in the highest
The phrase "in the highest" can be understood as referring to the highest heavens, the dwelling place of God. It emphasizes the transcendence and omnipotence of God, who is above all creation. This expression also signifies that the glory given to God is supreme and unparalleled, fitting for the King of Kings. It reminds believers of the heavenly realm's involvement in the earthly event of Christ's birth.

and on earth peace
The Greek word for "peace" is "eirene," which encompasses not only the absence of conflict but also the presence of harmony, wholeness, and well-being. This peace is a gift from God, brought to earth through Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace. It signifies the reconciliation between God and humanity, made possible by Christ's incarnation. This peace is both a present reality and a future hope for believers, encouraging them to live in harmony with God and others.

to men
The term "men" here is inclusive, referring to all humanity. It highlights the universal scope of God's offer of peace and salvation through Jesus Christ. This phrase underscores the inclusivity of the Gospel message, which is available to every person regardless of their background or status. It calls believers to share this message of peace with all people.

on whom His favor rests
The word "favor" in Greek is "eudokia," which means good pleasure or goodwill. This phrase indicates that God's peace is extended to those who are recipients of His grace and favor. It suggests a divine selection, not based on human merit, but on God's sovereign will and love. This favor is ultimately expressed through faith in Jesus Christ, who embodies God's grace. It encourages believers to rest in the assurance of God's favor and to live in response to His grace.

On earth peace, good will toward men.--The better MSS. give, "on earth peace among men of good will"--i.e., among men who are the objects of the good will, the approval and love of God. The other construction, "Peace to men of peace," which the Christian Year has made familiar, is hardly consistent with the general usage of the New Testament as to the word rendered "good will." The construction is the same as in "His dear Son," literally, the Son of His Love, in Colossians 1:13. The word is one which both our Lord (Matthew 11:25; Luke 10:21) and St. Paul use of the divine will in its aspect of benevolence, and the corresponding verb appears, as uttered by the divine voice, at the Baptism and Transfiguration (Matthew 3:17; Matthew 17:5). The words stand in the Greek, as in the English, without a verb, and may therefore be understood either as a proclamation or a prayer. The "peace on earth" has not unfrequently been connected, as in Milton's Ode on the Nativity, with the fact that the Roman empire was then at peace, and the gates of the Temple of Janus closed because there was no need for the power of the god to go forth in defence of its armies. It is obvious, however, that the "peace" of the angels' hymn is something far higher than any "such as the world giveth"--peace between man and God, and therefore peace within the souls of all who are thus reconciled. We may see a reference to the thought, possibly even to the words of the angelic song, in St. Paul's way of speaking of Christ as being Himself "our peace (Ephesians 2:14). . . .

"No war or battle's sound
Was heard the world around
The idle spear and shield were high uphung:
The hooked chariot stood

Unstained with hostile blood,
The trumpet spake not to the armed throng;
And kings sat still with awful eye
As if they surely knew their souvran Lord was by." But the angels sang of something more real and enduring than this temporary lull. The gates of Janus were only too quickly thrown open again. Some seventy years later, within sight of the spot where the shepherds beheld the multitude of the heavenly host, the awful conflagration which accompanied the sack of the holy city and temple could have been plainly seen, and the shrieks and cries of the countless victims of the closing scenes of one of the most terrible wars which disfigure the red pages of history could almost have been heard. Good will toward men. A bare majority of the old authorities read here, "On earth peace among men of good will;" in other words, among men who are the objects of God's good will and kindness. But the Greek text, from which our Authorized Version; was made, has the support of so many of the older manuscripts and ancient versions, that it is among scholars an open question whether or not the text followed in the Authorized Version should not in this place be adhered to.

Parallel Commentaries ...