King James Version

What Does Luke 2:11 Mean?

Luke 2:11 in the King James Version says “For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.” — study this verse from Luke chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.”

Luke 2:11 · KJV

Salvation

Context

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 .

10

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

11

For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

12

And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

13

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. This verse contains the angel's proclamation of Jesus' identity and mission, comprising perhaps the most theologically dense announcement in Scripture. The preposition "unto you" (hymin, ὑμῖν) makes the birth personally relevant to the shepherds—this event has immediate significance for them and all humanity. The verb "is born" (etechthē, ἐτέχθη) is aorist passive, indicating a completed action done by God—the Messiah's birth is divine initiative, not human achievement.

The phrase "this day" (sēmeron, σήμερον) emphasizes the present reality and urgency of the announcement. "In the city of David" identifies Bethlehem and connects Jesus directly to the Davidic covenant (2 Samuel 7:12-16), establishing His legal right to David's throne. The three titles given to the newborn reveal His comprehensive identity and work: "Saviour" (Sōtēr, Σωτήρ) identifies His mission to deliver humanity from sin; "Christ" (Christos, Χριστός), the Greek equivalent of Hebrew "Messiah," means "Anointed One," establishing Him as the long-awaited fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy; "Lord" (Kyrios, Κύριος) is the Septuagint translation of Yahweh, the covenant name of God, indicating divine identity.

The combination of these three titles is extraordinary. "Saviour" emphasizes His work; "Christ" emphasizes His office; "Lord" emphasizes His nature. Together they proclaim that the baby born in Bethlehem is simultaneously the promised Davidic King, the Deliverer who saves His people from their sins, and God Himself incarnate. This is the gospel in miniature: God becomes man to save sinners and reign forever. The angel's use of "Lord" is particularly significant—in Greek, Kyrios was used to translate the divine name Yahweh in the Septuagint, making this a clear claim to Jesus' deity.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This announcement occurred approximately 5-6 BC in the context of intense messianic expectation in first-century Judaism. Following the Maccabean period and under Roman occupation since 63 BC, Jewish hopes for the Messiah had reached fevered pitch. Various groups held different messianic expectations: Zealots hoped for a military deliverer, Pharisees for a righteous teacher who would restore Torah observance, Essenes for a priestly Messiah, and common people for someone who would free them from Roman oppression.

The title "Saviour" (Sōtēr) carried political as well as spiritual connotations in the Roman world. Caesar Augustus, who reigned when Jesus was born, was hailed throughout the empire as "Saviour" and "Lord." His birthday (September 23) was celebrated as "good news" that brought peace to the world. The angel's proclamation of Jesus as the true Savior and Lord directly challenged imperial ideology, establishing that Jesus, not Caesar, deserved ultimate allegiance. This political dimension would eventually lead to Jesus' crucifixion on charges of claiming to be a king.

Bethlehem's identification as "the city of David" recalled Israel's greatest king and God's covenant promise that a descendant of David would reign forever (2 Samuel 7:12-16). By the first century, this promise had remained unfulfilled for nearly 600 years since Babylonian exile ended the Davidic monarchy. The angel's announcement that the Christ was born in David's city declared that God had finally fulfilled His ancient promise. Archaeological evidence confirms Bethlehem's existence as a small village near Jerusalem, and tradition has identified the Church of the Nativity's location since at least the second century AD.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do the three titles (Saviour, Christ, Lord) together present a complete picture of Jesus' identity and work?
  2. What does the angel's use of 'Lord' (Kyrios) to describe the infant Jesus reveal about His divine nature?
  3. How does announcing Jesus' birth in 'the city of David' connect the New Testament to God's Old Testament covenant promises?
  4. In what ways does the proclamation of Jesus as 'Saviour' and 'Lord' challenge worldly rulers and political systems?
  5. Why is it significant that all three titles are applied to Jesus at His birth rather than only after His ministry, death, and resurrection?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 12 words
ὅτι1 of 12

“For”

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

ἐτέχθη2 of 12

“is born”

G5088

to produce (from seed, as a mother, a plant, the earth, etc.), literally or figuratively

ὑμῖν3 of 12

“unto you”

G5213

to (with or by) you

σήμερον4 of 12

“this day”

G4594

on the (i.e., this) day (or night current or just passed); generally, now (i.e., at present, hitherto)

σωτὴρ5 of 12

“a Saviour”

G4990

a deliverer, i.e., god or christ

ὅς6 of 12

“which”

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

ἐστιν7 of 12

“is”

G2076

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

Χριστὸς8 of 12

“Christ”

G5547

anointed, i.e., the messiah, an epithet of jesus

κύριος9 of 12

“the Lord”

G2962

supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)

ἐν10 of 12

“in”

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

πόλει11 of 12

“the city”

G4172

a town (properly, with walls, of greater or less size)

Δαβίδ12 of 12

“of David”

G1138

david, the israelite king

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Luke. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Luke 2:11 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Luke 2:11 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Isaiah 9:6Matthew 1:21Titus 3:4-7Acts 2:36Matthew 16:16Luke 1:43

Places in This Verse

Bethlehem 1Settlement · Modern: Bethlehem · 31.70°N, 35.21°E52 verses across 14 books
View all places in Luke 2 →

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