The exact words
“And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.”Luke 2:13–14, King James Version (1611)
✓ VerifiedFound in a primary source: the original book, speech transcript, letter or recording.
What people get wrong
Common reading
A general wish that everyone, everywhere, will get along.
A general wish that everyone, everywhere, will get along.
Closer to the original
Most modern translations, based on older Greek manuscripts, read something closer to “peace among those with whom he is pleased,” describing peace as a gift from God. The King James wording is broader, which is partly why it became the standard Christmas greeting.
Most modern translations, based on older Greek manuscripts, read something closer to “peace among those with whom he is pleased,” describing peace as a gift from God. The King James wording is broader, which is partly why it became the standard Christmas greeting.
Timeline
- 1st century ADThe Gospel of Luke describes angels appearing to shepherds near Bethlehem to announce the birth of Jesus, ending with this song of praise.
- 1611The King James Version gives English the familiar wording, “on earth peace, good will toward men.”
- 1863Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, grieving during the Civil War, writes the poem “Christmas Bells,” whose refrain “Of peace on earth, good-will to men” later becomes the carol “I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day.”
Use it in a speech
Two thousand years ago, the story goes, angels sang peace on earth, good will toward men. This year more than ever, that sounds like the right thing to drink to.
~9 secondsto say aloud
Pauseafter “good will toward men”
Best spotthe main toast
The angels' song in Luke 2:14, “on earth peace, good will toward men,” has been printed on more Christmas cards than perhaps any other line of scripture.
~9 secondsto say aloud
Pausenone needed in writing
Best spotopening sentence
Questions people ask
Where in the Bible is “peace on earth, good will toward men”?
Luke 2:14. In the King James Version it reads “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.”
Why do some Bibles say “peace to those on whom his favor rests”?
Many ancient Greek manuscripts have a slightly different word that means “of goodwill,” so modern translations describe peace given to people God favors. The King James translators worked from later manuscripts.
Which carol uses the line?
“I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day,” based on Longfellow's 1863 poem “Christmas Bells,” repeats “peace on earth, good-will to men” at the end of each verse.
Cite this quote
These cite the original source directly, so you can use them in an essay or paper. Always check your teacher's required style.
MLAThe Bible. Authorized King James Version, 1611. Project Gutenberg, www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/10.
APAThe Holy Bible, King James Version. (1611/2026). Project Gutenberg. https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/10
IN TEXT (APA)(The Bible, Gospel of Luke 2:14, King James Version)