For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The angel doesn't just announce Jesus is "Christ," but "Christ the Lord." This isn't merely a title, but a declaration that this newborn infant holds the supreme authority, echoing the name of God himself, pointing to his divine nature and ultimate sovereignty over all things.
For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.
English Standard Version (ESV)
An angelic host has just announced the birth of Jesus to humble shepherds, calling it "good news of great joy." Now, the angel elaborates on this news, proclaiming that a Savior, who is both the Anointed One and the Lord, has been born in Bethlehem, the city of King David. This declaration identifies the infant not just as a baby, but as the promised Messiah and divine ruler, fulfilling ancient prophecies for all people.
The angel announces a Savior, but who is this Savior for? Is it just for a select few, or for everyone?
The angel declares, "For unto you is born this day... a Savior." The word "you" here is incredibly rich!
A Shepherd's "You"
At first, "you" refers directly to the shepherds – humble, working men who were often on the fringes of society. God’s message of salvation begins with those easily overlooked.
Israel's "You"
It also refers to Israel, God's chosen people. This child, born in David's city, is the promised Messiah they had been longing for.
Humanity's "You"
But the message doesn't stop there. "You" extends to all of humanity, Jew and Gentile alike. This Savior is not exclusive; He is for everyone who will believe. As the commentators note, this Savior is appointed for "all elect men" and is a message of "glad tidings to all."
He's called 'Christ,' a title that carries immense weight. What does it truly mean for Jesus to be the 'Anointed One'?
The angel proclaims the child is "Christ the Lord." The word "Christ" is the Greek equivalent of the Hebrew "Messiah," both meaning "Anointed One."
Ancient Anointing
In the Old Testament, kings, priests, and prophets were anointed with oil as a sign of their consecration and empowerment by God for their specific roles. This wasn't just a ceremony; it symbolized the infusion of the Holy Spirit.
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Jesus' Unique Anointing
Jesus is uniquely the Anointed One because He perfectly fulfills all three offices:
He was "anointed with the Holy Spirit" not temporarily, but permanently and without measure, empowering Him for His saving work.
He is called 'the Lord.' What does this title reveal about His nature and the response He demands?
The angel concludes by calling the newborn "Christ the Lord." This title, "Lord" (Greek: Kyrios), carries profound significance.
A Title of Deity
In many contexts, especially when the Old Testament is translated into Greek, Kyrios is used as the translation for God's ineffable name, Jehovah. It signifies supreme authority, eternal existence, and absolute sovereignty. Calling Jesus "Lord" is a declaration of His divinity.
Lordship Over Salvation
This Lordship is directly connected to His role as Savior. He doesn't just offer salvation; He is the Lord who has the power and authority to accomplish it. He saves us from sin, death, and all evil, bringing lasting deliverance.
The Basis for Joy
This exalted title is also presented as a "cause for joy." Knowing that the humble infant born in Bethlehem is the all-powerful, eternal Lord of the universe should fill us with awe and profound gladness.
Understand the original words
sōtēr · Greek Noun
One who delivers or rescues from danger, bondage, or the penalty of sin; in the New Testament, specifically referring to Jesus as the deliverer of His people from the power and consequence of sin.
Christos · Greek Noun/Adjective
The Greek equivalent of the Hebrew 'Messiah' (Anointed One), referring to the King promised in the Old Testament to deliver Israel and establish the kingdom of God.
kyrios · Greek Noun
A title of deity and authority; used in the Septuagint to translate the divine name Yahweh, affirming Jesus's identity as God and supreme ruler over all.
The birth of Jesus occurred during a time of Roman occupation and intense Jewish anticipation for a Messiah. The census under Quirinius necessitated the journey to Bethlehem, fulfilling prophecies about the Messiah's birthplace and connecting His identity as Savior, Christ, and Lord to His Davidic lineage.
c. 7 BC— this verse
Quirinius' Census
A census conducted by Publius Sulpicius Quirinius, governor of Syria, which required Joseph and Mary to travel from Nazareth to Bethlehem.
c. 7 BC
Roman Rule in Judea
Judea was under Roman authority, with Herod the Great as king. His death in 4 BC led to further division and Roman intervention.
c. 7 BC
Messianic Expectation
A period of fervent expectation for a Messiah among Jewish people, fueled by prophecies and a desire for liberation from foreign rule.
c. 7 BC
Shepherds in the Fields
Shepherds were tending their flocks in the fields near Bethlehem, a common practice during certain seasons, making them likely recipients of early announcements.
This prophetic passage foretells the birth of a child who will be given titles that directly echo 'Savior, Christ the Lord,' highlighting His divine authority and role as a ruler and bringer of peace.
Matthew 1:21Matthew's account of Jesus' birth explains the meaning of His name, 'Jesus,' as 'the one who saves,' directly correlating with the angel's proclamation of a 'Savior' in Luke.
Acts 2:36This passage from Acts powerfully declares that the same Jesus, born in Bethlehem, has been made 'both Lord and Christ' by God, mirroring the angelic announcement and emphasizing His divine commission.
Philippians 2:11Paul writes that 'every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord,' reinforcing the divine title given to the newborn Jesus by the angelic host and underscoring His ultimate sovereignty.
Titus 2:13This verse speaks of 'our great God and Savior Jesus Christ,' linking the titles of Savior and Lord directly to Jesus and underscoring the significance of His birth as foretold by the angels.
cambridgeLuke 2:11: "For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord."
11 . a Saviour ] It is a curious fact that ‘Saviour’ and ‘Salvation,’ so common in St Luke and St Paul (in whose writings they occur forty-four times), are comparatively rare in the rest of the New Testament. ‘Saviour’ only occurs in John 4:42 ; 1 John 4:14 ; and six times in 2 Pet. and Jude; ‘salvation’ only in John 4:22 , and thirteen times in the rest of the N. T. Christ the Lord ] “God hath…
clarkeLuke 2:11: "For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord."
A Savior, which is Christ the Lord - A Savior, σωτηρ, the same as Jesus from σωζειν, to make safe, to deliver, preserve, to make alive, thus used by the Septuagint for החיה hecheiah, to cause to escape; used by the same for פלט to confide in, to hope. See the extensive acceptations of the verb in Mintert, who adds under Σωτηρ: "The word properly denotes such a Savior as perfectly frees us from…
The angel doesn't just announce Jesus is "Christ," but "Christ the Lord." This isn't merely a title, but a declaration that this newborn infant holds the supreme authority, echoing the name of God himself, pointing to his divine nature and ultimate sovereignty over all things.
An angelic host has just announced the birth of Jesus to humble shepherds, calling it "good news of great joy." Now, the angel elaborates on this news, proclaiming that a Savior, who is both the Anointed One and the Lord, has been born in Bethlehem, the city of King David. This declaration identifies the infant not just as a baby, but as the promised Messiah and divine ruler, fulfilling ancient prophecies for all people.
An angelic host has just announced the birth of Jesus to humble shepherds, calling it "good news of great joy." Now, the angel elaborates on this news, proclaiming that a Savior, who is both the Anointed One and the Lord, has been born in Bethlehem, the city of King David. This declaration identifies the infant not just as a baby, but as the promised Messiah and divine ruler, fulfilling ancient prophecies for all people.
"For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord." — The angel doesn't just announce Jesus is "Christ," but "Christ the Lord." This isn't merely a title, but a declaration that this newborn infant holds the supreme authority, echoing the name of God hi…
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Last reviewed October 2026