What does Luke 2:10 mean?

And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. Luke 2:10

Explanation

The verse Luke 2:10 is part of the Nativity story, where an angel appears to shepherds in the fields near Bethlehem to announce the birth of Jesus Christ. Here, the angel addresses the shepherds’ fear, a common human reaction to divine encounters in the Bible, with a reassurance, “Fear not.” Following this reassurance, the angel delivers the core message: “good tidings of great joy.” These tidings or news are described as not only joyful but “great” in magnitude. Additionally, the scope of this joy is universal, “which shall be to all people.” The message is one of inclusion and universality, implying that the birth of Jesus is an event of significance for all humanity, not just a select group.

Historical Context

This verse is situated within the Gospel of Luke in the New Testament, which scholars believe was written around 80-110 AD. Luke’s audience was primarily Gentile Christians, hence the emphasis on the inclusivity of Christ’s message to “all people” rather than just the Jewish people. The appearance of the angel to shepherds, who were considered low in social status at the time, further underscores the theme of universality and God’s grace being available to all, regardless of social standing.

Theological Insights

From a theological standpoint, Luke 2:10 reflects key Christian beliefs about the incarnation of Jesus Christ. The “good tidings” allude to the Gospel, or “good news,” which is the coming of the Savior to redeem humanity. The “great joy” is not only the immediate happiness of Christ’s birth but also the profound spiritual joy of salvation. Furthermore, the reference to “all people” is seen as a foreshadowing of the Gentile mission and the eventual spread of Christianity beyond the Jewish community.

Practical Applications

This verse reminds individuals to not fear divine or transformative encounters in their lives. It invites believers to share the “good tidings” of their faith with others, emphasizing an inclusive approach. In daily life, one might consider how they can bring joy to others and extend grace to people across different walks of life, mirroring the universal offer of the Gospel.

Cross-References

• Isaiah 9:6: “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.”
• Luke 2:14: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.”
• John 3:16: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”

Language Study

In the original Greek text, “Fear not” (Μὴ φοβεῖσθε) is a common biblical phrase used to calm and assure. “Good tidings” (εὐαγγελίζομαι) is a term from which “evangelize” is derived, meaning to announce good news. “Great joy” (χαρὰ μεγάλη) emphasizes not just happiness but a deep and profound joy. “All people” (παντὶ τῷ λαῷ) signifies every group and class, emphasizing inclusivity.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The notion of divine beings bringing messages to humans is common in many ancient religions. Similar to Greek mythology, where gods would send messengers to deliver prophecies or guidance, the Bible’s angelic announcements indicate a shared motif of divine-human communication across cultures. However, the content and significance of the Christian message are distinct in its promise of universal salvation.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific perspective, experiences described as divine encounters, such as the one in Luke 2:10, are typically considered subjective and not measurable by empirical standards. However, the universal nature of joy and its positive effects on mental health are well-documented areas of psychological study.

Commentaries

Biblical scholars and commentators have provided various interpretations of Luke 2:10. Matthew Henry’s Commentary emphasizes the universality and joyous nature of Christ’s coming, which is “…good tidings of great joy to all people.” The Expositor’s Bible Commentary highlights the angel’s announcement as the central theme of the Gospel—deliverance from sin and available to all humankind. The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges remarks upon the angelic reassurance as an element that emphasizes the fear-inspiring nature of the divine, yet contrasts it with the joyful message being delivered.