Luke 2:16

And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.

And {G2532} they came {G2064} with haste {G4692}, and {G2532}{G5037} found {G429} Mary {G3137}, and {G2532} Joseph {G2501}, and {G2532} the babe {G1025} lying {G2749} in {G1722} a manger {G5336}.

Hurrying off, they came and found Miryam and Yosef, and the baby lying in the feeding trough.

So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph and the Baby, who was lying in the manger.

And they came with haste, and found both Mary and Joseph, and the babe lying in the manger.

Context of Luke 2:16

The verse immediately follows the glorious angelic announcement to the shepherds in the fields near Bethlehem. They had been told of the birth of the Savior, Christ the Lord, and given a specific sign: they would find the babe "wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger" (Luke 2:12). Luke 2:16 describes the shepherds' immediate, believing response to this divine revelation. Their journey was not a casual stroll but an urgent, faith-filled expedition to verify the heavenly message and witness the promised Messiah. This humble setting contrasts sharply with typical expectations for a king's birth, highlighting the unique nature of Jesus' arrival.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Obedience and Faith: The shepherds exemplify immediate and trusting obedience to God's word. They didn't question or delay but responded with "haste," demonstrating their faith in the angelic message.
  • Humility of the Incarnation: The fact that the King of Kings was found "lying in a manger" underscores the profound humility of God becoming man. Jesus entered the world not in a palace, but in the most unassuming of circumstances, making Him accessible to all, even the lowliest shepherds.
  • Divine Confirmation: The shepherds found everything precisely as the angels had described, confirming the truthfulness and reliability of God's message. This physical confirmation solidified their faith and prepared them to spread the good news.
  • Accessibility of Salvation: The first human visitors to the newborn Christ were not kings or religious elite, but simple shepherds. This highlights that God's salvation and presence are available to everyone, regardless of social status or worldly importance.

Linguistic Insights

  • "Haste" (KJV): The Greek word here is spoudēs (σπουδῆς), which conveys not just speed but also eagerness, diligence, and zealous urgency. It implies a willing and ready spirit, reflecting their profound desire to see the Christ child.
  • "Babe" (KJV): The Greek term is brephos (βρέφος), which refers specifically to a newborn infant. Its use emphasizes the tender, vulnerable, and fully human state of Jesus at His birth, truly "God with us" in the flesh.

Practical Application

Luke 2:16 challenges believers today to respond to God's word with similar urgency and faith. When we receive a divine message, whether through Scripture, prayer, or the Holy Spirit, are we quick to obey and seek Him? The humility of Christ's birth reminds us that God often reveals Himself and works in unexpected, humble ways. We are called to look beyond worldly appearances and recognize the divine presence in simple, often overlooked places and people. Like the shepherds, our encounter with Christ should lead us to worship and to share the good news with others, becoming witnesses of His saving grace.

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.

  • Luke 19:32

    And they that were sent went their way, and found even as he had said unto them.

  • Luke 2:12

    And this [shall be] a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

  • Luke 2:7

    And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

  • Luke 22:13

    And they went, and found as he had said unto them: and they made ready the passover.

  • Luke 1:39

    ¶ And Mary arose in those days, and went into the hill country with haste, into a city of Juda;

  • Ecclesiastes 9:10

    Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do [it] with thy might; for [there is] no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest.

Add TrulyRandomVerse to your Home Screen for quick access!

← Back