耶稣基督降生

就在那些日子里,凯撒奥古斯都颁布谕令,要普天下的人都登记户口[a] 这是头一次户口登记,在居里尼乌斯叙利亚总督的时候进行的。 于是众人都各回自己的城镇去登记。

约瑟也从加利利拿撒勒城上犹太去,到了那叫做伯利恒大卫之城,因为他是大卫一家一族的人。 他和已经许配给他[b]、怀有身孕的玛丽亚一起去登记。 他们在伯利恒的时候,玛丽亚的产期到了, 就生了她的头胎儿子。她用布把他包起来放在马槽里,因为客店里没有地方给他们。

牧羊人与天使们

当时在同一个地区,有些牧人露宿在野地里,夜间守更看守羊群。 这时候,主的一位天使站在他们旁边[c],主的荣光四面照射他们,他们就大为惊恐。 10 那位天使对他们说:“不要怕!因为看哪,我传给你们一个大喜的信息,是要给万民的。 11 今天,在大卫的城里,为你们诞生了一位救主,他就是主基督。 12 你们会看见一个婴孩,用布包着,躺在马槽里;这就是给你们的标记。”

13 忽然有一大队天军出现,与那位天使一起赞美神,说:

14 “在至高之处,荣耀归于神!
在地上,平安[d]临到他所喜悦的人!”

15 天使们离开他们往天上去了,[e]牧人就彼此说:“来,我们到伯利恒去,看看这件已成就的事,就是主让我们明白的事!”

16 于是他们急忙赶去,找到了玛丽亚约瑟和那躺在马槽里的婴孩。 17 他们看见以后,就把天使告诉他们有关这孩子的话传开了。 18 所有听见的人,对那些牧人告诉他们的事,都感到惊奇。 19 玛丽亚却把这一切事存在心里,反复思想。 20 那些牧人因为所见所闻的一切正如天使向他们所说的,就荣耀、赞美神,于是回去了。

耶稣受割礼

21 满了八天,为孩子行割礼的时候,他们就给他起名叫耶稣。这名字是他在母腹[f]成胎以前天使所起的。 22 按照摩西的律法,洁净的日子满了以后,约瑟玛丽亚领着孩子上耶路撒冷去,要把他献给主。 23 正如主的律法上所记载的:“所有头胎的男孩都将被称为圣归给主;”[g] 24 并按照主的律法上所说的,献上了“一对斑鸠或两只雏鸽”[h]为祭物。

西面的颂赞

25 看哪,在耶路撒冷有一个名叫西面的人。这个人又公义又虔诚,一直期待着以色列得蒙安慰;圣灵也在他身上。 26 他得了圣灵的启示:自己在经历死亡[i]以前会看见主的基督。 27 他受了圣灵的感动,来到圣殿。这时候,耶稣的父母抱着孩子进来,要按照律法的规矩为他办事。 28 西面把孩子抱在怀里,颂赞神说:

29 “主啊,
现在可以照你的话,
让你的奴仆平平安安地离去,
30 因为我的眼睛已经看见你的救恩,
31 就是你为万民[j]所预备的:
32 他是启示外邦人的光,
是你子民以色列的荣耀。”

33 他的父母[k]对这些关于孩子的话,感到惊奇。 34 西面祝福他们,并对孩子的母亲玛丽亚说:“看哪,这孩子注定要使以色列中许多人跌倒、许多人兴起,并要成为一个遭受反对的标记[l] 35 这样,许多人的心思意念将被显露出来;你自己的灵魂也要被剑刺透。”

安娜的见证

36 有一个女先知安娜,是亚设支派法努埃的女儿。她已经上了年纪,是出嫁以后与丈夫生活了七年的, 37 后来守寡了,现在已经[m]八十四岁。她从不离开圣殿,禁食祈祷,日夜事奉神。 38 就在这时候,她也上前来赞颂神[n],向所有期待着耶路撒冷得救赎的人[o]讲说这孩子的事。

返回拿撒勒

39 约瑟玛丽亚按照主的律法办完了一切事以后,就返回加利利,到自己的城拿撒勒去了。 40 那孩子渐渐长大,刚强[p]起来,充满智慧,并且有神的恩典在他身上。

耶稣在父家

41 每年逾越节,耶稣的父母都上耶路撒冷去。 42 当耶稣十二岁的时候,他们按照节日的规矩上去[q] 43 守完了节期,他们回去的时候,孩童耶稣仍然留在耶路撒冷,他的父母[r]却不知道, 44 以为他在同行的人群中。他们走了一天的路,才开始在亲戚和熟人中找他。 45 他们找不到他,就回到耶路撒冷去找。 46 到了第三天,他们发现耶稣在圣殿里,坐在教师们当中,一边听,一边问。 47 所有听他讲说的人,都对他的悟性和对答十分惊讶。 48 他的父母看见他,感到吃惊,他的母亲就对他说:“孩子啊,为什么对我们这样做呢?你看,你父亲和我一直在焦急地找你呢!”

49 耶稣对他们说:“你们为什么找我呢?难道不知道我必须在我父的家里[s]吗?” 50 可是他们没有领悟他对他们说的话。

神与人的喜爱

51 于是耶稣与他们一起下去,回到拿撒勒,一直服从他们。他的母亲把这一切事都珍藏在心里。 52 耶稣的智慧和身量,以及神和人对他的喜爱[t],都不断增长。

Footnotes

  1. 路加福音 2:1 户口——辅助词语。
  2. 路加福音 2:5 有古抄本附“做妻子”。
  3. 路加福音 2:9 站在他们旁边——或译作“向他们显现”。
  4. 路加福音 2:14 平安——或译作“和平”。
  5. 路加福音 2:15 有古抄本附“而那些人——”
  6. 路加福音 2:21 母——辅助词语。
  7. 路加福音 2:23 《出埃及记》13:2,12。
  8. 路加福音 2:24 《利未记》5:11;12:8。
  9. 路加福音 2:26 经历死亡——原文直译“见到死亡”。
  10. 路加福音 2:31 为万民——原文直译“在万民面前”。
  11. 路加福音 2:33 他的父母——有古抄本作“约瑟和孩子的母亲”。
  12. 路加福音 2:34 遭受反对的标记——或译作“被攻击的对象”。
  13. 路加福音 2:37 现在已经——有古抄本作“约”。
  14. 路加福音 2:38 神——有古抄本作“主”。
  15. 路加福音 2:38 期待着耶路撒冷得救赎的人——有古抄本作“在耶路撒冷期待救赎的人们”。
  16. 路加福音 2:40 刚强——有古抄本作“灵里刚强”。
  17. 路加福音 2:42 上去——有古抄本作“上耶路撒冷去”。
  18. 路加福音 2:43 他的父母——有古抄本作“约瑟和孩子的母亲”。
  19. 路加福音 2:49 在我父的家里——或译作“从事于我父的事”。
  20. 路加福音 2:52 神和人对他的喜爱——或译作“在神和人面前的喜爱”。

耶穌降生伯利恆

那時,凱撒奧古斯都頒下諭旨,命羅馬帝國的人民都辦理戶口登記。 這是第一次戶口登記,正值居里紐任敘利亞總督。 大家都回到本鄉辦理戶口登記。 約瑟因為是大衛家族的人,就從加利利的拿撒勒鎮趕到猶太地區大衛的故鄉伯利恆, 要和已許配給他、懷著身孕的瑪麗亞一起登記。 他們抵達目的地時,瑪麗亞產期到了, 便生下第一胎,是個兒子。她用布把孩子裹好,安放在馬槽裡,因為旅店沒有房間了。

牧羊人和天使

當晚,伯利恆郊外有一群牧羊人正在看守羊群。 忽然,主的天使向他們顯現,主的榮光四面照著他們,他們非常害怕。 10 天使對他們說:「不要怕!我告訴你們一個有關萬民的大喜訊, 11 今天在大衛的城裡有一位救主為你們降生了,祂就是主基督! 12 你們將看見一個嬰孩包著布躺在馬槽裡,這就是給你們的記號。」

13 忽然,有一大隊天軍出現,與那天使一同讚美上帝說:

14 「在至高之處,
願榮耀歸於上帝!
在地上,
願平安臨到祂所喜悅的人!」

15 眾天使離開他們升回天上之後,牧羊人便商議說:「我們現在去伯利恆,察看一下主剛才告訴我們的那件事吧!」 16 他們就連忙進城,找到了瑪麗亞和約瑟以及躺在馬槽裡的嬰孩。 17 他們看過之後,就把天使告訴他們有關這嬰孩的事傳開了。 18 聽見的人都對牧羊人的話感到驚訝。

19 但瑪麗亞把這些事牢記在心裡,反覆思想。 20 牧羊人在歸途中不斷地將榮耀歸於上帝,讚美祂,因為他們的所見所聞跟天使告訴他們的一樣。

奉獻聖嬰

21 在第八天,嬰孩接受了割禮,祂的名字叫耶穌,是瑪麗亞懷孕前天使取的。

22 摩西律法規定的潔淨期滿後,約瑟和瑪麗亞把嬰孩帶到耶路撒冷去獻給主, 23 因為主的律法規定:必須把長子分別出來獻給主。 24 他們又按照主的律法獻上祭物,即一對斑鳩或兩隻雛鴿。 25 耶路撒冷有一位公義敬虔、有聖靈同在的人名叫希緬,他一直期待著以色列的安慰者到來。 26 聖靈曾啟示他:他去世前必能親眼看見主所立的基督。

27 一天,他受聖靈感動進入聖殿,看見約瑟和瑪麗亞抱著嬰孩耶穌進來,要依照律法的規定為祂行奉獻禮, 28 就把祂抱過來,稱頌上帝說:

29 「主啊,現在你的話已經成就,
可以讓你的奴僕安然離世了,
30 因為我已親眼看到你的救恩,
31 就是你為萬民所預備的救恩。
32 這救恩是啟示外族人的光,
也是你以色列子民的榮耀。」

33 約瑟和瑪麗亞聽見這番話,感到驚奇。 34 希緬給他們祝福後,就對孩子的母親瑪麗亞說:「看啊,這孩子必使以色列許多人跌倒、許多人興起。祂將成為眾人攻擊的對象, 35 好叫許多人的心思意念暴露出來,你自己則會心如刀割。」

36-37 亞設支派中有一位八十四歲高齡的女先知名叫亞拿,是法內利的女兒,婚後七年便開始守寡,之後一直住在聖殿裡,禁食禱告,日夜事奉上帝。 38 正在那時,她也前來感謝上帝,並把耶穌的事報告給所有盼望耶路撒冷蒙救贖的人。

39 約瑟和瑪麗亞辦完了主的律法規定的一切事之後,就回到他們的家鄉——加利利的拿撒勒。 40 耶穌漸漸長大,身心強健,充滿智慧,上帝的恩典與祂同在。

少年耶穌聖殿論道

41 約瑟和瑪麗亞每年都上耶路撒冷去過逾越節。 42 耶穌十二歲那年,跟父母照例上去過節。 43 節期完了,約瑟和瑪麗亞便啟程回家,他們並不知道少年耶穌仍然留在耶路撒冷, 44 還以為祂跟在同行的人中間。他們走了一天的路後,才開始在親戚朋友中找祂, 45 結果沒有找到,只好回到耶路撒冷。 46 三天後,他們才在聖殿裡找到耶穌,祂正和教師們坐在一起,一邊聽一邊問問題。 47 祂的知識和對答令聽見的人感到驚奇。 48 約瑟和瑪麗亞看見耶穌在那裡,大為驚奇。

瑪麗亞對祂說:「兒子,你為什麼這樣對我們呢?你父親和我急得到處找你!」

49 耶穌對他們說:「你們為什麼找我呢?難道你們不知道我應該在我父的家嗎?」 50 但他們不明白祂在講什麼。

51 於是,耶穌隨父母回到拿撒勒,並順從他們。瑪麗亞把這一切事牢記在心。 52 耶穌漸漸長大,智慧與日俱增,越來越受上帝和人們的喜愛。

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.

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.

(This first taxing was made when Quirinius was governor of Syria.)

Therefore went all to be taxed, every man to his own city.

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,)

To be taxed with Mary that was given him to wife, which was with child.

¶ And so it was, that while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.

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.

[e]And there were in the same country shepherds, [f]abiding in the field, and keeping watch by night over their flock.

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

  1. 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.
  2. Luke 2:1 So far as the Empire of the Romans did stretch.
  3. 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.
  4. Luke 2:4 Which David was born, and brought up in.
  5. 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.
  6. Luke 2:8 Lodging without doors, and open in the air.
  7. Luke 2:9 Came suddenly upon them, when they thought of no such matter.
  8. Luke 2:13 Whole armies of Angels, which compass the Majesty of God round about, as it were soldiers.
  9. Luke 2:14 God’s ready, good, infinite, and gracious favor toward men.
  10. 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.
  11. 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.
  12. 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.
  13. 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.
  14. Luke 2:25 He was endued with the gifts of the holy Ghost, and this is spoken by the figure Metonymy.
  15. Luke 2:27 Joseph and Mary: and so he speaketh, as it was commonly taken.
  16. Luke 2:29 Lettest me depart out of this life, to be joined to my fathers.
  17. Luke 2:29 As thou promised me.
  18. 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.
  19. Luke 2:30 That, wherein thy salvation is contained.
  20. Luke 2:31 As a sign set up in an high place, for all men to look upon.
  21. Luke 2:34 Is appointed and set of God for a mark.
  22. 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.
  23. Luke 2:34 That is, a mark, which all men shall strive earnestly to hit.
  24. Luke 2:35 Shall wound and grieve most sharply.
  25. Luke 2:36 Another witness besides Simeon, against whom no exception may be brought, inviting all men to the receiving of the Messiah.
  26. Luke 2:40 As Christ grew up in age, so the virtue of his Godhead showed itself more and more.
  27. Luke 2:41 The Scribes and Pharisees are stirred up to hear the wisdom of Christ in his time, by an extraordinary deed.
  28. 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.
  29. Luke 2:51 Christ very man is made like unto us in all things, except sin.

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

And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed.

(And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)

And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.

And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)

To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.

And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.

And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.

And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.

10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,

14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

15 And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.

16 And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.

17 And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.

18 And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.

19 But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.

20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.

21 And when eight days were accomplished for the circumcising of the child, his name was called Jesus, which was so named of the angel before he was conceived in the womb.

22 And when the days of her purification according to 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, Every male that openeth the womb shall be called holy to the Lord;)

24 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.

25 And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him.

26 And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord's Christ.

27 And he came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law,

28 Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said,

29 Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word:

30 For mine eyes have seen thy salvation,

31 Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people;

32 A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.

33 And Joseph and his mother marvelled at those things which were spoken of him.

34 And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against;

35 (Yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also,) that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.

36 And there was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Aser: she was of a great age, and had lived with an husband seven years from her virginity;

37 And she was a widow of about fourscore and four years, which departed not from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day.

38 And she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of him to all them 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, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him.

41 Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the feast of the passover.

42 And when he was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem after the custom of the feast.

43 And when they had fulfilled the days, as they returned, the child Jesus tarried behind in Jerusalem; and Joseph and his mother knew not of it.

44 But they, supposing him to have been in the company, went a day's journey; and they sought him among their kinsfolk and acquaintance.

45 And when they found him not, they turned back again to Jerusalem, seeking him.

46 And it came to pass, that after three days 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 astonished at his understanding and answers.

48 And 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 sorrowing.

49 And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father's business?

50 And they understood not the saying which he spake unto them.

51 And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject unto them: but his mother kept all these sayings in her heart.

52 And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.