What does Luke 2:20 mean?

And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them. Luke 2:20

Explanation

Luke 2:20 recounts the reaction of the shepherds after they visited the newborn Jesus Christ, as they had been instructed to do by an angel of the Lord. The verse encapsulates their response; they “returned, glorifying and praising God” for the fulfillment of the divine message they had received. This act of worship demonstrates their belief in the angel’s words and the acknowledgment of the significance of what they had witnessed. The shepherds’ glorification and praise of God signify a deeply spiritual response to the revelation of the Messiah. The use of “as it was told unto them” reinforces the idea that the events unfolded exactly as prophesied, further confirming the divine nature of the birth of Jesus.

Historical Context

This verse is situated in the Gospel of Luke, which was likely composed around 80-110 AD. The evangelist’s audience is believed to be primarily Gentile Christians. This account of Jesus’ birth in Bethlehem, under Roman occupation during the time of Emperor Augustus, provided a connection to the Jewish Messianic prophecies while also serving to affirm Jesus’ divine authority to a broader, non-Jewish audience. Shepherds at the time were considered to be on the lower rungs of society, and their inclusion in the narrative emphasizes the Christian message that the birth of Jesus was good news for all people, regardless of social status.

Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, this verse illustrates the theme of divine revelation and human response. It underscores that the first witnesses to the incarnation were humble shepherds, highlighting God’s grace in revealing Himself to the lowly. By glorifying and praising God, the shepherds become models of faithful response to God’s self-revelation in Christ. Furthermore, from a Christological standpoint, their praise demonstrates the recognition of Jesus as the promised Messiah, confirming His identity and mission as central to Christian theology.

Practical Applications

The actions of the shepherds can serve as a model for believers in their own lives, suggesting that experiences of the divine should lead to worship, praise, and the sharing of good news. Just as the shepherds returned to their daily lives transformed by their encounter with the Christ child, this verse encourages believers to live in a manner that acknowledges and celebrates God’s work in their lives, sharing their experiences with others and glorifying God for their blessings.

Cross-References

• Luke 2:10-11: “And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.”
• Psalm 106:1: “Praise ye the LORD. O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.”
• 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.”

Language Study

In the original Greek, the word for “glorifying” is δοξάζοντες (doxazontes), which means to honor, extol, or make glorious. The word for “praising” is αἰνοῦντες (ainountes), which implies commendation, laudation, or to speak positively about someone’s attributes. These terms in their original Greek contexts emphasize the reactions of adoration and reverence toward God, enhancing the understanding of the shepherds’ actions as acts of worship.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In ancient cultures, shepherds often symbolized simplicity and connection to nature, sometimes even holding religious significance. For instance, in ancient Mesopotamian mythology, the deity Dumuzid, the Shepherd, is associated with fertility and the underworld. The Christian narrative’s focus on shepherds aligns with a broader tendency in ancient religions to frame divine encounters in pastoral settings, yet it stands out in its focus on humility and universality.

Scientific Perspectives

The verse itself does not directly interact with scientific perspectives, as it pertains to personal spiritual experiences and responses. However, modern psychological and sociological studies do explore the phenomena of religious experiences and group behavior in relation to events perceived as supernatural. Research in these fields might examine the impact of such experiences on individuals’ mental states or social dynamics, fitting with the experiences of the shepherds.

Commentaries

Biblical scholars and theologians offer a variety of interpretations of Luke 2:20. Commentators like Matthew Henry highlight the shepherds’ obedience and immediate action to spread the news as exemplary. Others, such as John Calvin, emphasize the shepherds’ glorification of God as a natural response to witnessing God’s promise fulfilled. They note too the significance of these humble social outcasts being chosen as the first evangelists, indicating that the gospel is meant for all, irrespective of social standing.