Luke 2:6
And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.
Original Language Analysis
ἐγένετο
so it was
G1096
ἐγένετο
so it was
Strong's:
G1096
Word #:
1 of 13
to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
αὐτήν
that she
G846
αὐτήν
that she
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
6 of 13
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
ἐπλήσθησαν
were accomplished
G4130
ἐπλήσθησαν
were accomplished
Strong's:
G4130
Word #:
8 of 13
to "fill" (literally or figuratively (imbue, influence, supply)); specially, to fulfil (time)
αἱ
G3588
αἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἡμέραι
the days
G2250
ἡμέραι
the days
Strong's:
G2250
Word #:
10 of 13
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 #:
11 of 13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Psalms 33:11The counsel of the LORD standeth for ever, the thoughts of his heart to all generations.Proverbs 19:21There are many devices in a man's heart; nevertheless the counsel of the LORD, that shall stand.Luke 1:57Now Elisabeth's full time came that she should be delivered; and she brought forth a son.Micah 5:2But thou, Beth-lehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting.
Historical Context
That Mary's labor began after arriving in Bethlehem fulfilled Micah 5:2 precisely. Had birth occurred en route, prophecy would have been unfulfilled. God's timing coordinated human biology, Roman governmental decree, and ancient prophecy perfectly.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God coordinate natural processes with prophetic fulfillment?
- What does the perfect timing of Jesus's birth teach about God's sovereignty?
- How does the passive voice 'were accomplished' point to divine orchestration?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The phrase 'while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered' emphasizes divine timing—Mary gave birth not during travel but after arrival in Bethlehem. The passive 'were accomplished' indicates fulfillment of natural gestation period while subtly pointing to fulfillment of divine purpose. This wording suggests God's sovereign control over timing—Jesus born neither too early nor too late, but exactly when and where prophecy specified. The natural development of pregnancy serves God's supernatural purposes. The simplicity of this statement belies the cosmic significance of the moment—the eternal Son taking on human flesh through normal human birth.