Luke 2:20
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 · King James Version
Meaning
After witnessing the miraculous birth of Jesus as foretold by the angel, the shepherds returned to their fields filled with awe and wonder. They couldn't contain their joy and gratitude for being chosen to witness such a monumental event. The shepherds served as a symbol of humility and simplicity, yet they were the first to spread the good news of Jesus's birth. Their response was one of glorifying and praising God, recognizing the divine significance of what they had heard and seen. By sharing their experience with others, the shepherds played a crucial role in spreading the message of hope and salvation that Jesus's birth brought to the world. This verse serves as a reminder of the power of faithful obedience and the importance of sharing the good news with others. Just as the shepherds glorified and praised God, we too can find joy and fulfillment in sharing the story of Christ's birth and its impact on our lives.
Theological Overview
One theological interpretation of the verse would be to view the shepherds' response of glorifying and praising God as a model for believers today. Just as the shepherds were filled with gratitude and joy at the news of Jesus' birth, believers are called to respond with worship and praise for the salvation brought by Christ. This verse emphasizes the importance of recognizing and appreciating the work of God in our lives, as the shepherds did upon witnessing the fulfillment of the prophecies concerning the Messiah. Additionally, the shepherds' response serves as a reminder of the transformative power of encountering Jesus; when we truly experience His presence, we cannot help but glorify and praise Him for all that He has done for us.
Luke 2:20 in other translations
American Standard Version
And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, even as it was spoken unto them.
World English Bible
The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, just as it was told them.
Douay-Rheims
And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.
Geneva Bible (1599)
And the shepheardes returned glorifiyng and praising God, for all that they had heard and seene as it was spoken vnto them.