Meaning, commentary and cross references
Luke 2:10
“And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.”In other translations
KJV · King James Version
And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
NIV · New International Version
But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.
WEB · World English Bible
The angel said to them, “Don’t be afraid, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be to all the people.
What does Luke 2:10 mean?
John Gill · Exposition of the Entire Bible, on Luke 2:10
And the angel said unto them; fear not,.... For he was not a messenger of bad, but of good tidings: for behold, I bring you good tidings; tidings, that were both wonderful and amazing, and therefore a "behold" is prefixed to them, as well as to excite to attention; and which were good news, and glad tidings, for such the birth of Christ of a virgin is: in which the good will and amazing love of Cod to man are displayed, and the promises, and prophecies relating to him fulfilled; and the work of man's salvation, his peace, pardon, righteousness, &c. about to be accomplished, and so matter great joy: not carnal, but spiritual; not feigned, but real; not temporary, but lasting; even such as…
John Gill, Exposition of the Entire Bible (1746–63). Public domain. Digital text: Free Use Bible API (bible.helloao.org).
John Calvin · Commentaries, on Luke 2:8–14
10. Fear not The design of this exhortation is to alleviate their fear. For, though it is profitable for the minds of men to be struck with awe, that they may learn to "give unto the Lord the glory due unto his name," (Psalm 29:2;) yet they have need, at the same time, of consolation, that they may not be altogether overwhelmed. For the majesty of God could not but swallow up the whole world, if there were not some mildness to mitigate the terror which it brings.
John Calvin, Commentaries (Calvin Translation Society English text). Public domain. Digital text: Free Use Bible API (bible.helloao.org).
Context: Luke 2:7–13 (WEB)
7She gave birth to her firstborn son. She wrapped him in bands of cloth and laid him in a feeding trough, because there was no room for them in the inn. 8There were shepherds in the same country staying in the field, and keeping watch by night over their flock. 9Behold, an angel of the Lord stood by them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10The angel said to them, “Don’t be afraid, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be to all the people. 11For there is born to you today, in David’s city, a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12This is the sign to you: you will find a baby wrapped in strips of cloth, lying in a feeding trough.” 13Suddenly, there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly army praising God and saying,
Cross references
- Isaiah 40:9
You who tell good news to Zion, go up on a high mountain. You who tell good news to Jerusalem, lift up your voice with strength! Lift it up! Don’t be afraid! Say to the cities of Judah, “Behold, your God!”
- Isaiah 61:1
The Lord GOD’s Spirit is on me, because the LORD has anointed me to preach good news to the humble. He has sent me to bind up the broken hearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and release to those who are bound,
- Isaiah 52:7
How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, who publishes peace, who brings good news, who proclaims salvation, who says to Zion, “Your God reigns!”
- Genesis 12:3
I will bless those who bless you, and I will curse him who treats you with contempt. All the families of the earth will be blessed through you.”
- Matthew 28:18
Jesus came to them and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth.
- Luke 1:30
The angel said to her, “Don’t be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God.
- Matthew 14:27
But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Cheer up! It is I! Don’t be afraid.”
- Acts 13:32
We bring you good news of the promise made to the fathers,