New Testament · Gospel

Luke 2:22

Born in Bethlehem

And when the time of purification according to the Law of Moses was complete, His parents brought Him to Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord Luke 2:22 · Berean Standard Bible

What It Means

Luke 2:22, in plain English

When the required time of purification was over, Mary and Joseph took baby Jesus to the temple in Jerusalem to dedicate Him to God.

Why it's here

Jewish law required new mothers to undergo a purification period and firstborn sons to be presented at the temple. Mary and Joseph were faithful in following every requirement.

Who's speaking

Luke describes the holy family's trip to the temple.

Where it sits in the story

About six weeks after the birth, this small family makes the short journey from Bethlehem to Jerusalem. They don't know it yet, but two very special people are waiting for them at the temple.

A Closer Look

The scholarly reading

After the purification period prescribed by Mosaic Law (Leviticus 12:2-8), Joseph and Mary bring Jesus to the Jerusalem temple for presentation to the Lord.

Language and setting

The purification involved forty days for a male child (Leviticus 12:4). Presentation of the firstborn reflects Exodus 13:2, 12, consecrating the child to God.

Voice

Luke narrates the family's obedience to Torah requirements.

Significance

Mary and Joseph faithfully observe the Law, bringing their infant to the temple. Their obedience places Jesus in the very house of God, where two elderly prophets await.

In context

Luke 2:20–24

20The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, which was just as the angel had told them.

21When the eight days before His circumcision had passed, He was named Jesus, the name the angel had given Him before He was conceived.

22And when the time of purification according to the Law of Moses was complete, His parents brought Him to Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord

23(as it is written in the Law of the Lord: “Every firstborn male shall be consecrated to the Lord”),

24and to offer the sacrifice specified in the Law of the Lord: “A pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons.”

Read all of Luke 2 — The most powerful person in history arrives as the most vulnerable — a baby in a feeding trough. The announcement goes to shepherds.

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