路加福音 2
Chinese Contemporary Bible (Simplified)
耶稣降生伯利恒
2 那时,凯撒奥古斯都颁下谕旨,命罗马帝国的人民都办理户口登记。 2 这是第一次户口登记,正值居里纽任叙利亚总督。 3 大家都回到本乡办理户口登记。 4 约瑟因为是大卫家族的人,就从加利利的拿撒勒镇赶到犹太地区大卫的故乡伯利恒, 5 要和已许配给他、怀着身孕的玛丽亚一起登记。 6 他们抵达目的地时,玛丽亚产期到了, 7 便生下第一胎,是个儿子。她用布把孩子裹好,安放在马槽里,因为旅店没有房间了。
牧羊人和天使
8 当晚,伯利恒郊外有一群牧羊人正在看守羊群。 9 忽然,主的天使向他们显现,主的荣光四面照着他们,他们非常害怕。 10 天使对他们说:“不要怕!我告诉你们一个有关万民的大喜讯, 11 今天在大卫的城里有一位救主为你们降生了,祂就是主基督! 12 你们将看见一个婴孩包着布躺在马槽里,这就是给你们的记号。”
13 忽然,有一大队天军出现,与那天使一同赞美上帝说:
14 “在至高之处,
愿荣耀归于上帝!
在地上,
愿平安临到祂所喜悦的人!”
15 众天使离开他们升回天上之后,牧羊人便商议说:“我们现在去伯利恒,察看一下主刚才告诉我们的那件事吧!” 16 他们就连忙进城,找到了玛丽亚和约瑟以及躺在马槽里的婴孩。 17 他们看过之后,就把天使告诉他们有关这婴孩的事传开了。 18 听见的人都对牧羊人的话感到惊讶。
19 但玛丽亚把这些事牢记在心里,反复思想。 20 牧羊人在归途中不断地将荣耀归于上帝,赞美祂,因为他们的所见所闻跟天使告诉他们的一样。
奉献圣婴
21 在第八天,婴孩接受了割礼,祂的名字叫耶稣,是玛丽亚怀孕前天使取的。
22 摩西律法规定的洁净期满后,约瑟和玛丽亚把婴孩带到耶路撒冷去献给主, 23 因为主的律法规定:必须把长子分别出来献给主。 24 他们又按照主的律法献上祭物,即一对斑鸠或两只雏鸽。 25 耶路撒冷有一位公义敬虔、有圣灵同在的人名叫希缅,他一直期待着以色列的安慰者到来。 26 圣灵曾启示他:他去世前必能亲眼看见主所立的基督。
27 一天,他受圣灵感动进入圣殿,看见约瑟和玛丽亚抱着婴孩耶稣进来,要依照律法的规定为祂行奉献礼, 28 就把祂抱过来,称颂上帝说:
29 “主啊,现在你的话已经成就,
可以让你的奴仆安然离世了,
30 因为我已亲眼看到你的救恩,
31 就是你为万民所预备的救恩。
32 这救恩是启示外族人的光,
也是你以色列子民的荣耀。”
33 约瑟和玛丽亚听见这番话,感到惊奇。 34 希缅给他们祝福后,就对孩子的母亲玛丽亚说:“看啊,这孩子必使以色列许多人跌倒、许多人兴起。祂将成为众人攻击的对象, 35 好叫许多人的心思意念暴露出来,你自己则会心如刀割。”
36-37 亚设支派中有一位八十四岁高龄的女先知名叫亚拿,是法内利的女儿,婚后七年便开始守寡,之后一直住在圣殿里,禁食祷告,日夜事奉上帝。 38 正在那时,她也前来感谢上帝,并把耶稣的事报告给所有盼望耶路撒冷蒙救赎的人。
39 约瑟和玛丽亚办完了主的律法规定的一切事之后,就回到他们的家乡——加利利的拿撒勒。 40 耶稣渐渐长大,身心强健,充满智慧,上帝的恩典与祂同在。
少年耶稣圣殿论道
41 约瑟和玛丽亚每年都上耶路撒冷去过逾越节。 42 耶稣十二岁那年,跟父母照例上去过节。 43 节期完了,约瑟和玛丽亚便启程回家,他们并不知道少年耶稣仍然留在耶路撒冷, 44 还以为祂跟在同行的人中间。他们走了一天的路后,才开始在亲戚朋友中找祂, 45 结果没有找到,只好回到耶路撒冷。 46 三天后,他们才在圣殿里找到耶稣,祂正和教师们坐在一起,一边听一边问问题。 47 祂的知识和对答令听见的人感到惊奇。 48 约瑟和玛丽亚看见耶稣在那里,大为惊奇。
玛丽亚对祂说:“儿子,你为什么这样对我们呢?你父亲和我急得到处找你!”
49 耶稣对他们说:“你们为什么找我呢?难道你们不知道我应该在我父的家吗?” 50 但他们不明白祂在讲什么。
51 于是,耶稣随父母回到拿撒勒,并顺从他们。玛丽亚把这一切事牢记在心。 52 耶稣渐渐长大,智慧与日俱增,越来越受上帝和人们的喜爱。
路 加 福 音 2
Chinese New Testament: Easy-to-Read Version
耶稣降生
2 那时候,罗马皇帝凯撒奥古士都下令,整个罗马帝国的人们都必须办理户口登记注册 [a],以便对人口进行普查统计。 2 这是第一次人口普查登记。当时正值居里扭做叙利亚总督, 3 因此,所有的人都回到自己的家乡去登记。
4 所以约瑟也离开加利利的拿撒勒城,到了犹太地区的一个叫伯利恒的城镇,此城是大卫家族的城镇。因为他是大卫家族的人,所以他到了那里。 5 他和马利亚一起去登记,因为马利亚已经许聘给了他,此时她正怀着孕。 6 他们在那里时,马利亚的产期到了, 7 生下了第一个儿子。因为客店没有地方容纳他们,她便把孩子用布包裹起来,放在马槽里。
牧羊人听说耶稣降临
8 一些牧羊人夜间露宿在野地里,照看羊群。 9 主的一个天使出现在他们面前,主的荣光照耀在他们的周围,牧羊人都非常惊恐。 10 天使对他们说∶“不要害怕,我给你们带来了好消息。这个消息也将给普天下的人们带来极大的喜悦。 11 因为今天在大卫城里你们的救世主诞生了,他就是主基督。 12 你们在马槽里将发现有个用布包着的婴儿躺在那里,那就是给你们的记号。”
13 突然,一队天兵和天使一起出现,他们齐声称颂道:
14 “荣耀归于至高无上的上帝,
和平赐给在地上他所喜爱的人们。”
15 然后,天使离开他们,返回了天上。牧羊人互相说道∶“我们到伯利恒去看看主告诉我们已经发生的事情吧。”
16 于是,这些牧羊人就急急忙忙赶到了那里,找到了马利亚和约瑟,也看见了躺在马槽里的婴儿。 17 他们看到这个婴儿后,就把天使讲的关于这个婴儿的事情告诉了大家。 18 人们都为牧羊人告诉他们的事情感到惊讶。 19 但是,马利亚却把这些事情记在心上,反复地琢磨着。 20 牧羊人回去后,都为他们的所见所闻赞美上帝,因为他们耳闻目睹的事情正与天使所说的完全一致。
21 婴儿出生后的第八天,便受了割礼,取名叫耶稣,这个名字是天使在马利亚怀孕以前就为他取好了的。
在大殿里呈献耶稣
22 按照摩西律法,到了洁净的日子 [b]了。约瑟和马利亚带着孩子一起去耶路撒冷。他们要把他呈献在主的面前。 23 因为主的律法中写道∶“每家的长子应该呈献给主 [c]。” 24 主的律法还说,他们必须奉献祭物∶“必须为主献上一对鸽子 [d]或两只幼鸽 [e]。”
西面见到耶稣
25 耶路撒冷城里有一个名叫西面的人,他是一个公正、虔诚的人,一直期待着上帝帮助以色列。圣灵与他同在。 26 圣灵向他揭示:他死之前,将会看到主耶稣基督。 27 圣灵引导西面来到大殿院里,与此同时,约瑟和马利亚也把他们的孩子抱进了大殿院,正准备按照律法履行所规定的事项。 28 西面把孩子抱在怀里,赞美上帝道:
29 “主啊,就按您的许诺,
让您的仆人安然地死去吧!
30 因为我已经亲眼看见了您的拯救 [f]。
31 那是您在万民面前准备的。
32 他是一盏明灯,
为外族人带来了启示,
为您的子民以色列带来荣誉。”
33 耶稣的父母听到关于耶稣的话,感到十分惊讶。 34 西面又为他们祝福,并对马利亚说∶“这个孩子命中注定要使许多以色列人兴衰,他也注定是一个被抛弃的迹象, 35 (他也是一把刺穿你们内心的利剑),揭露许多人的内心思想。”
亚拿见到耶稣
36 当时还有一个名叫亚拿的女先知,她是亚设族人法内力的女儿。亚拿已经很老了,她只与丈夫一起生活了七年,就寡居了, 37 她现在八十四岁。她从未离开过大殿,通过禁食 [g]和祈祷,日日夜夜崇拜上帝。
38 此刻,亚拿来到孩子和他父母那里,向上帝谢恩,并把关于耶稣的事情告诉给那些等待着耶路撒冷得到拯救的所有人们。
约瑟和马利亚回家
39 约瑟和马利亚按照主的律法,完成一切所规定的事,然后,返回了加利利,到了他们的家乡拿撒勒。 40 耶稣渐渐长大了,强壮而有智慧,上帝的恩典与他同在。
少年耶稣
41 耶稣的父母每年都到耶路撒冷去过逾越节。 42 在他十二岁那年,父母又像往常一样去过节。 43 节期结束后,约瑟和马利亚动身回家了。耶稣却留在了耶路撒冷,他父母并不知道这事, 44 还以为他走在同行的人群里。他们走了一整天后,才开始在亲戚、朋友群里找耶稣, 45 但没有找到他。因此,他们又返回了耶路撒冷去找耶稣。 46 三天后,他们在大殿院里找到了耶稣。当时,他正坐在老师们中间,边听边问。 47 所有在场的人都对耶稣的理解力和应对能力感到非常惊讶。 48 约瑟和马利亚在那里找到耶稣,十分吃惊。马利亚对耶稣说∶“儿子,你为什么要离开我们呢?你父亲和我都在非常焦急地寻找你。”
49 可是,耶稣却对他们说∶“你们为什么要找我呢?难道你们不知道,我必须在我父亲的家里吗?” 50 约瑟和马利亚并不明白这话的含意。
51 耶稣与父母一起回到了拿撒勒。他很听话,事事顺从父母。马利亚把这一切都记在了心上。 52 耶稣身体和智慧随年龄增长着,并且深受上帝和人们的喜爱。
Footnotes
- 路 加 福 音 2:1 户口登记注册: 所有人和他们的财产的计算。
- 路 加 福 音 2:22 洁净的日子: 摩西律法说犹太人妇女生育后的四十天,她得在大殿里接受洁净仪式。见《利末记》12:2-8。
- 路 加 福 音 2:23 引自《出埃及记》13:2。
- 路 加 福 音 2:24 鸽子: 此处指和平鸽。
- 路 加 福 音 2:24 引自《利末记》12:8。
- 路 加 福 音 2:30 拯救: 耶稣的名字意为拯救。
- 路 加 福 音 2:37 禁食: 在一段特定的时间里,祈祷而不进饮食。
Luke 2
1599 Geneva Bible
2 Augustus Caesar taxeth all the world. 7 Christ is born. 13 The Angels’ Song. 21 Christ is circumcised. 22 Mary purified. 28 Simeon taketh Christ in his arms. 29 His Song. 36 Anna the Prophetess. 40 The child Christ. 46 Jesus disputeth with the doctors.
1 And [a]it came to pass in those days, that there came a decree from Augustus Caesar, that all the [b]world should be [c]taxed.
2 (This first taxing was made when Quirinius was governor of Syria.)
3 Therefore went all to be taxed, every man to his own city.
4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee out of a city called Nazareth, into Judea, unto the [d]city of (A)David, which is called Bethlehem (because he was of the house and lineage of David,)
5 To be taxed with Mary that was given him to wife, which was with child.
6 ¶ And so it was, that while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.
7 And she brought forth her first begotten son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a cratch, because there was no room for them in the inn.
8 ¶ [e]And there were in the same country shepherds, [f]abiding in the field, and keeping watch by night over their flock.
9 And lo, the Angel of the Lord [g]came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone about them, and they were sore afraid.
10 Then the Angel said unto them, Be not afraid: for behold, I bring you glad tidings of great joy, that shall be to all the people,
11 That is, that unto you is born this day in the city of David, a Savior, which is Christ the Lord.
12 And this shall be a sign to you, Ye shall find the babe swaddled, and laid in a cratch.
13 And straightway there was with the Angel [h]a multitude of heavenly soldiers, praising God, and saying,
14 Glory be to God in the high heavens, and peace in earth, and toward men [i]good will.
15 And it came to pass when the Angels were gone away from them into heaven, that the shepherds said one to another, Let us go then unto Bethlehem, and see this thing that is come to pass, which the Lord hath showed unto us.
16 So they came with haste, and found both Mary and Joseph and the babe laid in the cratch.
17 And when they had seen it, they published abroad the thing that was told them of that child.
18 And all that heard it, wondered at the things which were told them of the shepherds.
19 But Mary kept all those sayings, and pondered them in her heart.
20 And the shepherds returned glorifying and praising God, for all that they had heard and seen, as it was spoken unto them.
21 ¶ (B)[j]And when the eight days were accomplished, that they should circumcise the child, his name was then called (C)Jesus, which was named of the Angel, before he was conceived in the womb.
22 (D)[k]And when the days of [l]her purification, after the Law of Moses, were accomplished, they brought him to Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord,
23 (As it is written in the Law of the Lord, (E)Every man child that first openeth the womb, shall be called holy to the Lord,)
24 And to give an oblation, (F)as it is commanded in the Law of the Lord, a pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons.
25 [m]And behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon: this man was just, and feared God, and waited for the consolation of Israel, and the [n]holy Ghost was upon him.
26 And it was declared to him from God by the holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen that Anointed of the Lord.
27 And he came by the motion of the spirit into the Temple, and when the [o]parents brought in the babe Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the Law.
28 Then he took him in his arms, and praised God, and said,
29 Lord, now [p]lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy [q]word,
30 For [r]mine eyes have seen thy [s]salvation,
31 Which thou hast prepared [t]before the face of all people,
32 A light to be revealed to the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.
33 And Joseph and his mother marveled at those things, which were spoken touching him.
34 And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this child is [u]appointed for the (G)[v]fall and rising again of many in Israel, and for a [w]sign which shall be spoken against,
35 (Yea and a sword shall [x]pierce through thy soul) that the thoughts of many hearts may be opened.
36 [y]And there was a Prophetess, one Anna the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher, which was of a great age, after she had lived with an husband seven years from her virginity:
37 And she was widow about fourscore, and four years, and went not out of the Temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day.
38 She then coming at the same instant upon them, confessed likewise the Lord, and spake of him to all that looked for redemption in Jerusalem.
39 And when they had performed all things, according to the Law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee to their own city Nazareth.
40 And the child grew, and waxed strong in Spirit, [z]and was filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was with him.
41 ¶ [aa]Now his parents went to Jerusalem, every year, (H)at the feast of the Passover.
42 And when he was twelve years old, and they were come up to Jerusalem, after the custom of the feast,
43 And had finished the days thereof, as they returned, the child Jesus remained in Jerusalem, and Joseph knew not, nor his mother,
44 But they supposing that he had been in the company, went a day’s journey, and sought him among their kinsfolk, and acquaintances.
45 And when they found him not, they turned back to Jerusalem, and sought him.
46 And it came to pass three days after, that they found him in the Temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions:
47 And all that heard him, were astonied at his understanding and answers.
48 [ab]So when they saw him, they were amazed, and his mother said unto him, Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? behold, thy father and I have sought thee with very heavy hearts.
49 Then said he unto them, How is it that ye sought me? knew ye not that I must go about my Father’s business?
50 But they understood not the word that he spake to them.
51 [ac]Then he went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject to them: and his mother kept all these sayings in her heart.
52 And Jesus increased in wisdom, and stature, and in favor with God and men.
Footnotes
- Luke 2:1 Christ the son of God, taking upon him the form of a servant, and making himself of no reputation, is poorly born in a stable: and by the means of Augustus the mightiest prince in the world (thinking nothing less) hath his cradle prepared in Bethlehem, as the Prophets forewarned.
- Luke 2:1 So far as the Empire of the Romans did stretch.
- Luke 2:1 That is, the inhabitants of every city should have their names taken, and their goods rated at a certain value, that the Emperor might understand, how rich every country, city, family, and house was.
- Luke 2:4 Which David was born, and brought up in.
- Luke 2:8 The Angels themselves declare to poor shepherds (nothing regarding the pride of the mighty) the Godhead and office of the child lying in the crib.
- Luke 2:8 Lodging without doors, and open in the air.
- Luke 2:9 Came suddenly upon them, when they thought of no such matter.
- Luke 2:13 Whole armies of Angels, which compass the Majesty of God round about, as it were soldiers.
- Luke 2:14 God’s ready, good, infinite, and gracious favor toward men.
- Luke 2:21 Christ the head of the Church, made subject to the Law, to deliver us from the curse of the Law, (as the Name of Jesus doth well declare) being circumcised, doth ratify and seal in his own flesh, the circumcision of the fathers.
- Luke 2:22 Christ, upon whom all our sins were laid, being offered to God, according to the Law, doth purify both Mary and us all in himself.
- Luke 2:22 This is meant, for the fulfilling of the Law: for otherwise the virgin was not defiled, nor unclean, by the birth of this child.
- Luke 2:25 Simeon doth openly in the Temple foretell the deaf, of the coming of Messiah, of the casting out of the greatest part of Israel, and of the calling of the Gentiles.
- Luke 2:25 He was endued with the gifts of the holy Ghost, and this is spoken by the figure Metonymy.
- Luke 2:27 Joseph and Mary: and so he speaketh, as it was commonly taken.
- Luke 2:29 Lettest me depart out of this life, to be joined to my fathers.
- Luke 2:29 As thou promised me.
- Luke 2:30 That is, for I have seen with my very eyes: for he saw before in mind, as it is said of Abraham, He saw my day, and rejoiced.
- Luke 2:30 That, wherein thy salvation is contained.
- Luke 2:31 As a sign set up in an high place, for all men to look upon.
- Luke 2:34 Is appointed and set of God for a mark.
- Luke 2:34 Fall of the reprobate, which perish through their own default: and for the rising of the elect, unto whom God shall give faith to believe.
- Luke 2:34 That is, a mark, which all men shall strive earnestly to hit.
- Luke 2:35 Shall wound and grieve most sharply.
- Luke 2:36 Another witness besides Simeon, against whom no exception may be brought, inviting all men to the receiving of the Messiah.
- Luke 2:40 As Christ grew up in age, so the virtue of his Godhead showed itself more and more.
- Luke 2:41 The Scribes and Pharisees are stirred up to hear the wisdom of Christ in his time, by an extraordinary deed.
- Luke 2:48 All duties which we owe to men as they were not to be neglected, so are they according to our vocation, not to be preferred before the glory of God.
- Luke 2:51 Christ very man is made like unto us in all things, except sin.
Luke 2
Expanded Bible
The Birth of Jesus
2 At that time, Augustus Caesar sent an ·order [decree] that all people in the ·countries under Roman rule [empire; Roman world] must ·list their names in a register [register for taxation]. 2 ·This was the first registration; it was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria [or This was the first census while Quirinius was governor of Syria; or This census occurred before Quirinius was governor of Syria]. 3 And all went to their own towns to be registered.
4 So Joseph left Nazareth, a town in Galilee, and went to the town of Bethlehem in Judea, known as the town of David [C Bethlehem was David’s hometown]. Joseph went there because he was from the ·family [L house and family line] of David. 5 Joseph registered with Mary, to whom he was ·engaged [pledged to be married; see 1:27] and who was now pregnant. 6 While they were in Bethlehem, the time came for Mary to have the baby, 7 and she gave birth to her first son. She wrapped the baby ·with pieces of cloth [in cloths; T in swaddling clothes] and laid him in a ·feeding trough [T manger], because there ·were no rooms [was no space/room] left in the ·inn [or guest room (of a private residence); or caravan shelter].
Shepherds Hear About Jesus
8 ·That night [L At night], some shepherds were [living out] in the fields ·nearby [L in that region/place] watching their ·sheep [L flock]. 9 Then an angel of the Lord stood before them. The glory of the Lord ·was shining around [surrounded] them, and they became very frightened. 10 The angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. [L …for/because] I am bringing you good news that will ·be a [or bring] great joy to all the people. 11 Today your Savior was born in the town of David. He is ·Christ [the Messiah], the Lord. 12 This ·is how you will know him [will be the sign for you]: You will find a baby wrapped in ·pieces of cloth [cloths; T swaddling clothes] and lying in a ·feeding trough [T manger].”
13 ·Then [L And suddenly] a ·very large group [or great army] of angels from heaven ·joined [appeared with] the first angel, praising God and saying:
14 “Give glory to God in ·heaven [the highest place/heaven],
and on earth let there be peace among the people ·who please God [or he favors; L of his pleasure/approval].”[a]
15 When the angels left them and went back to heaven, the shepherds said to each other, “Let’s go to Bethlehem. Let’s see this thing that has happened which the Lord has told us about.”
16 So the shepherds went quickly and found Mary and Joseph and the baby, who was lying in a ·feeding trough [T manger]. 17 When they had seen him, they ·told [spread the word about; let people know] what the angels had said about this child. 18 Everyone [L who heard] ·was amazed [wondered; marveled] at what the shepherds said to them. 19 But Mary ·treasured [kept; preserved] these things and ·continued to think about them [L pondered/considered them in her heart]. 20 Then the shepherds went back to their sheep, ·praising [glorifying] God and ·thanking [praising] him for everything they had seen and heard. It had been just as the angel had told them.
21 When ·the baby was eight days old [L eight days were fulfilled; Gen. 17:12; Lev. 12:3], he was circumcised [1:59] and was named Jesus, the name given by the angel before ·the baby began to grow inside Mary [L he was conceived in the womb].
Jesus Is Presented in the Temple
22 When the ·time came [L days were fulfilled] for ·Mary and Joseph to do what the law of Moses taught about being made pure [L their purification according the law of Moses; C an animal sacrifice and ritual cleansing forty days after the birth of a son; see Lev. 12:2–8], they took Jesus [L up] to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord. 23 ([L Just as] It is written in the law of the Lord: “Every ·firstborn male [L male who opens the womb; C an idiom for a firstborn] shall be ·given [set apart; consecrated; L called holy] to the Lord” [Ex. 13:2].) 24 Mary and Joseph also went to offer a sacrifice, as the law of the Lord says: “You must sacrifice two ·doves [or turtledoves] or two young pigeons [Lev. 5:11; 12:8].”
Simeon Sees Jesus
25 [Now; L And behold] In Jerusalem ·lived [L was] a man named Simeon who was ·a good man [righteous; just] and ·godly [devout; reverent]. He was waiting for the ·time when God would take away Israel’s sorrow [restoration/consolation of Israel; Is. 40:1] and the Holy Spirit was ·in [or upon] him. 26 ·Simeon had been told [L It had been revealed to him] by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he saw ·the Christ promised by the Lord [L the Lord’s Messiah/Anointed One]. 27 The Spirit led Simeon to the Temple. When ·Mary and Joseph [L the parents] brought the ·baby [child] Jesus to the Temple to do [L for him] what ·the law said they must do [the custom of the law required], 28 Simeon took the baby in his arms and ·thanked [praised; blessed] God:
29 “Now, Lord, you can let me, your servant,
·die [L depart; be dismissed] in peace ·as you said [L according to your word].
30 With my own eyes I have seen your salvation [Is. 52:10],
31 which you prepared ·before [in the presence of] all ·people [nations; people groups].
32 It is a light ·for the Gentiles to see [L of revelation for the Gentiles/nations; Is. 42:6; 49:6]
and ·an honor [the glory] for your people, ·the Israelites [L Israel].”
33 Jesus’ father and mother were amazed at what Simeon had said about him. 34 Then Simeon blessed them and said to ·Mary [L his mother], “·God has chosen this child [L Look/T Behold, this one is destined/appointed] to cause the fall and rise of many in Israel. ·He will be a sign from God that many people will not accept [L …and to be a sign that is spoken against] 35 so that the thoughts of many [L hearts] will be made known. And ·the things that will happen will make your heart sad, too [L a sword will pierce your own soul; C Mary will experience deep sorrow over the death of Jesus].”
Anna Sees Jesus
36 There was a prophetess, ·Anna, [L Hannah] ·from the family [L the daughter] of Phanuel ·in [who was from] the tribe of Asher. She was very old and had once been married for seven years. 37 Then her husband died, and she was a widow ·for [or to the age of] eighty-four years. She never left the Temple but worshiped God, ·going without food [fasting] and praying day and night. 38 ·Standing there [or Coming up to them] at that time, she ·thanked [praised; blessed] God and spoke about ·Jesus [L him] to all who were waiting for ·God to free [L the redemption/deliverance of] Jerusalem.
Joseph and Mary Return Home
39 When Joseph and Mary had done everything the law of the Lord commanded, they went home to Nazareth, their own town in Galilee [Matt. 2:22–23]. 40 The little child grew and became strong. He was filled with wisdom, and God’s ·goodness [favor; grace] was upon him.
Jesus as a Boy
41 Every year Jesus’ parents went to Jerusalem for the Passover ·Feast [festival; C annual festival that celebrates God’s rescue of Israel from Egypt; Ex. 12]. 42 When he was twelve years old, they went to the ·feast [festival] ·as they always did [or according to Jewish custom]. 43 After the feast days were over, they started home. The boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem, but his parents did not know it. 44 Thinking that Jesus was with them in the group, they traveled for a whole day. Then they began to look for him among their family and friends. 45 When they did not find him, they went back to Jerusalem to look for him there. 46 After three days [C probably three days since they left Jerusalem—one out, one back, and one searching] they found Jesus sitting in the Temple ·with [among; in the middle of] the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. 47 All who heard him were amazed at his understanding and answers. 48 When Jesus’ parents saw him, they were astonished. His mother said to him, “·Son [Child], why ·did you do this to us [have you treated us this way]? [L Look; T Behold] Your father and I were ·very worried [distressed; in pain] about you and have been looking for you.”
49 Jesus said to them, “Why were you looking for me? Didn’t you know that I must be ·in my Father’s house [or about my Father’s business]?” 50 But they did not understand the meaning of what he said.
51 Jesus went with them to Nazareth and ·was obedient to them [lived under their authority]. But his mother ·kept in her mind all that had happened [L kept/treasured all these things/words in her heart]. 52 Jesus ·became wiser and grew physically [grew in wisdom and stature/height]. ·People liked him, and he pleased God […and in favor with God and people; 1 Sam. 2:26].
Footnotes
- Luke 2:14 and … God Some Greek copies read “and on earth let there be peace and goodwill among people.”
Luke 2
New International Version
The Birth of Jesus
2 In those days Caesar Augustus(A) issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world.(B) 2 (This was the first census that took place while[a] Quirinius was governor of Syria.)(C) 3 And everyone went to their own town to register.
4 So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem(D) the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. 5 He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him(E) and was expecting a child. 6 While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7 and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.
8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel(F) of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid.(G) I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior(H) has been born to you; he is the Messiah,(I) the Lord.(J) 12 This will be a sign(K) to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”
13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and on earth peace(L) to those on whom his favor rests.”
15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”
16 So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger.(M) 17 When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.(N) 20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God(O) for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.
21 On the eighth day, when it was time to circumcise the child,(P) he was named Jesus, the name the angel had given him before he was conceived.(Q)
Jesus Presented in the Temple
22 When the time came for the purification rites required by the Law of Moses,(R) Joseph and Mary took him to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord 23 (as it is written in the Law of the Lord, “Every firstborn male is to be consecrated to the Lord”[b]),(S) 24 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.”[c](T)
25 Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout.(U) He was waiting for the consolation of Israel,(V) and the Holy Spirit was on him. 26 It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. 27 Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required,(W) 28 Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying:
29 “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised,(X)
you may now dismiss[d] your servant in peace.(Y)
30 For my eyes have seen your salvation,(Z)
31 which you have prepared in the sight of all nations:
32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles,
and the glory of your people Israel.”(AA)
33 The child’s father and mother marveled at what was said about him. 34 Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother:(AB) “This child is destined to cause the falling(AC) and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, 35 so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too.”
36 There was also a prophet,(AD) Anna, the daughter of Penuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was very old; she had lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, 37 and then was a widow until she was eighty-four.[e](AE) She never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying.(AF) 38 Coming up to them at that very moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.(AG)
39 When Joseph and Mary had done everything required by the Law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee to their own town of Nazareth.(AH) 40 And the child grew and became strong; he was filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was on him.(AI)
The Boy Jesus at the Temple
41 Every year Jesus’ parents went to Jerusalem for the Festival of the Passover.(AJ) 42 When he was twelve years old, they went up to the festival, according to the custom. 43 After the festival was over, while his parents were returning home, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem, but they were unaware of it. 44 Thinking he was in their company, they traveled on for a day. Then they began looking for him among their relatives and friends. 45 When they did not find him, they went back to Jerusalem to look for him. 46 After three days they found him in the temple courts, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. 47 Everyone who heard him was amazed(AK) at his understanding and his answers. 48 When his parents saw him, they were astonished. His mother(AL) said to him, “Son, why have you treated us like this? Your father(AM) and I have been anxiously searching for you.”
49 “Why were you searching for me?” he asked. “Didn’t you know I had to be in my Father’s house?”[f](AN) 50 But they did not understand what he was saying to them.(AO)
51 Then he went down to Nazareth with them(AP) and was obedient to them. But his mother treasured all these things in her heart.(AQ) 52 And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.(AR)
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