Luke 2:24
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.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 16
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
2 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
δοῦναι
to offer
G1325
δοῦναι
to offer
Strong's:
G1325
Word #:
3 of 16
to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)
θυσίαν
a sacrifice
G2378
θυσίαν
a sacrifice
Strong's:
G2378
Word #:
4 of 16
sacrifice (the act or the victim, literally or figuratively)
κατὰ
according
G2596
κατὰ
according
Strong's:
G2596
Word #:
5 of 16
(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
εἰρημένον
to that which is said
G2046
εἰρημένον
to that which is said
Strong's:
G2046
Word #:
7 of 16
an alternate for g2036 in certain tenses; to utter, i.e., speak or say
νόμῳ
the law
G3551
νόμῳ
the law
Strong's:
G3551
Word #:
9 of 16
law (through the idea of prescriptive usage), genitive case (regulation), specially, (of moses (including the volume); also of the gospel), or figurat
κυρίου
of the Lord
G2962
κυρίου
of the Lord
Strong's:
G2962
Word #:
10 of 16
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
ζεῦγος
A pair
G2201
ζεῦγος
A pair
Strong's:
G2201
Word #:
11 of 16
a couple, i.e., a team (of oxen yoked together) or brace (of birds tied together)
Cross References
2 Corinthians 8:9For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.Leviticus 12:2Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, If a woman have conceived seed, and born a man child: then she shall be unclean seven days; according to the days of the separation for her infirmity shall she be unclean.
Historical Context
The poor person's offering (Lev 12:8) demonstrates Mary and Joseph's economic status. Despite Jesus's royal lineage through David, they lived in poverty, showing that earthly circumstances don't reflect spiritual reality. Jesus's life among the poor shaped His ministry to the marginalized.
Questions for Reflection
- What does Jesus's family's poverty teach about His identification with the poor?
- How does God's accommodation of the poor in the Law demonstrate His compassion?
- What does Jesus's humble circumstances despite royal lineage teach about earthly versus heavenly values?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The sacrifice of 'a pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons' reveals Jesus's family's poverty. Leviticus 12:8 specifies this substitute for those unable to afford a lamb, demonstrating that God accommodates the poor while maintaining covenant requirements. That the Lord of glory entered the world in such poverty that His parents couldn't afford standard sacrifice demonstrates the depths of His humiliation (2 Cor 8:9). This detail confirms Jesus's identification with the poor and His understanding of their struggles. The Creator submitting to purification offerings highlights the radical nature of the incarnation—God made man, rich made poor, holy made sin-offering.