Luke 2:39
And when they had performed all things according to the law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own city Nazareth.
Original Language Analysis
Καὶ
And
G2532
Καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 18
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ὡς
when
G5613
ὡς
when
Strong's:
G5613
Word #:
2 of 18
which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)
ἐτέλεσαν
they had performed
G5055
ἐτέλεσαν
they had performed
Strong's:
G5055
Word #:
3 of 18
to end, i.e., complete, execute, conclude, discharge (a debt)
τὰ
G3588
τὰ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κατὰ
according
G2596
κατὰ
according
Strong's:
G2596
Word #:
6 of 18
(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 #:
7 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
νόμον
to the law
G3551
νόμον
to the law
Strong's:
G3551
Word #:
8 of 18
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 #:
9 of 18
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
ὑπέστρεψαν
they returned
G5290
ὑπέστρεψαν
they returned
Strong's:
G5290
Word #:
10 of 18
to turn under (behind), i.e., to return (literally or figuratively)
εἰς
into
G1519
εἰς
into
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
11 of 18
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
12 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Γαλιλαίαν
Galilee
G1056
Γαλιλαίαν
Galilee
Strong's:
G1056
Word #:
13 of 18
galilaea (i.e., the heathen circle), a region of palestine
εἰς
into
G1519
εἰς
into
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
14 of 18
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
15 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Luke 2:4And 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:)Matthew 3:15And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered him.Deuteronomy 12:32What thing soever I command you, observe to do it: thou shalt not add thereto, nor diminish from it.Luke 2:51And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject unto them: but his mother kept all these sayings in her heart.
Historical Context
Completion of purification, presentation, and sacrificial obligations allowed the family to return home. Nazareth in Galilee became Jesus's hometown where He was raised, fulfilling the prophecy that He would be 'called a Nazarene' (Matt 2:23). Their obedience before returning shows prioritizing God's commands over personal comfort.
Questions for Reflection
- What does comprehensive obedience ('all things according to the law') reveal about genuine faith?
- How does prioritizing God's requirements before personal comfort demonstrate true devotion?
- Why is it significant that Jesus's family characterized by careful obedience to Scripture?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Joseph and Mary's performance of 'all things according to the law of the Lord' demonstrates comprehensive obedience to God's revealed will. Their return to Nazareth 'their own city' indicates they fulfilled all Jerusalem temple obligations before resuming normal life. The phrase 'according to the law' emphasizes that obedience characterized Jesus's family from the beginning. Their return to Galilee (Nazareth) seemingly contradicts Matthew's account of Egypt flight, which chronologically follows this, showing Luke focuses on legal/temple obedience while Matthew emphasizes persecution/protection. Their faithfulness in ceremonial matters models that true faith expresses itself through careful adherence to God's requirements.