King James Version

What Does Luke 2:15 Mean?

Luke 2:15 in the King James Version says “And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now g... — study this verse from Luke chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. the shepherds: Gr. the men the shepherds

Luke 2:15 · KJV


Context

13

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

14

Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

15

And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. the shepherds: Gr. the men the shepherds

16

And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.

17

And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The shepherds' response—'Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass'—demonstrates faith expressed in immediate action. Their words 'which the Lord hath made known unto us' show recognition that the angel's message came from God. They didn't debate whether to go but exhorted each other to immediate obedience. The phrase 'come to pass' indicates their faith that what angels announced has actually occurred. Their willingness to leave flocks unguarded shows the priority of spiritual reality over economic security. This models proper response to divine revelation: immediate, corporate, faith-filled action to investigate and worship what God has revealed.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Shepherds leaving flocks at night risked financial loss and violated occupational responsibility, yet they prioritized seeing what God had done. Their immediate response contrasts with others who would later reject Christ despite greater evidence. Simple shepherds demonstrated faith that educated rulers would lack.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does genuine faith express itself in immediate obedience and action?
  2. What does the shepherds' willingness to risk their livelihood teach about priorities?
  3. How should we respond when God reveals His work to us?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 35 words
Καὶ1 of 35

And

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

γεγονὸς2 of 35

it came to pass

G1096

to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)

ὡς3 of 35

as

G5613

which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)

ἀπῆλθον4 of 35

were gone away

G565

to go off (i.e., depart), aside (i.e., apart) or behind (i.e., follow), literally or figuratively

ἀπ'5 of 35

from

G575

"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)

αὐτῶν6 of 35

them

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

εἰς7 of 35

into

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

8 of 35

which

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

οὐρανὸν9 of 35

heaven

G3772

the sky; by extension, heaven (as the abode of god); by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the gospel (christianity)

10 of 35

which

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἄγγελοι11 of 35

the angels

G32

compare g0034) (to bring tidings); a messenger; especially an "angel"; by implication, a pastor

Καὶ12 of 35

And

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

13 of 35

which

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἀνθρωποι14 of 35

the

G444

man-faced, i.e., a human being

15 of 35

which

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ποιμένες16 of 35

shepherds

G4166

a shepherd (literally or figuratively)

εἶπον17 of 35

said

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

πρὸς18 of 35

to

G4314

a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,

ἀλλήλους19 of 35

another

G240

one another

Διέλθωμεν20 of 35

Let us

G1330

to traverse (literally)

δὴ21 of 35

now

G1211

a particle of emphasis or explicitness; now, then, etc

ἕως22 of 35

even unto

G2193

a conjunction, preposition and adverb of continuance, until (of time and place)

Βηθλέεμ23 of 35

Bethlehem

G965

bethleem (i.e., beth-lechem), a place in palestine

Καὶ24 of 35

And

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἴδωμεν25 of 35

see

G1492

used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl

26 of 35

which

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ῥῆμα27 of 35

thing

G4487

an utterance (individually, collectively or specially),; by implication, a matter or topic (especially of narration, command or dispute); with a negat

τοῦτο28 of 35

this

G5124

that thing

29 of 35

which

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

γεγονὸς30 of 35

it came to pass

G1096

to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)

31 of 35
G3739

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

32 of 35

which

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

κύριος33 of 35

the Lord

G2962

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

ἐγνώρισεν34 of 35

hath made known

G1107

to make known; subjectively, to know

ἡμῖν35 of 35

unto us

G2254

to (or for, with, by) us


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 2:15 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 2:15 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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