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Luke 2:20

New Testament Gospel ASV (1901)

What does Luke 2:20 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, even as it was spoken unto them.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, even as it was spoken unto them.
Luke 2:20 — American Standard Version

Context — Luke 2

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
17And when they saw it, they made known concerning the saying which was spoken to them about this child.
18And all that heard it wondered at the things which were spoken unto them by the shepherds.
19But Mary kept all these sayings, pondering them in her heart.
20And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, even as it was spoken unto them.
21And when eight days were fulfilled for circumcising him, his name was called JESUS, which was so called by the angel before he was conceived in the womb.
22And when the days of their purification according to the law of Moses were fulfilled, they brought him up to Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord
23(as it is written in the law of the Lord, Every male that openeth the womb shall be called holy to the Lord),
← Luke 2:19Luke 2:21 →
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What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“And the shepherds returned, etc.] From Bethlehem, to the fields, and to their flock there; glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard; from Joseph and Mary: and seen; as the babe lying in the manger: as it was told unto them; by the angel: they glorified God on account of the birth of the Messiah; and praised him, wondering at his grace, and the high honour put upon them, that they should be acquainted with it; and that there was such an exact agreement between the things they had seen, and the angel's account of them.”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“glorifying and praising God, &c.--The latter word, used of the song of the angels (Luk 2:13), and in Luk 19:37, and Luk 24:53, leads us to suppose that theirs was a song too, probably some canticle from the Psalter--meet vehicle for the swelling emotions of their simple hearts at what "they had heard and seen."”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“The shepherds returned - To their flocks. Glorifying ... - Giving honor to God, and celebrating his praises. return to 'Top of Page'”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“For all the things that they had heard - From Mary; as it was told them - By the angels. Luke 2:21”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“2:20 Glorifying and praising God are major themes throughout Luke’s Gospel (e.g., 1:64; 2:13, 28; 5:25-26; 7:16; 13:13; 17:15, 18; 18:43; 19:37; 23:47; 24:53).”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“Luk 18:43, Luk 19:37, Luk 19:38; Ch1 29:10-12; Psa 72:17-19, Psa 106:48, Psa 107:8, Psa 107:15, Psa 107:21; Isa 29:19; Act 2:46, Act 2:47, Act 11:18 Luke 2:21”
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Related study paths

Read Luke 2 in contextBrowse Greek word studiesOpen this verse in the study reader

Sources and verification