Luke 2:23 - Printer Friendly

ESV: (as it is written in the Law of the Lord, “Every male who first opens the womb shall be called holy to the Lord”)

NIV: (as it is written in the Law of the Lord, 'Every firstborn male is to be consecrated to the Lord'),

NASB: (as it is written in the Law of the Lord: 'EVERY firstborn male that opens the womb shall be called holy to the Lord'),

CSB: (just as it is written in the law of the Lord, Every firstborn male will be dedicated to the Lord )

NLT: The law of the Lord says, 'If a woman’s first child is a boy, he must be dedicated to the Lord.'

KJV: (As it is written in the law of the Lord, Every male that openeth the womb shall be called holy to the Lord;)

NKJV: (as it is written in the law of the Lord, “Every male who opens the womb shall be called holy to the Lord”),

After Jesus' birth (Luke 2:1–7), Mary and Joseph continue to follow the law of Moses. That includes purification for ceremonial cleanness (Luke 2:22; Leviticus 12:2). Presenting Jesus in the temple in Jerusalem also honors a command given to Israel at the exodus from Egypt: that all firstborn should be consecrated to God (Exodus 13:1–2). That reference is especially important, as the Passover lambs described in Exodus foreshadow the ministry of Christ as Passover Lamb for the entire world (John 1:29; 1 Corinthians 5:7; Exodus 12:3–10).

Part of the purification ritual was animal sacrifice. The intended offering was a lamb, but the Law made exceptions for those who were poor (Leviticus 12:8). According to this passage, Mary and Joseph offer two birds, corresponding to the offering allowed for poorer people (Luke 2:24).

Luke 2:22–38 contains several interesting events. The infant Jesus is brought to the temple for purification and dedication, as commanded in Mosaic law. There, a devout man speaks through the Holy Spirit to celebrate the arrival of Messiah. Luke also mentions a prophetess named Anna, who likewise praises God for fulfilling His promises.

The early part of this chapter is famously read at Christmas, while celebrating the birth of Jesus. Luke gives a relatively brief description of how Mary came to give birth in a stable, laying Jesus in a feeding trough. Nearby shepherds are informed of the news by multiple angels. Two people speak in praise of God at Jesus' circumcision. Years later, Joseph and Mary lose track of Jesus on the way back from Jerusalem, only to find Him astounding teachers in the temple with His wisdom.

Luke began his well-organized account by explaining the conceptions of Jesus Christ and John the Baptist, in chapter 1. In chapter 2, he briefly summarizes Jesus' birth and the arrival of shepherds directed by angels. Prophecies and prayers celebrate His dedication at the temple. After briefly losing track of a twelve-year-old Jesus in the temple, Jesus' parents take Him home to Nazareth. There, He grows up relatively normally. Chapter 3 leaps forward many years to the beginning of John the Baptist's preaching. This is followed by Jesus' genealogy. Chapter 4 relates Jesus' temptations by Satan and the start of His public ministry.

Luke was a traveling companion of Paul (Acts 16:10) and a physician (Colossians 4:14). Unlike Matthew, Mark, and John, Luke writes his gospel as an historian, rather than as a first-hand eyewitness. His extensive writings also include the book of Acts (Acts 1:1–3). These are deliberately organized, carefully researched accounts of those events. The gospel of Luke focuses on the earthly ministry of Jesus Christ. Luke's Gentile perspective presents Christ as a Savior for all people, offering both forgiveness and direction to those who follow Him.

Accessed 4/29/2024 6:40:02 AM