Luke 2
Wycliffe Bible
2 And it was done in those days, a commandment went out from the emperor Augustus [a commandment went out from Caesar Augustus], that all the world should be described.
2 This first describing was made of Cyrenius, justice of Syria [justice, or keeper, of Syria].
3 And all men went to make profession, [or acknowledging,] each into his own city.[a]
4 And Joseph went up from Galilee, from the city Nazareth [of the city of Nazareth], into Judaea, into a city of David, that is called Bethlehem, for that he was of the house and of the family of David,
5 that he should acknowledge with Mary, his wife, that was wedded to him, and was great with child. [that he should acknowledge with Mary, spoused to him wife, with child.]
6 And it was done, while they were there, the days were fulfilled, that she should bear child.
7 And she bare her firstborn son, and wrapped him in `clothes, and laid him in a feed-trough [and put him in a cratch], for there was no place to him in no chamber.
8 And shepherds were in the same country, waking and keeping the watches of the night on [upon] their flock.
9 And lo! the angel of the Lord stood beside them, and the clearness of God shined about them [and the clearness of God shone about them]; and they dreaded with great dread.
10 And the angel said to them, Do not ye dread; for lo! I preach to you a great joy [lo! soothly I evangelize to you a great joy], that shall be to all people.
11 For a Saviour is born to day to you, that is Christ the Lord, in the city of David.
12 And this is a token to you; ye shall find a young child wrapped in `clothes, and laid in a feed-trough [and put in a cratch].
13 And suddenly there was made with the angel a multitude of heavenly knighthood, praising God, and saying,
14 Glory be in the highest things to God, and in earth peace be to men of good will. [Glory in the highest things to God, and in earth peace to men of good will.]
15 And it was done, as the angels passed away from them into heaven, the shepherds spake together, and said, Go we over [till] to Bethlehem, and see we this word that is made, which the Lord hath made, and showed to us.
16 And they hieing came, and found Mary and Joseph, and the young child laid in a feed-trough [put in a cratch].
17 And they seeing, knew of the word that was said to them of this child.
18 And all men that heard wondered, and of these things that were said to them of the shepherds.
19 But Mary kept all these words, bearing together in her heart.
20 And the shepherds turned again, glorifying and praising God in all things that they had heard and seen, as it was said to them.
21 And after that eight days were ended, that the child should be circumcised, his name was called Jesus, which was called of the angel, before that he was conceived in the womb.
22 And after that the days of the purification of Mary were fulfilled, after Moses' law, they took him into Jerusalem, to offer him to the Lord,
23 as it is written in the law of the Lord, For every male-kind opening the womb, shall be called holy to the Lord;
24 and that they shall give an offering, after that it is said in the law of the Lord, A pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons [or two culver birds].
25 And lo! a man was in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and this man was just and virtuous, and abode the comfort of Israel [and this man was just and dread-full, abiding the comfort of Israel]; and the Holy Ghost was in him.
26 And he had taken an answer of the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, but he saw first the Christ of the Lord.
27 And he came in Spirit into the temple. And when his father and mother led [in] the child Jesus to do after the custom of the law for him,
28 he took him into his arms, and blessed God, and said,
29 Lord, now thou lettest go thy servant after thy word in peace; [Lord, now thy leavest thy servant after thy word in peace;]
30 for mine eyes have seen thine health,
31 which thou hast made ready before the face of all peoples;
32 light to the showing of heathen men, and glory of thy people Israel.
33 And his father and his mother were wondering on [upon] these things, that were said of him.
34 And Simeon blessed them, and said to Mary, his mother, Lo! this is set into the falling down and into the rising again [into the falling and into the rising again] of many men in Israel, and into a token, to whom it shall be against-said.
35 And a sword shall pass through thine own soul, that the thoughts be showed of many hearts.
36 And Anna was a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the lineage of Aser. And she had gone forth in many days, and had lived with her husband seven years from her maidenhood.
37 And this was a widow to fourscore years and four; and she departed not from the temple [which departed not from the temple], but served God night and day in fastings and prayers.
38 And this came upon them in that hour, and acknowledged to the Lord [And this in that hour above coming, acknowledged to the Lord], and spake of him to all that abided the redemption of Israel.
39 And as they had full done all things [And as they had perfectly done all things], after the law of the Lord, they turned again into Galilee, into their city Nazareth.
40 And the child waxed, and was comforted, full of wisdom; and the grace of God was in him.
41 And his father and mother went each year into Jerusalem [And his father and mother went by all years into Jerusalem], in the solemn day of pask.
42 And when Jesus was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem, after the custom of the feast day.
43 And when the days were done, they turned again; and the child abode in Jerusalem, and his father and mother knew it not.
44 For they guessing that he had been in the fellowship, came a day's journey, and sought him among his cousins and his acknowledged.[b]
45 And when they found him not, they turned again into Jerusalem, and sought him [seeking him].
46 And it befell [And it was done], that after the third day they found him in the temple, sitting in the middle of the doctors, hearing them and asking them.
47 And all men that heard him, wondered on the prudence and the answers of him.
48 And they saw, and wondered. And his mother said to him, Son, what hast thou done to us thus? Lo! thy father and I sorrowing have sought thee.
49 And he said to them, What is it that ye sought me? knew ye not that in those things that be of my Father [wist ye not, that in those things that be my Father's], it behooveth me to be?
50 And they understood not the word, which he spake to them.
51 And he came down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject to them. And his mother kept together all these words, and bare them in her heart [bearing together in her heart].
52 And Jesus profited in wisdom, age, and grace, with God and men.
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
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
Authorized (King James) Version
2 And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Cæsar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. 2 (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) 3 And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. 4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judæa, unto 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, being great 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 firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.
8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 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.
2001 by Terence P. Noble
Copyright © 2016 by Ruth Magnusson (Davis). Includes emendations to February 2022. All rights reserved.
Geneva Bible, 1599 Edition. Published by Tolle Lege Press. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, without written permission from the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations in articles, reviews, and broadcasts.
KJV reproduced by permission of Cambridge University Press, the Crown’s patentee in the UK.