New Testament
Luke 2:9
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Suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord blazed all around them. They were terrified.
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And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
What Luke 2:9 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, an angel of the Lord suddenly appears to a group of shepherds, bringing a message of great significance. The appearance of the angel is accompanied by the glory of the Lord, which shines brightly around them. This overwhelming display of divine glory causes the shepherds to feel intense fear. The suddenness of the angel's appearance and the brilliance of God's glory highlight the extraordinary nature of this moment. It signifies a pivotal event in the biblical narrative—the announcement of Jesus' birth. The fear experienced by the shepherds reflects a common human reaction to the divine, emphasizing the holiness and majesty of God. This moment sets the stage for the angel's message of joy and hope, which follows in the subsequent verses. The contrast between fear and the good news of great joy illustrates the transformative power of God's presence in our lives.
How to apply Luke 2:9 to your life
When faced with overwhelming situations, remember that God's presence can bring both fear and comfort. Embrace the moments when God reveals Himself, knowing that His messages often lead to hope and joy, even amidst fear.
Curated for this public verse page. Luke Summary
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Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: The Shepherds Visit (Luke 2:8–20)
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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.
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Nazareth
The small town in Galilee where Jesus grew up.
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Keep studying Luke 2:9
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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 2:9 mean?
Luke 2:9 describes the moment when an angel appears to shepherds, surrounded by the glory of the Lord. This sudden appearance causes the shepherds to feel intense fear, highlighting the significance of the angel's message about the birth of Jesus.
What is the significance of the angel in Luke 2:9?
The angel in Luke 2:9 serves as a divine messenger, announcing the birth of Jesus. The angel's appearance, accompanied by God's glory, emphasizes the importance of this event in the biblical narrative.
Why were the shepherds afraid in Luke 2:9?
The shepherds were afraid in Luke 2:9 due to the sudden appearance of the angel and the overwhelming glory of the Lord surrounding them. This fear reflects a common human response to encountering the divine.
What does the glory of the Lord represent in Luke 2:9?
In Luke 2:9, the glory of the Lord represents God's divine presence and majesty. It signifies the importance of the moment, marking the announcement of Jesus' birth as a pivotal event.
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