New Testament
Luke 2:20
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
The shepherds headed back to their flocks, praising and glorifying God for everything they had heard and seen — it was exactly as the angel had told them.
Compare translations
And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.
What Luke 2:20 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, the shepherds who had just witnessed the birth of Jesus return to their flocks filled with joy and gratitude. They are not just going back to their daily routines; instead, they are actively praising and glorifying God for the miraculous events they experienced. Their actions reflect a deep sense of wonder and acknowledgment of God's promises being fulfilled, as the angel had foretold. This moment emphasizes the importance of sharing joy and gratitude in response to divine encounters. The shepherds' return signifies a transformation in their lives, as they carry the message of hope and salvation with them. Their experience serves as a reminder that witnessing God's work should inspire us to celebrate and share our faith with others, reinforcing the idea that God is present and active in our lives.
How to apply Luke 2:20 to your life
Like the shepherds, we should respond to our experiences of God's goodness with praise and gratitude. Sharing our testimonies can inspire others and strengthen our faith community. Take time to reflect on what God has done in your life and express that joy to those around you.
Curated for this public verse page. Luke Summary
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: The Shepherds Visit (Luke 2:8–20)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Jesus
Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002725045). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Nazareth, Israel; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Nazareth
The small town in Galilee where Jesus grew up.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Luke 2:20
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Luke 2:20
Related Bible verses
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Luke
- Author
- Luke the physician
- Written
- Around AD 60-62
- Genre
- Gospel and history
- Original Audience
- Gentile Christians (addressed to Theophilus)
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Luke 2:20 mean?
Luke 2:20 describes the shepherds returning to their flocks after witnessing the birth of Jesus, filled with joy and gratitude. They praise and glorify God for the miraculous events they experienced, reflecting their acknowledgment of God's promises being fulfilled.
What is the significance of the shepherds in Luke 2:20?
The shepherds in Luke 2:20 symbolize humble witnesses of God's revelation. Their joyful return and praise highlight the importance of sharing experiences of divine encounters and the transformative impact of witnessing God's work.
How can we apply Luke 2:20 to our lives?
We can apply Luke 2:20 by responding to our own experiences of God's goodness with praise and gratitude. Sharing our testimonies can inspire others and strengthen our faith community, just as the shepherds did.
What is the main message of Luke 2:20?
The main message of Luke 2:20 is the importance of recognizing and celebrating God's work in our lives. The shepherds' joyful return emphasizes that witnessing God's miracles should lead us to share our faith and gratitude with others.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.