Luke 2 13

Luke 2:13 kjv

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

Luke 2:13 nkjv

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

Luke 2:13 niv

Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,

Luke 2:13 esv

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

Luke 2:13 nlt

Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host of others ? the armies of heaven ? praising God and saying,

Luke 2 verses

Luke 2 13 Meaning

Luke 2:13 describes a sudden and awe-inspiring manifestation where a vast multitude of angels, referred to as the "heavenly host," instantaneously appeared with the angel who had first announced Jesus' birth. Their immediate and collective action was to praise God, leading into the declaration found in the subsequent verse. This dramatic appearance signifies the extraordinary divine importance of the Christ-child's arrival, revealing the cosmic rejoicing over God's redemptive work.

Luke 2 13 Context

Luke 2:13 is nestled within the famous Christmas narrative, immediately following the angelic announcement to the shepherds. One angel had just delivered the "good news of great joy," identifying the newborn Jesus as the Savior, Christ the Lord, in Bethlehem (Lk 2:10-12). This specific verse marks a dramatic shift from a singular divine messenger to a vast heavenly choir. Its purpose is to magnify the message, providing a visual and auditory spectacle that affirms the unparalleled significance of the event. The humble shepherds, tending their flocks by night, become privileged witnesses to a celestial display, elevating their marginalized status through a direct divine encounter. This scene transitions from the angel's proclamation to the multitude's immediate praise, setting the stage for their glorious anthem in Luke 2:14. Historically, angels (the "host") were perceived as God's messengers or warriors, reinforcing the power and divine origin of the event.

Luke 2 13 Word analysis

• And suddenly (καὶ ἐξαίφνης, kai exaíphnes): Signifies an instantaneous, abrupt, and supernatural appearance, breaking into ordinary reality without warning. This highlights the immediate, unexpected, and divine initiation of the event, emphasizing its miraculous nature rather than a gradual process. It points to God's direct and unmediated action.
• there was with (ἐγένετο σὺν, egeneto syn): Egeneto means "came into being" or "appeared." Syn means "with" or "alongside." It indicates that the multitude joined the original angel, not replacing him, emphasizing their unified purpose and accompaniment. It suggests a pre-arranged and organized divine unveiling, demonstrating the coordinated efforts of heaven.
• the angel (τῷ ἀγγέλῳ, tō angélō): Refers to the singular angel mentioned in Luke 2:9-10, who first delivered the specific message of Christ's birth. This ensures continuity and shows the multitude augmenting, rather than superseding, the initial messenger.
• a multitude (πλῆθος, plēthos): Means a great number, throng, or vast company. It conveys an immeasurable quantity, signifying that not just a few but countless heavenly beings were present. This emphasizes the immense, cosmic scale and joyous gravity of the Incarnation.
• of the heavenly host (στρατιᾶς οὐρανίου, stratias ouraniou):
  • heavenly (ouraniou): Of the heavens, celestial. Designates their origin and realm, connecting them directly to God's abode.
  • host (stratias): This term translates as "army," "military company," or "organized array." It portrays these angels not merely as a random group but as a structured, ordered, and powerful contingent from God's celestial forces. This imagery frequently appears in the Old Testament, denoting God's might and His command over vast, disciplined spiritual armies (e.g., Ps 103:21; Josh 5:14). Their appearance signifies a powerful, well-ordered divine presence.
• praising God (αἰνούντων τὸν Θεὸν, ainountōn ton Theon):
  • praising (ainountōn): A present participle, indicating a continuous and immediate action of laudation, glorifying, and hymning God. Their praise is an instinctive, overflowing response to God's redemptive act.
  • God (ton Theon): Emphasizes that the worship is directed solely and entirely to the Almighty God, reinforcing His sovereignty and the source of salvation.
• and saying (καὶ λεγόντων, kai legontōn): Introduces the content of their communal praise, which is fully articulated in the next verse (Lk 2:14). It signifies their unified verbal declaration.

Luke 2 13 Bonus section

• The suddenness ("exaíphnes") of the appearance not only evokes wonder but also demonstrates the swift and unhindered action of God in human history. This direct divine intervention bypasses any human expectation or preparation, highlighting the unmerited grace of Christ's birth.
• The "heavenly host" can be understood in continuity with Old Testament prophecies and visions where the "army of heaven" (e.g., Deut 17:3; 2 Kgs 21:3) served God's will, emphasizing a divinely orchestrated, triumphant, spiritual reality unfolding on earth.
• The collective praise ("praising God") anticipates the worship that will be due to Christ throughout eternity. It also stands as a prototype of corporate worship, where numerous voices unite in adoration to God for His wondrous deeds.
• The fact that these angelic beings—who already exist in God's presence—erupt in such ecstatic praise upon the birth of Jesus underscores the unprecedented nature and profound importance of the Incarnation even for heaven itself. It highlights that even for angels, Christ's coming represents a significant fulfillment of God's plan.
• This angelic visitation implicitly critiques any belief systems that depict God as distant or indifferent. Instead, He is intimately involved, and His heavenly court joyfully participates in the ushering in of His salvific plan for humanity.

Luke 2 13 Commentary

Luke 2:13 provides a dramatic celestial affirmation of the significance of Christ's birth. What began as a message from one angel transforms into an overwhelming divine spectacle, where "a multitude of the heavenly host" suddenly bursts forth, unified in their praise of God. This scene serves multiple vital purposes: it underscores the divine origin and cosmic importance of the Messiah's arrival, signaling that this birth is not a minor event but one that electrifies all of heaven. The imagery of a "heavenly host" evokes an ordered angelic army, reinforcing God's immense power and sovereign command over the celestial realm, all of whom recognize and exalt Him for this climactic moment in salvation history. Their spontaneous and fervent praise acts as a celestial confirmation of the Good News, calling both heaven and earth to witness and respond in worship to the arrival of the Savior. It reminds us that true worship flows from a recognition of God's incredible acts of grace. This brief verse captures the boundless joy and adoration emanating from heaven for God's act of becoming flesh, establishing the glorious context for the angels' ensuing anthem of "Glory to God in the highest."