Luke 2:22
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;
Original Language Analysis
Καὶ
And
G2532
Καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 19
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἐπλήσθησαν
were accomplished
G4130
ἐπλήσθησαν
were accomplished
Strong's:
G4130
Word #:
3 of 19
to "fill" (literally or figuratively (imbue, influence, supply)); specially, to fulfil (time)
αἱ
G3588
αἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἡμέραι
the days
G2250
ἡμέραι
the days
Strong's:
G2250
Word #:
5 of 19
day, i.e., (literally) the time space between dawn and dark, or the whole 24 hours (but several days were usually reckoned by the jews as inclusive of
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καθαρισμοῦ
purification
G2512
καθαρισμοῦ
purification
Strong's:
G2512
Word #:
7 of 19
a washing off, i.e., (ceremonially) ablution, (morally) expiation
αὐτὸν
him
G846
αὐτὸν
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
8 of 19
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
κατὰ
according
G2596
κατὰ
according
Strong's:
G2596
Word #:
9 of 19
(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
νόμον
to the law
G3551
νόμον
to the law
Strong's:
G3551
Word #:
11 of 19
law (through the idea of prescriptive usage), genitive case (regulation), specially, (of moses (including the volume); also of the gospel), or figurat
Μωσέως,
of Moses
G3475
Μωσέως,
of Moses
Strong's:
G3475
Word #:
12 of 19
moseus, moses, or mouses (i.e., mosheh), the hebrew lawgiver
ἀνήγαγον
they brought
G321
ἀνήγαγον
they brought
Strong's:
G321
Word #:
13 of 19
to lead up; by extension to bring out; specially, to sail away
αὐτὸν
him
G846
αὐτὸν
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
14 of 19
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
εἰς
to
G1519
εἰς
to
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
15 of 19
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
Ἱεροσόλυμα
Jerusalem
G2414
Ἱεροσόλυμα
Jerusalem
Strong's:
G2414
Word #:
16 of 19
hierosolyma (i.e., jerushalaim), the capitol of palestine
παραστῆσαι
to present
G3936
παραστῆσαι
to present
Strong's:
G3936
Word #:
17 of 19
to stand beside, i.e., (transitively) to exhibit, proffer, (specially), recommend, (figuratively) substantiate; or (intransitively) to be at hand (or
Historical Context
The forty-day purification period (Lev 12:4) explains the family's continued presence in Judea. Their bringing Jesus to Jerusalem for presentation fulfilled the Law while providentially enabling encounters with Simeon and Anna, who recognized His messianic identity.
Questions for Reflection
- Why did sinless Jesus submit to purification rituals treating Him as common?
- How does Jesus's early obedience to the Law foreshadow His life of perfect obedience?
- What does Mary and Joseph's careful adherence to the Law teach about obedience?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Mary's purification 'according to the law of Moses' and presentation of Jesus demonstrates covenant faithfulness and Jesus's full identification with His people. The purification (Lev 12:2-8) treated childbirth's ceremonial uncleanness, while firstborn presentation (Ex 13:2, 12) acknowledged God's ownership. Their obedience 'according to the law of Moses' shows submission to God's revealed will. Jesus, though sinless, submitted to requirements treating Him as ordinary Israelite, demonstrating humility and identification with sinners He came to save. This obedience foreshadows His greater submission to the Law's demands through perfect obedience and substitutionary death.