Luke 2:8 · Clearspring

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Other translations

WEBBE

There were shepherds in the same country staying in the field, and keeping watch by night over their flock.

BSB

And there were shepherds residing in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks by night.

KJV

And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.

ASV

And there were shepherds in the same country abiding in the field, and keeping watch by night over their flock.

BBE

And in the same country there were keepers of sheep in the fields, watching over their flock by night.

Original Greek

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Καὶ Kai And G2532 ποιμένες poimenes shepherds G4166 ἦσαν ēsan were G1510 ἐν en in G1722 τῇ tēa the G3588 χώρᾳ chōra region G5561 τῇ tēa (the) G3588 αὐτῇ autēa same G846 ἀγραυλοῦντες agraulountes lodging in the fields G63 καὶ kai and G2532 φυλάσσοντες phulassontes keeping G5442 φυλακὰς phulakas watch G5438 τῆς tēs (the) G3588 νυκτὸς nuktos by night G3571 ἐπὶ epi over G1909 τὴν tēn the G3588 ποίμνην poimnēn flock G4167 αὐτῶν autōn of them G846

The early church

But if we would rise to a more hidden meaning, I should say, that there were certain shepherd angels, who direct the affairs of men, and while each one of them was keeping his watch, an angel came at the birth of the Lord, and announced to the shepherds that the true Shepherd had arisen. For Angels before the coming of the Saviour could bring little help to those entrusted to them, for scarcely did one single Gentile believe in God. But now whole nations come to the faith of Jesus.

Origen of Alexandria · d. 253Catena Aurea (Aquinas, 1274)

Observe with what care God builds up our faith. An Angel teaches Mary; an Angel teaches Joseph; an Angel the shepherds also, of whom it is said, And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field.

Ambrose of Milan · d. 397Catena Aurea (Aquinas, 1274)

To Joseph the Angel appeared in a dream, as to one who might be easily brought to believe, but to the shepherds in visible shape as to men of a ruder nature. But the Angel went not to Jerusalem, sought not for Scribes and Pharisees, (for they were corrupt and tormented with envy.) But these were simple men living in the ancient practices of Moses and the Patriarchs. There is a certain road which leads by innocence to Philosophy.

John Chrysostom · d. 407Catena Aurea (Aquinas, 1274)

(ubi sup.) It was in a mystery that the Angel appeared to the shepherds while they were watching, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them, implying that they are thought worthy above the rest to see sublime things who take a watchful care of their faithful flocks; and while they themselves are piously watching over them, the Divine grace shines widely round about them.

Gregory the Dialogist · d. 604Catena Aurea (Aquinas, 1274)

(Home. ubi sup.) For in a mystery, those shepherds, and their flocks, signify all teachers and guides of faithful souls. The night in which they were keeping watch over their flocks, indicates the dangerous temptations from which they never cease to keep themselves, and those placed under their care. Well also at the birth of our Lord do shepherds watch over their flocks; for He was born who says, I am the good Shepherd: (John 10:11, 16.) but the time also was at hand in which the same Shepherd was to recal His scattered sheep to the pastures of life.

Bede · d. 735Catena Aurea (Aquinas, 1274)

Commentary

Matthew Henry · Verses 8–20

Angels were heralds of the new-born Saviour, but they were only sent to some poor, humble, pious, industrious shepherds, who were in the business of their calling, keeping watch over their flock. We are not out of the way of Divine visits, when we are employed in an honest calling, and abide with God in it. Let God have the honour of this work; Glory to God in the highest. God's good-will to men, manifested in sending the Messiah, redounds to his praise. Other works of God are for his glory, but the redemption of the world is for his glory in the highest. God's goodwill in sending the Messiah, brought peace into this lower world. Peace is here put for all that good which flows to us from Christ's taking our nature upon him. This is a faithful saying, attested by an innumerable company of angels, and well worthy of all acceptation, That the good-will of God toward men, is glory to God in the highest, and peace on the earth. The shepherds lost no time, but came with haste to the place. They were satisfied, and made known abroad concerning this child, that he was the Saviour, even Christ the Lord. Mary carefully observed and thought upon all these things, which were so suited to enliven her holy affections. We should be more delivered from errors in judgment and practice, did we more fully ponder these things in our hearts. It is still proclaimed in our ears that to us is born a Saviour, Christ the Lord. These should be glad tidings to all.

Read Matthew Henry on Luke 2 →

Cross-references

6

Topics

Jesus, The Christ Cloud Shepherd