Luke 2:14 (KJV)

What does Luke 2:14 mean?

Luke 2:14 gives the words of a heavenly multitude praising God at the birth of Jesus. In the KJV, their words give honor to God in heaven and announce peace and good will toward people on earth.

The multitude speaks within hearing of shepherds who have just received news of the birth. The movement from “the highest” to “on earth” sets God’s place alongside the world where the child has been born.

The Greek behind Luke 2:14

• “Glory” — δόξα (doxa): This word can mean honor, praise, or splendor. Here it points to the honor given to God in the multitude’s praise.
• “peace” — εἰρήνη (eirēnē): This word can mean peace or well-being. It can suggest more than the absence of conflict, including a state of wholeness and well-being.
• “will” — εὐδοκία (eudokia): This word carries the sense of good pleasure or favor. In the KJV’s phrase “good will toward men,” it describes a favorable disposition toward people.

Why Luke 2:14 matters

• The praise is tied to the birth just announced. The angel has told the shepherds that a Savior, Christ the Lord, has been born in the city of David (Luke 2:11).
• The message reaches ordinary people in their working setting. The shepherds are watching their flock at night when they hear the angel and the multitude (Luke 2:8–14).
• The KJV’s “men” speaks broadly of people. The Greek word behind it can refer to human beings generally, not only to males.