The Birth of Jesus

In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus(A) that the whole empire[a] should be registered. This first registration took place while[b] Quirinius was governing Syria.(B) So everyone went to be registered, each to his own town.

Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth(C) in Galilee, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem,(D) because he was of the house and family line of David,(E) to be registered along with Mary, who was engaged to him[c] and was pregnant. While they were there, the time came for her to give birth. Then she gave birth to her firstborn son, and she wrapped him tightly in cloth and laid him in a manger,[d] because there was no guest room available for them.

The Shepherds and the Angels

In the same region, shepherds were staying out in the fields and keeping watch at night over their flock. Then an angel of the Lord(F) stood before them,(G) and the glory of the Lord(H) shone around them, and they were terrified.[e] 10 But the angel said to them, “Don’t be afraid,(I) for look, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people:[f] 11 Today in the city of David a Savior(J) was born for you, who is the Messiah,(K) the Lord.(L) 12 This will be the sign for you:(M) You will find a baby wrapped tightly in cloth and lying in a manger.”

13 Suddenly there was a multitude of the heavenly host[g] with the angel, praising God and saying:

14 Glory to God in the highest heaven,(N)
and peace on earth(O) to people he favors![h][i](P)

15 When the angels had left them and returned to heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go straight to Bethlehem and see what has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.”

16 They hurried off and found both Mary and Joseph, and the baby who was lying in the manger. 17 After seeing them, they reported the message they were told about this child, 18 and all who heard it were amazed(Q) at what the shepherds said to them. 19 But Mary was treasuring up all these things in her heart(R) and meditating on them. 20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God(S) for all the things they had seen and heard, which were just as they had been told.

The Circumcision and Presentation of Jesus

21 When the eight days were completed for his circumcision,(T) he was named Jesus(U)—the name given by the angel before he was conceived. 22 And when the days of their purification according to the law of Moses were finished,(V) they brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord 23 (just as it is written in the law of the Lord, Every firstborn male will be dedicated[j] to the Lord[k](W)) 24 and to offer a sacrifice (according to what is stated in the law of the Lord, a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons[l](X)).

Simeon’s Prophetic Praise

25 There was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon. This man was righteous and devout,(Y) looking forward to Israel’s consolation,(Z) and the Holy Spirit was on him. 26 It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit(AA) that he would not see death before he saw the Lord’s Messiah.(AB) 27 Guided by the Spirit, he entered the temple. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to perform for him what was customary under the law, 28 Simeon took him up in his arms, praised God, and said,

29 Now, Master,
you can dismiss your servant in peace,
as you promised.
30 For my eyes have seen your salvation.(AC)
31 You have prepared it
in the presence of all peoples—
32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles[m](AD)
and glory to your people Israel.(AE)

33 His father and mother[n] were amazed at what was being said about him. 34 Then Simeon blessed them and told his mother Mary, “Indeed, this child is destined to cause the fall and rise of many in Israel(AF) and to be a sign that will be opposed[o] 35 and a sword will pierce your own soul—that the thoughts[p] of many hearts may be revealed.”

Anna’s Testimony

36 There was also a prophetess,(AG) Anna, a daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher.(AH) She was well along in years, having lived with her husband seven years after her marriage,[q](AI) 37 and was a widow for eighty-four years.[r] She did not leave the temple, serving God night and day with fasting and prayers.(AJ) 38 At that very moment,[s] she came up and began to thank God and to speak about him to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.[t](AK)

The Family’s Return to Nazareth

39 When they had completed everything according to the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth.(AL) 40 The boy grew up and became strong, filled with wisdom, and God’s grace was on him.(AM)

In His Father’s House

41 Every year his parents traveled to Jerusalem for the Passover Festival.(AN) 42 When he was twelve years old, they went up according to the custom of the festival.(AO) 43 After those days were over,(AP) as they were returning, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem, but his parents[u] did not know it. 44 Assuming he was in the traveling party, they went a day’s journey. Then they began looking for him among their relatives and friends. 45 When they did not find him, they returned to Jerusalem to search for him. 46 After three days, they found him in the temple sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. 47 And all those who heard him were astounded at his understanding and his answers. 48 When his parents saw him, they were astonished, and his mother said to him,(AQ) “Son, why have you treated us like this? Your father and I have been anxiously searching for you.”(AR)

49 “Why were you searching for me?” he asked them. “Didn’t you know that it was necessary for me to be in my Father’s house?”[v] 50 But they did not understand what he said to them.(AS)

In Favor with God and with People

51 Then he went down with them and came to Nazareth and was obedient to them. His mother kept all these things in her heart.(AT) 52 And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and with people.(AU)

Footnotes

  1. 2:1 Or the whole inhabited world
  2. 2:2 Or This registration was the first while, or This registration was before
  3. 2:5 Lit betrothed
  4. 2:7 Or feeding trough, also in vv. 12,16
  5. 2:9 Lit they feared a great fear
  6. 2:10 Or the whole nation
  7. 2:13 Lit heavenly army
  8. 2:14 Other mss read earth good will to people
  9. 2:14 Or earth to men of good will
  10. 2:23 Lit be called holy
  11. 2:23 Ex 13:2,12
  12. 2:24 Lv 5:11; 12:8
  13. 2:32 Or the nations
  14. 2:33 Other mss read But Joseph and his mother
  15. 2:34 Or spoken against
  16. 2:35 Or schemes
  17. 2:36 Lit years from her virginity
  18. 2:37 Or she was a widow until the age of eighty-four
  19. 2:38 Lit very hour
  20. 2:38 Other mss read in Jerusalem
  21. 2:43 Other mss read but Joseph and his mother
  22. 2:49 Or be involved in my Father’s interests (or things), or be among my Father’s people

The Birth of Jesus

In those days Caesar Augustus(A) issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world.(B) (This was the first census that took place while[a] Quirinius was governor of Syria.)(C) And everyone went to their own town to register.

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. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him(E) and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 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.

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 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)

Footnotes

  1. Luke 2:2 Or This census took place before
  2. Luke 2:23 Exodus 13:2,12
  3. Luke 2:24 Lev. 12:8
  4. Luke 2:29 Or promised, / now dismiss
  5. Luke 2:37 Or then had been a widow for eighty-four years.
  6. Luke 2:49 Or be about my Father’s business

Nacimiento de Jesús

Aconteció en aquellos días que salió un edicto de César(A) Augusto, para que se hiciera un censo de todo el mundo habitado[a](B). Este fue el primer censo que se levantó[b] cuando Cirenio era gobernador de Siria(C). Todos se dirigían a inscribirse en el censo, cada uno a su ciudad. También José subió de Galilea, de la ciudad de Nazaret, a Judea, a la ciudad de David que se llama Belén, por ser él de la casa y de la familia de David(D), para inscribirse junto con María, comprometida para casarse con él, la cual estaba encinta.

Sucedió que mientras estaban ellos allí, se cumplieron los días de su alumbramiento. Y dio a luz a su Hijo primogénito(E); lo envolvió en pañales y lo acostó en un pesebre, porque no había lugar para ellos en el mesón.

Los pastores y los ángeles

En la misma región había pastores que estaban en el campo[c], cuidando sus rebaños durante las vigilias de la noche. Y un ángel del Señor se les presentó(F), y la gloria del Señor los rodeó de resplandor, y tuvieron gran temor. 10 Pero el ángel les dijo: «No teman(G), porque les traigo buenas nuevas de gran gozo que serán para todo el pueblo; 11 porque les ha nacido hoy, en la ciudad de David, un Salvador(H), que es Cristo[d](I) el Señor(J). 12 Esto les servirá de señal(K): hallarán a un Niño envuelto en pañales y acostado en un pesebre».

13 De repente apareció con el ángel una multitud de los ejércitos celestiales, alabando a Dios y diciendo:

14 «Gloria a Dios en las alturas(L),
Y en la tierra paz entre los hombres[e] en quienes Él se complace[f](M)».

15 Cuando los ángeles se fueron[g] al cielo, los pastores se decían unos a otros: «Vayamos, pues, hasta Belén y veamos esto que ha sucedido, que el Señor nos ha dado a saber».

16 Fueron a toda prisa, y hallaron a María y a José, y al Niño acostado en el pesebre. 17 Cuando lo vieron, dieron a saber lo[h] que se les había dicho acerca de este Niño. 18 Y todos los que lo oyeron se maravillaron de las cosas que les fueron dichas por los pastores. 19 Pero María atesoraba todas estas cosas, reflexionando sobre ellas en su corazón(N). 20 Y los pastores se volvieron, glorificando y alabando a Dios(O) por todo lo que habían oído y visto, tal como se les había dicho.

21 Cuando se cumplieron los ocho días para circuncidar al Niño(P), le pusieron por nombre Jesús, el nombre dado por el ángel antes de que Él fuera concebido en el seno materno(Q).

Jesús presentado en el templo

22 Al cumplirse los días para la purificación de ellos, según la ley de Moisés, lo trajeron a Jerusalén para presentar al Niño al Señor(R), 23 (como está escrito en la Ley del Señor: «Todo varón[i] que abra la matriz(S) será llamado santo para el Señor)», 24 y para ofrecer un sacrificio conforme a lo que fue dicho en la Ley del Señor: «Un par de tórtolas o dos pichones(T)».

25 Había en Jerusalén un hombre que se llamaba Simeón. Este hombre, justo(U) y piadoso, esperaba la consolación de Israel(V), y el Espíritu Santo estaba sobre él. 26 Y por el Espíritu Santo se le había revelado(W) que no vería la muerte(X) sin antes ver al Cristo[j] del Señor. 27 Movido por[k] el Espíritu fue al templo. Y cuando los padres del niño Jesús lo trajeron para cumplir por Él[l] el rito de la ley(Y), 28 Simeón tomó al Niño en sus brazos, y bendijo a Dios diciendo:

29 «Ahora, Señor, permite que Tu siervo se vaya
En paz, conforme a Tu palabra(Z);
30 Porque mis ojos han visto Tu salvación(AA)
31 La cual has preparado en presencia de todos los pueblos;
32 Luz de[m] revelación a los gentiles(AB),
Y gloria de Tu pueblo Israel».

33 Y los padres del Niño[n](AC) estaban asombrados de las cosas que de Él se decían. 34 Simeón los bendijo, y dijo a Su madre(AD) María: «Este Niño ha sido puesto para caída y levantamiento[o] de muchos(AE) en Israel, y para ser señal de contradicción, 35 y una espada traspasará aun tu propia alma, a fin de que sean revelados los pensamientos de muchos corazones».

36 Y había una profetisa(AF), Ana, hija de Fanuel, de la tribu de Aser(AG). Ella era de edad muy avanzada[p], y había vivido con su marido(AH) siete años después de su matrimonio[q], 37 y después de viuda, hasta los ochenta y cuatro años. Nunca se alejaba del templo, sirviendo noche y día con ayunos y oraciones(AI). 38 Llegando ella en ese preciso momento[r], daba gracias a Dios y hablaba del Niño a todos los que esperaban la redención de Jerusalén(AJ).

Crecimiento de Jesús

39 Habiendo ellos cumplido con todo conforme a la Ley del Señor, se volvieron a Galilea, a su ciudad de Nazaret(AK). 40 Y el Niño crecía y se fortalecía, llenándose de sabiduría; y la gracia de Dios(AL) estaba sobre Él.

El niño Jesús discute con los maestros

41 Los padres de Jesús acostumbraban ir a Jerusalén todos los años a la fiesta de la Pascua(AM). 42 Y cuando Él cumplió doce años, subieron allá conforme a la costumbre de la fiesta. 43 Al regresar ellos, después de haber pasado todos los días de la fiesta(AN), el niño Jesús se quedó en Jerusalén sin que lo supieran Sus padres, 44 y suponiendo que iba en la caravana, anduvieron camino de un día, y comenzaron a buscar a Jesús entre los familiares y conocidos.

45 Cuando no lo encontraron, volvieron y lo buscaron en Jerusalén. 46 Después de tres días lo encontraron en el templo, sentado en medio de los maestros, escuchándolos y haciéndoles preguntas. 47 Todos los que le oían estaban asombrados de Su entendimiento y de Sus respuestas(AO). 48 Cuando Sus padres lo vieron, se quedaron maravillados; y Su madre(AP) le dijo: «Hijo, ¿por qué nos has tratado de esta manera? Mira, Tu padre(AQ) y yo te hemos estado buscando[s] llenos de angustia».

49 Entonces Él les dijo: «¿Por qué me buscaban? ¿Acaso no sabían que me era necesario estar en la casa de Mi Padre(AR)?». 50 Pero ellos no entendieron(AS) las palabras que Él les había dicho. 51 Descendió con sus padres y vino a Nazaret(AT), y continuó sujeto a ellos. Y Su madre(AU) atesoraba todas estas cosas[t] en su corazón(AV). 52 Y Jesús crecía en sabiduría, en estatura[u] y en gracia para con Dios(AW) y los hombres.

Footnotes

  1. 2:1 I.e. el Imperio romano.
  2. 2:2 O Esto tuvo lugar como primer censo.
  3. 2:8 Lit. a campo raso.
  4. 2:11 I.e. el Mesías.
  5. 2:14 Lit. de buena voluntad.
  6. 2:14 Lit. hombres de su agrado.
  7. 2:15 Lit. se fueron de ellos.
  8. 2:17 Lit. acerca de la palabra.
  9. 2:23 I.e. el primogénito.
  10. 2:26 I.e. al Mesías.
  11. 2:27 Lit. Y en.
  12. 2:27 Lit. hacer por Él según.
  13. 2:32 O para.
  14. 2:33 Lit. su padre y madre.
  15. 2:34 O la resurrección.
  16. 2:36 Lit. avanzada en muchos días.
  17. 2:36 Lit. de su virginidad.
  18. 2:38 Lit. a esa hora.
  19. 2:48 Lit. te buscamos.
  20. 2:51 Lit. las palabras.
  21. 2:52 O edad.