Luke 2:11 kjv
For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
Luke 2:11 nkjv
For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.
Luke 2:11 niv
Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.
Luke 2:11 esv
For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.
Luke 2:11 nlt
The Savior ? yes, the Messiah, the Lord ? has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David!
Luke 2 11 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Isa 9:6 | For to us a child is born, to us a son is given... and his name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. | Prophecy of Messiah's divine identity & reign |
| Isa 43:11 | I, I am the Lord, and besides me there is no savior. | God alone is Savior |
| Ps 2:2 | The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the Lord and against his Anointed. | Messiah as God's Anointed (Christ) |
| Ps 110:1 | The Lord says to my Lord: "Sit at my right hand, until I make your enemies your footstool." | Messiah as Lord |
| Mic 5:2 | But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel. | Bethlehem as Messiah's birthplace |
| Jer 23:5-6 | I will raise up for David a righteous Branch... In his days Judah will be saved, and Israel will dwell securely. And this is the name by which he will be called: ‘The Lord Is Our Righteousness.’ | Davidic king, salvation, and divine name |
| 2 Sam 7:12-16 | When your days are fulfilled and you lie down with your fathers, I will raise up your offspring after you... and I will establish his kingdom forever. | Davidic Covenant |
| Mt 1:16 | ...and Jacob the father of Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom Jesus was born, who is called Christ. | Jesus' identity as the Christ |
| Lk 1:31-33 | You will conceive in your womb and bear a son... and the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever. | Messiah's eternal Davidic Kingship |
| Lk 1:47 | ...and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior. | Mary's acknowledgment of God as Savior |
| Acts 2:36 | Let all the house of Israel therefore know for certain that God has made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified. | Jesus exalted as both Lord and Christ |
| Acts 5:31 | God exalted him at his right hand as Leader and Savior, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins. | Jesus as Leader and Savior |
| Phil 2:9-11 | Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow... and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. | Jesus as supreme Lord, universal confession |
| Tit 2:13 | ...awaiting our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ. | Jesus as God and Savior |
| 1 Tim 1:15 | The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners. | Christ's mission to save sinners |
| Heb 1:5 | For to which of the angels did God ever say, "You are my Son, today I have begotten you"? | Emphasis on "today" and divine Sonship |
| Heb 12:2 | ...looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross... | Jesus as ultimate source of faith and salvation |
| Rev 1:17-18 | When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. But he laid his right hand on me, saying, "Fear not, I am the first and the last, and the living one. I died, and behold I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of Death and Hades." | Jesus' divine sovereignty |
| Rom 1:3-4 | ...concerning his Son, who was descended from David according to the flesh and was declared to be the Son of God in power according to the Spirit of holiness by his resurrection from the dead, Jesus Christ our Lord. | Davidic lineage and divine Sonship |
| Col 2:6 | Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him. | Christ's Lordship for believers |
| Jn 1:14 | And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. | Incarnation, God made flesh |
Luke 2 verses
Luke 2 11 Meaning
Luke 2:11 announces the birth of the Messiah in Bethlehem, stating, "For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord." This declaration by the angelic messenger to the humble shepherds conveys the profound identity of the newborn child: He is the promised deliverer from sin and judgment (Savior), the Anointed One and long-awaited King of Israel (Christ), and the sovereign God-man (Lord). It is a message of ultimate hope and joy, marking the advent of God's redemptive plan for humanity, uniquely bringing together humanity's need for deliverance with divine authority and royal heritage.
Luke 2 11 Context
Luke 2:11 is the pivotal announcement made by an angel to shepherds guarding their flocks by night near Bethlehem. This divine revelation occurs against a backdrop of societal tension, with the Roman Empire enforcing a census, requiring Joseph and a pregnant Mary to travel from Nazareth to Bethlehem, the ancestral home of David. The broader context of Luke's Gospel establishes Jesus's divine origin (Lk 1:35), His connection to the lineage of David (Lk 1:27, 2:4), and His purpose as the fulfillment of ancient prophecies. The immediate context of Luke 2 details Mary and Joseph's journey, Jesus's humble birth in a manger due to no room in the inn, and the angelic appearance followed by a heavenly host praising God (Lk 2:1-14). The shepherds, often overlooked members of society, were chosen as the first recipients of this world-changing news, underscoring the humble and universal nature of the Messiah's arrival. Historically and culturally, the Jewish people were intensely awaiting the Messiah, but often anticipated a political deliverer who would overthrow Roman rule, not a "Savior, Christ the Lord" born in such humble circumstances.
Luke 2 11 Word analysis
For (ὅτι, hoti): Introduces the reason or basis for the previously announced "good news of great joy." It highlights the definitive and causal nature of the birth for the message that follows.
unto you (ὑμῖν, hymin): Dative case, indicating "for your benefit" or "to your advantage." While spoken specifically to the shepherds, it implies the universal applicability and personal significance of this birth for all humanity, not just Israel, yet starting with them. This "you" implies an intimate, beneficial gift.
is born (ἐτέχθη, etechthē): Aorist passive indicative of tiktō. Emphasizes a definitive, completed past action with ongoing effect. It stresses the physical, tangible birth, affirming the Incarnation – God becoming flesh. This historical event serves as the foundation for the announcement.
this day (σήμερον, sēmeron): Highlights the immediacy and present reality of the divine action. It signifies God's appointed time has come; this is the eschatological "today" promised by the prophets, marking a new era of salvation. Its precise timing underscores God's sovereignty over history.
in the city of David (ἐν πόλει Δαυίδ, en polei Dauid): Refers to Bethlehem, David's birthplace (1 Sam 17:12). This detail firmly connects Jesus to the royal Davidic lineage, fulfilling ancient prophecies (Mic 5:2; 2 Sam 7:12-16) that the Messiah would come from David's line and be born in his ancestral home. This ensures His credentials as the rightful King of Israel.
a Savior (σωτήρ, sōtēr): From sōzō meaning "to save." In Hellenistic contexts, "savior" could refer to rulers, emperors, or even deities who brought welfare or deliverance. Biblically, it refers to God as the ultimate deliverer (Isa 43:11; 45:21). Here, it designates Jesus as the one who brings deliverance from sin, judgment, and ultimately death. This identifies His primary mission.
who is (ὅς ἐστιν, hos estin): Literally "who is." A straightforward identifying clause linking the "Savior" with the specific titles "Christ" and "Lord," explaining the nature of this Savior.
Christ (Χριστός, Christos): The Greek equivalent of the Hebrew "Messiah" (Mashiach), meaning "Anointed One." In Judaism, it referred to a divinely chosen king, priest, or prophet set apart for God's purposes. Here, it explicitly declares Jesus as the long-awaited Anointed King of Israel, the one destined to bring God's ultimate reign. This title points to His prophetic fulfillment.
the Lord (Κύριος, Kyrios): This is a powerful title with multiple layers of meaning. In the Greek Old Testament (LXX), Kyrios often translates Yahweh (YHWH), the sacred name of God. In the New Testament, it denotes supreme authority, owner, or master. For Jesus, it signifies His divine nature, His sovereignty over all creation, and His status as deserving of worship. The combination of "Christ the Lord" strongly implies divine identity and universal dominion, going beyond a mere human king or prophet.
a Savior, who is Christ the Lord: This entire phrase forms a unique and profound identity statement for the newborn child. It collapses distinct but interconnected theological concepts into one unparalleled title:
- He is the Savior (the one who brings salvation).
- This Savior is specifically the Christ (the Anointed King of God's choosing, fulfilling all OT prophecy regarding the Messiah).
- And this Christ is simultaneously the Lord (possessing divine authority and ultimate sovereignty, identifying Him with God Himself).This triune description captures Jesus's mission (to save), His office (Messianic King), and His nature (Divine Sovereign), leaving no doubt as to His singular importance and ultimate identity. It distinguishes Him from any earthly king or savior.
Luke 2 11 Bonus section
The announcement in Luke 2:11 is intentionally simple yet profound. The fact that this momentous news—the advent of the God-Man, Messiah, and Savior—was first proclaimed not to priests, kings, or scholars in Jerusalem, but to lowly shepherds in a field, highlights a key theme in Luke's Gospel: God's favor for the humble and the marginalized (Lk 1:52-53). It foreshadows Jesus's ministry, which consistently embraced the outcasts. Furthermore, the distinct blend of "Savior," "Christ," and "Lord" sets Jesus apart from any contemporary Roman emperor or deity, often ascribed similar titles by their worshippers. While emperors were called soter (savior) for bringing peace or order, and kyrios (lord) in subservience, the angelic declaration attributes these terms to Jesus with an ultimate, divine, and eschatological meaning. He is the true Savior and ultimate Lord, whose reign is spiritual and eternal, transcending any earthly power.
Luke 2 11 Commentary
Luke 2:11 serves as the very heart of the angel's "good news of great joy," identifying the infant born in Bethlehem not merely as a child, but as the promised King, God Incarnate, and humanity's only deliverer. The three titles — Savior, Christ, and Lord — collectively define Jesus's person and work. As "Savior," He addresses humanity's deepest need: freedom from sin's power and consequences. As "Christ," He is the long-awaited Messiah, confirming His rightful claim to David's throne and the fulfillment of centuries of prophecy. As "Lord," His identity is elevated to divine status, placing Him in the realm of Yahweh himself, demonstrating ultimate authority and sovereignty. This combination of titles revealed to simple shepherds underscores God's subversive plan: the King of kings, Lord of Lords, born not in a palace, but in the humility of Bethlehem, accessible to all, starting with the least expected. It heralds a new covenant and a universal salvation, extending the Davidic hope beyond Israel to encompass all humanity under the lordship of Christ.