Luke 2
New International Reader's Version
Jesus Is Born
2 In those days, Caesar Augustus made a law. It required that a list be made of everyone in the whole Roman world. 2 It was the first time a list was made of the people while Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3 Everyone went to their own town to be listed.
4 So Joseph went also. He went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea. That is where Bethlehem, the town of David, was. Joseph went there because he belonged to the family line of David. 5 He went there with Mary to be listed. Mary was engaged to him. She was expecting a baby. 6 While Joseph and Mary were there, the time came for the child to be born. 7 She gave birth to her first baby. It was a boy. She wrapped him in large strips of cloth. Then she placed him in a manger. That’s because there was no guest room where they could stay.
8 There were shepherds living out in the fields nearby. It was night, and they were taking care of their sheep. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them. And the glory of the Lord shone around them. They were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news. It will bring great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you. He is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 Here is how you will know I am telling you the truth. You will find a baby wrapped in strips of cloth and lying in a manger.”
13 Suddenly a large group of angels from heaven also appeared. They were praising God. They said,
14 “May glory be given to God in the highest heaven!
And may peace be given to those he is pleased with on earth!”
15 The angels left and went into heaven. Then the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem. Let’s see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”
16 So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph and the baby. The baby was lying in the manger. 17 After the shepherds had seen him, they told everyone. They reported what the angel had said about this child. 18 All who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19 But Mary kept all these things like a secret treasure in her heart. She thought about them over and over. 20 The shepherds returned. They gave glory and praise to God. Everything they had seen and heard was just as they had been told.
21 When the child was eight days old, he was circumcised. At the same time he was named Jesus. This was the name the angel had given him before his mother became pregnant.
Joseph and Mary Take Jesus to the Temple
22 The time came for making Mary “clean” as required by the Law of Moses. So Joseph and Mary took Jesus to Jerusalem. There they presented him to the Lord. 23 In the Law of the Lord it says, “The first boy born in every family must be set apart for the Lord.” (Exodus 13:2,12) 24 They also offered a sacrifice. They did it in keeping with the Law, which says, “a pair of doves or two young pigeons.” (Leviticus 12:8)
25 In Jerusalem there was a man named Simeon. He was a good and godly man. He was waiting for God’s promise to Israel to come true. The Holy Spirit was with him. 26 The Spirit had told Simeon that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. 27 The Spirit led him into the temple courtyard. Then Jesus’ parents brought the child in. They came to do for him what the Law required. 28 Simeon took Jesus in his arms and praised God. He said,
29 “Lord, you are the King over all.
Now let me, your servant, go in peace.
That is what you promised.
30 My eyes have seen your salvation.
31 You have prepared it in the sight of all nations.
32 It is a light to be given to the Gentiles.
It will be the glory of your people Israel.”
33 The child’s father and mother were amazed at what was said about him. 34 Then Simeon blessed them. He said to Mary, Jesus’ mother, “This child is going to cause many people in Israel to fall and to rise. God has sent him. But many will speak against him. 35 The thoughts of many hearts will be known. A sword will wound your own soul too.”
36 There was also a prophet named Anna. She was the daughter of Penuel from the tribe of Asher. Anna was very old. After getting married, she lived with her husband seven years. 37 Then she was a widow until she was 84. She never left the temple. She worshiped night and day, praying and going without food. 38 Anna came up to Jesus’ family at that moment. She gave thanks to God. And she spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the time when Jerusalem would be set free.
39 Joseph and Mary did everything the Law of the Lord required. Then they returned to Galilee. They went to their own town of Nazareth. 40 And the child grew and became strong. He was very wise. He was blessed by God’s grace.
The Boy Jesus at the Temple
41 Every year Jesus’ parents went to Jerusalem for the Passover Feast. 42 When Jesus was 12 years old, they went up to the feast as usual. 43 After the feast was over, his parents left to go back home. The boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem. But they were not aware of it. 44 They thought he was somewhere in their group. So they traveled on for a day. Then they began to look for him among their relatives and friends. 45 They did not find him. So they went back to Jerusalem to look for him. 46 After three days they found him in the temple courtyard. He was sitting with the teachers. He was listening to them and asking them questions. 47 Everyone who heard him was amazed at how much he understood. They also were amazed at his answers. 48 When his parents saw him, they were amazed. His mother said to him, “Son, why have you treated us like this? Your father and I have been worried about you. We have been looking for you everywhere.”
49 “Why were you looking for me?” he asked. “Didn’t you know I had to be in my Father’s house?” 50 But they did not understand what he meant by that.
51 Then he went back to Nazareth with them, and he obeyed them. But his mother kept all these things like a secret treasure in her heart. 52 Jesus became wiser and stronger. He also became more and more pleasing to God and to people.
Luke 2
Christian Standard Bible
The Birth of Jesus
2 In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus(A) that the whole empire[a] should be registered. 2 This first registration took place while[b] Quirinius was governing Syria.(B) 3 So everyone went to be registered, each to his own town.
4 Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth(C) in Galilee, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem,(D) because he was of the house and family line of David,(E) 5 to be registered along with Mary, who was engaged to him[c] and was pregnant. 6 While they were there, the time came for her to give birth. 7 Then she gave birth to her firstborn son, and she wrapped him tightly in cloth and laid him in a manger,[d] because there was no guest room available for them.
The Shepherds and the Angels
8 In the same region, shepherds were staying out in the fields and keeping watch at night over their flock. 9 Then an angel of the Lord(F) stood before them,(G) and the glory of the Lord(H) shone around them, and they were terrified.[e] 10 But the angel said to them, “Don’t be afraid,(I) for look, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people:[f] 11 Today in the city of David a Savior(J) was born for you, who is the Messiah,(K) the Lord.(L) 12 This will be the sign for you:(M) You will find a baby wrapped tightly in cloth and lying in a manger.”
13 Suddenly there was a multitude of the heavenly host[g] with the angel, praising God and saying:
15 When the angels had left them and returned to heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go straight to Bethlehem and see what has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.”
16 They hurried off and found both Mary and Joseph, and the baby who was lying in the manger. 17 After seeing them, they reported the message they were told about this child, 18 and all who heard it were amazed(Q) at what the shepherds said to them. 19 But Mary was treasuring up all these things in her heart(R) and meditating on them. 20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God(S) for all the things they had seen and heard, which were just as they had been told.
The Circumcision and Presentation of Jesus
21 When the eight days were completed for his circumcision,(T) he was named Jesus(U)—the name given by the angel before he was conceived. 22 And when the days of their purification according to the law of Moses were finished,(V) they brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord 23 (just as it is written in the law of the Lord, Every firstborn male will be dedicated[j] to the Lord[k](W)) 24 and to offer a sacrifice (according to what is stated in the law of the Lord, a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons[l](X)).
Simeon’s Prophetic Praise
25 There was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon. This man was righteous and devout,(Y) looking forward to Israel’s consolation,(Z) and the Holy Spirit was on him. 26 It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit(AA) that he would not see death before he saw the Lord’s Messiah.(AB) 27 Guided by the Spirit, he entered the temple. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to perform for him what was customary under the law, 28 Simeon took him up in his arms, praised God, and said,
29 Now, Master,
you can dismiss your servant in peace,
as you promised.
30 For my eyes have seen your salvation.(AC)
31 You have prepared it
in the presence of all peoples—
32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles[m](AD)
and glory to your people Israel.(AE)
33 His father and mother[n] were amazed at what was being said about him. 34 Then Simeon blessed them and told his mother Mary, “Indeed, this child is destined to cause the fall and rise of many in Israel(AF) and to be a sign that will be opposed[o]— 35 and a sword will pierce your own soul—that the thoughts[p] of many hearts may be revealed.”
Anna’s Testimony
36 There was also a prophetess,(AG) Anna, a daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher.(AH) She was well along in years, having lived with her husband seven years after her marriage,[q](AI) 37 and was a widow for eighty-four years.[r] She did not leave the temple, serving God night and day with fasting and prayers.(AJ) 38 At that very moment,[s] she came up and began to thank God and to speak about him to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.[t](AK)
The Family’s Return to Nazareth
39 When they had completed everything according to the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth.(AL) 40 The boy grew up and became strong, filled with wisdom, and God’s grace was on him.(AM)
In His Father’s House
41 Every year his parents traveled to Jerusalem for the Passover Festival.(AN) 42 When he was twelve years old, they went up according to the custom of the festival.(AO) 43 After those days were over,(AP) as they were returning, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem, but his parents[u] did not know it. 44 Assuming he was in the traveling party, they went a day’s journey. Then they began looking for him among their relatives and friends. 45 When they did not find him, they returned to Jerusalem to search for him. 46 After three days, they found him in the temple sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. 47 And all those who heard him were astounded at his understanding and his answers. 48 When his parents saw him, they were astonished, and his mother said to him,(AQ) “Son, why have you treated us like this? Your father and I have been anxiously searching for you.”(AR)
49 “Why were you searching for me?” he asked them. “Didn’t you know that it was necessary for me to be in my Father’s house?”[v] 50 But they did not understand what he said to them.(AS)
In Favor with God and with People
51 Then he went down with them and came to Nazareth and was obedient to them. His mother kept all these things in her heart.(AT) 52 And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and with people.(AU)
Footnotes
- 2:1 Or the whole inhabited world
- 2:2 Or This registration was the first while, or This registration was before
- 2:5 Lit betrothed
- 2:7 Or feeding trough, also in vv. 12,16
- 2:9 Lit they feared a great fear
- 2:10 Or the whole nation
- 2:13 Lit heavenly army
- 2:14 Other mss read earth good will to people
- 2:14 Or earth to men of good will
- 2:23 Lit be called holy
- 2:23 Ex 13:2,12
- 2:24 Lv 5:11; 12:8
- 2:32 Or the nations
- 2:33 Other mss read But Joseph and his mother
- 2:34 Or spoken against
- 2:35 Or schemes
- 2:36 Lit years from her virginity
- 2:37 Or she was a widow until the age of eighty-four
- 2:38 Lit very hour
- 2:38 Other mss read in Jerusalem
- 2:43 Other mss read but Joseph and his mother
- 2:49 Or be involved in my Father’s interests (or things), or be among my Father’s people
Luke 2
New King James Version
Christ Born of Mary(A)
2 And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2 (B)This census first took place while Quirinius was governing Syria. 3 So all went to be registered, everyone to his own city.
4 Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to (C)the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, (D)because he was of the house and lineage of David, 5 to be registered with Mary, (E)his betrothed [a]wife, who was with child. 6 So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. 7 And (F)she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a [b]manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.
Glory in the Highest
8 Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And [c]behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, (G)and they were greatly afraid. 10 Then the angel said to them, (H)“Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy (I)which will be to all people. 11 (J)For there is born to you this day in the city of David (K)a Savior, (L)who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a [d]manger.”
13 (M)And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying:
15 So it was, when the angels had gone away from them into heaven, that the shepherds said to one another, “Let us now go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us.” 16 And they came with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the Babe lying in a manger. 17 Now when they had seen Him, they made [f]widely known the saying which was told them concerning this Child. 18 And all those who heard it marveled at those things which were told them by the shepherds. 19 (Q)But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20 Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and (R)praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told them.
Circumcision of Jesus
21 (S)And when eight days were completed [g]for the circumcision of the Child, His name was called (T)Jesus, the name given by the angel (U)before He was conceived in the womb.
Jesus Presented in the Temple
22 Now when (V)the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were completed, they brought Him to Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord 23 (W)(as it is written in the law of the Lord, (X)“Every male who opens the womb shall be called holy to the Lord”), 24 and to offer a sacrifice according to what is said in the law of the Lord, (Y)“A pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons.”
Simeon Sees God’s Salvation
25 And behold, there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon, and this man was just and devout, (Z)waiting for the Consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. 26 And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not (AA)see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. 27 So he came (AB)by the Spirit into the temple. And when the parents brought in the Child Jesus, to do for Him according to the custom of the law, 28 he took Him up in his arms and blessed God and said:
29 “Lord, (AC)now You are letting Your servant depart in peace,
According to Your word;
30 For my eyes (AD)have seen Your salvation
31 Which You have prepared before the face of all peoples,
32 (AE)A light to bring revelation to the Gentiles,
And the glory of Your people Israel.”
33 [h]And Joseph and His mother marveled at those things which were spoken of Him. 34 Then Simeon blessed them, and said to Mary His mother, “Behold, this Child is destined for the (AF)fall and rising of many in Israel, and for (AG)a sign which will be spoken against 35 (yes, (AH)a sword will pierce through your own soul also), that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.”
Anna Bears Witness to the Redeemer
36 Now there was one, Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of (AI)Asher. She was of a great age, and had lived with a husband seven years from her virginity; 37 and this woman was a widow [i]of about eighty-four years, who did not depart from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers (AJ)night and day. 38 And coming in that instant she gave thanks to [j]the Lord, and spoke of Him to all those who (AK)looked for redemption in Jerusalem.
The Family Returns to Nazareth
39 So when they had performed all things according to the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own city, Nazareth. 40 (AL)And the Child grew and became strong [k]in spirit, filled with wisdom; and the grace of God was upon Him.
The Boy Jesus Amazes the Scholars
41 His parents went to (AM)Jerusalem (AN)every year at the Feast of the Passover. 42 And when He was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem according to the (AO)custom of the feast. 43 When they had finished the (AP)days, as they returned, the Boy Jesus lingered behind in Jerusalem. And [l]Joseph and His mother did not know it; 44 but supposing Him to have been in the company, they went a day’s journey, and sought Him among their relatives and acquaintances. 45 So when they did not find Him, they returned to Jerusalem, seeking Him. 46 Now so it was that after three days they found Him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, both listening to them and asking them questions. 47 And (AQ)all who heard Him were astonished at His understanding and answers. 48 So when they saw Him, they were amazed; and His mother said to Him, “Son, why have You done this to us? Look, Your father and I have sought You anxiously.”
49 And He said to them, “Why did you seek Me? Did you not know that I must be (AR)about (AS)My Father’s business?” 50 But (AT)they did not understand the statement which He spoke to them.
Jesus Advances in Wisdom and Favor
51 Then He went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was [m]subject to them, but His mother (AU)kept all these things in her heart. 52 And Jesus (AV)increased in wisdom and stature, (AW)and in favor with God and men.
Footnotes
- Luke 2:5 NU omits wife
- Luke 2:7 feed trough
- Luke 2:9 NU omits behold
- Luke 2:12 feed trough
- Luke 2:14 NU toward men of goodwill
- Luke 2:17 NU omits widely
- Luke 2:21 NU for His circumcision
- Luke 2:33 NU And His father and mother
- Luke 2:37 NU until she was eighty-four
- Luke 2:38 NU God
- Luke 2:40 NU omits in spirit
- Luke 2:43 NU His parents
- Luke 2:51 obedient
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The Christian Standard Bible. Copyright © 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Christian Standard Bible®, and CSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers, all rights reserved.
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
