Devine Scripture

Luke 2:6

What does Luke 2:6 mean?

A plain-English look at Luke 2:6 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Luke 2:6 means

While Joseph and Mary were in Bethlehem, the time for Mary to give birth arrived. This seemingly simple statement carries immense weight, marking the culmination of centuries of prophetic expectation and God's promises. The timing was not accidental but divinely appointed, signifying that this birth would be unlike any other. The phrase "the days were fulfilled" underscores the perfect timing of God's plan, occurring precisely when and where He intended.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And it came to pass, in their being there, the days were fulfilled for her bringing forth,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And it came to pass that when they were there, her days were accomplished that she should be delivered.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And it came to pass, while they were there, the days of her giving birth [to her child] were fulfilled,

Context

This verse brings the narrative to the critical moment, stating that Mary's time to give birth arrived while they were in Bethlehem. It follows the account of their journey and their presence in the city, building directly to Jesus' birth. This verse introduces the most significant event of the chapter, setting the stage for the intimate details of the nativity.

v.5to enrol himself with Mary, who was betrothed to him, being great with child.

v.6This passage

v.7And she brought forth her firstborn son; and she wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

Cross references

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

  • Proverbs 19:21

    There are many devices in a man’s heart; But the counsel of Jehovah, that shall stand.

  • Psalms 33:11

    The counsel of Jehovah standeth fast for ever, The thoughts of his heart to all generations.

  • Luke 1:57

    Now Elisabeth’s time was fulfilled that she should be delivered; and she brought forth a son.

  • Micah 5:2

    But thou, Beth-lehem Ephrathah, which art little to be among the thousands of Judah, out of thee shall one come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth are from of old, from everlasting.

  • Revelation 12:1

    And a great sign was seen in heaven: a woman arrayed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and upon her head a crown of twelve stars;

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