Luke 2:9

Luke 2:9 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

Just then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.

King James Version KJV

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.

American Standard Version ASV

And an angel of the Lord stood by them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.

Bible in Basic English BBE

And an angel of the Lord came to them, and the glory of the Lord was shining round about them: and fear came on them.

Free Bible Version FBV

An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone all around them. They were scared out of their wits!

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

And loe, the Angel of the Lord came vpon them, and the glorie of the Lord shone about them, and they were sore afraide.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

and lo, a messenger of the Lord stood over them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they feared a great fear.

World English Bible WEB

Behold, an angel of the Lord stood by them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

And lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them; and they were in great fear.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

And behold an angel of the Lord stood by them, and the brightness of God shone round about them; and they feared with a great fear.

Translation for Translators T4T

An angel from God appeared to them. A great light ◄from the Lord/from God► shone on them and around them. So they became very afraid.

Plain English Version PEV

Suddenly, an angel messenger from God stood there with them, and bright light from God was shining all around them, and they were very frightened.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Luke 2:9

BAB

Word Study

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Luke 2:9 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

GRK και ιδου αγγελος κυριου επεστη αυτοις και δοξα κυριου περιελαμψεν αυτους και εφοβηθησαν φοβον μεγαν

και kai G2532 and Conj

ιδου horaō G3708 to see: see Verb-2AMM-2S

αγγελος angelos G32 angel Noun-NSM

κυριου kurios G2962 lord: God Noun-GSM

επεστη ephistēmi G2186 to approach Verb-2AAI-3S

αυτοις autos G846 it/s/he Pron-DPM

και kai G2532 and Conj

δοξα doxa G1391 glory Noun-NSF

κυριου kurios G2962 lord: God Noun-GSM

περιελαμψεν perilampō G4034 to shine around Verb-AAI-3S

αυτους autos G846 it/s/he Pron-APM

και kai G2532 and Conj

εφοβηθησαν phobeō G5399 to fear Verb-AOI-3P

φοβον phobos G5401 fear Noun-ASM

μεγαν megas G3173 great Adj-ASM

Greek Word Study

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Greek Word Reference — Luke 2:9

και kai G2532 "and" Conj

And or also, a connecting word used to join ideas or words, like in Matthew 2:18 and Hebrews 1:1.

Definition: καί, conj., and __I. Copulative. __1. Connecting single words; __(a) in general: Mat.2:18, 16:1, Mrk.2:15, Luk.8:15, Heb.1:1, al. mult.; repeated before each of the terms in a series, Mat.23:23, Luk.14:21, Rom.7:12, 9:4, al. __(b) connecting numerals (WM, §37, 4): Jhn.2:20, Act.13:20; __(with) joining terms which are not mutually exclusive, as the part with the whole: Mat.8:33, 26:59, Mrk.16:17, Act.5:29, al. __2. Connecting clauses and sentences: Mat.3:12, Act.5:21, al. mult.; esp. __(a) where, after the simplicity of the popular language, sentences are paratactically joined (WM, §60, 3; M, Pr., 12; Deiss., LAE, 128ff.): Mat.1:21, 7:25, Mrk.9:5, Jhn.10:3, al.; __(b) joining affirmative to negative sentences: Luk.3:14, Jhn.4:11, IIIJhn.10; __(with) consecutive, and so: Mat.5:1, 23:32, Heb.3:19, al.; after imperatives, Mat.4:19, Luk.7:7, al.; __(d) = καίτοι, and yet: Mat.3:14, 6:26, Mrk.12:12, Luk.18:7 (Field, Notes, 72), 1Co.5:2, al.; __(e) beginning an apodosis (= Heb. וְ; so sometimes δέ in cl.), then: Luk.2:21, 7:12, Act.1:10; beginning a question (WM, §53, 3a): Mrk.10:26, Luk.10:29, Jhn.9:36. __3. Epexegetic, and, and indeed, namely (WM, §53, 3c): Luk.3:18, Jhn.1:16, Act.23:6, Rom.1:5, 1Co.3:5, al. __4. In transition: Mat.4:23, Mrk.5:1, 21, Jhn.1:19, al.; so, Hebraistically, καὶ ἐγένετο (וַי:הִי; also ἐγένετο δέ), Mrk.1:9 (cf. Luk.5:1; V. Burton, §§357-60; M, Pr., 14, 16). __5. καὶ . . . καί, both . . . and (for τε . . . καί, see: τε); __(a) connecting single words: Mat.10:28, Mrk.4:41, Rom.11:33, al.; __(b) clauses and sentences: Mrk.9:13, Jhn.7:28, 1Co.1:22, al. __II. Adjunctive, also, even, still: Mat.5:39, 40; Mrk.2:28, al. mult.; esp. with pron., adv., etc., Mat.20:4, Jhn.7:47, al; ὡς κ., Act.11:17; καθὼς κ., Rom.15:7; οὑτω κ., Rom.6:11; διὸ κ., Luk.1:35; ὁ κ. (Deiss., BS, 313ff.), Act.13:9; pleonastically, μετὰ κ.. (Bl., §77, 7; Deiss., BS, 265f,), Php.4:3; τί κ., 1 Co 15:29; ἀλλὰ κ., Luk.14:22, Jhn.5:18, al.; καίγε (M, Pr., 230; Burton, §437), Act.17:27; καίπερ, Heb.5:8; κ. ἐάν, see: ἐάν. ἐάν, contr. fr. εἰ ἄν, conditional particle, representing something as "under certain circumstances actual or liable to happen," but not so definitely expected as in the case of εἰ with ind. (Bl., §65, 4; cf. Jhn.13:17, 1Co.7:36), if haply, if; __1. with subjc. (cl.); __(a) pres.: Mat.6:22, Luk.10:6, Jhn.7:17, Rom.2:25, 26 al.; { __(b) aor. (= Lat. fut. pf.): Mat.4:9 16:26 (cf. ptcp. in Luk.9:25; M, Pr., 230), Mrk.3:24, Luk.14:34, Jhn.5:43, Rom.7:2, al.; = cl. εἰ, with opt., Jhn.9:22 11:57, Act.9:2; as Heb. אִם = ὅταν, Jhn.12:32 14:3, I Jhn.2:28 3:2, Heb.3:7" (LXX) . __2. C. indic, (as in late writers, fr. Arist. on; see WH, App., 171; VD, MGr. 2, App., §77; Deiss., BS, 201f., LAE, 155, 254; M, Pr., 168, 187; Bl., §65, 4); __(a) fut.: Mat.18:19 T, Luk.19:40, Act.7:7; __(b) pres.: 1Th.3:8 (see Milligan, in l.). __3. With other particles: ἐ. καί (Bl., §65, 6), Gal.6:1; ἐ. μή (M, Pr., 185, 187; Bl., l.with), with subjc. pres., Mat.10:13, 1Co.8:8, Jas.2:17, 1Jn.3:21; aor., Mat.6:15, Mrk.3:27, Jhn.3:3, Rom.10:15, Gal.1:8 2:16 (see Lft., Ellic., in ll.); ἐ. τε . . . ἐ. τε, [in LXX for אִם . . . אִם, Est.19:13, al.,] Rom.14:8. __4. = cl. ἄν (which see) after relat. pronouns and adverbs (Tdf., Pr., 96; WH, App., 173; M, Pr., 42f.; Bl., §26, 4; Mayser, 152f.; Deiss., BS, 202ff.): ὃς ἐ., Mat.5:19, Mrk.6:22, 23 Luk.17:32, 1Co.6:18, al.; ὅπου ἐ., Mat.8:19; ὁσάκις ἐ., Rev.11:6; οὗ ἐ., 1Co.16:6; καθὸ ἐ., 2Co.8:12; ὅστις ἐ., Gal.5:10. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 5212 NT verses. KJV: and, also, both, but, even, for, if, or, so, that, then, therefore, when, yet See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 10:4; 1 Corinthians 16:1.

ιδου horaō G3708 "to see: see" Verb-2AMM-2S

This word means 'to see' or 'to perceive', and can also mean 'to attend to' or 'to experience', like in Mark 6:38 and John 1:46. It's a key word for understanding and perceiving things.

Definition: ὁράω, -ῶ, [in LXX chiefly for ראה, also for חזה, etc. ;] in "durative" sense (hence aor. act., εἶδον, pass., ὤφθην, fut., ὄψομαι, from different roots; see M, Pr., 110f.), to see (in colloq. even the present is rare, its place being generally taken by θεωρέω, see BL, §24). __1. Of bodily vision, to see, perceive, behold: absol., Mrk.6:38, al.; ἔρχου καὶ ἴδε, Jhn.1:46, al.; before ὅτι, Mrk.2:16, al.; with accusative, Mat.2:2, Mrk.1:10 16:7, Gal.1:19, al.; θεόν, Jhn.1:18, 1Jn.4:20, al. __2. to see with the mind, perceive, discern: absol, Rom.15:21; with accusative of thing(s), Mat.9:2 27:54, Act.8:23, Col.2:18, al. __3. to see, take heed, beware: ὅρα μή, with aor. subjc., Mat.8:4 18:10, Mrk.1:44, 1Th.5:15; id., sc. μὴ ποήσῃς, Rev.19:10 22:9 (Bl., §81, 1); before imperat. Mat.9:30 16:6, Mrk.8:15 __4. to experience: τ. θάνατον, Luk.2:26, Heb.11:5; ζωήν, Jhn.3:36; τ. διαφθοράν, Act.2:27. __5. to visit: with accusative of person(s), Luk.8:20, Jhn.12:21, Rom.1:11, al.; with accusative loc, Act.19:21. __6. to see to, care for: Mat.27:4, Act.18:15 (cf. ἀφ-, καθ-, προ-, συν-οράω). SYN.: see: βλέπω. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 605 NT verses. KJV: behold, perceive, see, take heed See also: 1 Corinthians 2:9; Acts 16:40; 1 Peter 1:8.

αγγελος angelos G32 "angel" Noun-NSM

An angel is a messenger, especially a heavenly being who serves as a messenger of God, as seen in Matthew 11:10 and Luke 1:11.

Definition: ἄγγελος, -ου, ὁ, [in LXX chiefly for מַלְאָךְ ;] __1. a messenger, one sent: Mat.11:10, Jas.22:25. __2. As in LXX, in the special sense of angel, a spiritual, heavenly being, attendant upon God and employed as his messenger to men, to make known his purposes, as Luk.1:11, or to execute them, as Mat.4:6. The ἄ. in Rev.1:20-2:1, al., is variously understood as __(1) a messenger or delegate, __(2) a bishop or ruler, __(3) a guardian angel, __(4) the prevailing spirit of each church, i.e. the Church itself. (Cf. Swete, Ap)., in l.; DB, iv, 991; Thayer, see word; Cremer, 18; MM, VGT, see word) (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 175 NT verses. KJV: angel, messenger See also: 1 Corinthians 4:9; Mark 13:32; 1 Peter 1:12.

κυριου kurios G2962 "lord: God" Noun-GSM

The Greek word for lord or master, used to address God or a person in authority, showing respect and power. In the New Testament, it appears in Matthew 9:38 and Mark 12:9. It signifies a controller or ruler.

Definition: κύριος, -α, -ον (also -ος, -ον), [in LXX (subst.) chiefly for יהוה, also for בַּעַל ,אָדוֹן, etc. ;] having power (κῦρος) or authority; as subst., ὁ κ., lord, master; __1. in general: with genitive of thing(s), Mat.9:38 20:8, Mrk.12:9 13:35, Luk.19:33; τ. σαββάτου, Mat.12:8, Mrk.2:28, Luk.6:5; with genitive of person(s), δούλου, etc., Mat.10:24, Luk.14:21, Act.16:16, al.; absol, opposite to οἱ δοῦλοι, Eph.6:5, 9 al.; of the Emperor (Deiss., LAE, 161), Act.25:26; θεοὶ πολλοὶ καὶ κ. πολλοί, 1Co.8:5; of a husband, 1Pe.3:6; in voc, as a title of respect to masters, teachers, magistrates, etc., Mat.13:27 16:22 27:63, Mrk.7:28, Luk.5:12, Jhn.4:11, Act.9:5, al. __2. As a divine title (frequently in π.; Deiss., LAE, 353 ff.); in NT, __(a) of God: ὁ κ., Mat.5:33, Mrk.5:19, Luk.1:6, Act.7:33, Heb.8:2, Jas.4:15, al.; anarth. (Bl., §46, 6), Mat.21:9, Mrk.13:20, Luk.1:17, Heb.7:21, 1Pe.1:25, al.; κ. τ. οὐρανοῦ καὶ τ. γῆς, Mat.11:25; τ. κυριευόντων, 1Ti.6:15; κ. ὁ θεός, Mat.4:7, 10 al.; id. before παντοκράτωρ, Rev.4:8; κ. σαβαώθ, Rom.9:29; (ὁ) ἄγγελος κυρίου, Mat.1:20 2:13, Luk.1:11, al.; πνεῦμα κυρίου, Luk.4:18, Act.8:39; __(b) of the Christ: Mat.21:3, Mrk.11:3, Luk.1:43 20:44, al.; of Jesus after his resurrection (Dalman, Words, 330), Act.10:36, Rom.14:8, 1Co.7:22, Eph.4:5, al.; ὁ κ. μου, Jhn.20:28; ὁ κ. Ἰησοῦς, Act.1:21, 1Co.11:23, al.; id. before Χριστός, Eph.1:2, al.; ὁ κ. ἡμῶν, 1Ti.1:14, Heb.7:14, al.; id. before Ἰησοῦς, 1Th.3:11, Heb.13:20, al.; Χριστός, Rom.16:18; Ἰ Χ., 1Co.1:2, 1Th.1:3, al.; Ἰ. Χ. (Χ. Ἰ) ὁ κ. (ἡμῶν), Rom.1:4, Col.2:6, Eph.3:11, al.; ὁ κ. καὶ ὁ σωτὴρ, 2Pe.3:2; id. before Ἰ. Χ., ib. 18; anarth., 1Co.7:22, 25 Jas.5:4, al.; κ. κυρίων, Rev.19:16; with prep., ἀπὸ (κατὰ, πρὸς, σὺν, etc.) κ., Col.3:24, al. SYN: see: δεσπότης. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 686 NT verses. KJV: God, Lord, master, Sir See also: 1 Corinthians 1:2; 2 Corinthians 3:16; 1 Peter 1:3.

επεστη ephistēmi G2186 "to approach" Verb-2AAI-3S

To approach means to stand near or be present with someone, as seen in Luke 2:38. This word describes being close to someone or something. It is used to describe standing by or being at hand.

Definition: ἐφ-ίστημι [in LXX for נָצַב ni., שִׁית, נָתַן, etc. ;] __1. causal in pres., impf., fut., 1 aor., to set upon or by, set up, etc. (Æsch., Hdt., Arist., al). __2. Intrans. in mid, and in pf. and 2 aor. act.; __(a) to stand upon; __(b) to be set over; __(with) to stand by, be present, be at hand, come on or upon: Luk.2:38 10:40 20:1, Act.6:12 12:7 22:13, 20 23:27, 2Ti.4:2; with dative pars., Luk.2:9 24:4, Act.4:1 23:11; with dative bc., Act.17:5; before έπί, with accusative, Act.10:17 11:11; of rain, Act.28:2; of evils impending, with dative of person(s), 1Th.5:3; before έπί (Wis.6:9), Luk.21:34; of time, 2Ti.4:6 (cf. κατ-, συν-εφίστημι).† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 21 NT verses. KJV: --assault, come (in, to, unto, upon), be at hand (instant), present, stand (before, by, over) See also: 1 Thessalonians 5:3; Acts 22:20; Luke 24:4.

αυτοις autos G846 "it/s/he" Pron-DPM

This pronoun refers to a person or thing, like 'he', 'she', or 'it'. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a person or thing, like in John 2:25 where it says 'he himself knew'.

Definition: αὐτός, -ή, -ό, determinative pron., in late Gk. much more frequently than in cl. (WM, 178f.; Jannaris, HGG, §1399). __1. Emphatic (so always in nom. exc. when preceded by the art., see infr., iii); __(1) self (ipse), expressing opposition, distinction, exclusion, etc., αὐ. ἐκχυθήσεται, Luk.5:37; αὐ. ἐγινώσκεν, Jhn.2:25; αὐ.ὑμεῖς, Jhn.3:28; καὶ αὐ. ἐγώ, Rom.15:14; αὐ. Ἰησοῦς, Jhn.2:24; αὐ. καὶ οἱ μετ᾽ αὐτοῦ, Mrk.2:25; ὑμεῖς αὐ., Mrk.6:31; esp. (as freq in cl.) αὐ. ὁ, Mat.3:4, Mrk.6:17, Jhn.16:27, 1Th.3:11, al.; in late Gk., sometimes weakened, ἐν αὐτῇ τ. ὥρᾳ, in that hour, Luk.10:21 (M, Pr., 91; MM, see word); __(2) emphatic, he, she, it (M, Pr., 86; Bl., §48, 1, 2, 7), Mat.1:21, 12:50, Luk.6:35, al.; pointing to some one as master (cl.), Mat.8:24, Mrk.4:38, al.; αὐ., καὶ αὐ. = οὗτος, ὁ δε (BL, §48, 1), Mat.14:2, Mrk.14:15, 44, Luk.1:22, 2:28, al. __2. In oblique cases (cl.), for the simple pron. of 3rd of person(s), he, she, it, Mat.7:9, 10:12, 26:44, al.; with ptcp. in genitive absol., Mat.9:18, Mrk.13:1, al. (for irreg. constructions, V. Bl., §74, 5); pleonastically after the relative (cf. Heb. אֲשֶׁר לוֹ; WM, 184ff.; Bl., §50, 4; MM, see word), Mrk.7:25, Rev.3:8, 7:2, al.; in constr. ad sensum, without proper subject expressly indicated, Mat.4:23, Act.8:5, 2Co.2:13, al.; genitive αὐτοῦ = ἐκείνου, Rom.11:11, 1Th.2:19, Tit.3:5, Heb.2:4. __3. ὁ, ἡ, τὸ αὐ., the same: Heb.1:12, 13:8; τὸ αὐ., ποιεῖν, Mat.5:46, 47, al.; φρονεῖν, Rom.12:16, 15:5, Php.2:2, al.; τὰ αὐ., Act.15:27, Rom.2:1, al.; κατὰ τὸ (τὰ) αὐ. (MM, see word), Act.14:1, Luk.6:23, al.; ἐπὶ τὸ αὐ., together (MM, see word), Mat.22:34, Act.1:15, al.; ἓν κ. τὸ αὐ., 1Co.11:5, 12:11; with dative (cl.), 1Co.11:5; with a noun, λόγος, Mrk.14:39; μέτρος, Php.1:30; πνεῦμα, 1Co.12:4. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 3773 NT verses. KJV: her, it(-self), one, the other, (mine) own, said, (self-), the) same, ((him-, my-, thy- )self, (your-)selves, she, that, their(-s), them(-selves), there(-at, - by, -in, -into, -of, -on, -with), they, (these) things, this (man), those, together, very, which See also: 1 Corinthians 1:2; 1 John 3:10; 1 Peter 1:3.

και kai G2532 "and" Conj

And or also, a connecting word used to join ideas or words, like in Matthew 2:18 and Hebrews 1:1.

Usage: Occurs in 5212 NT verses. KJV: and, also, both, but, even, for, if, or, so, that, then, therefore, when, yet See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 10:4; 1 Corinthians 16:1.

δοξα doxa G1391 "glory" Noun-NSF

This word means glory, honor, or praise, referring to the admiration and respect given to someone or something, like God's glory in Luke 14:10 and John 12:43. It's the opposite of shame or dishonor, as seen in Philippians 3:19 and 2 Corinthians 6:8. Glory is also associated with dignity and worship in Romans 2:7 and 1 Peter.

Definition: δόξα, -ης, ἡ (δοκέω), [in LXX very frequently for כָּבוֹד, also for הוֹד ,פִּפְאֶרֶת, etc., 25 words in all ;] in cl., __1. expectation, judgment, opinion (4Ma.5:18). __2. opinion, estimation in which one is held, repute; in NT, always good opinion, hence reputation, praise, honour, glory: Luk.14:10, Jhn.12:43, Heb.3:3; opposite to αἰσχύνη, Php.3:19; to ἀτιμία, 2Co.6:8; δ. κ. τιμή, Rom.2:7, 10 1Pe.1:7, 2Pe.1:17; ζητεῖν, Jhn.5:44 7:18 8:50, 1Th.2:6; λαμβάνειν, Jhn.5:41, 2Pe.1:17, Rev.5:12; διδόναι δ. τ. θεῷ (cf. נָתַן כָּבוֹד לַיהוָֹה, Jer.13:16, al.), Luk.17:18, Jhn.9:24, Act.12:23, Rom.4:20, Rev.4:9; εἰς (τ.) δ. θεοῦ, Rom.3:7 15:7, Php.1:11, al.; in doxologies, τ. θεῷ (ᾧ) ἡ δ., Luk.2:14, Rom.11:36 16:27, Gal.1:5, Eph.3:21, al. __3. Later also (not cl.) as in LXX (= הוֹד, Job.39:20, 1Ch.29:25; כָּבוֹד, Job.19:9, Est.5:11, al.), visible brightness, splendour, glory: of light, Act.22:11; of heavenly bodies, 1Co.15:40ff.; esp. that wh. radiates from God's presence, as manifested in the pillar of cloud and in the Holy of Holies (= כָּבוֹד, Exo.16:10 25:22 40:34, al.; and new Heb. שְׁכִינָה, 2Ma.2:8; see DB, iv, 489b), Rom.9:4, Jas.2:1 (see Hort, Mayor, in l.); hence of the manifested glory of God, Rom.1:23, Col.1:11 Eph.1:6, 12 17 3:16; of the same as communicated to man through Christ, 2Co.3:18 4:6; and of the glorious condition into which Christians shall enter hereafter, Rom.8:18, 21 9:23, 2Ti.2:10, al. SYN.: ἔπαινος τιμή (see Hort on 1Pe.1:7). (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 151 NT verses. KJV: dignity, glory(-ious), honour, praise, worship See also: 1 Corinthians 2:7; John 7:18; 1 Peter 1:7.

κυριου kurios G2962 "lord: God" Noun-GSM

Usage: Occurs in 686 NT verses. KJV: God, Lord, master, Sir See also: 1 Corinthians 1:2; 2 Corinthians 3:16; 1 Peter 1:3.

περιελαμψεν perilampō G4034 "to shine around" Verb-AAI-3S

To shine a light all around something, like the glow of angels in Luke 2:9. This word means to illuminate or shine around, giving light to everything nearby. It is used to describe a bright, shining light.

Definition: περι-λάμπω to shine around: with accusative, Luk.2:9, Act.26:13.† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 2 NT verses. KJV: shine round about See also: Acts 26:13; Luke 2:9.

αυτους autos G846 "it/s/he" Pron-APM

This pronoun refers to a person or thing, like 'he', 'she', or 'it'. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a person or thing, like in John 2:25 where it says 'he himself knew'.

και kai G2532 "and" Conj

And or also, a connecting word used to join ideas or words, like in Matthew 2:18 and Hebrews 1:1.

Usage: Occurs in 5212 NT verses. KJV: and, also, both, but, even, for, if, or, so, that, then, therefore, when, yet See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 10:4; 1 Corinthians 16:1.

εφοβηθησαν phobeō G5399 "to fear" Verb-AOI-3P

To fear means to be alarmed or in awe of something, like God's power. In the New Testament, it often means to reverence or respect, as in Matthew 10:31.

Definition: φοβέέω, ῶ (φόβος) [in LXX chiefly for מִן יָרֵא ;] __1. in Hem., to put to flight. Pass., to be put to flight, to flee affrighted __2. to terrify, frighten (Wis 179; Hdt. and Att..). Pass. (so always in NT; cf. M, Pr., 162), to be seized with fear, be affrighted, fear: Mat.10:31 14:27, Mrk.5:33 6:50, Luk.1:13 8:50, Jhn.6:19 12:15, Act.16:38, al.; opposite to ὑψηλοφρονεῖν, Rom.11:20; σφόδρα, Mat.17:6 27:54; with cogn. accusative, φόβον μέγαν, Mrk.4:41, Luk.2:9 (1Ma.10:8); φόβον αὐτῶν (obj, genitive, but cf. ICC, in l), 1Pe.3:14; πτόησιν, 1Pe.3:6; with accusative of person(s), Mat.10:26, Mrk.11:18, Luk.19:21, Jhn.9:22, Act.9:26, Rom.13:3, al.; before ἀπό (like Heb. יָרֵא, Jer.1:8, al.; cf. M, Pr., 102, 104n„), Mat.10:28, Luk.12:4; before μή (cl.; Bl., § 65, 3; M, Pr., 184 f.), Act.23:10 27:17; μήπως, Act.27:29, 2Co.11:3 12:20, Gal.4:11; μήποτε, Heb.4:1; with inf. (Bl., § 69, 4; M, Pr., 205), Mat.1:20, Mrk.9:32, al.; of reverential fear: Mrk.6:20, Eph.5:33; τ. θεόν, Luk.1:50, Act.10:2, 1Pe.2:17, Rev.14:7, al.; τ. κύριον, Col.3:22, Rev.15:4; τ. ὄνομα τ. θεοῦ (see: ὄνομα), Rev.11:18; οἱ φοβούμενοι τ. θεόν, of proselytes, Act.13:16, 26 (cf. ἐκ-φοβέω) (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 90 NT verses. KJV: be (+ sore) afraid, fear (exceedingly), reverence See also: 1 John 4:18; Luke 12:7; 1 Peter 2:17.

φοβον phobos G5401 "fear" Noun-ASM

Fear or alarm that causes people to be terrified, as seen in Luke 1:12 and Acts 5:5. This term describes a feeling of dread or terror. It is the fear that people experience in difficult situations.

Definition: φόβος, -ου, ὁ [in LXX chiefly for יִרְאָה, also for פַּחַד, אֵימָה, etc. ;] __1. in Hom., flight. __2. That which causes flight, fear, dread, terror: Luk.1:12, Act.5:5, 1Ti.5:20. 1Jn.4:18, al.; cogn. accusative, φοβεῖσθαι φ., Mrk.4:41, Luk.2:9; with genitive obj., Jhn.7:13 19:33 20:19, Heb.2:5, 1Pe.3:14 (but cf. ICC, in l);ἀπὸ (τοῦ) φ., Mat.14:26, Luk.21:26; εἰς φ., Rom.8:15; μετὰ φόβου, Mat.28:8; φ. καὶ τρόμος (Lft., Notes, 172), 1Co.2:3, 2Co.7:15, Eph.6:5, Php.2:12; by meton., of that which causes fear, Rom.13:3; of reverential fear, Rom.13:7, 1Pe.1:17 2:18 3:2 3:15; τ. κυρίου, Act.9:31, 2Co.5:11 (see Field, Notes, 183); Χριστοῦ, Eph.5:21; θεοῦ, Rom.3:18, 2Co.7:1 SYN.: see: δειλία (and of. DCG, i, 381) (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 44 NT verses. KJV: be afraid, + exceedingly, fear, terror See also: 1 Corinthians 2:3; John 19:38; 1 Peter 1:17.

μεγαν megas G3173 "great" Adj-ASM

The Greek word for great, describing something big or intense, like a large stone in Matthew 2:60 or a strong wind in John 6:18. It's used to show importance or magnitude. In the Bible, it's often used to describe God's power and love.

Definition: μέγας, μεγάλη, μέγα, [in LXX chiefly for גָּדוֹל, also for מַרְבֶּה ,רַב (incl. μείζων), רֹב (μέγιστος) ;] great; __1. of external form, bodily size, measure, extent: λίθος, Mat.2:60; δράκων, Rev.12:3; ἰχθῦς, Jhn.21:11; πόλις, Rev.11:8; μάχαιρα, Rev.6:4, al. __2. Of intensity and degree: δύναμις, Act.4:33; φόβος, Mrk.4:41; ἀγάπη, Jhn.15:13; ἄνεμος, 'ib. 6:18; κραυγή, Act.23:9; φῶς, Mat.4:16; πυρετός, Luk.4:38; θλίψις, Mat.24:21. __3. Of rank; __(a) of persons: θεός (MM, xvi), Tit.2:13; Ἄρτεμις, Act.19:27; compar. (see infr.), Mat.18:1 (cf. Dalman, Words, 113f.); neut. for masc. (Bl., §32, 1), Mat.12:6; __(b) of things: ἁμαρτία, Jhn.19:11; μυστήριον, Eph.5:32; = μεγίστη (see infr., and cf. Field, Notes, 16f.), Mat.22:36; compar. for superl. (M, Pr., 78), 1Co.13:13. __4. __(a) Compar., μείζων: Mat.11:11 23:17, al.; neut. pl., μείζονα, contr. μείζω, Jhn.1:51; double compar., μειζότερος (M, Pr., 236; Bl., §11, 4), III Jo 4; __(b) superl, μέγιστος (Deiss., BS, 365), 2Pe.1:4. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 227 NT verses. KJV: (+ fear) exceedingly, great(-est), high, large, loud, mighty, + (be) sore (afraid), strong, X to years See also: 1 Corinthians 9:11; Luke 22:27; Hebrews 4:14.

Study Notes — Luke 2:9

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Luke 2:9 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Luke 2:9
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Luke 2:9
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Luke 2:9
Trapp's Commentary on Luke 2:9
Ellicott's Commentary on Luke 2:9
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Luke 2:9
Cambridge Bible on Luke 2:9
Barnes' Notes on Luke 2:9
Whedon's Commentary on Luke 2:9
Sermons on Luke 2:9

Context — The Shepherds and the Angels

7And she gave birth to her firstborn, a Son. She wrapped Him in swaddling cloths and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. 8And there were shepherds residing in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks by night.

9Just then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.

10But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid! For behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people: 11Today in the city of David a Savior has been born to you. He is Christ the Lord!

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Isaiah 60:1	Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD rises upon you.
2	2 Corinthians 3:18	And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into His image with intensifying glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.
3	1 Kings 8:11	so that the priests could not stand there to minister because of the cloud; for the glory of the LORD filled the house of the LORD.
4	Acts 27:23	For just last night an angel of God, whose I am and whom I serve, stood beside me
5	Revelation 18:1	After this I saw another angel descending from heaven with great authority, and the earth was illuminated by his glory.
6	Acts 22:6–9	About noon as I was approaching Damascus, suddenly a bright light from heaven flashed around me. I fell to the ground and heard a voice say to me, ‘Saul, Saul, why do you persecute Me?’ ‘Who are You, Lord?’ I asked. ‘I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom you are persecuting,’ He replied. My companions saw the light, but they could not understand the voice of the One speaking to me.
7	Judges 6:11–12	Then the angel of the LORD came and sat down under the oak in Ophrah that belonged to Joash the Abiezrite, where his son Gideon was threshing wheat in a winepress to hide it from the Midianites. And the angel of the LORD appeared to Gideon and said, “The LORD is with you, O mighty man of valor.”
8	Luke 24:4	While they were puzzling over this, suddenly two men in radiant apparel stood beside them.
9	Acts 26:13–14	About noon, O king, as I was on the road, I saw a light from heaven, brighter than the sun, shining around me and my companions. We all fell to the ground, and I heard a voice say to me in Hebrew, ‘Saul, Saul, why do you persecute Me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads.’
10	Exodus 40:34–35	Then the cloud covered the Tent of Meeting, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle. Moses was unable to enter the Tent of Meeting because the cloud had settled on it, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle.

Luke 2:9 Summary

This verse tells us that an angel of the Lord appeared to some shepherds, surrounding them with God's glory, and they were terrified. This is because the glory of the Lord is a powerful and amazing thing, as we see in Isaiah 6:1-5. The angel's appearance was a special announcement of Jesus' birth, and it's a reminder that God often uses unexpected and surprising ways to share His message with us, as seen in Luke 1:26-38. As we reflect on this verse, we can remember that God's presence is always worthy of our reverence and awe, and that He often uses ordinary people, like the shepherds, to share His extraordinary message with the world.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why were the shepherds terrified when the angel of the Lord appeared to them?

The shepherds were terrified because they were suddenly surrounded by the glory of the Lord, which is a powerful and awe-inspiring presence, as seen in Isaiah 6:1-5 and Ezekiel 1:4-28.

What is the significance of the angel of the Lord in this verse?

The angel of the Lord is a messenger of God who appears throughout the Bible, often to announce important events or messages, such as in Genesis 16:7-13 and Exodus 3:2-4.

How does this verse relate to the rest of the Christmas story?

This verse is a pivotal moment in the Christmas story, as it marks the announcement of Jesus' birth to the shepherds, who then go on to worship Him, as seen in Luke 2:15-20.

What can we learn from the shepherds' response to the angel's appearance?

We can learn that a genuine encounter with God's presence can evoke a range of emotions, including fear, awe, and reverence, as seen in Psalm 111:10 and Proverbs 1:7.

Reflection Questions

What would it be like to experience the glory of the Lord in my own life, and how would I respond?
How can I cultivate a sense of awe and reverence for God in my daily life, especially during the Christmas season?
What are some ways that I can, like the shepherds, share the good news of Jesus' birth with others?
How can I balance fear and reverence with joy and worship, as the shepherds did in response to the angel's announcement?

Gill's Exposition on Luke 2:9

And lo, the angel of the Lord,.... It may be Gabriel, who had brought the tidings of the conception of the Messiah to the virgin, and now the birth of him to the shepherds: came upon them; on a

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Luke 2:9

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.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Luke 2:9

Christ was promised to men who by their occupation were shepherds, . He himself was the chief Shepherd, and the true Shepherd, . The first publication of his birth is made to shepherds; not to shepherds that were idle, but busied in their honest vocations, keeping their flocks. This publication of his birth is made by an angel, whether the angel Gabriel before mentioned, or another, is not certain. This angel surprises the shepherds, cometh upon them thinking no such thing, but only minding their business. The angel comes in a glorious appearance, probably an extraordinary light, for it is said, it shone round about them: such an appearance of extraordinary light is ,32. That they were sore afraid was but natural; we are naturally affected at sudden and unusual appearances with fear and amazement.

Trapp's Commentary on Luke 2:9

9 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. Ver. 9. And, lo, the angel of the Lord] Gabriel, likely, was sent, not to Zacharias or Simeon, &c., but to certain shepherds. God goes a way by himself, Had the sages of the East met with these shepherds, they had received better intelligence than they did from the learned scribes. And the glory of the Lord] As when a king’ s son is born, bonfires are made, &c.

Ellicott's Commentary on Luke 2:9

(9) Came upon them.—The Greek verb, like the English, implies a sudden appearance. The form of the angel was probably, as in Mark 16:5, that of a young man in white apparel. (See Note on Luke 1:12). The wings of angels are, without exception, an after-thought of Christian imagination, those of Isa 6:2, Ezekiel 1:6, Revelation 4:8, being connected with the mysterious figures of the cherubim, the “living creatures” seen in apocalyptic vision. The glory of the Lord . . .—The word suggests the thought of the Shechinah, or cloud of intolerable brightness, which was the token of the divine presence in the Tabernacle and the Temple (1 Kings 8:10-11; Isaiah 6:1-3). (See Note on John 1:14.) Never before had there been such a manifestation to such men as these. What had been the privilege of patriarchs and priests was now granted to shepherds, and the first proclamation of the glad tidings was to those who were poor in their outward life as well as in spirit.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Luke 2:9

Verse 9. The angel of the Lord came upon them] Or, stood over them, επεστη. It is likely that the angel appeared in the air at some little distance above them, and that from him the rays of the glory of the Lord shone round about them, as the rays of light are protected from the sun. They were sore afraid.] Terrified with the appearance of so glorious a being, and probably fearing that he was a messenger of justice, coming to denounce Divine judgments, or punish them immediately, for sins with which their consciences would not fail, on such an occasion, to reproach them.

Cambridge Bible on Luke 2:9

9. And lo] The phrase often introduces some strange or memorable event.the angel] Rather, an Angel.came upon them] Epestê—a common word in St Luke, who uses it eighteen times, Luke 24:4; Acts 12:7, &c. It may mean stood by them.the glory of the Lord] The Shechinah, or cloud of brightness which symbolised the Divine Presence, as in Exodus 24:16; 1 Kings 8:10; Isaiah 6:1-3; Acts 7:55. See on Luke 1:35. The presence of the Shechinah was reckoned as one of the most precious blessings of Israel, Romans 9:4.

Barnes' Notes on Luke 2:9

The glory of the Lord - This is the same as a “great” glory - that is, a splendid appearance or “light.” The word “glory” is often the same as light, 1 Corinthians 15:41; Luke 9:31; Acts 22:11.

Whedon's Commentary on Luke 2:9

9. The angel—An angel. No particular angel is specified. Came upon— Expressive of more suddenness than appeared to them would be.

Sermons on Luke 2:9

	Sermon	Description
	Where Is He Born King of the Jews by Gareth Evans	In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the lack of honor given to God in various aspects of society, such as the law courts, higher education, and the marketplace. He emphasizes t
	The Incarnation Part 7 - "The Angel" by Charles Alexander	Charles Alexander preaches on the profound significance of the angelic announcement of the Lord's birth to the shepherds, emphasizing the divine inspiration of the Word that contin
	At the End of Time - Part 1 by Derek Prince	This sermon delves into the themes of the end of time, eternity, and the importance of focusing on the eternal realm rather than just temporal matters. It emphasizes the contrast b
	(How to Get Out of a Religious Rut): Awakened Out of Sleep by A.W. Tozer	In this sermon, the preacher draws a parallel between the Israelites in the Old Testament and the Church and its members in the present day. He emphasizes that both have settled in
	Walking in the Power of the New Convenant by David Wilkerson	In this sermon, the preacher explores the story of Isaac sending his son Jacob on a journey with nothing, despite being a wealthy man. The preacher questions why a rich father woul
	Revival - Part 1 by J.I. Packer	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the impact of God's blessings on his people and the resulting evangelistic overflow. He emphasizes that when God blesses his people, the worl
	I Am the Lord That Healeth Thee by Carter Conlon	In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the journey of the Israelites from Egypt to the promised land and draws parallels to the Christian journey. He emphasizes that the call of G