At the birth of Christ, in Luke 2:13 (KJV) "And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, 14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men." This praise of the heavenly host began the ministry that changed the world. What does it mean?
Sorry about the confusion. I intended to ask what the bold statement mean to you. The Thayer definitions of the key words are included below.
To God:
Glory
G1391
δόξα
doxa
Thayer Definition:
1) opinion, judgment, view
2) opinion, estimate, whether good or bad concerning someone
2a) in the NT always a good opinion concerning one, resulting in praise, honour, and glory
3) splendour, brightness
3a) of the moon, sun, stars
3b) magnificence, excellence, preeminence, dignity, grace
3c) majesty
3c1) a thing belonging to God
3c1) the kingly majesty which belongs to him as supreme ruler, majesty in the sense of the absolute perfection of the deity
3c2) a thing belonging to Christ
3c2a) the kingly majesty of the Messiah
3c2b) the absolutely perfect inward or personal excellency of Christ; the majesty
3c3) of the angels
3c3a) as apparent in their exterior brightness
4) a most glorious condition, most exalted state
4a) of that condition with God the Father in heaven to which Christ was raised after he had achieved his work on earth
4b) the glorious condition of blessedness into which is appointed and promised that true Christians shall enter after their Saviour’s return from heaven
Part of Speech: noun feminine
A Related Word by Thayer’s/Strong’s Number: from the base of G1380
Citing in TDNT: 2:233, 178
To man:
Peace
G1515
εἰρήνη
eirēnē
Thayer Definition:
1) a state of national tranquillity
1a) exemption from the rage and havoc of war
2) peace between individuals, i.e. harmony, concord
3) security, safety, prosperity, felicity, (because peace and harmony make and keep things safe and prosperous)
4) of the Messiah’s peace
4a) the way that leads to peace (salvation)
5) of Christianity, the tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ, and so fearing nothing from God and content with its earthly lot, of whatsoever sort that is
6) the blessed state of devout and upright men after death
Part of Speech: noun feminine
A Related Word by Thayer’s/Strong’s Number: probably from a primary verb eiro (to join)
Citing in TDNT: 2:400, 207
Good will
G2107
εὐδοκία
eudokia
Thayer Definition:
1) will, choice
1a) good will, kindly intent, benevolence
2) delight, pleasure, satisfaction
3) desire
3a) for delight in any absent thing easily produces longing for it
Part of Speech: noun feminine
A Related Word by Thayer’s/Strong’s Number: from a presumed compound of G2095 and the base of G1380
Citing in TDNT: 2:742, 273