New Testament · Gospel

Luke 2:39

Born in Bethlehem

When Jesus’ parents had done everything required by the Law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. Luke 2:39 · Berean Standard Bible

What It Means

Luke 2:39, in plain English

After Mary and Joseph had done everything the Law required, they went back home to Nazareth in Galilee.

Why it's here

Luke moves the story along quickly here, skipping ahead to show Jesus growing up in Nazareth. Matthew's Gospel fills in additional events like the visit of the wise men.

Who's speaking

Luke wraps up the temple visit and transitions to Jesus' childhood.

Where it sits in the story

The extraordinary temple visit is over, and the holy family heads home to ordinary life in Nazareth. But nothing about this family is truly ordinary anymore.

A Closer Look

The scholarly reading

Having fulfilled all requirements of the Mosaic Law (ta kata ton nomon kyriou), Joseph and Mary return to Nazareth in Galilee. Luke omits the flight to Egypt recorded in Matthew 2.

Language and setting

Luke's account proceeds directly from the temple to Nazareth, reflecting his thematic focus on Law-observance and Galilean origins. Matthew's parallel account includes the Egyptian sojourn.

Voice

Luke provides a transitional summary as the holy family returns home.

Significance

With every legal obligation fulfilled, the young family returns to their hometown of Nazareth. Luke fast-forwards through the early years to focus on Jesus' growth.

In context

Luke 2:37–41

37and then was a widow to the age of eighty-four. She never left the temple, but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying.

38Coming forward at that moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the Child to all who were waiting for the redemption of Jerusalem.

39When Jesus’ parents had done everything required by the Law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth.

40And the Child grew and became strong. He was filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was upon Him.

41Every year His parents went to Jerusalem for the Feast of the Passover.

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.

Understand every verse, not just this one

This page covers one. BibleKey does all 31,102 — tap any verse for its meaning, any word for its Hebrew or Greek root, and keep reading without leaving the chapter.

Get BibleKey

Understand every verse.

Not just the famous ones. BibleKey is free on iPhone and iPad.

Download on the App Store

Free on iPhone & iPad