Luke 2:15

KJV

And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} it came to pass {G1096}, as {G5613} the angels {G32} were gone away {G565} from {G575} them {G846} into {G1519} heaven {G3772},{G2532} the shepherds {G444}{G4166} said {G2036} one {G240} to {G4314} another {G240}, Let us {G1330} now {G1211} go {G1330} even unto {G2193} Bethlehem {G965}, and {G2532} see {G1492} this {G5124} thing {G4487} which is come to pass {G1096}, which {G3739}{G3588} the Lord {G2962} hath made known {G1107} unto us {G2254}.

Complete Jewish Bible

No sooner had the angels left them and gone back into heaven than the shepherds said to one another, "Let's go over to Beit-Lechem and see this thing that has happened, that ADONAI has told us about."

Berean Standard Bible

When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.”

American Standard Version

And it came to pass, when the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing that is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 2:15 vividly captures the immediate, faith-filled response of the shepherds after their extraordinary encounter with the angelic host. As the heavenly vision receded, these humble men, having received the divine announcement of the Messiah's birth, wasted no time in deciding to journey to Bethlehem. Their shared resolve was driven by a profound desire to personally witness and confirm the miraculous "thing" that the Lord had so graciously revealed to them.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as a pivotal transition point in the Christmas narrative, moving from the celestial proclamation to human action. Immediately preceding it, a single angel announces the birth of the Savior, Christ the Lord, in Bethlehem, providing a specific sign: a baby wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger ([Luke 2:10-12](/luke/2-10-12 "The Angel's Announcement to the Shepherds")). This initial announcement is then amplified by a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and proclaiming peace on earth ([Luke 2:13-14](/luke/2-13-14 "The Heavenly Host Praises God")). Luke 2:15 marks the moment the divine spectacle concludes, prompting the shepherds' immediate and unified decision to act on the revelation. The verses that follow describe their journey, their discovery of the Holy Family, their subsequent spreading of the news, and their return, glorifying God ([Luke 2:16-20](/luke/2-16-20 "The Shepherds' Response and Witness")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Shepherds in ancient Israel were often considered among the lowest strata of society, sometimes even deemed ritually unclean due to their constant outdoor life and contact with animals. They were marginalized, uneducated, and generally overlooked by the religious and political elite. The fact that God chose these humble, ordinary individuals as the first human recipients of the most monumental news in history—the birth of the Messiah—is profoundly significant. It underscores God's preference for the lowly and his subversion of human social hierarchies. Bethlehem, their destination, was not merely a nearby town but the ancestral home of King David ([1 Samuel 17:12](/1_samuel/17-12 "David's Family in Bethlehem")), and prophetically identified as the birthplace of the Messiah ([Micah 5:2](/micah/5-2 "Prophecy of Messiah's Birth in Bethlehem")). The Roman census, which brought Joseph and Mary to Bethlehem ([Luke 2:1-5](/luke/2-1-5 "The Census and Journey to Bethlehem")), inadvertently set the stage for this divine fulfillment.
* **Key Themes:** Luke 2:15 powerfully illustrates several key themes central to the broader narrative of [Luke's Gospel](/luke/1 "The Gospel According to Luke"). Firstly, it highlights **Divine Revelation and Human Response**, showcasing God's initiative in making known His salvific plan and the immediate, obedient faith of those who receive it. The shepherds' decision to "go even unto Bethlehem" is a testament to their trust in the angelic message. Secondly, the choice of shepherds emphasizes **Humility and God's Favor**, reinforcing the recurring biblical motif that God often chooses the overlooked and marginalized to reveal His greatest truths and purposes, as seen in [1 Corinthians 1:27-29](/1_corinthians/1-27-29 "God Chooses the Foolish and Weak"). Finally, the phrase "Let us now go" conveys a profound sense of **Urgency and Verification**. The shepherds were not content with merely hearing the news; they felt a compelling need to personally witness and confirm "this thing which is come to pass," demonstrating a genuine desire to experience the truth of God's word for themselves.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **gínomai (Greek, _gínomai'_):** Occurring twice in the verse ("it came to pass" and "which is come to pass"), this word signifies "to come into being," "to become," or "to happen." Its repetition emphasizes the concrete, undeniable reality of the events unfolding. It's not a dream or a vision that merely *seemed* to happen, but a tangible, historical occurrence that has genuinely *come to pass*. This highlights the Incarnation as a real event in human history.
* **rhēma (Greek, _rhēma'_):** Translated as "thing" in the KJV, _rhēma_ literally means "an utterance," "a word," or "a saying." In this context, it refers to the specific divine utterance or message delivered by the angels concerning the Messiah's birth, which has now become a tangible "matter" or "event." The shepherds are going to see the *fulfillment* of the divine word, emphasizing that God's spoken word is not abstract but has concrete, impactful reality.
* **gnōrízō (Greek, _gnōrízō'_):** Translated as "hath made known," this verb means "to make known," "to cause to know," or "to reveal." It underscores the divine initiative in the shepherds' experience. The knowledge of the Messiah's birth was not something they discovered on their own; it was actively and graciously revealed to them by the Lord. This highlights the nature of salvation as a gift of divine revelation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven":** This opening clause establishes the immediate aftermath of the profound angelic visitation. The departure of the celestial beings signifies the end of the supernatural spectacle and the return to ordinary human experience, setting the stage for the shepherds' human response. It marks the transition from divine revelation to human action.
* **"the shepherds said one to another":** This phrase indicates a collective, unified decision among the shepherds. Their conversation reflects a shared understanding of the significance of the angelic message and a mutual resolve to act upon it. It suggests a communal faith and a common purpose.
* **"Let us now go even unto Bethlehem":** This is the core of their decision, marked by urgency ("now") and a clear destination. It is an active, intentional choice to leave their current duties and embark on a journey. The phrase "even unto" emphasizes their determination to reach the precise location indicated by the angel.
* **"and see this thing which is come to pass":** This reveals their primary motivation: to personally witness and verify the incredible news. They are not merely curious; they desire to experience the reality of what has been announced. The use of "see" (Greek _eídō_) implies a desire not just for visual confirmation but for experiential knowledge.
* **"which the Lord hath made known unto us":** This final clause articulates the source and nature of their knowledge. They understand that this "thing" is not a rumor or human speculation, but a divine revelation, personally communicated to them by God Himself. This acknowledgment underscores their faith in the divine origin of the message.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 2:15 is rich with literary techniques that enhance its meaning. The verse employs **Narrative Transition**, smoothly shifting the focus from the awe-inspiring divine manifestation to the practical, faith-filled response of the human characters. This creates a sense of continuity and consequence. There is also a powerful **Contrast** implied between the celestial glory of the angels and the humble, earthly reality of the shepherds, highlighting God's choice to reveal His greatest truth to the marginalized. The phrase "Let us now go" conveys a strong sense of **Urgency** and **Immediacy**, emphasizing the shepherds' unhesitating obedience and fervent desire. This immediacy is a key characteristic of true faith. Furthermore, the shepherds' journey to "see this thing" can be seen as a form of **Foreshadowing**, representing the universal human quest to encounter and verify the truth of God's revelation in Christ. Their active seeking prefigures the spiritual journey of all who seek the Messiah.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 2:15 stands as a profound testament to the nature of divine revelation and the appropriate human response. It illustrates God's condescension, choosing to reveal the most glorious news—the Incarnation of His Son—not to the powerful or learned, but to humble, overlooked shepherds. This act of revelation is not merely informative but transformative, compelling an immediate and active response of faith. The shepherds' journey to Bethlehem is a tangible demonstration of their belief in God's word and their desire to personally encounter the truth of what He had made known. Their actions underscore that true faith is not passive assent but an active pursuit of God's revealed will, culminating in a personal encounter with the living Christ. This encounter, in turn, fuels a desire to share the good news with others, as seen in the subsequent verses.

* [1 Corinthians 1:27](/1_corinthians/1-27 "God Chooses the Foolish and Weak")
* [James 1:22](/james/1-22 "Be Doers of the Word")
* [Matthew 7:7](/matthew/7-7 "Ask, Seek, Knock")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The shepherds' response in Luke 2:15 offers timeless and powerful lessons for believers today. Their immediate and unified decision to "go even unto Bethlehem" serves as a profound model for how we should respond to God's revelation in our own lives. When God speaks, whether through His written Word, the prompting of the Holy Spirit, or the counsel of godly community, our call is to respond with promptness and unwavering faith, just as the shepherds did. There was no hesitation, no debate, only a shared resolve to seek out the truth. This active seeking of Christ is not a passive waiting but a purposeful journey, whether it involves diligent study of Scripture, consistent prayer, intentional participation in Christian community, or stepping out in obedience to a specific call. Just as the shepherds were compelled to "see this thing which is come to pass," we too are invited to personally encounter the living Christ, not just as a historical figure, but as a present reality in our lives. Their journey teaches us that true faith leads to action, and that encountering Christ inevitably leads to a desire to share the good news with others, transforming us into witnesses of His saving grace.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How readily do I respond to God's revealed truth in my life, or do I tend to hesitate or over-analyze?**
* **What "Bethlehem"—what specific act of seeking or obedience—might the Lord be calling me to "go" to in my spiritual journey today?**
* **In what ways can I actively seek to "see" and experience the reality of Christ in my daily life, beyond intellectual assent?**
* **How does my personal encounter with Christ compel me to share His good news with others, mirroring the shepherds' later actions?**

### FAQ

**Why were the shepherds, of all people, chosen to receive this momentous announcement?**

Answer: The choice of shepherds to be the first recipients of the angelic announcement of Jesus' birth is deeply significant and aligns with a recurring biblical theme. In ancient Israelite society, shepherds were often marginalized, considered of low social standing, and sometimes even ritually unclean. By revealing the Messiah's birth to these humble, overlooked individuals, God demonstrates His divine condescension and His preference for the lowly and the outcast. This choice underscores that God's grace is not reserved for the elite or powerful, but is freely offered to all, regardless of social status. It foreshadows Jesus' own ministry, which would consistently embrace the marginalized and challenge societal norms. It also highlights God's sovereign choice to reveal His truth to those with open and humble hearts, rather than those who might be too proud or preoccupied to receive it. This divine act emphasizes that the Kingdom of God is often revealed to the "little ones" ([Matthew 11:25](/matthew/11-25 "Jesus Praises the Father for Revealing to Little Children")).

**What is the significance of the shepherds wanting to "see this thing which is come to pass"?**

Answer: The phrase "this thing which is come to pass" (Greek _rhēma_) refers to the divine utterance or message from the angels that has now become a tangible reality—the birth of the Messiah. The shepherds' desire to "see" it is not mere curiosity; it reflects a profound human need for verification and personal experience of divine truth. Having heard an extraordinary, life-altering message, they felt compelled to witness its fulfillment firsthand. This act of seeking and seeing transforms the abstract "word" into a concrete, personal encounter. It underscores that God's revelation is not just intellectual information but an invitation to a real, experiential relationship. Their immediate journey to Bethlehem demonstrates active faith—they believed the word they heard and acted upon it to confirm its truth, much like we are called to actively seek and experience the reality of [God's Word](/john/1-1 "The Word Was God") in our lives.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The shepherds' journey in Luke 2:15, driven by a divine revelation and a desire to "see this thing which is come to pass," finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in Jesus Himself. The "thing" they sought to see was the Incarnation of God, the Word made flesh. Jesus is the very [Word of God](/john/1-14 "The Word Became Flesh") who "came to pass" in human history, embodying the divine utterance that the Father had "made known" to humanity. Their immediate and active response to the angelic message foreshadows the call for all humanity to respond in faith to the good news of Jesus Christ. Just as they sought the newborn King, we are called to seek the resurrected Lord, who is the [image of the invisible God](/colossians/1-15 "Christ, the Image of the Invisible God") and the full revelation of the Father. The shepherds, humble caretakers of sheep, were led to the ultimate [Good Shepherd](/john/10-11 "Jesus, the Good Shepherd"), who would lay down His life for His flock. Their encounter with the Christ child transformed them into witnesses, mirroring the ultimate purpose of our faith: to encounter Jesus and then to proclaim Him to the world. In Jesus, all of God's promises and revelations find their "yes" and "amen" ([2 Corinthians 1:20](/2_corinthians/1-20 "God's Promises are Yes in Christ")), making Him the ultimate "thing" that has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us.

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

1 Peter 3:22

Who is gone into heaven, and is on the right hand of God; angels and authorities and powers being made subject unto him.

Matthew 2:1

¶ Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem,

Matthew 2:2

Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.

Psalms 111:2

The works of the LORD [are] great, sought out of all them that have pleasure therein.

Matthew 2:9

¶ When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was.

Matthew 2:11

And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.

John 20:1

¶ The first [day] of the week cometh Mary Magdalene early, when it was yet dark, unto the sepulchre, and seeth the stone taken away from the sepulchre.