The older King James Version (KJV) states: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men” (Luke 2:14). In this translation, “glory,” “peace” and “good will” are pronouncements of three distinct blessings from God. In the New International Version (NIV), “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests” (Luke 2:14) announces two distinct blessings from God, with an additional indication of the circumstances under which the peace on earth will be found. Most other translations of this verse reflect the NIV viewpoint. However, the Living Bible translation, “‘Glory to God in the highest heaven,’ they sang, ‘and peace on earth for all those pleasing him’” (Luke 2:14), is false doctrine because it turns the angel’s song into law by making our pleasing God a condition for receiving Christ’s peace.

These two different translations exist because various Greek texts use one of two words that differ by only one letter. Without that letter, “good will” is a direct object equal with “peace.” With the letter the word becomes a modifier of “men,” literally, “men of good will.” Many arguments exist on either side as to which variant is the original.

This writer prefers the understanding reflected more clearly in the King James translation. Picture in your mind thousands upon thousands of holy angels excitedly announcing: 1) the glory of God as it stands fulfilled because the Savior has come, then immediately noting that 2) peace can finally be declared, “accomplished” on a planet under God’s curse because of sin, while 3) God’s pleasure and favor are also shown to human beings specifically. In the King James Version, three distinct pieces of good news come tumbling rapid fire out of the mouths of the angels, who can hardly contain the joy they feel at seeing God’s plan of salvation unfold with the birth of the Savior.

The NIV translation of Luke 2 is not necessarily false doctrine. In truth, real peace—“the peace of God which passes all understanding”—can only be experienced by people who have been blessed with God’s eternal election and, therefore, with God-given faith. With that understanding, the NIV’s meaning actually comes out having virtually the same interpretation as the “three-item” description connected with the King James translation above. The fact that the NIV describes God’s favor as “resting” upon people suggests, in fact, that this qualification is connected with the God-given faith that recognizes and uses this peace from God.

However, the danger is that the NIV translation has been misused to imply some sort of unbiblical predestination to unbelief and damnation. A person could read the NIV translation in such a way that it sounds like God’s giving of peace on earth is intended or desired by God for only a select few people, as if to imply that there are some people God does not want saved or shown favor. Such an idea is false doctrine. For Scripture assures us that God “wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth” (I Timothy 2:4, NIV). In light of that passage, one could certainly say that God’s grace and favor is intended for all people. It is entirely the fault of those who refuse to believe if they miss out on that favor God gave the world through the birth of His Son.

The KJV translation, “good will toward men,” is a declaration of universal justification that Jesus was born as the Savior of all people. For Jesus is the “atoning sacrifice for our sins, not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world” (1 John 2:2, NIV). The NIV translation, “to men on whom his favor rests,” describes personal justification, just as Jesus states, “No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him” (John 6:44 NIV).

Both translations can be properly understood and both universal and personal justification are clear Scriptural teachings. However, the KJV translation better proclaims the Christmas message, a message restated by Simeon, “For my eyes have seen your salvation which you have prepared in the sight of all people” (Luke 2:30-31, NIV).

Paul Zager is pastor of Holton Lutheran Church in Holton, Michigan, and a member of the ELS Doctrine Committee.

Send your questions to: Pastor Paul Zager, P.O. Box 181, Twin Lakes, MI 49457.