Luke 2:27

KJV

And he came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law,

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} he came {G2064} by {G1722} the Spirit {G4151} into {G1519} the temple {G2411}: and {G2532} when the parents {G1118} brought {G1521} in {G1722} the child {G3813} Jesus {G2424}, to do {G4160}{G846} for {G4012} him {G846} after {G2596} the custom {G1480} of the law {G3551},

Complete Jewish Bible

Prompted by the Spirit, he went into the Temple courts; and when the parents brought in the child Yeshua to do for him what the Torah required,

Berean Standard Bible

Led by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. And when the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for Him what was customary under the Law,

American Standard Version

And he came in the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, that they might do concerning him after the custom of the law,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 2:27 marks a divinely orchestrated moment in Jesus' early life, detailing Simeon's Spirit-led arrival at the Jerusalem temple precisely as Mary and Joseph bring the infant Jesus to fulfill the Mosaic Law's requirements for purification and the redemption of the firstborn. This verse highlights God's meticulous providence in bringing together key figures for the revelation of the Messiah, while simultaneously underscoring the humble obedience of Jesus' earthly family to the established covenant.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a direct continuation of the narrative concerning Simeon, a righteous and devout man in Jerusalem, introduced in [Luke 2:25](/luke/2-25 "Luke 2:25 - Simeon's Righteousness and Expectation"). Luke 2:26 explicitly states that the Holy Spirit had revealed to Simeon he would not experience death before seeing the Lord's Christ. Thus, Luke 2:27 describes the fulfillment of this divine promise, depicting Simeon's Spirit-prompted entry into the temple courts at the precise moment Jesus' parents arrive. The subsequent verses (Luke 2:28-35) then detail Simeon's profound prophetic blessing over Jesus and Mary, culminating in the Nunc Dimittis, a song of praise and prophecy. The entire passage (Luke 2:21-40) emphasizes Jesus' early life within the framework of Jewish law and custom, showcasing His humble beginnings and the divine recognition He receives even as an infant.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events of Luke 2:27 are deeply rooted in the Jewish religious practices of the First Century. The "custom of the law" refers to two specific Mosaic ordinances. First, the purification of the mother after childbirth, as prescribed in [Leviticus 12:2-4](/leviticus/12-2-4 "Leviticus 12:2-4 - Laws of Purification After Childbirth"), which required a sacrifice (a lamb and a pigeon/dove, or two pigeons/doves for the poor) 40 days after the birth of a male child. Second, the redemption of the firstborn male, rooted in the Passover narrative and the consecration of the firstborn to the Lord ([Exodus 13:2](/exodus/13-2 "Exodus 13:2 - Consecration of the Firstborn")). This required a payment of five shekels to the priests ([Numbers 18:15-16](/numbers/18-15-16 "Numbers 18:15-16 - Redemption of the Firstborn")). The temple in Jerusalem was the central place for these rituals, representing the heart of Jewish worship and national identity. Joseph and Mary's adherence to these laws demonstrates their piety and commitment to their ancestral faith, placing Jesus squarely within the covenant community of Israel.
* **Key Themes:** Luke 2:27 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Luke's Gospel. The theme of **Divine Guidance** is paramount, exemplified by Simeon's explicit leading "by the Spirit" into the temple, demonstrating God's active involvement in orchestrating the meeting between Simeon and the Messiah. This echoes the Spirit's role throughout Luke, from Gabriel's announcement to Mary ([Luke 1:35](/luke/1-35 "Luke 1:35 - The Holy Spirit and Mary")) to Jesus' own anointing and empowerment by the Spirit ([Luke 4:1](/luke/4-1 "Luke 4:1 - Jesus Led by the Spirit")). Another crucial theme is **Obedience to the Law**, as Joseph and Mary meticulously follow the Mosaic prescriptions for Jesus' dedication and Mary's purification. This highlights Jesus' humble entry into human history under the very law He would ultimately fulfill and transcend ([Matthew 5:17](/matthew/5-17 "Matthew 5:17 - Jesus Fulfills the Law")). Finally, the verse sets the stage for the **Revelation of the Messiah**, as Simeon, representing the devout remnant of Israel, is prepared by God to recognize and proclaim the infant Jesus as the long-awaited Christ.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Spirit (Greek, _pneûma'_):** This term, G4151, refers to a current of air, breath, or breeze, but in this context, it signifies the Holy Spirit, the divine agent of God. Luke frequently emphasizes the Holy Spirit's active role in the lives of key figures, such as Elizabeth, Zechariah, and Mary, and here, Simeon. The phrase "by the Spirit" (Greek: _en tō Pneumati_) denotes not merely a spiritual inclination but a direct, compelling divine influence or guidance, ensuring Simeon's presence at the divinely appointed time and place.
* **Temple (Greek, _hierón'_):** G2411 denotes the entire sacred precincts of the Temple in Jerusalem, encompassing the outer courts where people gathered, as opposed to the inner sanctuary (naos). This was the focal point of Jewish religious life, a place of worship, sacrifice, and instruction. Simeon's presence here, guided by the Spirit, underscores the significance of this sacred space as the location where God's promises were to be revealed and where the Messiah would be presented to His people.
* **Law (Greek, _nómos'_):** G3551 refers to the Mosaic Law, the body of divine regulations given to Israel through Moses. The phrase "custom of the law" (Greek: _katá to ethisménon tou nómou_) emphasizes the prescribed practices and traditions derived from this law. This highlights the scrupulous adherence of Joseph and Mary to the covenantal requirements, demonstrating Jesus' integration into the Jewish community and His parents' faithfulness to God's revealed will, even for the Son of God.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he came by the Spirit into the temple:"** This clause establishes Simeon's divinely guided movement. The conjunction "And" connects this action directly to the preceding promise of the Holy Spirit in [Luke 2:26](/luke/2-26 "Luke 2:26 - The Holy Spirit's Promise to Simeon"). Simeon's arrival is not coincidental but a direct result of the Holy Spirit's leading, ensuring he is present at the precise moment of Jesus' arrival. His destination, "the temple," signifies the central place of Jewish worship and the stage for God's unfolding plan.
* **"and when the parents brought in the child Jesus,"** This clause introduces the arrival of Mary and Joseph with the infant Jesus. The term "parents" (Greek: _goneis_) is used here, acknowledging their legal and familial role in raising Jesus, even as Luke's Gospel has already established Jesus' divine paternity. Their act of "bringing in" Jesus signifies their participation in the customary temple rites, integrating Jesus into the community of Israel under the Mosaic covenant.
* **"to do for him after the custom of the law,"** This final clause clarifies the purpose of their visit. It refers to the specific requirements of the Mosaic Law concerning the purification of the mother (Mary) and the redemption/presentation of the firstborn male (Jesus). This action underscores the obedience and piety of Mary and Joseph, demonstrating that even the Son of God entered human existence in humble submission to the divinely established order and traditions of His people.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 2:27 effectively employs several literary devices. **Divine Orchestration** is evident in the explicit mention of Simeon coming "by the Spirit," emphasizing that this encounter is not accidental but meticulously planned by God. This highlights the sovereignty of God in bringing about His redemptive purposes. There is also a subtle **Irony** or **Contrast** in the scene: the divine Son of God, the very author of the Law, is brought into the temple by His earthly parents to fulfill the requirements of that same law. This foreshadows Jesus' ultimate role as the one who perfectly obeys and fulfills the Law. Furthermore, the **Symbolism** of the temple as a place of encounter between God and humanity is powerfully conveyed, as it becomes the sacred space where the long-awaited Messiah is presented to a representative of faithful Israel.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 2:27 is profoundly significant for understanding Jesus' identity and mission. It underscores His full humanity and His humble submission to the Mosaic Law, even though He is the Son of God. This act of obedience by His parents on His behalf foreshadows Jesus' own perfect obedience throughout His life, culminating in His death on the cross. The Spirit's guidance of Simeon also highlights God's active involvement in human history, orchestrating events to bring about His redemptive plan and revealing His Messiah to those who are waiting. It teaches us that God works through both divine intervention and human faithfulness, bringing together the divine and human in the person of Jesus.

* [Leviticus 12:2-4](/leviticus/12-2-4 "Leviticus 12:2-4 - Laws of Purification After Childbirth")
* [Exodus 13:2](/exodus/13-2 "Exodus 13:2 - Consecration of the Firstborn")
* [Galatians 4:4-5](/galatians/4-4-5 "Galatians 4:4-5 - God Sent His Son, Born Under the Law")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 2:27 offers profound insights for contemporary believers. Simeon's example of being led "by the Spirit" reminds us of the importance of cultivating a sensitive and obedient heart to the Holy Spirit's guidance in our own lives. Just as Simeon was positioned by divine providence, we too can trust that God orchestrates circumstances to fulfill His purposes, both in our personal journeys and in the broader scope of His kingdom. The obedience of Mary and Joseph in adhering to the "custom of the law" for Jesus, the Son of God, serves as a powerful model of faithfulness and submission to God's revealed will. It teaches us that true godliness is often expressed in humble adherence to established principles and practices, even when they seem mundane or beneath one's perceived status. This verse invites us to consider how we, like Simeon, can be attentive to the Spirit's promptings, and how we, like Mary and Joseph, can demonstrate unwavering obedience to God's commands, trusting that even in the ordinary, God is working out His extraordinary plan.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life are you actively seeking the Holy Spirit's guidance, and how might you become more attuned to His leading?**
* **How does the obedience of Mary and Joseph to the "custom of the law" challenge your own understanding of submission to authority or divine principles?**
* **What "temples" or places of spiritual significance in your life might God be calling you to enter with a Spirit-led purpose?**

### FAQ
**What does "custom of the law" refer to in this verse?**

Answer: The "custom of the law" refers to two specific Mosaic ordinances that Joseph and Mary were fulfilling. First, the purification of the mother (Mary) 40 days after childbirth, as detailed in [Leviticus 12:2-4](/leviticus/12-2-4 "Leviticus 12:2-4 - Laws of Purification After Childbirth"), which required a sacrifice. Second, the redemption of the firstborn male, a practice rooted in the consecration of the firstborn to the Lord ([Exodus 13:2](/exodus/13-2 "Exodus 13:2 - Consecration of the Firstborn")) and requiring a payment to the priests ([Numbers 18:15-16](/numbers/18-15-16 "Numbers 18:15-16 - Redemption of the Firstborn")). These acts demonstrated the family's faithfulness to God's covenant with Israel.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 2:27, depicting Jesus' presentation in the temple according to the Law, profoundly foreshadows His ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment. By being brought "to do for him after the custom of the law," Jesus, though divine, enters human history in full identification with humanity and under the very law He came to fulfill. This act prefigures His perfect obedience to the Father's will, a theme central to His redemptive work. As [Galatians 4:4-5](/galatians/4-4-5 "Galatians 4:4-5 - Christ Born Under the Law to Redeem") states, "when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law." Jesus' submission to the law here is not out of necessity for Himself, but out of solidarity with us, those who are bound by the law's demands. His perfect adherence to every jot and tittle of the Law ([Matthew 5:17](/matthew/5-17 "Matthew 5:17 - Jesus Fulfills the Law")) culminates in His atoning sacrifice, where He becomes the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes ([Romans 10:4](/romans/10-4 "Romans 10:4 - Christ is the End of the Law")). Thus, the infant Jesus' humble presentation in the temple under the law is a foundational step in His journey to become the perfect High Priest who offers Himself as the ultimate sacrifice, fulfilling all the Law's requirements on our behalf and ushering in a new covenant of grace ([Hebrews 9:11-14](/hebrews/9-11-14 "Hebrews 9:11-14 - Christ's Superior Sacrifice")).

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

Luke 2:51

And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject unto them: but his mother kept all these sayings in her heart.

Luke 2:48

And when they saw him, they were amazed: and his mother said unto him, Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? behold, thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing.

Luke 2:41

¶ Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the feast of the passover.

Acts 10:19

¶ While Peter thought on the vision, the Spirit said unto him, Behold, three men seek thee.

Luke 4:1

¶ And Jesus being full of the Holy Ghost returned from Jordan, and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness,

Luke 2:22

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;

Matthew 4:1

¶ Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil.