King James Version
What Does Luke 2:16 Mean?
“And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.”
Context
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.
18
And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(16) **They came with haste.**—The scene has naturally been a favourite subject of Christian art, and the adoration of the shepherds is, perhaps, implied, though not stated, in the narrative. The conventional accessories, however, of the ox and the ass, and the bright light glowing forth from the cradle, belong only to the legends of the Apocryphal Gospels. (See Notes on Luke 2:7.)
Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.
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 2:16 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 2:16
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge