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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Luke 2:8 And there were shepherds residing in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks by night.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/luke/2-8.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/18/42_Luk_02_08.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Luke 2:8 - The Shepherds and the Angels" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="And there were shepherds residing in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks by night." /><script type="application/javascript" 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align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad8.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/luke/2-7.htm" title="Luke 2:7">◄</a> Luke 2:8 <a href="/luke/2-9.htm" title="Luke 2:9">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/luke/2.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/luke/2.htm">New International Version</a> And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. <a href="/nlt/luke/2.htm">New Living Translation</a> That night there were shepherds staying in the fields nearby, guarding their flocks of sheep. <a href="/esv/luke/2.htm">English Standard Version</a> And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. <a href="/bsb/luke/2.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> And there were shepherds residing in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks by night. <a href="/blb/luke/2.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> And there were shepherds in the same region, lodging in the fields and keeping watch over their flock by night. <a href="/kjv/luke/2.htm">King James Bible</a> And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. <a href="/nkjv/luke/2.htm">New King James Version</a> Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. <a href="/nasb_/luke/2.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> In the same region there were some shepherds staying out in the fields and keeping watch over their flock at night. <a href="/nasb/luke/2.htm">NASB 1995</a> In the same region there were some shepherds staying out in the fields and keeping watch over their flock by night. <a href="/nasb77/luke/2.htm">NASB 1977 </a> And in the same region there were some shepherds staying out in the fields, and keeping watch over their flock by night. <a href="/lsb/luke/2.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> In the same region there were some shepherds staying out in the fields and keeping watch over their flock by night. <a href="/amp/luke/2.htm">Amplified Bible</a> In the same region there were shepherds staying out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. <a href="/csb/luke/2.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> In the same region, shepherds were staying out in the fields and keeping watch at night over their flock. <a href="/hcsb/luke/2.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> In the same region, shepherds were staying out in the fields and keeping watch at night over their flock. <a href="/asv/luke/2.htm">American Standard Version</a> And there were shepherds in the same country abiding in the field, and keeping watch by night over their flock. <a href="/cev/luke/2.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> That night in the fields near Bethlehem some shepherds were guarding their sheep. <a href="/erv/luke/2.htm">English Revised Version</a> And there were shepherds in the same country abiding in the field, and keeping watch by night over their flock. <a href="/gwt/luke/2.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> Shepherds were in the fields near Bethlehem. They were taking turns watching their flock during the night. <a href="/gnt/luke/2.htm">Good News Translation</a> There were some shepherds in that part of the country who were spending the night in the fields, taking care of their flocks. <a href="/isv/luke/2.htm">International Standard Version</a> In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, watching their flock during the night. <a href="/msb/luke/2.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> And there were shepherds residing in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks by night. <a href="/net/luke/2.htm">NET Bible</a> Now there were shepherds nearby living out in the field, keeping guard over their flock at night. <a href="/nheb/luke/2.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> There were shepherds in the same country staying in the field, and keeping watch by night over their flock. <a href="/wbt/luke/2.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. <a href="/wey/luke/2.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> Now there were shepherds in the same part of the country, keeping watch over their sheep by night in the open fields, <a href="/web/luke/2.htm">World English Bible</a> There were shepherds in the same country staying in the field, and keeping watch by night over their flock. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/luke/2.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> And there were shepherds in the same region, lodging in the field and keeping the night-watches over their flock, <a href="/blb/luke/2.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> And there were shepherds in the same region, lodging in the fields and keeping watch over their flock by night. <a href="/ylt/luke/2.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> And there were shepherds in the same region, lodging in the field, and keeping the night-watches over their flock, <a href="/slt/luke/2.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And shepherds were in the country, sleeping in the fields, and watching over their flock the watches of the night.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/luke/2.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> And there were in the same country shepherds watching, and keeping the night watches over their flock. <a href="/cpdv/luke/2.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> And there were shepherds in the same region, being vigilant and keeping watch in the night over their flock. <a href="/nabre/luke/2.htm">New American Bible</a> Now there were shepherds in that region living in the fields and keeping the night watch over their flock. <a href="/nrsvce/luke/2.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/luke/2.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> Now there were shepherds in that region, where they were staying, and they were watching their flocks at night. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/luke/2.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> But there were some shepherds in the region lodging there and they kept the nightly watch over their flocks;<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/luke/2.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> And there were in the same country shepherds, living in the open field, and guarding their flock by night. <a href="/godbey/luke/2.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> And the shepherds were in that country, tenting out and keeping guard over their flock by night. <a href="/haweis/luke/2.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> And there were shepherds in that country abiding in the open air, and keeping guard over their flock by night. <a href="/mace/luke/2.htm">Mace New Testament</a> In that country there were shepherds lying in the open fields, taking their turns to watch the stock in the night; <a href="/wey/luke/2.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> Now there were shepherds in the same part of the country, keeping watch over their sheep by night in the open fields, <a href="/worrell/luke/2.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> And there were shepherds in the same country abiding in the field, and keeping watch by night over their flock. <a href="/worsley/luke/2.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> And there were in the same country shepherds out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night: and lo, <a href="/parallel/luke/2-8.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/3-5_0Jtd9Lc?start=651" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/luke/2.htm">The Shepherds and the Angels</a> 7And she gave birth to her firstborn, a Son. She wrapped Him in swaddling cloths and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. 8<a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: Kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">And</a> <a href="/greek/1510.htm" title="1510: ēsan (V-IIA-3P) -- I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.">there were</a> <a href="/greek/4166.htm" title="4166: poimenes (N-NMP) -- A shepherd; hence met: of the feeder, protector, and ruler of a flock of men. Of uncertain affinity; a shepherd.">shepherds</a> <a href="/greek/63.htm" title="63: agraulountes (V-PPA-NMP) -- To spend the night in the open, bivouac. From agros and auleo; to camp out.">residing in the fields</a> <a href="/greek/1722.htm" title="1722: en (Prep) -- In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; in, at, on, by, etc."></a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tē (Art-DFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tē (Art-DFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: autē (PPro-DF3S) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons."></a> <a href="/greek/5561.htm" title="5561: chōra (N-DFS) -- Feminine of a derivative of the base of chasma through the idea of empty expanse; room, i.e. A space of territory.">nearby,</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. "></a> <a href="/greek/5442.htm" title="5442: phylassontes (V-PPA-NMP) -- Probably from phule through the idea of isolation; to watch, i.e. Be on guard; by implication, to preserve, obey, avoid.">keeping</a> <a href="/greek/5438.htm" title="5438: phylakas (N-AFP) -- From phulasso; a guarding or, the act, the person; figuratively, the place, the condition, or, the time, literally or figuratively.">watch</a> <a href="/greek/1909.htm" title="1909: epi (Prep) -- On, to, against, on the basis of, at. ">over</a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: autōn (PPro-GM3P) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.">their</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tēn (Art-AFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/4167.htm" title="4167: poimnēn (N-AFS) -- A flock (of sheep or goats). Contraction from poimaino; a flock.">flocks</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tēs (Art-GFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/3571.htm" title="3571: nyktos (N-GFS) -- The night, night-time. A primary word; night.">by night.</a> 9Just then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/john/10-11.htm">John 10:11-14</a> I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep. / The hired hand is not the shepherd, and the sheep are not his own. When he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf pounces on them and scatters the flock. / The man runs away because he is a hired servant and is unconcerned for the sheep. ... <a href="/matthew/2-1.htm">Matthew 2:1-2</a> After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, / asking, “Where is the One who has been born King of the Jews? We saw His star in the east and have come to worship Him.” <a href="/1_samuel/16-11.htm">1 Samuel 16:11</a> And Samuel asked him, “Are these all the sons you have?” “There is still the youngest,” Jesse replied, “but he is tending the sheep.” “Send for him,” Samuel replied. “For we will not sit down to eat until he arrives.” <a href="/ezekiel/34-11.htm">Ezekiel 34:11-12</a> For this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘Behold, I Myself will search for My flock and seek them out. / As a shepherd looks for his scattered sheep when he is among the flock, so I will look for My flock. I will rescue them from all the places to which they were scattered on a day of clouds and darkness. <a href="/micah/5-2.htm">Micah 5:2-4</a> But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come forth for Me One to be ruler over Israel—One whose origins are of old, from the days of eternity. / Therefore Israel will be abandoned until she who is in labor has given birth; then the rest of His brothers will return to the children of Israel. / He will stand and shepherd His flock in the strength of the LORD, in the majestic name of the LORD His God. And they will dwell securely, for then His greatness will extend to the ends of the earth. <a href="/genesis/31-38.htm">Genesis 31:38-40</a> I have been with you for twenty years now. Your sheep and goats have not miscarried, nor have I eaten the rams of your flock. / I did not bring you anything torn by wild beasts; I bore the loss myself. And you demanded payment from me for what was stolen by day or night. / As it was, the heat consumed me by day and the frost by night, and sleep fled from my eyes. <a href="/psalms/23-1.htm">Psalm 23:1-4</a> A Psalm of David. The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. / He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters. / He restores my soul; He guides me in the paths of righteousness for the sake of His name. ... <a href="/isaiah/40-11.htm">Isaiah 40:11</a> He tends His flock like a shepherd; He gathers the lambs in His arms and carries them close to His heart. He gently leads the nursing ewes. <a href="/jeremiah/31-10.htm">Jeremiah 31:10</a> Hear, O nations, the word of the LORD, and proclaim it in distant coastlands: “The One who scattered Israel will gather them and keep them as a shepherd keeps his flock. <a href="/amos/3-12.htm">Amos 3:12</a> This is what the LORD says: “As the shepherd snatches from the mouth of the lion two legs or a piece of an ear, so the Israelites dwelling in Samaria will be rescued having just the corner of a bed or the cushion of a couch. <a href="/zechariah/13-7.htm">Zechariah 13:7</a> Awake, O sword, against My Shepherd, against the man who is My Companion, declares the LORD of Hosts. Strike the Shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered, and I will turn My hand against the little ones. <a href="/matthew/9-36.htm">Matthew 9:36</a> When He saw the crowds, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. <a href="/john/21-15.htm">John 21:15-17</a> When they had finished eating, Jesus asked Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love Me more than these?” “Yes, Lord,” he answered, “You know I love You.” Jesus replied, “Feed My lambs.” / Jesus asked a second time, “Simon son of John, do you love Me?” “Yes, Lord,” he answered, “You know I love You.” Jesus told him, “Shepherd My sheep.” / Jesus asked a third time, “Simon son of John, do you love Me?” Peter was deeply hurt that Jesus had asked him a third time, “Do you love Me?” “Lord, You know all things,” he replied. “You know I love You.” Jesus said to him, “Feed My sheep. <a href="/hebrews/13-20.htm">Hebrews 13:20</a> Now may the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, <a href="/1_peter/5-2.htm">1 Peter 5:2-4</a> Be shepherds of God’s flock that is among you, watching over them not out of compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not out of greed, but out of eagerness; / not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. / And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.abiding.<a href="/genesis/31-39.htm">Genesis 31:39,40</a> That which was torn of beasts I brought not unto thee; I bare the loss of it; of my hand didst thou require it, whether stolen by day, or stolen by night… <a href="/exodus/3-1.htm">Exodus 3:1,2</a> Now Moses kept the flock of Jethro his father in law, the priest of Midian: and he led the flock to the backside of the desert, and came to the mountain of God, even to Horeb… <a href="/1_samuel/17-34.htm">1 Samuel 17:34,35</a> And David said unto Saul, Thy servant kept his father's sheep, and there came a lion, and a bear, and took a lamb out of the flock: … watch over their flock by night.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/haggai/2-5.htm">Abiding</a> <a href="/luke/1-65.htm">Country</a> <a href="/mark/16-12.htm">Field</a> <a href="/mark/11-8.htm">Fields</a> <a href="/mark/10-1.htm">Flock</a> <a href="/zephaniah/2-14.htm">Flocks</a> <a href="/mark/5-14.htm">Keepers</a> <a href="/luke/1-6.htm">Keeping</a> <a href="/mark/5-11.htm">Nearby</a> <a href="/mark/14-30.htm">Night</a> <a href="/psalms/119-148.htm">Night-Watches</a> <a href="/luke/1-64.htm">Open</a> <a href="/luke/1-58.htm">Part</a> <a href="/mark/10-1.htm">Region</a> <a href="/mark/14-27.htm">Sheep</a> <a href="/zechariah/11-8.htm">Shepherds</a> <a href="/matthew/24-48.htm">Staying</a> <a href="/mark/14-38.htm">Watch</a> <a href="/mark/15-40.htm">Watching</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/luke/5-27.htm">Abiding</a> <a href="/luke/2-17.htm">Country</a> <a href="/luke/12-16.htm">Field</a> <a href="/luke/6-1.htm">Fields</a> <a href="/luke/12-7.htm">Flock</a> <a href="/john/4-12.htm">Flocks</a> <a href="/luke/2-18.htm">Keepers</a> <a href="/luke/2-24.htm">Keeping</a> <a href="/john/2-6.htm">Nearby</a> <a href="/luke/2-37.htm">Night</a> <a href="/psalms/63-6.htm">Night-Watches</a> <a href="/luke/3-21.htm">Open</a> <a href="/luke/4-38.htm">Part</a> <a href="/luke/3-1.htm">Region</a> <a href="/luke/2-18.htm">Sheep</a> <a href="/luke/2-15.htm">Shepherds</a> <a href="/luke/2-44.htm">Staying</a> <a href="/luke/6-8.htm">Watch</a> <a href="/luke/6-7.htm">Watching</a><div class="vheading2">Luke 2</div>1. <a href="/luke/2-1.htm">Augustus taxes all the Roman empire.</a> 6. <a href="/luke/2-6.htm">The nativity of Jesus.</a> 8. <a href="/luke/2-8.htm">An angel relates it to the shepherds, and many sing praises to God for it.</a> 15. <a href="/luke/2-15.htm">The shepherds glorify God.</a> 21. <a href="/luke/2-21.htm">Jesus is circumcised.</a> 22. <a href="/luke/2-22.htm">Mary purified.</a> 25. <a href="/luke/2-25.htm">Simeon and Anna prophesy of Jesus,</a> 39. <a href="/luke/2-39.htm">who increases in wisdom,</a> 41. <a href="/luke/2-41.htm">questions in the temple with the teachers,</a> 51. <a href="/luke/2-51.htm">and is obedient to his parents.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; 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David, Israel's great king, was a shepherd (<a href="/1_samuel/16-11.htm">1 Samuel 16:11</a>). The imagery of shepherds is frequently used in Scripture to describe God's care for His people (<a href="/psalms/23.htm">Psalm 23:1</a>, <a href="/john/10-11.htm">John 10:11</a>).residing in the fields nearby The shepherds were living in the fields, indicating their dedication to their work. This setting suggests a rural area near Bethlehem, where fields were used for grazing. The proximity to Bethlehem is significant, as it fulfills the prophecy of the Messiah's birthplace (<a href="/micah/5-2.htm">Micah 5:2</a>).keeping watch over their flocks by night Shepherds often worked in shifts to protect their sheep from predators and thieves, especially at night. This vigilance symbolizes spiritual watchfulness and readiness, themes echoed in Jesus' teachings (<a href="/matthew/24-42.htm">Matthew 24:42</a>). The night setting underscores the contrast between darkness and the light of the world, Jesus Christ, who was about to be revealed.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/s/shepherds.htm">Shepherds</a> These were humble, ordinary men who were tending their sheep. In the cultural context of the time, shepherds were often seen as lowly and unimportant, yet they were chosen to receive the angelic announcement of Jesus' birth. 2. <a href="/topical/f/fields_nearby.htm">Fields Nearby</a> The fields were likely near Bethlehem, where the shepherds were performing their duties. This setting emphasizes the humble beginnings of the announcement of the Messiah. 3. <a href="/topical/f/flocks.htm">Flocks</a> The sheep that the shepherds were watching over. Sheep were a common part of the agrarian society and were often used in sacrificial offerings, symbolizing purity and innocence. 4. <a href="/topical/n/night.htm">Night</a> The time of day when the shepherds were keeping watch. The night can symbolize darkness and the need for light, which is significant as Jesus is often referred to as the Light of the World. 5. <a href="/topical/a/angel_of_the_lord.htm">Angel of the Lord (implied in the following verses)</a> Although not mentioned in verse 8, the angel's appearance to the shepherds is a pivotal event that follows, bringing the good news of Jesus' birth.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/g/god's_choice_of_the_humble.htm">God's Choice of the Humble</a> God often chooses the humble and lowly to reveal His plans, as seen with the shepherds. This teaches us that God values humility and can use anyone for His purposes. <a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_shepherds.htm">The Role of Shepherds</a> Shepherds symbolize care, guidance, and protection. As Christians, we are called to shepherd others by leading them to Christ and caring for their spiritual needs. <a href="/topical/l/light_in_darkness.htm">Light in Darkness</a> The announcement to the shepherds at night signifies the coming of Jesus as the Light of the World. We are called to be bearers of this light in a dark world. <a href="/topical/v/vigilance_in_faith.htm">Vigilance in Faith</a> The shepherds were keeping watch over their flocks, illustrating the importance of vigilance in our spiritual lives. We must be watchful and ready to respond to God's call.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_luke_2.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Luke 2</a> <a href="/q/why_is_christmas_on_december_25.htm">Why is Christmas on December 25?</a> <a href="/q/why_do_matthew_and_luke_differ_on_jesus'_birth.htm">Why do Matthew and Luke give different accounts of Jesus' birth (e.g., one has shepherds, the other has wise men)?</a> <a href="/q/what_does_'treasured_in_her_heart'_mean.htm">What does "Mary treasured these things in her heart" mean?</a> <a href="/q/bible's_view_on_house_dedication.htm">What is the biblical significance of shepherds?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/luke/2.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(8) Shepherds abiding in the field.--The fact has been thought, on the supposition that sheep were commonly folded during the winter months, to have a bearing adverse to the common traditional view which fixes December 25 as the day of the Nativity. At that season, it has been urged, the weather was commonly too inclement for shepherds and sheep to pass the night in the open air, and there was too little grass for pasturage. In summer, on the other hand, the grass on the hills is rapidly burnt up. The season at which the grass is greenest is that just before the Passover (<a href="/mark/6-39.htm" title="And he commanded them to make all sit down by companies on the green grass.">Mark 6:39</a>; <a href="/john/6-10.htm" title="And Jesus said, Make the men sit down. Now there was much grass in the place. So the men sat down, in number about five thousand.">John 6:10</a>); and, on the whole, this appears the most probable date. The traditional season, which does not appear as such till the fourth century, may have been chosen for quite other reasons--possibly to displace the old Saturnalia, which coincided with the winter solstice. It is noticeable that the earliest Latin hymns connected with the festival of Christmas dwell on the birth as the rising of the Sun of Righteousness on the world's wintry darkness.Keeping watch.--Literally, keeping their night-watches, as in <a href="/matthew/14-25.htm" title="And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went to them, walking on the sea.">Matthew 14:25</a>. Who the shepherds were, or why they were thus chosen as the first to hear the glad tidings, we cannot know. Analogy suggests the thought that it was an answer to their prayers, the fulfilment of their hopes, that they, too, were looking for "the consolation of Israel." We may venture, perhaps, to think of the shepherds of Bethlehem as cherishing the traditions of David's shepherd-life, and the expectations which, as we know from <a href="/matthew/2-5.htm" title="And they said to him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet,">Matthew 2:5</a>, <a href="/john/7-42.htm" title="Has not the scripture said, That Christ comes of the seed of David, and out of the town of Bethlehem, where David was?">John 7:42</a>, were then current throughout Judaea--that the coming of the Christ was not far off, and that Bethlehem was to witness His appearing, as thus gaining a higher spiritual receptivity than others. The statement in the Mishna that the sheep intended for sacrifice in the Temple were pastured in the fields of Bethlehem, gives a special interest to the fact thus narrated, and may, perhaps, in part, explain the faith and devotion of the shepherds. They had been rejoicing, at the Paschal season, over the spring-tide birth of the lambs of their flocks. They now heard of the birth of "the Lamb of God that taketh away the sin of the world" (<a href="/john/1-29.htm" title="The next day John sees Jesus coming to him, and said, Behold the Lamb of God, which takes away the sin of the world.">John 1:29</a>). . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/luke/2.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verses 8-20. - The Bethlehem shepherds see the angels. Verse 8. - In the same country; that is, in the upland pastures immediately in the neighborhood of Bethlehem. Shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. Why were shepherds chosen as the first on earth to hear the strange glorious news of the birth of the Savior of the world? It seems as though this very humble order was selected as a practical illustration of that which in the future history of Christianity was to be so often exemplified - "the exaltation of the humble and meek." Mary would learn from this, the first visit of adorers to her Babe, that the words of her song (the Magnificat) would in very truth be realized. The subsequent visit of the learned and wealthy travelers from the East (<a href="/matthew/2-1.htm">Matthew 2:1-12</a>) would tell her that the words of the Isaiah prophecy were all literally, in their due order, to be fulfilled, some of them even in the unconscious childhood of her Son (see <a href="/isaiah/60-3.htm">Isaiah 60:3, 6</a>; <a href="/psalms/72-10.htm">Psalm 72:10</a>). Now, among the Jews at that period shepherds were held in low estimation among the people. In the Talmud (treatise 'Sanhedrin') we read they were not to be allowed in the courts as witnesses. In the treatise 'Avodah-Zarah' no help must be given to the heathen or to shepherds. The Mishna (Talmud) tells us that the sheep intended for the daily sacrifices in the temple were fed in the Bethlehem pastures. This semisacred occupation no doubt influenced these poor toilers, and specially fitted them to be the recipients of the glad tidings. They would hear much of the loved Law in the solemn ritual of the great temple. They would know, too, that there was a rumor widely current in those days that the longlooked - for Messiah was soon to appear, and that their own Bethlehem was to witness his appearing. <a href="/commentaries/luke/2-8.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>And Καὶ (Kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. there were ἦσαν (ēsan) Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1510.htm">Strong's 1510: </a> I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist. shepherds ποιμένες (poimenes) Noun - Nominative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_4166.htm">Strong's 4166: </a> A shepherd; hence met: of the feeder, protector, and ruler of a flock of men. Of uncertain affinity; a shepherd. residing in the fields ἀγραυλοῦντες (agraulountes) Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_63.htm">Strong's 63: </a> To spend the night in the open, bivouac. From agros and auleo; to camp out. nearby, χώρᾳ (chōra) Noun - Dative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5561.htm">Strong's 5561: </a> Feminine of a derivative of the base of chasma through the idea of empty expanse; room, i.e. A space of territory. keeping φυλάσσοντες (phylassontes) Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_5442.htm">Strong's 5442: </a> Probably from phule through the idea of isolation; to watch, i.e. Be on guard; by implication, to preserve, obey, avoid. watch φυλακὰς (phylakas) Noun - Accusative Feminine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_5438.htm">Strong's 5438: </a> From phulasso; a guarding or, the act, the person; figuratively, the place, the condition, or, the time, literally or figuratively. over ἐπὶ (epi) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1909.htm">Strong's 1909: </a> On, to, against, on the basis of, at. their αὐτῶν (autōn) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_846.htm">Strong's 846: </a> He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons. flocks ποίμνην (poimnēn) Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4167.htm">Strong's 4167: </a> A flock (of sheep or goats). Contraction from poimaino; a flock. by night. νυκτὸς (nyktos) Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3571.htm">Strong's 3571: </a> The night, night-time. A primary word; 'night'. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/luke/2-8.htm">Luke 2:8 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/luke/2-8.htm">Luke 2:8 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/luke/2-8.htm">Luke 2:8 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/luke/2-8.htm">Luke 2:8 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/luke/2-8.htm">Luke 2:8 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/luke/2-8.htm">Luke 2:8 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/luke/2-8.htm">Luke 2:8 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/luke/2-8.htm">Luke 2:8 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/luke/2-8.htm">Luke 2:8 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/luke/2-8.htm">Luke 2:8 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/luke/2-8.htm">NT Gospels: Luke 2:8 There were shepherds in the same country (Luke Lu Lk) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/luke/2-7.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Luke 2:7"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Luke 2:7" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/luke/2-9.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Luke 2:9"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Luke 2:9" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>