Devine Scripture

Luke 2:5

What does Luke 2:5 mean?

A plain-English look at Luke 2:5 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Luke 2:5 means

Joseph traveled with Mary, who was betrothed to him and was heavily pregnant. The journey itself, likely long and uncomfortable, would have been particularly arduous for Mary in her advanced state of pregnancy. This highlights the humble and challenging circumstances surrounding Jesus' birth, foreshadowing a life marked by hardship and sacrifice. Their obedience to the Roman decree, despite the personal cost, ultimately facilitated God's plan for the long-awaited Messiah to be born.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

to enrol himself with Mary, who was betrothed to him, being great with child.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

to enrol himself with Mary, who was betrothed to him, being great with child.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

To be put on the list with Mary, his future wife, who was about to become a mother.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

to enrol himself with Mary his betrothed wife, being with child.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

To be enrolled with Mary his espoused wife, who was with child.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

to be inscribed in the census roll with Mary who was betrothed to him [as his] wife, she being great with child.

Context

This verse continues the narrative of Joseph's journey to Bethlehem, adding the critical detail of Mary's presence and advanced pregnancy. This immediately creates a sense of anticipation and vulnerability, leading directly to the pivotal moment of Jesus' birth. It emphasizes the human circumstances under which the divine event was unfolding.

v.4And 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;

v.5This passage

v.6And it came to pass, while they were there, the days were fulfilled that she should be delivered.

Cross references

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

  • Deuteronomy 22:22

    If a man be found lying with a woman married to a husband, then they shall both of them die, the man that lay with the woman, and the woman: so shalt thou put away the evil from Israel.

  • Matthew 1:18

    Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found with child of the Holy Spirit.

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