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Luke 2
New Matthew Bible
Luke 2
New Matthew Bible
The birth and circumcision of Christ. How he was received into the temple. How Simeon and Anna prophesy of him, and how he was found in the temple among the learned instructors of the Jews.
2 And it happened in those days that there went out a commandment from Augustus the Emperor that all the world should be taxed. 2 And this taxing was the first, and executed when Quirinius was governor in Syria. 3 And every man went to his own town to be taxed. 4 And Joseph also ascended from Galilee out of a town called Nazareth, into Judea to the city of David which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, 5 to be taxed with Mary, his espoused wife, who was with child.
6 And it came to pass while they were there that her time came to be delivered. 7 And she brought forth her first begotten son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger because there was no room for them within the inn.
8 And there were in the same region shepherds abiding in the field and watching their flock by night. 9 And lo, the angel of the Lord stood right by them, and the brightness of the Lord shone round about them, and they were very afraid. 10 But the angel said to them, Be not afraid. For behold, I bring you tidings of great joy, which will come to all the people. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a saviour, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And take this for a sign: you will find the child swaddled and laid in a manger.
13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of heavenly soldiers, lauding God and saying, 14 Glory be to God on high, and peace on earth, and to men rejoicing.
15 And it so was, as soon as the angels had gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, Let us go straight to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has shown to us. 16 And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the babe laid in a manger.
17 And when they had seen this, they proclaimed everywhere the message that had been given them concerning that child. 18 And all who heard it wondered at those things the shepherds told them. 19 But Mary laid up all those sayings, and pondered them in her heart. 20 And the shepherds returned, praising and lauding God for all that they had heard and seen, even as it had been told to them.
21 And when the eighth day came and the child was to be circumcised, his name was called Jesus, which was the name given by the angel before he was conceived in the womb.
22 And when the time of their purification according to the law of Moses came, they brought him to Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord 23 (as it is written in the law of the Lord: every man-child that first opens the womb shall be called holy to the Lord), 24 and to offer (as it 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 feared God, and longed for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was in him. 26 And a revelation had been given him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. 27 And he came by inspiration into the temple. And when the father and mother brought in the child Jesus, to do for him according to the custom of the law, 28 then he took him up in his arms and said, 29 Lord, now let your servant depart in peace according to your promise. 30 For my eyes have seen the saviour sent from you, 31 whom you have prepared before the face of all people – 32 a light to give sight to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel.
33 And his father and mother marvelled at those things that were spoken of him. 34 And Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother, Behold, this child shall be the fall and the resurrection of many in Israel, and a sign that shall be spoken against. 35 And moreover, the sword will pierce your soul, so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.
36 And there was a prophetess, one Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was of a great age, having lived with a husband seven years from her virginity, 37 and been a widow for about eighty-four years. She never went out of the temple, but served God with fasting and prayer night and day. 38 And she came forth also that same hour, and praised the Lord, and spoke of him to all who looked for redemption in Jerusalem.
39 And as soon as they had performed all things according to the law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee to their own town, Nazareth. 40 And the child grew and became strong in spirit, and was filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was with him.
41 Now his father and mother went to Jerusalem every year at the feast of the Passover. 42 And when he was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem according to the custom of the feast. 43 And when the days had come to an end, as they turned back for home, the child Jesus remained still in Jerusalem, unbeknownst to his father and mother. 44 For they supposed he would be with the caravan. And therefore they went a day’s journey, and were searching for him among their kinsfolk and companions. 45 When they did not find him, they went back again to Jerusalem and searched for him. 46 And eventually, after three days, they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both listening to them and asking them questions. 47 And everyone who heard him marvelled at his understanding and answers.
48 When his parents saw him, they were astonished. And his mother said to him, Son, why have you dealt with us this way? Look, your father and I have been searching for you, sorrowing.
49 And he said to them, How is it that you were searching for me? Did you not know that I must go about my Father’s business?
50 But they did not understand what he was saying to them.
51 And he went with them, and came to Nazareth, and was obedient to them. And his mother kept all these things in her heart. 52 And Jesus increased in wisdom and age, and in favour with God and man.
Luke 2
New King James Version
Luke 2
New King James Version
Christ Born of Mary(A)
2 And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2 (B)This census first took place while Quirinius was governing Syria. 3 So all went to be registered, everyone to his own city.
4 Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to (C)the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, (D)because he was of the house and lineage of David, 5 to be registered with Mary, (E)his betrothed [a]wife, who was with child. 6 So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. 7 And (F)she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a [b]manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.
Glory in the Highest
8 Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And [c]behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, (G)and they were greatly afraid. 10 Then the angel said to them, (H)“Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy (I)which will be to all people. 11 (J)For there is born to you this day in the city of David (K)a Savior, (L)who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a [d]manger.”
13 (M)And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying:
15 So it was, when the angels had gone away from them into heaven, that the shepherds said to one another, “Let us now go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us.” 16 And they came with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the Babe lying in a manger. 17 Now when they had seen Him, they made [f]widely known the saying which was told them concerning this Child. 18 And all those who heard it marveled at those things which were told them by the shepherds. 19 (Q)But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20 Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and (R)praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told them.
Circumcision of Jesus
21 (S)And when eight days were completed [g]for the circumcision of the Child, His name was called (T)Jesus, the name given by the angel (U)before He was conceived in the womb.
Jesus Presented in the Temple
22 Now when (V)the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were completed, they brought Him to Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord 23 (W)(as it is written in the law of the Lord, (X)“Every male who opens the womb shall be called holy to the Lord”), 24 and to offer a sacrifice according to what is said in the law of the Lord, (Y)“A pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons.”
Simeon Sees God’s Salvation
25 And behold, there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon, and this man was just and devout, (Z)waiting for the Consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. 26 And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not (AA)see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. 27 So he came (AB)by the Spirit into the temple. And when the parents brought in the Child Jesus, to do for Him according to the custom of the law, 28 he took Him up in his arms and blessed God and said:
29 “Lord, (AC)now You are letting Your servant depart in peace,
According to Your word;
30 For my eyes (AD)have seen Your salvation
31 Which You have prepared before the face of all peoples,
32 (AE)A light to bring revelation to the Gentiles,
And the glory of Your people Israel.”
33 [h]And Joseph and His mother marveled at those things which were spoken of Him. 34 Then Simeon blessed them, and said to Mary His mother, “Behold, this Child is destined for the (AF)fall and rising of many in Israel, and for (AG)a sign which will be spoken against 35 (yes, (AH)a sword will pierce through your own soul also), that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.”
Anna Bears Witness to the Redeemer
36 Now there was one, Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of (AI)Asher. She was of a great age, and had lived with a husband seven years from her virginity; 37 and this woman was a widow [i]of about eighty-four years, who did not depart from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers (AJ)night and day. 38 And coming in that instant she gave thanks to [j]the Lord, and spoke of Him to all those who (AK)looked for redemption in Jerusalem.
The Family Returns to Nazareth
39 So when they had performed all things according to the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own city, Nazareth. 40 (AL)And the Child grew and became strong [k]in spirit, filled with wisdom; and the grace of God was upon Him.
The Boy Jesus Amazes the Scholars
41 His parents went to (AM)Jerusalem (AN)every year at the Feast of the Passover. 42 And when He was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem according to the (AO)custom of the feast. 43 When they had finished the (AP)days, as they returned, the Boy Jesus lingered behind in Jerusalem. And [l]Joseph and His mother did not know it; 44 but supposing Him to have been in the company, they went a day’s journey, and sought Him among their relatives and acquaintances. 45 So when they did not find Him, they returned to Jerusalem, seeking Him. 46 Now so it was that after three days they found Him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, both listening to them and asking them questions. 47 And (AQ)all who heard Him were astonished at His understanding and answers. 48 So when they saw Him, they were amazed; and His mother said to Him, “Son, why have You done this to us? Look, Your father and I have sought You anxiously.”
49 And He said to them, “Why did you seek Me? Did you not know that I must be (AR)about (AS)My Father’s business?” 50 But (AT)they did not understand the statement which He spoke to them.
Jesus Advances in Wisdom and Favor
51 Then He went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was [m]subject to them, but His mother (AU)kept all these things in her heart. 52 And Jesus (AV)increased in wisdom and stature, (AW)and in favor with God and men.
Footnotes
- Luke 2:5 NU omits wife
- Luke 2:7 feed trough
- Luke 2:9 NU omits behold
- Luke 2:12 feed trough
- Luke 2:14 NU toward men of goodwill
- Luke 2:17 NU omits widely
- Luke 2:21 NU for His circumcision
- Luke 2:33 NU And His father and mother
- Luke 2:37 NU until she was eighty-four
- Luke 2:38 NU God
- Luke 2:40 NU omits in spirit
- Luke 2:43 NU His parents
- Luke 2:51 obedient
Luke 2
New Life Version
Luke 2
New Life Version
The Birth of Jesus (A)
2 In those days Caesar Augustus sent out word that the name of every person in the Roman nation must be written in the books of the nation. 2 This first writing took place while Quirinius was ruler of Syria.
3 So all the people went to their own cities to have their names written in the books of the nation. 4 Joseph went up from the town of Nazareth in the country of Galilee to the town of Bethlehem. It was known as the city of David. He went there because he was from the family of David. 5 Joseph went to have his and Mary’s names written in the books of the nation. Mary was his promised wife and soon to become a mother.
6 While they were there in Bethlehem, the time came for Mary to give birth to her baby. 7 Her first son was born. She put cloth around Him and laid Him in a place where cattle are fed. There was no room for them in the place where people stay for the night.
The Shepherds Learn of the Birth of Jesus
8 In the same country there were shepherds in the fields. They were watching their flocks of sheep at night. 9 The angel of the Lord came to them. The shining-greatness of the Lord shone around them. They were very much afraid. 10 The angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. See! I bring you good news of great joy which is for all people. 11 Today, One Who saves from the punishment of sin has been born in the city of David. He is Christ the Lord. 12 There will be something special for you to see. This is the way you will know Him. You will find the Baby with cloth around Him, lying in a place where cattle are fed.”
13 At once many angels from heaven were seen, along with the angel, giving thanks to God. They were saying, 14 “Greatness and honor to our God in the highest heaven and peace on earth among men who please Him.”
The Shepherds Go to Bethlehem
15 The angels went from the shepherds back to heaven. The shepherds said to each other, “Let us go now to Bethlehem and see what has happened. The Lord has told us about this.” 16 They went fast and found Mary and Joseph. They found the Baby lying in a place where cattle are fed. 17 When they saw the Child, they told what the angel said about Him. 18 All who heard it were surprised at what the shepherds told them. 19 But Mary hid all these words in her heart. She thought about them much. 20 The shepherds went back full of joy. They thanked God for all they had heard and seen. It happened as the angel had told them.
Jesus Taken to the House of God
21 When eight days were over, they did the religious act of becoming a Jew on the Child. He was named Jesus. This name was given to Him by the angel when Mary was told He was to be born. 22 When the days were over for her to be made pure as it was written in the Law of Moses, they took Jesus to Jerusalem to give Him to the Lord. 23 It is written in the Law of the Lord, “The first-born male born of a woman will be called holy to the Lord.” 24 They were to give a gift of two turtle-doves or two young birds on the altar in worship to the Lord. This was written in the Law of the Lord.
Simeon’s Song of Thanks
25 There was a man in Jerusalem by the name of Simeon. He was a good man and very religious. He was looking for the time when the Jewish nation would be saved. The Holy Spirit was on him. 26 The Holy Spirit made it known to Simeon that he would not die before he had seen God’s Chosen One. 27 He came to the house of God being led by the Holy Spirit. The parents took Jesus to the house of God. They came to do what the Law said must be done. 28 Then Simeon took Jesus in his arms. He gave honor to Him and thanked God, saying,
29 “Lord, now let me die in peace, as You have said. 30 My eyes have seen the One Who will save men from the punishment of their sins. 31 You have made Him ready in the sight of all nations. 32 He will be a light to shine on the people who are not Jews. He will be the shining-greatness of Your people the Jews.” 33 Joseph and the mother of Jesus were surprised and wondered about these words which were said about Jesus. 34 Simeon honored them and said to Mary the mother of Jesus, “See! This Child will make many people fall and many people rise in the Jewish nation. He will be spoken against. 35 A sword will cut through your soul. By this the thoughts of many hearts will be understood.”
Anna Gives Thanks for Jesus
36 Anna was a woman who spoke God’s Word. She was the daughter of Phanuel of the family group of Asher. Anna was many years old. She had lived with her husband seven years after she was married. 37 Her husband had died and she had lived without a husband eighty-four years. Yet she did not go away from the house of God. She served God day and night, praying and going without food so she could pray better. 38 At that time she came and gave thanks to God. She told the people in Jerusalem about Jesus. They were looking for the One to save them from the punishment of their sins and to set them free.
They Return to Nazareth (B)
39 When Joseph and Mary had done everything the Law said to do, they went back to Nazareth in Galilee. 40 The Child grew and became strong in spirit. He was filled with wisdom and the loving-favor of God was on Him.
41 His parents went to Jerusalem every year for the special religious gathering to remember how the Jews left Egypt. 42 When He was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem as they had done before. 43 When the days of the special supper were over, they started back to their town. But the boy Jesus was still in Jerusalem. His parents did not know it. 44 They thought Jesus was with the others of the group. They walked for one day. Then they looked for Him among their family and friends.
45 When they could not find Jesus, they turned back to Jerusalem to look for Him. 46 Three days later they found Him in the house of God. He was sitting among the teachers. He was hearing what they said and asking questions. 47 All those who heard Him were surprised and wondered about His understanding and at what He said. 48 When His parents saw Him, they were surprised. His mother said to Him, “My Son, why have You done this to us? See! Your father and I have had much sorrow looking for You.” 49 He said to them, “Why were you looking for Me? Do you not know that I must be in My Father’s house?” 50 They did not understand the things He said to them.
51 He went with them to Nazareth and obeyed them. But His mother kept all these words in her heart. 52 Jesus grew strong in mind and body. He grew in favor with God and men.
Luke 2
New International Version
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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