Introduction
Luke chapter 2 records one of the most beloved passages in Scripture: the birth of Jesus Christ in Bethlehem. Under the decree of Caesar Augustus, Joseph and Mary travel from Nazareth to Bethlehem to be counted in a census, fulfilling the prophecy that the Messiah would be born in the city of David (Micah 5:2). While there, Mary gives birth to Jesus and, finding no room in the inn, lays Him in a manger.
The chapter then describes the announcement of Christ’s birth to shepherds in the nearby fields. An angel appears, declaring the good news of the Saviour’s birth, followed by a multitude of heavenly hosts praising God. The shepherds go to Bethlehem, find the child as described, and spread the news, causing wonder among all who hear it.
Following Jewish custom, Jesus is circumcised on the eighth day and later presented at the Temple in Jerusalem, in accordance with the Law of Moses. There, two devout figures, Simeon and Anna, recognize Jesus as the promised Messiah. Simeon, having been told by the Holy Spirit that he would see the Christ before he died, blesses God and prophesies concerning Jesus’ significance for both Israel and the Gentiles, while also warning Mary of future sorrow. Anna, a prophetess, likewise gives thanks and speaks of the child to others awaiting Israel’s redemption.
The chapter closes with a brief account of Jesus’ childhood, His family’s return to Nazareth, and an episode at age twelve when Jesus, during a Passover visit to Jerusalem, is found in the Temple discussing matters with the teachers, astonishing them with His understanding. He then returns home with His parents, remaining obedient to them, and grows in wisdom and favor with God and man.
This chapter provides important historical context: the Roman census system, Jewish purification and dedication customs, and the fulfillment of long-standing Messianic expectations rooted in the Old Testament.
Chapter 2 (BBE)
1 Now it came about in those days that an order went out from Caesar Augustus that there was to be a numbering of all the world.
2 This was the first numbering, which was made when Quirinius was ruler of Syria.
3 And all men went to be numbered, everyone to his town.
4 And Joseph went up from Galilee, out of the town of Nazareth, into Judaea, to Beth-lehem, the town of David, because he was of the house and family of David,
5 To be put on the list with Mary, his future wife, who was about to become a mother.
6 And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth.
7 And she had her first son; and folding him in linen, she put him to rest in the place where the cattle had their food, because there was no room for them in the house.
8 And in the same country there were keepers of sheep in the fields, watching over their flock by night.
9 And an angel of the Lord came to them, and the glory of the Lord was shining round about them: and fear came on them.
10 And the angel said, Have no fear; for truly, I give you good news of great joy which will be for all the people:
11 For on this day, in the town of David, a Saviour has come to birth, who is Christ the Lord.
12 And this is the sign to you: you will see a young child folded in linen, in the place where the cattle have their food.
13 And suddenly there was with the angel a great band of spirits from heaven, giving praise to God, and saying,
14 Glory to God in the highest, and on the earth peace among men with whom he is well pleased.
15 And when the angels had gone away from them into heaven, the keepers of the sheep said to one another, Let us go now to Beth-lehem, and see this thing which has come about, which the Lord has made clear to us.
16 And they came quickly, and saw Mary and Joseph, and the child in the place where the cattle had their food.
17 And when they saw it, they gave them an account of the things which had been said to them about the child.
18 And all those who had it given to them had wonder in their minds at the things the shepherds said to them.
19 But Mary kept all these words in her heart, and often thought of them.
20 And the shepherds went back, giving glory and praise to God for all the things which they had heard and seen, as it had been said to them.
21 And when at the end of eight days he was given circumcision, he was given the name Jesus, the name given by the angel before his birth.
22 And when the necessary days for making her clean again, in agreement with the law of Moses, had come to an end, they took him to Jerusalem, to give him to the Lord,
23 As it says in the law of the Lord, Every first-born male will be given to the Lord,
24 And to make an offering, as it says in the law of the Lord, of two doves, or two young pigeons.
25 And there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon; and this man was upright and God-fearing, waiting for the comfort of Israel: and the Holy Spirit was on him.
26 And it had been made clear to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death till he had seen the Lord’s Christ.
27 And he came in the Spirit into the Temple: and when his father and mother came in with the young child Jesus, to do with him what was ordered by the law,
28 Then he took him in his arms and gave praise to God, and said,
29 O Lord, now let your servant go free, in peace, in agreement with your word:
30 For my eyes have seen your salvation,
31 Which you have made ready before the face of all nations;
32 A light of revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel.
33 And his father and mother were full of wonder at the things which were said about him.
34 And Simeon gave them his blessing and said to Mary, his mother, See, this child will be a cause of the fall and of the rising again of great numbers of Israel, and a sign against which words of doubt will be said;
35 And a sword will go through your soul, so that the secret thoughts of men may be seen clearly.
36 And there was one, Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher; (she was very old, and for seven years after the time when she was a virgin she had a husband;
37 She had been a widow for eighty-four years,) and was at all times in the Temple, giving herself to worship and going without food, night and day.
38 And came near, at that very time, giving praise to God, and talking about the child to all those who were looking for the freeing of Jerusalem.
39 And when they had done all the things which the law of the Lord made necessary, they went back to Galilee, to Nazareth, their town.
40 And the child became tall and strong, and his mind became more and more full of wisdom: and the grace of God was on 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, as it was the custom, to the feast;
43 And when they were going back again, after the feast was over, the boy Jesus was still in Jerusalem, and they were not aware of it.
44 And, in the belief that he was with some other members of their company, they went a day’s journey; and they came to look for him among their relations and friends;
45 And when they did not see him, they went back to Jerusalem, looking for him everywhere.
46 And after three days they came across him in the Temple, seated among the teachers, giving attention to their words and putting questions to them.
47 And all to whom he said anything were surprised at the wisdom of his answers.
48 And when they saw him, they were surprised, and his mother said to him, Son, why have you done this to us? See, your father and I have been looking for you with sorrow.
49 And he said to them, Why were you looking for me? was it not clear to you that I would have to be in my father’s house?
50 But the meaning of his words was not clear to them.
51 And he went with them to Nazareth, and did what he was ordered to do: but his mother kept all these words in her heart.
52 And Jesus became tall and strong, and increased in wisdom, and had grace in the eyes of God and men.
Important Verses
Luke 2:7 This verse describes the humble circumstances of Christ’s birth, laid in a manger with no room in the inn, foreshadowing His lowly entrance into the world as Savior of all people.
Luke 2:10 11 The angel’s announcement to the shepherds proclaims the good news of the Saviour’s birth, identifying Jesus as both Christ (the Messiah) and Lord, central truths of the Christian faith.
Luke 2:14 This proclamation of praise, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace,” has become one of the most celebrated declarations in Christian worship and tradition.
Luke 2:29 32 Simeon’s prayer, often called the Nunc Dimittis, expresses joyful fulfillment of God’s promise and identifies Jesus as salvation for both Israel and the Gentiles.
Luke 2:34 35 Simeon’s prophecy to Mary foreshadows the suffering and controversy that would surround Christ’s life and eventual crucifixion.
Luke 2:49 Jesus’ response in the Temple reveals early awareness of His divine identity and mission as the Son of God, connecting to His unique relationship with the Father.
Luke 2:52 This verse summarizes Christ’s early development in wisdom and favor, affirming His full humanity alongside His divine nature.
