Luke 2:24 - Printer Friendly

ESV: and to offer a sacrifice according to what is said in the Law of the Lord, “a pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons.”

NIV: and to offer a sacrifice in keeping with what is said in the Law of the Lord: 'a pair of doves or two young pigeons.'

NASB: and to offer a sacrifice according to what has been stated in the Law of the Lord: 'A PAIR OF TURTLEDOVES OR TWO YOUNG DOVES.'

CSB: and to offer a sacrifice (according to what is stated in the law of the Lord, a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons ).

NLT: So they offered the sacrifice required in the law of the Lord — 'either a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons.'

KJV: And to offer a sacrifice according to that which is said in the law of the Lord, A pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons.

NKJV: and to offer a sacrifice according to what is said in the law of the Lord, “A pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons.”

Israel was given a series of laws related to ceremonial purity. These were not necessarily matters of morality—meaning sins—but rather symbols of the holiness which God expects of His people. One of those laws involved childbirth and required purification rites (Leviticus 12:2). As faithful Israelites, Joseph and Mary follow these instructions after the birth of Jesus (Luke 2:1–7). In this case, that means going to the temple in Jerusalem to present their sacrifice (Luke 2:22).

Mosaic law presented two options for this purification. The ideal sacrifice was a lamb, but the Law made exceptions for those unable to afford that (Leviticus 12:8). According to this verse, Jesus' family offers the two birds allowed for those too poor to offer a lamb. This corresponds to the humble nature of Jesus' earthly life, and His lack of both wealth and property (Luke 9:58).

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 5/8/2024 9:16:25 AM