Luke 2
The Birth of Jesus Christ
1 And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. Parallel theme: Luke 3:1, Matthew 24:14, Acts 25:21
2 (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)
3 And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.
4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) References David: John 7:42. Parallel theme: 1 Samuel 16:1, Micah 5:2, Matthew 2:23
5 To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.
6 And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.
7 And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. Parallel theme: Isaiah 7:14, Matthew 1:25, 8:20, John 1:14, 2 Corinthians 8:9, Galatians 4:4
The Shepherds and the Angels
8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. Good: Isaiah 40:9, 41:27, 52:7, 61:1, Matthew 14:27. Parallel theme: Luke 1:30, Genesis 12:3, Matthew 28:18, Acts 13:32, Colossians 1:23 +5
11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. Salvation: Matthew 1:21, John 4:42. References Christ: Matthew 1:16, 16:16, Acts 2:36, Philippians 2:11, 1 John 5:1. References Lord: Luke 1:43. References David: Luke 2:4. Parallel theme: Isaiah 9:6 +5
12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. Parallel theme: Psalms 22:6, Isaiah 7:11, 7:14
13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, References God: Genesis 28:12, Job 38:7, Ephesians 3:10. Sin: Luke 15:10, Psalms 68:17. Parallel theme: 1 Kings 22:19, Psalms 148:2, Daniel 7:10, Hebrews 1:14, Revelation 5:11 +5
14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
15 And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. References Lord: Psalms 111:2. Creation: 1 Peter 3:22
16 And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. Parallel theme: Luke 1:39, 2:7, 2:12, 19:32, 22:13
17 And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. Parallel theme: Luke 2:38, 8:39, Psalms 66:16, Malachi 3:16
18 And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds. Parallel theme: Luke 2:33, 2:47, 4:36
19 But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.
20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising GodGod: Θεός (Theos). The Greek Theos (Θεός) refers to deity, used both for the one true God and false gods. Context determines whether it denotes the Father specifically or the Godhead generally. for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.
Jesus Presented at the Temple
21 And when eight days were accomplished for the circumcising of the child, his name was called JESUS, which was so named of the angelAngel: ἄγγελος (Angelos). The Greek angelos (ἄγγελος) means angel or messenger. Angels announced Christ's birth (Luke 2:9-14), ministered to Him (Matthew 4:11), and will accompany His return (Matthew 25:31). before he was conceived in the womb.
22 And when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were accomplished, they brought him to Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord;
23 (As it is written in the law of the LordLord: Κύριος (Kurios). The Greek Kurios (Κύριος) means 'lord' or 'master,' used both for human masters and divinely for God the Father and Jesus Christ. Its application to Jesus affirms His deity, as it translates YHWH in the Septuagint., Every male that openeth the womb shall be called holy to the Lord;)
24 And to offer a sacrifice according to that which is said in the law of the Lord, A pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons.
Simeon's Prophecy
25 And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him. Righteousness: Luke 1:6. References Jerusalem: Luke 2:38. Holy: Luke 1:41, 2 Peter 1:21. Parallel theme: Luke 23:51, Isaiah 25:9, 40:1, Mark 15:43 +3
26 And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord's Christ.
27 And he came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the lawLaw: νόμος (Nomos). The Greek nomos (νόμος) denotes law—particularly the Mosaic law. While believers are not under law but under grace (Romans 6:14), Christ fulfilled the law (Matthew 5:17) and wrote it on believers' hearts (Hebrews 8:10)., Spirit: Acts 10:19, Revelation 17:3. Parallel theme: Luke 2:41, 2:48, 2:51
28 Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed GodGod: Θεός (Theos). The Greek Theos (Θεός) refers to deity, used both for the one true God and false gods. Context determines whether it denotes the Father specifically or the Godhead generally., and said, References God: Luke 1:64, 2:20
29 Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word: References Lord: Luke 2:26, Revelation 14:13. Peace: Genesis 15:15. Parallel theme: Philippians 1:23
30 For mine eyes have seen thy salvation, Salvation: Luke 3:6, Genesis 49:18, Isaiah 49:6, 52:10
31 Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people;
32 A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the gloryGlory: δόξα (Doxa). The Greek doxa (δόξα) means glory, splendor, or magnificence—the radiant manifestation of God's perfection. Christ revealed the Father's glory: 'we beheld his glory' (John 1:14). of thy people Israel. Light: Isaiah 9:2, 49:6, Matthew 4:16, Acts 26:23. Glory: Isaiah 4:2, 45:25, 60:19, Revelation 21:23. Parallel theme: Acts 28:28 +4
33 And Joseph and his mother marvelled at those things which were spoken of him.
34 And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against; Blessing: Hebrews 7:7. Parallel theme: Hosea 14:9, Matthew 21:44, Acts 6:7, Romans 9:32, 1 Corinthians 1:23, 1 Peter 4:14 +2
35 (Yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also,) that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.
Anna the Prophetess
36 And there was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Aser: she was of a great age, and had lived with an husband seven years from her virginity;
37 And she was a widow of about fourscore and four years, which departed not from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day.
38 And she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the LordLord: Κύριος (Kurios). The Greek Kurios (Κύριος) means 'lord' or 'master,' used both for human masters and divinely for God the Father and Jesus Christ. Its application to Jesus affirms His deity, as it translates YHWH in the Septuagint., and spake of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem.
39 And when they had performed all things according to the lawLaw: νόμος (Nomos). The Greek nomos (νόμος) denotes law—particularly the Mosaic law. While believers are not under law but under grace (Romans 6:14), Christ fulfilled the law (Matthew 5:17) and wrote it on believers' hearts (Hebrews 8:10). of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own city Nazareth. Parallel theme: Luke 2:4, 2:51, Deuteronomy 12:32, Matthew 3:15
40 And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of GodGod: Θεός (Theos). The Greek Theos (Θεός) refers to deity, used both for the one true God and false gods. Context determines whether it denotes the Father specifically or the Godhead generally. was upon him. References God: Luke 2:52. Grace: John 1:14, Acts 4:33. Spirit: Luke 1:80. Parallel theme: Luke 2:47, Judges 13:24, 1 Samuel 2:18, 2:26, 3:19, Psalms 22:9 +5
The Boy Jesus in the Temple
41 Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the feast of the passover. Parallel theme: Deuteronomy 12:18, 1 Samuel 1:21
42 And when he was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem after the custom of the feast.
43 And when they had fulfilled the days, as they returned, the child Jesus tarried behind in Jerusalem; and Joseph and his mother knew not of it.
44 But they, supposing him to have been in the company, went a day's journey; and they sought him among their kinsfolk and acquaintance. Parallel theme: Isaiah 2:3
45 And when they found him not, they turned back again to Jerusalem, seeking him.
46 And it came to pass, that after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions. Parallel theme: Luke 5:17, Isaiah 50:4, Matthew 12:40, Acts 5:34
47 And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers.
48 And when they saw him, they were amazed: and his mother said unto him, Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? behold, thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing. Parallel theme: Luke 2:49
49 And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father's business? Parallel theme: Luke 2:48, Psalms 40:8, Malachi 3:1, Matthew 21:12, John 4:34, 5:17, 6:38, 8:29, 9:4 +4
50 And they understood not the saying which he spake unto them.
51 And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject unto them: but his mother kept all these sayings in her heart. Parallel theme: Luke 2:19, Genesis 37:11, Daniel 7:28, Mark 6:3
52 And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with GodGod: Θεός (Theos). The Greek Theos (Θεός) refers to deity, used both for the one true God and false gods. Context determines whether it denotes the Father specifically or the Godhead generally. and man. References God: Luke 2:40, Romans 14:18. Parallel theme: Luke 1:80, 1 Samuel 2:26