Peace (Greek, _eirḗnē'_):** Probably from a primary verb (to join); "peace (literally or figuratively); by implication, prosperity: one, peace, quietness, rest, + set at one again." This word carries the rich connotation of the Hebrew *shalom*, signifying not merely the absence of conflict but a state of wholeness, completeness, well-being, and harmonious relationship, particularly with God.
* **Good will (Greek, _eudokía'_):** From a presumed compound of *eû* (well) and the base of *dokéō* (to seem); "satisfaction, i.e. (subjectively) delight, or (objectively) kindness, wish, purpose: desire, good pleasure (will), X seem good." This term denotes God's benevolent disposition, His gracious favor, and His divine pleasure or purpose directed toward humanity.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Glory to God in the highest":** This opening phrase is a declaration of supreme praise and worship directed towards God. "In the highest" (Greek, *en hypsistois*) refers to the highest heavens, the celestial dwelling place of God and His angelic hosts. It signifies that the birth of Jesus is an event that redounds to God's ultimate honor and majesty, recognized and celebrated even in the heavenly realms. It is the primary and overarching purpose of the Incarnation.
* **"and on earth peace":** This clause shifts the focus from the heavenly realm to the earthly. The peace (Greek, *eirḗnē*) proclaimed is not merely the cessation of conflict but a holistic, spiritual peace—a reconciliation between God and humanity, and the restoration of inner tranquility and well-being. This peace is made possible through the person and work of Jesus Christ, who bridges the chasm of sin that separated humanity from God.
* **"good will toward men":** This final phrase expresses God's benevolent disposition and gracious initiative towards humanity. The Greek phrase *eudokía en anthrōpois* (good will among men) has been subject to textual variations. The King James Version (KJV) and Textus Receptus tradition reads *eudokía* (nominative), implying "good will *from God* toward men." Other ancient manuscripts (e.g., Vaticanus, Sinaiticus) read *eudokías* (genitive), implying "peace among men *of good will*" or "peace to men *on whom His favor rests*." While the latter emphasizes the recipients of God's favor, both interpretations ultimately point to God's gracious disposition as the source of this peace. It signifies God's divine pleasure and gracious intent to save and bless humanity through the advent of His Son.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 2:14 is rich with literary artistry. The most prominent device is **Antithesis**, juxtaposing "God in the highest" with "on earth," highlighting the divine condescension of Christ's birth that bridges the gap between heaven and earth. The verse also employs **Parallelism**, with the two main clauses ("Glory to God..." and "on earth peace...") forming a balanced structure that emphasizes the dual impact of Christ's arrival—heavenly praise and earthly blessing. The phrase itself is a **Proclamation** or **Declaration**, delivered by a multitude of angels, lending it immense authority and solemnity. Furthermore, the entire scene is imbued with **Symbolism**: the "highest" symbolizing God's transcendence, "earth" representing humanity's realm, and "peace" symbolizing the ultimate reconciliation and wholeness brought by the Messiah. The angelic chorus itself is a **Hyperbole** of praise, indicating the immense joy and significance of the event.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The angelic anthem of Luke 2:14 encapsulates profound theological truths. It asserts that the Incarnation of Jesus Christ is first and foremost for the **glory of God**. His birth is not merely a human event but a divine act that reveals God's character, power, and redemptive love in an unprecedented way. The "peace on earth" is not a political truce, but the spiritual *shalom* that reconciles humanity to God, breaking down the hostility caused by sin. This peace is the fruit of God's **sovereign good will** and gracious initiative, demonstrating His unwavering desire to restore fellowship with His creation. It signifies the inauguration of a new covenant era where humanity can experience true reconciliation and wholeness through Christ.

* [Isaiah 9:6](/isaiah/9-6 "Isaiah 9:6 - Prophecy of the Prince of Peace")
* [John 14:27](/john/14-27 "John 14:27 - Jesus' Gift of Peace")
* [Ephesians 2:14](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14 - Christ Our Peace")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The timeless declaration of Luke 2:14 serves as a foundational call for all believers to orient their lives around the twin pillars of God's glory and the peace He offers. It challenges us to live lives that consistently bring honor and praise to God, recognizing that every good gift and every redemptive act originates from His benevolent will. As recipients of this divine peace, we are not merely to enjoy it personally but to become conduits of it in a broken world. This means actively pursuing reconciliation, fostering harmony, and extending kindness and good will to others, reflecting the very character of God. The angelic message is a powerful reminder that the true meaning of Christ's birth transcends seasonal celebration; it is an enduring invitation to participate in God's mission of bringing His glory and peace to every corner of the earth through lives transformed by His grace.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding that Christ's birth is primarily for "Glory to God" reframe your perspective on Christmas and your own worship?**
* **In what ways does the "peace on earth" proclaimed by the angels differ from the world's understanding of peace, and how can you embody this divine peace in your daily interactions?**
* **Considering God's "good will toward men," how does this truth inspire you to extend grace, kindness, and benevolence to those around you, especially those who may be difficult to love?**

### FAQ

**What does "in the highest" mean in this verse?**

Answer: "In the highest" (Greek, *en hypsistois*) refers to the highest heavens or celestial realms. It signifies that the glory being given to God is not merely from humanity, but is a cosmic, universal praise originating from and acknowledged by the heavenly hosts themselves. It emphasizes God's supreme transcendence and the unparalleled significance of the Incarnation, which elicits worship even from the angelic realm.

**Does "good will toward men" mean God has good will toward *all* people, or only a select group?**

Answer: The interpretation of "good will toward men" (Greek, *eudokía en anthrōpois*) has been debated due to a slight textual variant in ancient manuscripts. The King James Version (KJV) and some other translations follow the reading *eudokía* (nominative), which implies God's benevolent disposition and favor extended to all humanity. Other ancient manuscripts read *eudokías* (genitive), which would translate to "peace among men of good will" or "peace to men on whom His favor rests." While the latter might suggest a more limited scope of recipients, the overarching theological message of the New Testament consistently portrays God's universal love and desire for all to come to repentance and salvation ([1 Timothy 2:4](/1_timothy/2-4 "1 Timothy 2:4 - God Desires All to Be Saved")). Therefore, even if the variant implies peace for those who receive His favor, the source of that favor is still God's universal good will and gracious initiative.

**What kind of "peace" is being referred to here? Is it political peace, or something else?**

Answer: The "peace" (Greek, *eirḗnē*) proclaimed by the angels is far more profound than mere political peace or the absence of war. It carries the rich meaning of the Hebrew concept of *shalom*, which encompasses holistic well-being, completeness, harmony, and reconciliation. It refers primarily to the spiritual peace that comes from being reconciled to God through Jesus Christ, which then extends to inner tranquility and harmonious relationships with others. This peace is a gift from God, made possible by the atoning work of Christ, who breaks down the dividing wall of hostility between God and humanity, and between people groups ([Ephesians 2:14-16](/ephesians/2-14-16 "Ephesians 2:14-16 - Christ Our Peace and Reconciliation")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 2:14 finds its ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the very embodiment of the "Glory to God in the highest," for He is the "radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of His being" ([Hebrews 1:3](/hebrews/1-3 "Hebrews 1:3 - The Radiance of God's Glory")). Through His Incarnation, life, death, and resurrection, Jesus perfectly revealed God's character and brought the divine glory down to earth. He is also the "peace on earth," not merely by proclaiming it, but by *being* our peace. By His sacrifice on the cross, He reconciled humanity to God, breaking down the wall of hostility and creating one new humanity ([Ephesians 2:14-16](/ephesians/2-14-16 "Ephesians 2:14-16 - Christ Our Peace")). Furthermore, Jesus is the ultimate expression of God's "good will toward men." His entire mission was an act of divine favor, demonstrating God's boundless love for a fallen world ([John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God's Love for the World")). The peace He offers is not of this world, but a deep, abiding peace that transcends circumstances ([John 14:27](/john/14-27 "John 14:27 - Jesus' Gift of Peace")), a peace that is fully realized in Him, the "Prince of Peace" ([Isaiah 9:6](/isaiah/9-6 "Isaiah 9:6 - Prophecy of the Prince of Peace")). Thus, the angelic anthem is a prophetic declaration of what Christ would accomplish, bringing God's glory to its zenith and establishing true peace and divine favor among humanity through His redemptive work.

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

Romans 5:1

¶ Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:

Luke 19:38

Saying, Blessed [be] the King that cometh in the name of the Lord: peace in heaven, and glory in the highest.

Colossians 1:20

And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, [I say], whether [they be] things in earth, or things in heaven.

Luke 1:79

To give light to them that sit in darkness and [in] the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.

Hebrews 13:20

Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant,

Hebrews 13:21

Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom [be] glory for ever and ever. Amen.

Revelation 5:13

And every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power, [be] unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever.