Luke 2:20

And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.

And {G2532} the shepherds {G4166} returned {G1994}, glorifying {G1392} and {G2532} praising {G134} God {G2316} for {G1909} all the things {G3956} that {G3739} they had heard {G191} and {G2532} seen {G1492}, as {G2531} it was told {G2980} unto {G4314} them {G846}.

Meanwhile, the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for everything they had heard and seen; it had been just as they had been told.

The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, which was just as the angel had told them.

And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, even as it was spoken unto them.

Luke 2:20 concludes the account of the shepherds' visit to the newborn Jesus, highlighting their profound response to this divine encounter. Having seen the Christ child and confirmed everything the angel had told them, their immediate reaction was one of overflowing joy and reverent worship.

Context

This verse follows the miraculous announcement by an angel to the shepherds in the fields outside Bethlehem (Luke 2:10-12), informing them of the Savior's birth. Promptly, they went to Bethlehem and found Mary, Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger, exactly as described (Luke 2:16). After witnessing this incredible event, they shared their experience with others, causing wonder (Luke 2:17-18). Luke 2:20 then describes their return journey, not as a mere departure, but as an act of profound spiritual gratitude and adoration.

Key Themes

  • Glorification and Praise: The core of the shepherds' response. They didn't just feel good; they actively glorified and praised God. This points to a deep understanding that what they had witnessed was a direct act of God's grace and the fulfillment of His promises. Their praise was a natural outflow of encountering the divine.
  • Confirmation of God's Word: The phrase "as it was told unto them" is crucial. It underscores the reliability of God's prophetic word and the angelic message. The shepherds found everything to be precisely as revealed, reinforcing their faith and validating the extraordinary events. This demonstrates God's faithfulness in bringing His plans to fruition (Isaiah 55:11).
  • Joyful Witness and Response: Having "heard and seen," they became the first evangelists of the Nativity, spreading the news and then returning with hearts full of worship. Their personal experience transformed into public adoration, setting an example for how believers should respond to God's revelation.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV uses two strong verbs: "glorifying" (Greek: doxazontes, from doxazo, meaning to ascribe honor, praise, or splendor) and "praising" (Greek: ainountes, from aineo, meaning to laud, extol, or celebrate with praise). These terms are not synonymous but complementary, emphasizing a profound and active expression of worship. Doxazontes focuses on acknowledging God's inherent glory and majesty, while ainountes speaks to celebrating His specific acts of goodness and power. Together, they paint a picture of comprehensive and heartfelt adoration.

Practical Application

The shepherds' response serves as a timeless model for believers today. When we encounter God's truth, whether through His Word, prayer, or personal experience, our natural response should be one of profound gratitude and worship. Just as the shepherds returned with hearts full of praise for the birth of the Savior, we are called to glorify God for all He has done and continues to do in our lives and in the world. This verse encourages us to move from passive observation to active adoration, sharing the good news of what we have heard and seen with others (Psalm 103:1).

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.

  • Isaiah 29:19

    The meek also shall increase [their] joy in the LORD, and the poor among men shall rejoice in the Holy One of Israel.

  • Psalms 106:48

    Blessed [be] the LORD God of Israel from everlasting to everlasting: and let all the people say, Amen. Praise ye the LORD.

  • Acts 11:18

    When they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life.

  • Psalms 72:17

    His name shall endure for ever: his name shall be continued as long as the sun: and [men] shall be blessed in him: all nations shall call him blessed.

  • Psalms 72:19

    And blessed [be] his glorious name for ever: and let the whole earth be filled [with] his glory; Amen, and Amen.

  • Psalms 107:8

    Oh that [men] would praise the LORD [for] his goodness, and [for] his wonderful works to the children of men!

  • Psalms 107:15

    Oh that [men] would praise the LORD [for] his goodness, and [for] his wonderful works to the children of men!

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