Luke 2:23
(As it is written in the law of the Lord, Every male that openeth the womb shall be called holy to the Lord;)
Original Language Analysis
γέγραπται
it is written
G1125
γέγραπται
it is written
Strong's:
G1125
Word #:
2 of 14
to "grave", especially to write; figuratively, to describe
νόμῳ
the law
G3551
νόμῳ
the law
Strong's:
G3551
Word #:
4 of 14
law (through the idea of prescriptive usage), genitive case (regulation), specially, (of moses (including the volume); also of the gospel), or figurat
κυρίῳ
of the Lord
G2962
κυρίῳ
of the Lord
Strong's:
G2962
Word #:
5 of 14
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
ὅτι
G3754
διανοῖγον
that openeth
G1272
διανοῖγον
that openeth
Strong's:
G1272
Word #:
9 of 14
to open thoroughly, literally (as a first-born) or figuratively (to expound)
ἅγιον
holy
G40
ἅγιον
holy
Strong's:
G40
Word #:
11 of 14
sacred (physically, pure, morally blameless or religious, ceremonially, consecrated)
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
12 of 14
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Exodus 13:2Sanctify unto me all the firstborn, whatsoever openeth the womb among the children of Israel, both of man and of beast: it is mine.Numbers 3:13Because all the firstborn are mine; for on the day that I smote all the firstborn in the land of Egypt I hallowed unto me all the firstborn in Israel, both man and beast: mine shall they be: I am the LORD.Exodus 22:29Thou shalt not delay to offer the first of thy ripe fruits, and of thy liquors: the firstborn of thy sons shalt thou give unto me.Exodus 34:19All that openeth the matrix is mine; and every firstling among thy cattle, whether ox or sheep, that is male.Numbers 18:15Every thing that openeth the matrix in all flesh, which they bring unto the LORD, whether it be of men or beasts, shall be thine: nevertheless the firstborn of man shalt thou surely redeem, and the firstling of unclean beasts shalt thou redeem.
Historical Context
Firstborn consecration remembered the Passover (Ex 13:14-15) and required either service in the sanctuary or redemption through sacrifice (Num 18:15-16). Jesus, as true Passover Lamb (1 Cor 5:7), would ultimately redeem all God's firstborn through His own blood.
Questions for Reflection
- What is the significance of Jesus being designated 'holy' by law when He is inherently holy?
- How does firstborn consecration to God foreshadow Jesus's complete dedication to the Father?
- How does Jesus's presentation as firstborn relate to His role as Passover Lamb?
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Analysis & Commentary
The parenthetical 'As it is written in the law of the Lord, Every male that openeth the womb shall be called holy to the Lord' quotes Exodus 13:2 and grounds Jesus's presentation in Scripture. The phrase 'openeth the womb' designates firstborn males belonging to God, remembering His sparing of Israel's firstborn at Passover. Jesus being 'called holy to the Lord' is ironic—He is inherently holy (the Holy One, Acts 3:14) yet designated holy by ceremonial law. This demonstrates that Jesus, though divine, entered fully into human legal and religious obligations. His consecration to God foreshadows His complete dedication to the Father's will (John 4:34; 17:4).