Luke 2:5
To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.
Original Language Analysis
σὺν
with
G4862
σὺν
with
Strong's:
G4862
Word #:
2 of 9
with or together (but much closer than g3326 or g3844), i.e., by association, companionship, process, resemblance, possession, instrumentality, additi
Μαριὰμ
Mary
G3137
Μαριὰμ
Mary
Strong's:
G3137
Word #:
3 of 9
maria or mariam (i.e., mirjam), the name of six christian females
τῇ
G3588
τῇ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 9
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
μεμνηστευμένῃ
espoused
G3423
μεμνηστευμένῃ
espoused
Strong's:
G3423
Word #:
5 of 9
to give a souvenir (betrothal present), i.e., betroth
Historical Context
The journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem required 3-4 days for a pregnant woman, demonstrating remarkable faith and endurance. Mary's advanced pregnancy meant Jesus's birth was imminent, perfectly timed to occur in Bethlehem per prophecy. God's sovereignty coordinates natural processes with historical events.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Jesus's birth under difficult circumstances demonstrate His identification with the poor?
- What does Mary and Joseph's obedience despite hardship teach about submission to authority?
- How does God coordinate natural processes (pregnancy) with historical events (census)?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Joseph went 'to be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.' The phrase 'espoused wife' indicates their betrothal, legally binding though not yet completed in marriage ceremony. Mary's advanced pregnancy ('great with child') made the journey difficult, yet they obeyed governmental decree. This detail emphasizes the real humanity of Jesus's birth—He entered the world through normal human gestation and birth, yet under difficult circumstances common to the poor. That Mary accompanied Joseph, though not legally required for census, suggests either divine prompting or mutual recognition that the birth should occur in Bethlehem. Their obedience despite hardship models submission to authority even when costly.