Luke 2:11
For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
Notice how the angel doesn't just say "Jesus," but declares Him "Savior, who is Christ the Lord." This title reveals His full identity and mission: He is not merely a deliverer, but the Anointed One of God, fully equipped by the Spirit to bring salvation and establish divine authority.
An angel has just appeared to humble shepherds, announcing joyous news of a Savior's birth in Bethlehem, the city of David. After the angel departs, a heavenly host joins in, praising God and proclaiming peace on earth. This incredible celestial announcement is the immediate backdrop for the shepherds’ realization and declaration about this newborn child.
The angel doesn't just announce a baby; he declares a role. What does it truly mean that this newborn is a 'Savior'?
The Greek word for 'Savior' (sōtēr) isn't just a nice nickname. It signifies someone who brings complete deliverance. This newborn is the ultimate rescuer, designed to free humanity from every kind of evil, danger, and sin.
This baby is 'Christ the Lord.' What does this powerful title reveal about His identity and authority?
The title 'Christ' (Christos) is the Greek equivalent of the Hebrew 'Messiah,' meaning 'Anointed One.' In ancient Israel, prophets, priests, and kings were anointed, signifying God's empowerment for their specific roles.
Jesus, however, is uniquely anointed with the Holy Spirit without measure, fulfilling all three offices perfectly:
The addition of 'the Lord' (Kyrios) elevates this further. In the Greek Old Testament, this word often translates the divine name 'Yahweh.' It points to Jesus' eternal nature, supreme authority, and rightful rule over all creation and our lives.
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.
c. 700 BC
Prophecy of Messiah's Birthplace
The prophet Micah foretells that the ruler of Israel, the Messiah, will be born in Bethlehem.
c. 605 BC - 539 BC
Babylonian Exile
Many Jewish people were exiled from their homeland, leading to a longing for a promised deliverer. During this time, prophecies like those in Isaiah and Micah about a coming Messiah were preserved and read.
c. 400 BC - 1 BC
Period of Expectation
Following the return from exile, there was a period of waiting and expectation for the fulfillment of messianic prophecies. This era saw the continued development of Jewish thought and religious practice.
c. 4 BC - 1 AD— this verse
Roman Rule and Census
The Roman Empire controlled Judea. Emperor Augustus ordered a census, requiring people to register in their ancestral towns, which led to Joseph and Mary traveling to Bethlehem.
c. 4 BC - 1 AD
Birth of Jesus in Bethlehem
This prophecy directly foretells the nature and reign of the child born, echoing the 'Savior, Christ the Lord' declaration with titles like 'Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace'.
Matthew 1:21Matthew's account of Jesus' birth explicitly states the purpose of his coming, aligning perfectly with Luke's announcement of a 'Savior' who will save his people from their sins.
Acts 2:36Peter's sermon declares that God has made Jesus, whom the people crucified, both 'Lord and Christ,' directly affirming the titles given to Him by the angel in Luke's narrative.
Philippians 2:9-11This passage describes God exalting Jesus to the highest place, giving Him a name above all names, and compelling all to confess Him as 'Lord,' which is the ultimate destiny declared by the angel.
Titus 2:13This verse speaks of awaiting 'our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ,' reinforcing the identity of Jesus as both Savior and Lord from a future perspective.
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…
Notice how the angel doesn't just say "Jesus," but declares Him "Savior, who is Christ the Lord." This title reveals His full identity and mission: He is not merely a deliverer, but the Anointed One of God, fully equipped by the Spirit to bring salvation and establish divine authority.
An angel has just appeared to humble shepherds, announcing joyous news of a Savior's birth in Bethlehem, the city of David. After the angel departs, a heavenly host joins in, praising God and proclaiming peace on earth. This incredible celestial announcement is the immediate backdrop for the shepherds’ realization and declaration about this newborn child.
An angel has just appeared to humble shepherds, announcing joyous news of a Savior's birth in Bethlehem, the city of David. After the angel departs, a heavenly host joins in, praising God and proclaiming peace on earth. This incredible celestial announcement is the immediate backdrop for the shepherds’ realization and declaration about this newborn child.
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Ask a follow-up
Ask Sola things like:
Live chat about Luke 2:11 is available in the Sola app.
The angel proclaimed this news 'unto you.' Who is included in this divine 'you'?
The angel's message wasn't exclusive; it was intentionally inclusive. 'Unto you' is not just for the shepherds present, but signifies:
This isn't just good news for a select few; it's a universal offer of salvation, available to all who will believe.
Jesus is born in Bethlehem, the 'city of David,' fulfilling the ancient prophecies. This event is announced by angels to shepherds in the fields nearby.
"For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord." — Notice how the angel doesn't just say "Jesus," but declares Him "Savior, who is Christ the Lord." This title reveals His full identity and mission: He is not merely a deliverer, but the *Anointed One…
