Luke 2:22

KJV

And when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were accomplished, they brought him to Jerusalem, to present [him] to the Lord;

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} when {G3753} the days {G2250} of her {G846} purification {G2512} according {G2596} to the law {G3551} of Moses {G3475} were accomplished {G4130}, they brought {G321} him {G846} to {G1519} Jerusalem {G2414}, to present {G3936} him to the Lord {G2962};

Complete Jewish Bible

When the time came for their purification according to the Torah of Moshe, they took him up to Yerushalayim to present him to ADONAI

Berean Standard Bible

And when the time of purification according to the Law of Moses was complete, His parents brought Him to Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord

American Standard Version

And when the days of their purification according to the law of Moses were fulfilled, they brought him up to Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 2:22 narrates a crucial moment in the early life of Jesus, detailing Mary and Joseph's faithful adherence to the Mosaic Law by bringing their infant son to Jerusalem. This journey served two primary purposes: to observe the purification rites for Mary after childbirth and to formally present Jesus, as the firstborn male, to the Lord at the Temple, thereby fulfilling ancient Israelite customs and divine commands.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within Luke's meticulously detailed account of Jesus' birth and early life, immediately following the circumcision and naming of Jesus on the eighth day ([Luke 2:21](/luke/2-21 "Luke 2:21 - Jesus' Circumcision")). It precedes the significant encounters with Simeon and Anna in the Temple ([Luke 2:25-38](/luke/2-25-38 "Luke 2:25-38 - Simeon and Anna Prophesy")), which further illuminate Jesus' identity and future ministry. Luke emphasizes the family's devoutness and their scrupulous observance of Jewish traditions, setting a foundational tone of righteousness and obedience that characterizes Jesus' entire life, even from infancy. The narrative consistently portrays Jesus' humble beginnings within the framework of God's overarching redemptive plan, rooted deeply in Old Testament prophecies and practices.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events of Luke 2:22 are deeply embedded in the religious and social customs of first-century Judaism, specifically the Mosaic Law. According to [Leviticus 12:1-8](/leviticus/12-1-8 "Leviticus 12:1-8 - Laws of Purification After Childbirth"), a woman who gave birth to a male child was ceremonially unclean for 40 days. After this period, she was required to bring a burnt offering (a lamb or, for the poor, two turtledoves or two young pigeons) and a sin offering to the priest at the Temple for purification. Concurrently, the law of the firstborn ([Exodus 13:2](/exodus/13-2 "Exodus 13:2 - Consecration of the Firstborn"), [Exodus 13:12](/exodus/13-12 "Exodus 13:12 - Dedication of the Firstborn"), [Numbers 18:15-16](/numbers/18-15-16 "Numbers 18:15-16 - Redemption of the Firstborn")) mandated that every firstborn male was to be consecrated to the Lord. While not explicitly stated as a redemption in Luke 2:22, the act of "presenting" often implied the payment of five shekels for redemption, though the primary emphasis here is on the dedication. Jerusalem, as the religious capital and site of the Temple, was the only place where these rituals could be properly performed, necessitating the journey from Nazareth.
* **Key Themes:** Luke 2:22 contributes significantly to several key themes within Luke's Gospel and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Obedience to God's Law**, exemplified by Mary and Joseph's meticulous adherence to the purification and firstborn laws, even for the Son of God. This highlights the importance of living in accordance with divine commands, a principle Jesus himself would later uphold, stating he came not to abolish the Law but to fulfill it ([Matthew 5:17](/matthew/5-17 "Matthew 5:17 - Jesus Fulfills the Law")). Secondly, the event reinforces the theme of **Fulfillment of Old Testament Requirements**, positioning Jesus' life squarely within the prophetic and legal framework of Israel. His submission to these laws from infancy foreshadows his perfect obedience unto death and his role as the one who perfectly embodies righteousness. Finally, the act of **Dedication and Consecration** of Jesus to the Lord signifies his divine ownership and unique purpose, setting him apart for his ultimate mission as the Messiah, the Lamb of God who would take away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **purification (Greek, _katharismós'_):** From G2512, this term denotes a "washing off," specifically a ceremonial ablution or moral expiation. In the context of Luke 2:22, it refers to the ritual cleansing required for a woman after childbirth, as prescribed in [Leviticus 12](/leviticus/12 "Leviticus 12 - Laws Concerning Childbirth and Purification"). It signifies the process of becoming ritually pure and acceptable to re-enter communal worship and life.
* **present (Greek, _parístēmi'_):** From G3936, this verb means "to stand beside," "to exhibit," "proffer," or "to offer." Here, it describes the formal act of bringing Jesus to the Temple and setting him apart for God's purposes. It carries the weight of dedication and consecration, highlighting the solemnity and significance of committing the firstborn to the Lord, acknowledging divine ownership and a special claim.
* **Lord (Greek, _kýrios'_):** From G2962, this word signifies "supreme in authority" or "controller," often used as a respectful title for "Master" or "God." In this context, "the Lord" refers to Yahweh, the God of Israel, emphasizing that Jesus' presentation was an act of worship and submission to the sovereign God, to whom all firstborn belonged as a sign of His deliverance and covenant.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were accomplished,"**: This clause establishes the temporal and legal framework for the event. "Her purification" refers to Mary's ritual cleansing after childbirth, a period of 40 days for a male child as stipulated in [Leviticus 12:1-4](/leviticus/12-1-4 "Leviticus 12:1-4 - Purification Laws"). The phrase "according to the law of Moses" underscores the strict adherence to the divine commands given through Moses, highlighting the devoutness of Mary and Joseph and the Jewish context of Jesus' upbringing. "Were accomplished" signifies the completion of this prescribed period, making the journey to Jerusalem permissible and necessary.
* **"they brought him to Jerusalem,"**: This indicates the physical journey undertaken by Mary and Joseph, along with the infant Jesus, from Nazareth to Jerusalem. Jerusalem was the central place of worship for Jews, housing the Temple, where such purification rites and presentations of the firstborn were to be performed. This journey itself signifies their commitment and effort to fulfill the requirements of the Law.
* **"to present [him] to the Lord;"**: This final clause states the primary purpose of their journey concerning Jesus. The act of "presenting" the firstborn male to the Lord was a deeply significant ritual rooted in [Exodus 13:2](/exodus/13-2 "Exodus 13:2 - Consecration of the Firstborn") and [Numbers 18:15-16](/numbers/18-15-16 "Numbers 18:15-16 - Redemption of the Firstborn"). It was a remembrance of God sparing the firstborn of Israel during the Passover and asserting His claim over them. For Jesus, this act foreshadows his ultimate dedication and sacrifice for humanity, signifying his unique relationship with God and his divine mission.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 2:22 employs several literary devices to convey its meaning and significance. **Foreshadowing** is prominent, as the presentation of Jesus in the Temple subtly hints at his future role as the ultimate sacrifice and his unique relationship with God, anticipating his later ministry within the Temple courts. The meticulous detail concerning the "law of Moses" serves as **Verisimilitude**, lending authenticity and historical accuracy to the narrative by grounding it firmly in Jewish custom. Furthermore, the act itself is rich in **Symbolism**, where the purification of Mary and the presentation of Jesus represent not only adherence to ritual but also the spiritual purity and consecration that Jesus embodies and brings. The journey to Jerusalem and the Temple, a sacred space, also adds a layer of **Irony**, as the Son of God, who is himself the fulfillment of the Law and the Temple's purpose, is brought there as an ordinary infant to fulfill the very laws he transcends.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 2:22 underscores profound theological truths about Jesus' identity and mission. His submission to the Mosaic Law from infancy highlights his perfect humanity and his solidarity with Israel, demonstrating that he was "made under the law" ([Galatians 4:4](/galatians/4-4 "Galatians 4:4 - Christ Born Under the Law")) to redeem those under the law. This act of presentation to the Lord, though a common ritual for Jewish firstborns, takes on extraordinary significance for Jesus, foreshadowing his ultimate dedication as the sinless Lamb of God, set apart for the Father's redemptive purposes. It affirms his divine ownership and the beginning of his lifelong obedience to God's will, which would culminate in his atoning sacrifice.

* [Exodus 13:2](/exodus/13-2 "Exodus 13:2 - Consecration of the Firstborn")
* [Leviticus 12:6-8](/leviticus/12-6-8 "Leviticus 12:6-8 - Offerings for Purification")
* [Galatians 4:4-5](/galatians/4-4-5 "Galatians 4:4-5 - Christ's Redemption")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 2:22 offers a powerful model of faithful obedience and dedication for believers today. Mary and Joseph, despite knowing the miraculous nature of Jesus' birth, humbly submitted to the established customs and laws, demonstrating profound reverence for God's commands. This challenges us to consider our own posture towards God's Word and His established ways. Do we approach obedience as a burden or as a joyful act of worship and trust? The dedication of Jesus reminds us that all we have—our children, our talents, our very lives—are ultimately God's and are best used when consecrated to His purposes. This verse calls us to live lives marked by intentional submission to God's will, trusting that even seemingly small acts of obedience contribute to His grand design for our lives and the world. It encourages us to seek purification, not merely ritual, but a spiritual cleansing that aligns our hearts with God's holiness, preparing us to be presented as living sacrifices, holy and acceptable to Him ([Romans 12:1](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1 - Living Sacrifices")).

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life are you being called to greater obedience to God's revealed will?**
* **How can you more intentionally dedicate your life, family, or resources to the Lord's purposes?**
* **What does Mary and Joseph's humble obedience teach us about true faith, even when facing extraordinary circumstances?**

### FAQ
**Why was Mary required to undergo "purification" if Jesus was conceived by the Holy Spirit and was sinless?**

Answer: Mary's purification was a ceremonial requirement under the Mosaic Law, not an indication of personal sin or impurity in the modern sense. According to [Leviticus 12](/leviticus/12 "Leviticus 12 - Laws of Childbirth"), any woman who gave birth, regardless of the circumstances of conception or the sinlessness of the child, was considered ceremonially unclean for a prescribed period. This was a ritual state, not a moral one, designed to maintain the holiness of the community and the Temple. Mary, being a faithful Jew, humbly submitted to these laws, demonstrating her obedience to God's covenant requirements, just as Jesus himself would later be circumcised and live under the Law. This act underscores the complete humanity of Jesus and his family's full participation in the Jewish life and traditions.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 2:22, while describing a ritual act of obedience, profoundly foreshadows Jesus' ultimate mission and identity as the Christ. His presentation to the Lord in the Temple, a place of sacrifice and divine presence, prefigures his role as the perfect sacrifice, the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). Just as firstborn males were consecrated to the Lord in remembrance of the Passover deliverance, Jesus, the true Firstborn over all creation ([Colossians 1:15](/colossians/1-15 "Colossians 1:15 - Christ the Image of God")), perfectly fulfills this dedication through his life of sinless obedience and his atoning death on the cross. He is the ultimate "presenting" to the Lord, not merely as a child brought by his parents, but as the Son who perfectly offers himself for the redemption of humanity ([Hebrews 9:14](/hebrews/9-14 "Hebrews 9:14 - Christ's Sacrifice")). This early act of submission to the Law sets the trajectory for Jesus' entire life, culminating in his perfect fulfillment of all righteousness, making him the only one capable of becoming our High Priest who fully understands our weaknesses and intercedes for us ([Hebrews 4:14-16](/hebrews/4-14-16 "Hebrews 4:14-16 - Jesus Our High Priest")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Leviticus 12:1

¶ And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,

Leviticus 12:8

And if she be not able to bring a lamb, then she shall bring two turtles, or two young pigeons; the one for the burnt offering, and the other for a sin offering: and the priest shall make an atonement for her, and she shall be clean.