Luke 2:23

(As it is written in the law of the Lord, Every male that openeth the womb shall be called holy to the Lord;)

(As {G2531} it is written {G1125} in {G1722} the law {G3551} of the Lord {G2962},{G3754} Every {G3956} male {G730} that openeth {G1272} the womb {G3388} shall be called {G2564} holy {G40} to the Lord {G2962};)

(as it is written in the Torah of ADONAI, "Every firstborn male is to be consecrated to ADONAI")

(as it is written in the Law of the Lord: “Every firstborn male shall be consecrated to the Lord”),

(as it is written in the law of the Lord, Every male that openeth the womb shall be called holy to the Lord),

Context

This verse provides the scriptural basis for the actions described in the preceding verses, specifically the presentation of Jesus in the Temple. Following the purification rites for Mary (Luke 2:22), Joseph and Mary brought the infant Jesus to Jerusalem to fulfill a requirement of the Mosaic Law concerning the firstborn male. This act demonstrates their devout adherence to Jewish tradition and the divine law established by God.

Key Themes

  • Obedience to the Law: Joseph and Mary, devout Israelites, meticulously followed the requirements laid out in the Old Testament law, even regarding their extraordinary child.
  • Sanctity of the Firstborn: The law declared the firstborn male, who "openeth the womb," as specially belonging to God, a principle originating from the Exodus event (Exodus 13:2).
  • Jesus' Identification with Humanity and the Law: By submitting to this law, Jesus, through his parents, identifies with humanity under the law and begins his life in accordance with the divine regulations given to Israel.
  • Dedication to God: The principle of dedicating the firstborn signifies setting aside the first and often the best for God's purposes.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "holy to the Lord" translates the Greek hagios tō Kyriō, reflecting the Hebrew concept of being set apart or consecrated exclusively for God's service or possession. It signifies a special status of belonging to God.

Reflection and Application

Luke's inclusion of this detail highlights the faithfulness of Mary and Joseph and underscores that Jesus was raised within the covenant community of Israel, honoring its laws from infancy. For believers today, this verse reminds us of the importance of obedience to God's commands and the principle of dedication. Just as the firstborn was set apart for God, we are called to dedicate our lives, our talents, and our resources—especially the "firstfruits" of our lives—to His service. It also shows that Jesus, though divine, fully entered the human experience under the law, fulfilling all righteousness.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Exodus 13:2

    Sanctify unto me all the firstborn, whatsoever openeth the womb among the children of Israel, [both] of man and of beast: it [is] mine.

  • Exodus 22:29

    Thou shalt not delay [to offer] the first of thy ripe fruits, and of thy liquors: the firstborn of thy sons shalt thou give unto me.

  • Numbers 3:13

    Because all the firstborn [are] mine; [for] on the day that I smote all the firstborn in the land of Egypt I hallowed unto me all the firstborn in Israel, both man and beast: mine shall they be: I [am] the LORD.

  • Exodus 13:12

    That thou shalt set apart unto the LORD all that openeth the matrix, and every firstling that cometh of a beast which thou hast; the males [shall be] the LORD'S.

  • Exodus 13:15

    And it came to pass, when Pharaoh would hardly let us go, that the LORD slew all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, both the firstborn of man, and the firstborn of beast: therefore I sacrifice to the LORD all that openeth the matrix, being males; but all the firstborn of my children I redeem.

  • Numbers 18:15

    Every thing that openeth the matrix in all flesh, which they bring unto the LORD, [whether it be] of men or beasts, shall be thine: nevertheless the firstborn of man shalt thou surely redeem, and the firstling of unclean beasts shalt thou redeem.

  • Exodus 34:19

    All that openeth the matrix [is] mine; and every firstling among thy cattle, [whether] ox or sheep, [that is male].

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