Devine Scripture

Luke 2:23

What does Luke 2:23 mean?

A plain-English look at Luke 2:23 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Luke 2:23 means

Luke references scriptural law, stating that "Every male that openeth the womb shall be called holy to the Lord." This directive from Exodus 13:2 required the firstborn son to be consecrated to God. While redemption via a sacrifice was typically offered for firstborn sons, Jesus, as God's own Son, was inherently holy. Joseph and Mary observed this custom as an act of obedience, recognizing God's ownership and plan for their child.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

(as it is written in the law of the Lord, Every male that openeth the womb shall be called holy to the Lord),

KJV

King James Version · 1611

(As it is written in the law of the Lord, Every male that openeth the womb shall be called holy to the Lord;)

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

(as it is written in the law of the Lord, Every male that openeth the womb shall be called holy to the Lord),

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

(As it says in the law of the Lord, Every mother's first male child is to be holy to the Lord),

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

as it hath been written in the Law of the Lord, --`Every male opening a womb shall be called holy to the Lord,'

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

As it is written in the law of the Lord: Every male opening the womb shall be called holy to the Lord:

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

(as it is written in the law of [the] Lord: Every male that opens the womb shall be called holy to the Lord),

Context

This verse provides the scriptural justification for presenting Jesus in the Temple, directly quoting the Law of the Lord. It clarifies the legal and spiritual basis for the actions described in verse 22. This explanation ensures the reader understands the family's adherence to Mosaic law and the theological significance of Jesus as the firstborn.

v.22And when the days of their purification according to the law of Moses were fulfilled, they brought him up to Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord

v.23This passage

v.24and to offer a sacrifice according to that which is said in the law of the Lord, A pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Numbers 8:16

    For they are wholly given unto me from among the children of Israel; instead of all that openeth the womb, even the first-born of all the children of Israel, have I taken them unto me.

  • Exodus 13:2

    Sanctify unto me all the first-born, whatsoever openeth the womb among the children of Israel, both of man and of beast: it is mine.

  • Numbers 18:15

    Everything that openeth the womb, of all flesh which they offer unto Jehovah, both of man and beast shall be thine: nevertheless the first-born of man shalt thou surely redeem, and the firstling of unclean beasts shalt thou redeem.

  • Numbers 3:13

    for all the first-born are mine; on the day that I smote all the first-born in the land of Egypt I hallowed unto me all the first-born in Israel, both man and beast; mine they shall be: I am Jehovah.

  • Exodus 22:29

    Thou shalt not delay to offer of thy harvest, and of the outflow of thy presses. The first-born of thy sons shalt thou give unto me.

  • Exodus 13:12

    that thou shalt set apart unto Jehovah all that openeth the womb, and every firstling which thou hast that cometh of a beast; the males shall be Jehovah’s.

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