What does Luke 2:9 mean?

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. Luke 2:9

Explanation

Luke 2:9 is a verse from the Bible that describes an event in the Nativity narrative of the Gospel of Luke. In this event, shepherds who are tending to their flocks at night near the town of Bethlehem are suddenly enveloped by a divine light, and an angel appears before them. The phrase “the glory of the Lord” refers to a brilliant, heavenly light that signifies the presence of God. The shepherds’ response to this extraordinary event is fear, a common reaction in the Bible when humans are confronted with the supernatural or divine presence.

Historical Context

Luke 2:9 is part of the Canonical Gospels, written in the late first century. The author of Luke aimed to provide an orderly account of the life and teachings of Jesus, appealing both to Jewish and Gentile (non-Jewish) audiences. The passage where this verse is found, Luke 2:1-20, discusses the circumstances surrounding Jesus’ birth, placing it in the context of a Roman census under Caesar Augustus and Quirinius’ governance of Syria. The shepherds’ story serves to show that Jesus’ birth was heralded as a significant divine event.

Theological Insights

From varying theological perspectives, this verse symbolizes the revelation of God’s glory to ordinary people, signifying Jesus’ mission to reach all, regardless of social status. The angel’s sudden appearance to the shepherds represents the unexpected and often surprising ways God might reveal Himself to humanity. The shepherds being “sore afraid” reflects a common biblical motif where fear is a natural response to divine encounters, which later turns into joy as God’s intentions are revealed to be good.

Practical Applications

The message in Luke 2:9 can be applied to daily life in several ways. It encourages individuals to be open to the unexpected ways in which they may encounter the divine or experience moments of revelation. The shepherds’ initial fear can be seen as a metaphor for confronting the unknown or the divine in life, and the subsequent message of good news can inspire hope and trust in God’s plan.

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.”
• Exodus 40:34: “Then a cloud covered the tent of the congregation, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle.”
• Isaiah 60:1: “Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee.”
• Matthew 17:2: “And was transfigured before them: and his face did shine as the sun, and his raiment was white as the light.”

Language Study

In the original Greek text, key words include “φόβος” (phobos), often translated as “fear” or “terror,” indicating a strong emotional response. The term “δόξα” (doxa) translated as “glory,” carries the sense of splendor or magnificence, especially in the context of divine or heavenly glory.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Ancient myths, including Greek and Near Eastern stories, often depicted gods appearing to humans with bright lights or emanating a powerful presence. Similarly, the Hebrew Bible frequently narrates God’s presence with a physical manifestation, such as fire, cloud, or light. This verse parallels such occurrences, showing a cultural understanding of divine encounters as marked by light and awe.

Scientific Perspectives

While there is no direct scientific explanation for the “glory of the Lord” as described in this verse, the phenomenon can potentially be seen through the lens of psychological experiences of awe and wonder. Scientific studies have examined how people respond to what they perceive as transcendent or profound experiences, often accompanied by a sense of fear or overwhelming emotion, which could offer insight into the shepherds’ reaction.

Commentary

Various biblical scholars and theologians offer interpretations of Luke 2:9. Some see it as an affirmation of Jesus’ messiahship and a symbol of God’s inclusiveness, as the shepherds were considered lowly and yet were the first to receive the news of Christ’s birth. Commentators may also focus on the symbolism of light, which in biblical literature often represents goodness, truth, and the divine. Still, others might explore the motif of fear in divine-human encounters, seen throughout scripture as a prelude to a significant revelation or mission imparted by God.