Lexical Summary agrauleó: To live in the fields, to camp out Original Word: ἀγραυλέω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance live outdoors, abide in the field. From agros and auleo (in the sense of aule); to camp out -- abide in the field. see GREEK agros see GREEK auleo see GREEK aule NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom agros and aulé Definition to live in the fields NASB Translation staying out in the fields (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 63: ἀγραυλέωἀγραυλέω, (ῶ; "to be an ἄγραυλος (ἀγρός, αὐλή), i. e. to live in the fields, be under the open sky, even by night: Luke 2:8 (Strabo, p. 301 a.; Plutarch, Numbers 4). Topical Lexicon Term in Narrative Setting In Luke 2:8 the participle ἀγραυλοῦντες describes Bethlehem-area shepherds who were “residing in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks by night”. The wording portrays a lifestyle of continual, open-air vigilance rather than an occasional overnight stay. The sole New Testament use situates the term at the very moment heaven breaks its silence to announce the Messiah’s birth. Historical Background of First-Century Shepherding Bethlehem lay within five miles of the Jerusalem temple. Rabbinic sources indicate that flocks kept in this region often supplied sacrifices, especially the continual burnt offerings and Passover lambs. Shepherds charged with such animals had to stay outside year-round, protecting them from predators and thieves. Their nocturnal stationing reflects both economic necessity and cultic duty: no blemish could come to the lambs destined for the altar. Theological Themes Highlighted by the Word 1. Watchful Readiness. By choosing men who were literally living in the fields, Scripture stresses alertness. The angelic message found ears already awake, underscoring Christ’s call to spiritual vigilance (Matthew 24:42). Prophetic and Canonical Connections • Micah 4:8 foretells that kingship will return to “Migdal-Eder, the hill of the Daughter of Zion,” an area just south of Bethlehem traditionally used for shepherding. The nighttime watchers at the Messiah’s birth evoke this prophecy. Ministry Insights Drawn from the Passage 1. Presence with the Flock. Effective spiritual leaders “smell like the sheep,” remaining close enough to sense danger and provide guidance. Application for Believers Today Believers are called to live alert lives, casting aside spiritual slumber and “putting on the armor of light” (Romans 13:12). The term reminds modern disciples that revelation often comes to those who faithfully maintain ordinary responsibilities, even under the open sky of hardship or obscurity. Staying near the “flock” God has entrusted—family, congregation, community—prepares hearts to recognize and herald the Savior’s work. Christological Focus The incarnate Son is announced to guardians of sacrificial lambs; He will Himself become the definitive sacrifice. The participle ἀγραυλοῦντες, embedding the shepherds in a posture of watchful care, thus serves the evangelist’s larger purpose: to present Jesus as the long-awaited Shepherd-King who lays down His life for the sheep (John 10:11). Summary Strong’s Greek 63 surfaces only once, yet its contextual richness illumines the gospel narrative. It paints a scene of persistent, outdoor guardianship, highlighting themes of vigilance, humility, sacrificial expectation, and divine illumination. For the church, the word encourages continuous, self-giving watchfulness until the Chief Shepherd appears in glory (1 Peter 5:4). Forms and Transliterations αγραυλουντες αγραυλούντες ἀγραυλοῦντες agraulountes agrauloûntesLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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