Out in the Fields

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night.

Luke 2:8 NIV

In the application Linguistic Analysis, we consider everything a person says or writes.

We have noted the need for active listening when applying Discourse Analysis (Real time Linguistic Analysis via the spoken word) and how our words are reliable via the Speed of Transmission (the processing of our thoughts into words).

Prior to reaching our lips, the brain has to consider the memory, the words to use and then phrase events so they become understandable when communicated. This editing process is similar to using the spellchecker facility on a computer. This is an extremely quick process. All words selected are influenced by our previous experiences, attitudes, relationships, values, emotions etc.. They can reveal a lot about the person speaking.

Often, because of the Speed of Transmission, if we stop to ask someone why they used a particular word to describe something, more often than not, they will either not be aware they used it or if they are, will not know why they chose that particular word.

Every word is included for a specific reason. In order to seek to understand the language, we have to decode it.

In considering Luke 2 v 8, we could ask, why Luke phrased the verse the way he did:

"And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby," as opposed to saying, "And there were shepherds living in the fields nearby?"

Brevity is key and often the shortest answer is the best. In the above passage, the word 'out' is included. This word can be removed from the sentence and have the sentence still make sense. Its inclusion makes it 'unnecessary information' which to Luke (the writer) makes it doubly important for it to be included. Therefore, we can consider the significance and meaning of the word 'out' in context.

The linguistic difference to 'living in the fields' and 'living out in the fields' speaks to connotation and emphasis.

'Living in the fields' is more neutral and states the location without additional emphasis.

'Living out in the fields' uses the additional word 'out' which implies a greater degree of remoteness and distance. It emphasises the contrast between the location and being in a more populated and potentially safer area.

With the above in mind, it is understandable that the shepherds could have felt vulnerable given not only the location but for the extended period of time they had been there as evidenced by the word 'living.'

This vulnerability could in part speak to fear and terror they felt in verse 9 when 'An angel of the Lord appeared to them and the glory of the Lord shone around them and they were terrified.'

By slowing the pace down and considering each word, we understand from verse 8 that the shepherds had been in a distant remote area for a period of time, away from anyone and potentially felt vulnerable despite it being a way of life. Set against this background, it is understandable the terror they felt, let alone seeing an Angel for the first time might bring but also being in the middle of nowhere and having no means of escape.

Verse 8 sets the scene and context for verse 9. The chapter follows a natural progression.

We can often gain a greater understanding if we look or read the text and consider why specific words were used and their meaning, not just their dictionary meaning but the meaning intended by the author.