Devine Scripture

Luke 2:24

What does Luke 2:24 mean?

A plain-English look at Luke 2:24 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Luke 2:24 means

In addition to presenting Jesus, Mary and Joseph offered the prescribed sacrifice for purification: "A pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons." This specific offering, outlined in Leviticus 12:8, was the provision for poorer families who could not afford a lamb. This detail highlights the humble financial circumstances of Jesus' family, further emphasizing His identification with the poor and marginalized, even from His earliest days.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And to make an offering, as it is ordered in the law of the Lord, of two doves or other young birds.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and to give a sacrifice, according to that said in the Law of the Lord, `A pair of turtle-doves, or two young pigeons.'

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And to offer a sacrifice, according as it is written in the law of the Lord, a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons:

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

and to offer a sacrifice according to what is said in the law of [the] Lord: A pair of turtle doves, or two young pigeons.

Context

This verse details the specific sacrifice offered by Mary and Joseph, continuing the description of their obedience to Mosaic law. It follows the explanation of the law regarding the firstborn. This detail subtly reveals their financial status, underscoring the humble conditions of Jesus' family and setting the scene for meeting Simeon and Anna in the Temple.

v.23(as it is written in the law of the Lord, Every male that openeth the womb shall be called holy to the Lord),

v.24This passage

v.25And behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and this man was righteous and devout, looking for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Spirit was upon him.

Cross references

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

  • 2 Corinthians 8:9

    For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might become rich.

  • Leviticus 12:6

    And when the days of her purifying are fulfilled, for a son, or for a daughter, she shall bring a lamb a year old for a burnt-offering, and a young pigeon, or a turtle-dove, for a sin-offering, unto the door of the tent of meeting, unto the priest:

  • Leviticus 12:2

    Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, If a woman conceive seed, and bear a man-child, then she shall be unclean seven days; as in the days of the impurity of her sickness shall she be unclean.

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