New International VersionThis will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”
New Living TranslationAnd you will recognize him by this sign: You will find a baby wrapped snugly in strips of cloth, lying in a manger.”
English Standard VersionAnd this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.”
Berean Standard BibleAnd this will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.”
Berean Literal BibleAnd this is the sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths, and lying in a manger."
King James BibleAnd this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
New King James VersionAnd this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.”
New American Standard BibleAnd this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”
NASB 1995“This will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”
NASB 1977 “And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths, and lying in a manger.”
Legacy Standard Bible And this will be the sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”
Amplified BibleAnd this will be a sign for you [by which you will recognize Him]: you will find a Baby wrapped in [swaddling] cloths and lying in a manger.”
Christian Standard BibleThis will be the sign for you: You will find a baby wrapped tightly in cloth and lying in a manger.”
Holman Christian Standard BibleThis will be the sign for you: You will find a baby wrapped snugly in cloth and lying in a feeding trough.”
American Standard VersionAnd this is the sign unto you: Ye shall find a babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, and lying in a manger.
Contemporary English VersionYou will know who he is, because you will find him dressed in baby clothes and lying on a bed of hay."
English Revised VersionAnd this is the sign unto you; Ye shall find a babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, and lying in a manger.
GOD'S WORD® TranslationThis is how you will recognize him: You will find an infant wrapped in strips of cloth and lying in a manger."
Good News TranslationAnd this is what will prove it to you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."
International Standard VersionAnd this will be a sign for you: You will find a baby wrapped in strips of cloth and lying in a feeding trough."
NET BibleThis will be a sign for you: You will find a baby wrapped in strips of cloth and lying in a manger."
New Heart English BibleThis is the sign to you: you will find a baby wrapped in strips of cloth, lying in a feeding trough."
Webster's Bible TranslationAnd this shall be a sign to you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling-clothes, lying in a manger.
Weymouth New TestamentAnd this is the token for you: you will find a babe wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger." Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleAnd this will be the sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.”
World English BibleThis is the sign to you: you will find a baby wrapped in strips of cloth, lying in a feeding trough.” Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd this [is] the sign to you: you will find a Baby wrapped up, lying in the manger.”
Berean Literal BibleAnd this is the sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths, and lying in a manger."
Young's Literal Translation and this is to you the sign: Ye shall find a babe wrapped up, lying in the manger.'
Smith's Literal TranslationAnd this the sign to you; ye shall find the babe swathed, lying in a manger. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd this shall be a sign unto you. You shall find the infant wrapped in swaddling clothes, and laid in a manger.
Catholic Public Domain VersionAnd this will be a sign for you: you will find the infant wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger.”
New American BibleAnd this will be a sign for you: you will find an infant wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger.”
New Revised Standard VersionThis will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger.” Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd this is a sign for you; You will find a babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, and laid in a manger.
Aramaic Bible in Plain English“And this is a sign for you: You will find The Baby wrapped in swaddling bands and lying in a manger.” NT Translations Anderson New TestamentAnd this shall be to you the sign: you will find the babe wrapped in swathing-clothes, and lying in a stable.
Godbey New TestamentAnd this shall be the sign unto you; you shall find an infant lying in a manger, wrapped in swaddling clothes.
Haweis New TestamentAnd this shall be a sign for you; Ye shall find the babe in swaddling-clothes, lying in a manger.
Mace New Testamentand by this sign shall you know him; you will find the babe swathed, lying in a manger.
Weymouth New TestamentAnd this is the token for you: you will find a babe wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger."
Worrell New TestamentAnd this is the sign to you: ye will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, and lying in a manger."
Worsley New TestamentAnd this shall be a sign to you, Ye shall find the child wrapped in swaddling bands lying in a manger.
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context The Shepherds and the Angels… 11Today in the city of David a Savior has been born to you. He is Christ the Lord! 12And this will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” 13And suddenly there appeared with the angel a great multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying:…
Cross References Isaiah 7:14Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin will be with child and give birth to a son, and will call Him Immanuel.
Micah 5:2But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come forth for Me One to be ruler over Israel—One whose origins are of old, from the days of eternity.
Matthew 1:23“Behold, the virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call Him Immanuel” (which means, “God with us”).
John 1:14The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the one and only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.
Matthew 2:11On coming to the house, they saw the Child with His mother Mary, and they fell down and worshiped Him. Then they opened their treasures and presented Him with gifts of gold and frankincense and myrrh.
Philippians 2:7but emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in human likeness.
Isaiah 9:6For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given, and the government will be upon His shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
John 1:29The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!
Matthew 2:6‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah, for out of you will come a ruler who will be the shepherd of My people Israel.’”
Hebrews 2:14Now since the children have flesh and blood, He too shared in their humanity, so that by His death He might destroy him who holds the power of death, that is, the devil,
1 Timothy 3:16By common confession, the mystery of godliness is great: He appeared in the flesh, was vindicated by the Spirit, was seen by angels, was proclaimed among the nations, was believed in throughout the world, was taken up in glory.
Galatians 4:4But when the time had fully come, God sent His Son, born of a woman, born under the law,
Revelation 12:5And she gave birth to a son, a male child, who will rule all the nations with an iron scepter. And her child was caught up to God and to His throne.
Isaiah 53:2He grew up before Him like a tender shoot, and like a root out of dry ground. He had no stately form or majesty to attract us, no beauty that we should desire Him.
2 Corinthians 8:9For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sake He became poor, so that you through His poverty might become rich.
Exodus 3:12
And he said, Certainly I will be with thee; and this shall be a token unto thee, that I have sent thee: When thou hast brought forth the people out of Egypt, ye shall serve God upon this mountain. 1 Samuel 10:2-7
When thou art departed from me to day, then thou shalt find two men by Rachel's sepulchre in the border of Benjamin at Zelzah; and they will say unto thee, The asses which thou wentest to seek are found: and, lo, thy father hath left the care of the asses, and sorroweth for you, saying, What shall I do for my son? … Psalm 22:6
But I am a worm, and no man; a reproach of men, and despised of the people. Jump to Previous Babe Baby Cattle Child Cloth Clothes Cloths es Feeding Find Folded Food Lying Manger Sign Strips Swaddling Swaddling-Clothes Token Trough Wrapped YoungJump to Next Babe Baby Cattle Child Cloth Clothes Cloths es Feeding Find Folded Food Lying Manger Sign Strips Swaddling Swaddling-Clothes Token Trough Wrapped YoungLuke 2 1. Augustus taxes all the Roman empire.6. The nativity of Jesus.8. An angel relates it to the shepherds, and many sing praises to God for it.15. The shepherds glorify God.21. Jesus is circumcised.22. Mary purified.25. Simeon and Anna prophesy of Jesus,39. who increases in wisdom,41. questions in the temple with the teachers,51. and is obedient to his parents.And this will be a sign to you:The angel's message to the shepherds includes a specific sign, indicating divine confirmation. In biblical narratives, signs often accompany divine revelations to authenticate the message ( Exodus 3:12, Isaiah 7:14). The shepherds, familiar with the concept of signs from their Jewish heritage, would understand this as a divine indicator of the Messiah's birth. You will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths:
Swaddling cloths were strips of cloth used to wrap newborns, a common practice in ancient Near Eastern cultures to provide warmth and security. This detail emphasizes Jesus' humanity and humble beginnings, contrasting with expectations of a royal Messiah. The mention of swaddling cloths also connects to Ezekiel 16:4, where the lack of swaddling is a sign of neglect, highlighting the care given to Jesus despite humble circumstances. and lying in a manger.”
A manger, a feeding trough for animals, signifies the lowly and humble conditions of Jesus' birth. This setting fulfills the prophecy of a humble Messiah (Micah 5:2) and prefigures Jesus' role as the Bread of Life (John 6:35), accessible to all, including the marginalized. The manger scene also foreshadows Jesus' future ministry, where He would often be found among the lowly and outcast, emphasizing His mission to serve rather than be served (Mark 10:45). Persons / Places / Events 1. The AngelA messenger from God who delivers the announcement of Jesus' birth to the shepherds. 2. The ShepherdsHumble, everyday workers who are chosen to receive the first announcement of the Messiah's birth. 3. The Baby (Jesus)The newborn Messiah, wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger, signifying humility and accessibility. 4. The MangerA feeding trough for animals, symbolizing Jesus' humble beginnings and His accessibility to all people. 5. BethlehemThe prophesied birthplace of the Messiah, fulfilling the prophecy of Micah 5:2. Teaching Points The Humility of ChristJesus' birth in a manger highlights His humility and willingness to enter into the human condition. As believers, we are called to emulate His humility in our own lives. God's Revelation to the HumbleThe shepherds, considered lowly in society, were the first to hear the good news. This teaches us that God often reveals Himself to those who are humble and open-hearted. The Significance of SignsThe sign given to the shepherds was simple yet profound. It reminds us to look for God's signs in our everyday lives, which may come in unexpected ways. The Fulfillment of ProphecyJesus' birth fulfills Old Testament prophecies, reinforcing the reliability of God's Word and His faithfulness to His promises. The Accessibility of JesusJesus' birth in a manger makes Him accessible to all, regardless of status or background. We are encouraged to approach Him with confidence and share His love with others. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Luke 2:12?
2. How does Luke 2:12's sign strengthen your faith in God's promises?
3. What significance does the "baby wrapped in swaddling cloths" hold for believers today?
4. How does Luke 2:12 connect to Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah?
5. How can you share the message of Luke 2:12 in your community?
6. What personal meaning does the "manger" setting have for your spiritual journey?
7. How does Luke 2:12 confirm the prophecy of Jesus' birth?
8. Why is the sign of a baby in a manger significant in Luke 2:12?
9. What historical evidence supports the events described in Luke 2:12?
10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Luke 2?
11. What are swaddling clothes?
12. What events shaped Jesus' early life and upbringing?
13. What is the meaning of Christmastide?
14. What is the plot of "Lily of the Valley"?What Does Luke 2:12 Mean And this will be a sign to you• God’s messenger never speaks in riddles; He gives a concrete marker the shepherds can verify. • Throughout Scripture a “sign” authenticates divine revelation (Exodus 4:8; Judges 6:17; Isaiah 7:14). • The angel’s words invite the shepherds—and us—to move from hearing to obedient seeking, confident that what God promises, He fulfills.
You will find a baby• The promised Messiah arrives as a newborn, underscoring His genuine humanity (John 1:14; Galatians 4:4; Philippians 2:7). • A baby is approachable; even rough-handed shepherds can cradle Him. No barriers, no palace guards. • God chooses vulnerability to draw near, fulfilling the hope foretold: “For unto us a child is born” (Isaiah 9:6).
wrapped in swaddling cloths• Swaddling was normal care for infants, highlighting that Jesus’ birth was as real and earthy as any other (Ezekiel 16:4). • The detail proves the account is historical, not mythical. • Cloth strips at His birth foreshadow linen strips at His burial (Luke 23:53), hinting that His humble entrance looks ahead to His sacrificial exit.
and lying in a manger• A feeding trough in Bethlehem’s outskirts is the last place one expects to find the Son of David (Micah 5:2), making the sign unmistakable. • The setting proclaims His humility: “Though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor” (2 Corinthians 8:9). • The Bread of Life (John 6:35) starts His earthly journey where animals feed, signaling that He will satisfy the deepest hunger of humanity.
summaryLuke 2:12 anchors our faith in a God who keeps His word through tangible, historical events. The specific sign—an approachable baby, lovingly swaddled, resting in an unlikely manger—reveals a Savior who embraces humility, invites the lowly, and meets every need. The shepherds’ discovery assures us that every promise spoken by God is both true and personally accessible. (12) This shall be a sign unto you.--The sign was not such in itself, but became so by its agreement with the prediction. It was something exceptional that a new-born infant should be found, not in a cradle, but in a manger; still stranger that that infant babe should be the heir of the House of David. Verse 12. - Lying in a manger. This was to be the sign. On that night there would, perhaps, be no other children born in the Bethlehem village; certainly the shepherds would find no other newly born infant cradled in a manger.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek Andκαὶ (kai)Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely. this [will be]τοῦτο (touto)Demonstrative Pronoun - Nominative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3778: This; he, she, it. aτὸ (to)Article - Nominative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.signσημεῖον (sēmeion)Noun - Nominative Neuter Singular
Strong's 4592: Neuter of a presumed derivative of the base of semaino; an indication, especially ceremonially or supernaturally.to you:ὑμῖν (hymin)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 4771: You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.You will findεὑρήσετε (heurēsete)Verb - Future Indicative Active - 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 2147: A prolonged form of a primary heuro, which heureo is used for it in all the tenses except the present and imperfect to find.a babyβρέφος (brephos)Noun - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 1025: Infant, babe, child in arms. Of uncertain affinity; an infant literally or figuratively.wrapped in swaddling clothsἐσπαργανωμένον (esparganōmenon)Verb - Perfect Participle Middle or Passive - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 4683: To swathe, wrap in swaddling clothes. From sparganon; to swathe.andκαὶ (kai)Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely. lyingκείμενον (keimenon)Verb - Present Participle Middle or Passive - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 2749: To lie, recline, be placed, be laid, set, specially appointed, destined. Middle voice of a primary verb; to lie outstretched.inἐν (en)Preposition
Strong's 1722: In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.a manger.”φάτνῃ (phatnē)Noun - Dative Feminine Singular
Strong's 5336: A manger, feeding-trough, stall. From pateomai; a crib.
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NT Gospels: Luke 2:12 This is the sign to you: you (Luke Lu Lk) |
