Board index ‹ Specific Bible verses, texts, and passages ‹ Luke

[Jilly Bean]

My husband and I were discussing this verse because depending on the translation you are using, some indicate it is generally "good will toward men", others say "toward men with whom God is pleased." The two meanings are quite different, as the second limits the scope to only select men whereas the first seems to indicate all men. Since it is the heavenly host praising the birth of Jesus, the meaning becomes more significant.

[jimwalton]

Hey, Jill, thanks for asking. It’s most likely the second choice rather than the first. It literally reads (in the Greek): “for human beings of good pleasure” (the “his” is assumed from the previous reference to God, and therefore is more like “for human being of God’s good pleasure.” The picture of being a person of God’s favor was a Jewish way of saying that someone was numbered among God’s chosen people. So the whole verse is a reference to salvation. The whole statement (v. 14) is a proclamation of the Christ event: God is glorified in heaven with the sending of Christ, which is the plan of salvation for those who will respond in faith. God is giving the gift of a Savior, which is Christ, the Lord, who will secure peace—not for all humanity, but to those who respond to his free invitation to be saved. This is also confirmed because through the book of Luke peace is one of Luke’s way of summing up what Christ has come for—the salvation of humankind. So it’s not a generality of bringing peace to the earth, but more specific of bringing salvation to the elect community of faith, God’s chosen people, those whom God has favored. It proclaims God’s will to save those who will receive His Son (Rom. 5.1; Jn. 3.16). Look also at Luke 19.42.

Hope that helps. Feel free to ask more.