Luke 2:5
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Luke 2:5
5 To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.
Chapter Context
Luke 2 is a historical gospel chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of faith, worship, prayer. Written during the late first century CE (c. 80-85 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Written when Christians needed to understand their place in the Roman world.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-52: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it foreshadows Christ's work through typology and prophetic elements. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Luke and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Luke 2:5
5 To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.
Analysis
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.
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.
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)?