Devine Scripture

Luke 2:39

What does Luke 2:39 mean?

A plain-English look at Luke 2:39 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Luke 2:39 means

After meticulously fulfilling all the requirements of the Law of the Lord, Joseph and Mary returned with Jesus to their hometown of Nazareth in Galilee. This careful adherence to every legal and religious obligation underscores their piety and obedience. Their return to Nazareth signifies the end of this profound chapter of Jesus' infancy, transitioning to the quiet period of His early growth before His public ministry.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And when they had accomplished all things that were according to the law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own city Nazareth.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And when they had performed all things according to the law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own city Nazareth.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And when they had accomplished all things that were according to the law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own city Nazareth.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And when they had done all the things which were ordered by the law of the Lord, they went back to Galilee, to Nazareth, the town where they were living.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And when they finished all things, according to the Law of the Lord, they turned back to Galilee, to their city Nazareth;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And after they had performed all things according to the law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their city Nazareth.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And when they had completed all things according to the law of [the] Lord, they returned to Galilee to their own city Nazareth.

Context

This verse marks a conclusion to the events surrounding Jesus' birth and presentation, as the family fulfills all legal requirements and returns home. It follows the prophetic declarations of Simeon and Anna in the Temple. This return to Nazareth sets the stage for the next section, which briefly summarizes Jesus' growth and then depicts an important incident from His boyhood.

v.38And coming up at that very hour she gave thanks unto God, and spake of him to all them that were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem.

v.39This passage

v.40And the child grew, and waxed strong, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him.

Cross references

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

  • Luke 2:51

    And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth; and he was subject unto them: and his mother kept all these sayings in her heart.

  • Deuteronomy 12:32

    What thing soever I command you, that shall ye observe to do: thou shalt not add thereto, nor diminish from it.

  • Luke 1:6

    And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless.

  • Matthew 3:15

    But Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffereth him.

  • Luke 2:4

    And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judæa, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David;

  • Galatians 4:4

    but when the fulness of the time came, God sent forth his Son, born of a woman, born under the law,

Related questions readers ask

Keep reading

Want to dig deeper? Explore Luke 2

Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on Luke 2.

Keep exploring

Follow this verse across Scripture

Topics, devotionals, original-language word studies, and figures connected to Luke 2:39.

Browse every hub

BibleTopicsBible answersDevotionalsFamous passagesWord studiesPeoplePlacesVerses for…Reading plansCommentary