“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”
English Standard Version (ESV)
The verse highlights that peace on earth isn't simply the absence of conflict, but specifically "peace among those with whom He is pleased." This points to a peace rooted in divine favor and approval, rather than universal accord or just worldly tranquility.
“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”
English Standard Version (ESV)
This is the glorious moment the heavenly host bursts into song following the announcement of Jesus' birth to the shepherds. The angels' message isn't just a beautiful carol; it's a proclamation of the profound implications of God sending His Son, heralding immense glory for God and a new era of peace on earth for all whom He favors. This scene immediately follows the angel's appearance to the shepherds and precedes their journey to Bethlehem.
The angels sing 'Glory to God in the highest.' But what does 'in the highest' really mean? Is it just a poetic flourish, or something more profound?
This phrase points to the ultimate source and scope of God's glory.
A Heavenly Anthem
'In the highest' doesn't just mean 'loudly' or 'with great enthusiasm.' It signifies the highest heavens, the very dwelling place of God. The angels aren't just singing from earth; they are bringing praise from the celestial realm, the ultimate seat of God's glory.
God's Worthy Character
This glory is revealed through the incarnation – God sending His Son. It showcases His incredible love, mercy, and power. The mystery of redemption brings glory to God in ways that even angels can only contemplate with awe. It's a praise that resonates throughout the entire universe, not just on earth.
Beyond Human Aspiration
Some scholars note that 'in the highest' uses a rare expression, suggesting a realm beyond even the angels' own aspirations. It’s a pinnacle of glory that the entire creation participates in celebrating.
The angels declare 'peace on earth' and 'good will toward men.' But what kind of peace is this, and who are these 'men' with whom God is pleased?
This second part of the angelic announcement reveals the core purpose of Jesus' coming: reconciliation and divine favor.
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Peace Beyond Politics
The 'peace on earth' isn't primarily about the absence of war between nations, though that is a future hope. It's about the profound peace that comes from being reconciled to God. Before Jesus, humanity was at war with its Creator. His birth signifies the beginning of reconciliation, bridging the gap caused by sin.
Favor for the Beloved
The phrase 'good will toward men' (or 'among men in whom He is well pleased') is key. It points to God's pleasure and favor resting upon humanity through His Son, Jesus. It's not about people earning God's approval, but about God extending His favor to those who are in Christ, the One in whom He is eternally well-pleased. This 'good will' creates a peace among believers, fostering love and unity.
A New Family
This reconciliation makes us part of God's family. Peace with God leads to peace with one another, transforming relationships and communities. It's the beginning of a new reality where hostility is replaced by harmony, both vertically (with God) and horizontally (with others).
Understand the original words
doxa · Greek Noun
The visible radiance, majesty, and manifested presence of God’s character; the outward expression of His inward divine nature.
eirēnē · Greek Noun
Holistic well-being, reconciliation, and harmony; includes the state of being restored to a right relationship with God, resulting in inner tranquility and order.
The angels' song at Jesus' birth wasn't just a beautiful lullaby; it was a proclamation of the new reality inaugurated by the Messiah – peace with God and goodwill extending to all humanity, a stark contrast to the political and social unrest of the Roman-occupied world.
c. 7 BC - 4 BC— this verse
Birth of Jesus
Jesus is born in Bethlehem during the reign of Herod the Great, an event that would profoundly reshape human history.
c. 6 AD
Quirinius' Census
A census is ordered by Roman governor Quirinius in Judea. This event is noted by Luke as a significant administrative undertaking during Jesus' early life.
c. 27-30 AD
Jesus' Public Ministry Begins
Jesus begins his public ministry, teaching, healing, and proclaiming the Kingdom of God, fulfilling the prophecies heralded at his birth.
c. 30 AD
Crucifixion and Resurrection
Jesus is crucified in Jerusalem and rises from the dead, the central event of Christian faith and the ultimate act of reconciliation.
c. 30-60 AD
Spread of the Gospel
The apostles and early followers spread the message of Jesus' resurrection and teachings throughout the Roman Empire and beyond.
c. 60-62 AD
Paul's Epistles
The Apostle Paul writes letters to various churches, elaborating on themes of salvation, peace with God, and the unity of believers through Christ.
This passage directly prophesies the coming of a 'Prince of Peace' whose government will be characterized by justice and righteousness, directly echoing the 'peace on earth' proclaimed by the angels.
Luke 1:32-33This foretells that Jesus will be called the Son of the Most High and will reign over the house of Jacob forever, aligning with the angelic declaration of glory to God and peace on earth through His coming.
John 1:14This verse speaks of the Word becoming flesh and dwelling among us, full of grace and truth, reflecting the 'good will toward men' and the manifestation of God's glory that the angelic hymn celebrates.
Ephesians 2:14Paul teaches that Christ Himself is our peace, having broken down the dividing wall between Jews and Gentiles, which is a profound expansion of the 'peace on earth' proclaimed by the angels.
Colossians 1:19-20This passage highlights that through Christ, God was pleased to reconcile all things to Himself, making peace through the blood of His cross, which is the ultimate source of the 'good will toward men' and the peace announced at Jesus' birth.
barnesLuke 2:14: "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men."
Glory to God - Praise be to God, or honor be to God. That is, the praise of redeeming man is due to God. The plan of redemption will bring glory to God, and is designed to express his glory. This it does by evincing his love to people, his mercy, his condescension, and his regard to the honor of his law and the stability of his own government. It is the highest expression of his love and mercy. Nowhere, so far a…
bengelLuke 2:14: "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men."
Luke 2:14 . [13] Λεγόντων , saying ) This whole hymn consists of two members, and has a doxology, or thanksgiving which in its turn consists of two members, and an Ætiology [or an assigning of the reason (See Append.)] for the doxology, as the particle καὶ , and [between δόξα — Θεῷ and ἐπὶ γ . εἰρήνη ], implies, it not being likely that it is so placed without design. The whole may be thus paraphrased: Glory (be…
The verse highlights that peace on earth isn't simply the absence of conflict, but specifically "peace among those with whom He is pleased." This points to a peace rooted in divine favor and approval, rather than universal accord or just worldly tranquility.
This is the glorious moment the heavenly host bursts into song following the announcement of Jesus' birth to the shepherds. The angels' message isn't just a beautiful carol; it's a proclamation of the profound implications of God sending His Son, heralding immense glory for God and a new era of peace on earth for all whom He favors. This scene immediately follows the angel's appearance to the shepherds and precedes their journey to Bethlehem.
This is the glorious moment the heavenly host bursts into song following the announcement of Jesus' birth to the shepherds. The angels' message isn't just a beautiful carol; it's a proclamation of the profound implications of God sending His Son, heralding immense glory for God and a new era of peace on earth for all whom He favors. This scene immediately follows the angel's appearance to the shepherds and precedes their journey to Bethlehem.
"“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”" — The verse highlights that peace on earth isn't simply the absence of conflict, but specifically "peace among those with whom He is pleased." This points to a peace rooted in divine favor and approval…
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Last reviewed October 2026