2:10a

But: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible here translates as But introduces what the angel told the shepherds. In 2:10a the angel told them not to be afraid. This contrasts with their being terrified in 2:9c. Some English versions, such as the English Standard Version and New American Standard Bible, translate this conjunction as “And.” Other English versions do not translate this word. Connect 2:9c with 2:10a in a way that is natural in your language for this type of contrast.

the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid!: In some languages it may be more natural to use indirect speech for this part of what the angel said. For example:

the angel told them not to be afraid

angel: This word also occurred in 2:9a. Translate it the same way in both these verses.

2:10b

For behold In Greek this part of the verse begins with a phrase that the Berean Standard Bible translates as For behold. The conjunction For introduces the reason the angel gave the shepherds for why they should not be afraid. The word behold indicates that the explanation was something important. Another way to translate this is:

Listen carefully, for… (NET Bible)

Use a natural way in your language to introduce the important words in this part of the verse. In some languages, special words of introduction may not be necessary.

I bring you good news: The Greek verb that the Berean Standard Bible here translates as I bring you good news also occurs in 1:19b. There the Berean Standard Bible translates this verb as “bring…good news.”

Some other ways to say I bring you good news are:

I announce good news to you
-or-
I have a good message for you

The good news that the angel referred to, as stated in 2:11, was the message that the Christ had come.

good news of great joy that will be for all the people: The message that the Messiah had come would bring great joy for all the people who believed it. God had promised the people of Israel that he would send a Savior, the Messiah. This Messiah would bring joy to all the people from Israel and every nation who would believe this message. It would not bring joy to those who did not believe it.

The phrase of great joy indicates that the good news would cause the people to rejoice. It would make them very happy.

Some ways to translate the phrase good news of great joy that will be for all the people are:

good news that will cause all the people to rejoice
-or-
sweet message that offers great joy to everyone

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