Luke 2:10

Luke 2:10, in plain English

The angel calmed them down and said, 'Don't be afraid! I have the best news you will ever hear—and it is for everyone, everywhere.'

Why it's here

The words 'good news' were actually used for imperial announcements about Caesar. The angel is declaring that the real King has arrived—and He outranks every emperor.

Who's speaking

The angel speaks the most famous birth announcement in history.

Where it sits in the story

Fear turns to wonder as the angel speaks. This isn't just good news—it is the greatest news the world will ever receive, and it is meant for every single person.

The scholarly reading

The angel calms their fear and announces 'good news of great joy' (euangelizomai charan megalēn) for all people (panti tō laō). The term euangelizomai is the verb form of 'gospel.'

Language and setting

The angel's announcement uses imperial proclamation language—Augustus' birth was similarly announced as 'good news' (euangelion). Luke subtly presents Jesus as the true bringer of peace and salvation, not Caesar.

Voice

The angel delivers the birth announcement to the terrified shepherds.

Significance

The angel's first words are 'Do not be afraid'—the most frequent divine greeting in Scripture. Then comes the announcement that will change everything: good news of great joy, not just for Israel, but for all people.

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!

12And this will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.”

Read all of Luke 2 — The most powerful person in history arrives as the most vulnerable — a baby in a feeding trough. The announcement goes to shepherds.