ZH_zh_obs-tn/content/23/06.md

# guarding their flocks

A **flock** is a group of sheep. The shepherds were caring for their sheep, and protecting them from harm or theft.

# a shining angel

This could also be translated as: “an angel surrounded by a bright light.” The shining light would have seemed even brighter in contrast to the darkness of the night.

# they were terrified

The appearance of the supernatural angel was extremely frightening.

# The angel said, “Do not be afraid, because I have some good news for you. The Messiah, the Master, has been born in Bethlehem!”

This is direct quotation. It can also be stated as an indirect quotation: “The angel told them not to be afraid, because he had some good news for them. The Messiah, the Master, had been born in Bethlehem!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations]])

# Do not be afraid

This often means ***stop being afraid***. The angel spoke this command to the shepherds in order to comfort them. The shepherds were very afraid when they saw the angel, so he was telling them they did not need to be afraid. Alternate translation: “You do not need to be afraid” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-imperative]])

# The Messiah, the Master, has been born in Bethlehem!

This sentence emphasizes the exciting message that the Messiah—for whom the Israelites had so long been waiting—had finally come! (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclamations]])