Luke 2:39

KJV

And when they had performed all things according to the law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own city Nazareth.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} when {G5613} they had performed {G5055} all things {G537} according {G2596} to the law {G3551} of the Lord {G2962}, they returned {G5290} into {G1519} Galilee {G1056}, to {G1519} their own {G846} city {G4172} Nazareth {G3478}.

Complete Jewish Bible

When Yosef and Miryam had finished doing everything required by the Torah of ADONAI, they returned to the Galil, to their town Natzeret.

Berean Standard Bible

When Jesus’ parents had done everything required by the Law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth.

American Standard Version

And when they had accomplished all things that were according to the law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own city Nazareth.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 2:39 serves as a pivotal transitional verse, succinctly concluding the infancy narratives by emphasizing the faithful obedience of Mary and Joseph to the Mosaic Law and narrating their return to their permanent residence in Nazareth. This verse bridges the miraculous events surrounding Jesus' birth and early childhood with the decades of His quiet, formative years, setting the stage for His eventual public ministry from this humble Galilean town.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows the account of Jesus' presentation in the Temple, where Simeon and Anna prophesied over the infant Messiah ([Luke 2:25-38](/luke/2-25-38 "Luke 2:25-38 - Simeon and Anna Prophesy")). The preceding verses detail the purification rites for Mary and the dedication of Jesus as the firstborn son, fulfilling specific requirements of the Mosaic Law. Luke 2:39 acts as a narrative hinge, moving the Holy Family from Jerusalem and Bethlehem back to their home in Galilee. Unlike Matthew's Gospel, which includes the visit of the Magi, Herod's infanticide, and the flight to Egypt ([Matthew 2:1-23](/matthew/2-1-23 "Matthew 2:1-23 - The Magi, Herod, and the Flight to Egypt")), Luke's account focuses solely on their legal obligations and the subsequent return to Nazareth, maintaining a distinct narrative trajectory that emphasizes Jewish custom and the normalcy of Jesus' upbringing within that framework.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The "law of the Lord" refers to several Old Testament commandments that Jewish families were expected to observe after childbirth. Specifically, this included the mother's purification period of 40 days after the birth of a male child ([Leviticus 12:2-4](/leviticus/12-2-4 "Leviticus 12:2-4 - Law of Purification After Childbirth")) and the redemption of the firstborn son, who was considered consecrated to the Lord ([Exodus 13:2](/exodus/13-2 "Exodus 13:2 - Consecration of the Firstborn"); [Numbers 18:15-16](/numbers/18-15-16 "Numbers 18:15-16 - Redemption of the Firstborn")). These rituals were typically performed at the Temple in Jerusalem, explaining Mary and Joseph's presence there. Nazareth, their destination, was a small, obscure village in Galilee, a region often looked down upon by those in Judea ([John 1:46](/john/1-46 "John 1:46 - Can anything good come out of Nazareth?")). Their return signifies a deliberate choice to raise Jesus in this humble, provincial setting, aligning with the Messiah's unassuming origins.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes to several overarching themes in Luke's Gospel. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Obedience and Faithfulness** demonstrated by Mary and Joseph, who meticulously fulfill every legal requirement, modeling devout piety. Secondly, it highlights the **Fulfillment of Prophecy**, as Jesus' association with Nazareth, though not a direct Old Testament prophecy, aligns with the broader prophetic anticipation of a humble Messiah and sets the stage for His later identification as "Jesus of Nazareth" ([Acts 2:22](/acts/2-22 "Acts 2:22 - Jesus of Nazareth, a man attested by God")). Finally, the verse subtly emphasizes the **Humanity of Jesus and the Ordinariness of the Incarnation**. Despite the miraculous circumstances of His birth, Jesus' early life unfolds within the conventional framework of a devout Jewish family, demonstrating God's plan often works through seemingly mundane circumstances and that the divine can be found in the everyday.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **performed (Greek, _teléō'_):** This verb signifies "to end, complete, execute, conclude, discharge (a debt)." In this context, it emphasizes the thoroughness and completion of Mary and Joseph's adherence to all the requirements of the Mosaic Law. It implies a sense of duty fulfilled and obligations met, showcasing their devoutness and commitment to God's commands.
* **law (Greek, _nómos'_):** Referring to "law (through the idea of prescriptive usage), regulation," this term specifically denotes the Mosaic Law. The phrase "the law of the Lord" underscores the divine origin and authority of these commandments, emphasizing that Mary and Joseph's actions were not merely cultural customs but direct obedience to God's revealed will, reflecting their deep piety and reverence.
* **Nazareth (Greek, _Nazaréth'_):** This is the name of a small, historically insignificant town in Galilee. Its mention here signifies the family's return to their established home, but it also carries theological weight. Nazareth was a humble, provincial place, and Jesus' upbringing there would later contribute to the skepticism about His messianic claims ("Can anything good come out of Nazareth?" [John 1:46](/john/1-46 "John 1:46 - Nathaniel's Question")). Yet, it was precisely from this unassuming locale that the Savior would emerge, fulfilling a pattern of God working through the overlooked and humble.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And when they had performed all things according to the law of the Lord,"**: This clause emphasizes the diligent and complete obedience of Mary and Joseph to the divine commandments. It specifically refers to the post-birth rituals, including Mary's purification and the presentation/redemption of Jesus as the firstborn son, which were prescribed in the Mosaic Law. Their actions demonstrate a profound commitment to their faith and a model of piety.
* **"they returned into Galilee,"**: This phrase marks a significant geographical transition. Having fulfilled their obligations in Jerusalem, the family now begins their journey back to their home region. Galilee was a northern, somewhat marginalized region of Israel, distinct from the religious and political center of Judea. This return signifies a move away from the public, ceremonial life of the Temple to the private, ordinary life of their home.
* **"to their own city Nazareth."**: This final segment pinpoints their specific destination, Nazareth, a small and obscure town within Galilee. The phrase "their own city" reinforces that Nazareth was their established residence, not merely a temporary stop. This detail is crucial for understanding Jesus' early life and later identity, as He would become known as "Jesus of Nazareth," connecting Him to this humble origin.

#### Literary Devices
Luke's narrative in [Luke 2:39](/luke/2-39 "Luke 2:39 - Return to Nazareth") employs several key literary devices. The most prominent is **Conciseness**, as Luke swiftly transitions from the momentous events in Jerusalem to the quiet return to Nazareth in a single, compact verse. This brevity serves as a **Narrative Transition**, effectively bridging the infancy narratives with the long period of Jesus' "hidden years" before His public ministry. The verse also utilizes **Geographical Significance**, highlighting Nazareth as "their own city." This seemingly simple detail carries profound implications, as Nazareth's humble and overlooked status subtly **Foreshadows** the nature of the Messiah's earthly life—one that would begin in obscurity and challenge conventional expectations of greatness. The emphasis on "the law of the Lord" also functions as **Thematic Reinforcement**, underscoring the piety of Jesus' parents and establishing a foundation of obedience that will later be epitomized by Jesus Himself.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 2:39 underscores the profound theological truth that God often works through ordinary means and in unexpected places. The meticulous obedience of Mary and Joseph to the "law of the Lord" highlights the importance of faithfulness in the lives of believers, even when their circumstances are extraordinary. Their return to Nazareth, a humble and unremarkable town, demonstrates God's sovereign plan unfolding not in grand capital cities, but in the quiet corners of the world. This deliberate choice for Jesus' upbringing emphasizes humility and foreshadows His ministry among the common people, challenging the human tendency to seek greatness in outward displays of power or prestige. It teaches us that true devotion is often found in consistent, humble obedience to God's revealed will, wherever He calls us to be.

* [Deuteronomy 6:4-9](/deuteronomy/6-4-9 "The Shema and Instructions for Teaching") - Emphasizes the importance of teaching God's law diligently to children.
* [Philippians 2:5-8](/philippians/2-5-8 "The Humility of Christ") - Illustrates Christ's ultimate humility, emptying Himself and taking the form of a servant.
* [1 Samuel 16:7](/1_samuel/16-7 "God Looks at the Heart") - God does not see as man sees; man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 2:39, though brief, offers a rich tapestry for reflection on faithfulness, humility, and God's sovereign design. The diligent obedience of Mary and Joseph in fulfilling all things "according to the law of the Lord" serves as a powerful example for believers today. In a world that often values convenience over commitment, their unwavering adherence to divine commands, even amidst the miraculous and disruptive events of Jesus' birth, challenges us to consider the depth of our own devotion. Their return to Nazareth, an obscure town, reminds us that God's purposes are not limited to prominent places or grand stages; He often works most profoundly in the quiet, unseen moments and in the seemingly ordinary corners of our lives. This verse encourages us to embrace our current circumstances, however humble, as potential grounds for God's work, trusting that our consistent obedience in the small things prepares us for His greater purposes. It invites us to find spiritual significance not just in extraordinary events, but in the faithful living out of our daily lives, wherever God has placed us.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the obedience of Mary and Joseph challenge my own commitment to God's commands in the ordinary routines of life?**
* **In what ways might I be overlooking God's work in seemingly humble or insignificant areas of my life or community?**
* **What "laws of the Lord" am I called to perform today, and what does it look like to do so completely and faithfully?**

### FAQ
**Why was it important for Mary and Joseph to perform "all things according to the law of the Lord"?**

Answer: It was critically important for several reasons. Firstly, it demonstrated their personal piety and devoutness as faithful Jews, modeling obedience to God's covenant. Secondly, and more significantly, it ensured that Jesus, the Messiah, was born and raised in full conformity with the Mosaic Law. This established His impeccable credentials as one "born under the law" ([Galatians 4:4](/galatians/4-4 "Born Under the Law")), who would perfectly fulfill all its requirements ([Matthew 5:17](/matthew/5-17 "Jesus Fulfills the Law")) before ultimately becoming the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes ([Romans 10:4](/romans/10-4 "Christ is the End of the Law")). Their actions underscore Jesus' complete identification with humanity and His Jewish heritage, preparing Him to be the perfect sacrifice for sin.

**Why did they return specifically to Nazareth, given the events in Bethlehem and Jerusalem?**

Answer: Nazareth was "their own city," meaning it was their established home before the events of Jesus' birth in Bethlehem, which occurred due to the census ([Luke 2:1-7](/luke/2-1-7 "The Census and Jesus' Birth")). After fulfilling the legal requirements in Jerusalem, it was natural for them to return to their permanent residence. While Matthew's Gospel details the flight to Egypt to escape Herod's persecution, followed by their return and settling in Nazareth ([Matthew 2:13-23](/matthew/2-13-23 "Flight to Egypt and Return to Nazareth")), Luke's account here focuses on the theological significance of their return to this humble Galilean town. It highlights that God's plan for the Messiah involved a quiet upbringing in an obscure place, setting the stage for Jesus to be known as "Jesus of Nazareth" ([Mark 1:24](/mark/1-24 "Jesus of Nazareth")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 2:39, while seemingly a simple narrative transition, points profoundly to Christ's ultimate fulfillment of God's plan. The meticulous obedience of Mary and Joseph to the "law of the Lord" foreshadows the perfect obedience of Jesus Himself. Unlike humanity's consistent failure to keep the Law, Jesus would perfectly fulfill every jot and tittle, not for His own purification, but for the redemption of all who believe ([Matthew 5:17](/matthew/5-17 "Jesus Fulfills the Law")). His upbringing in Nazareth, a place of humble beginnings and often scorned ([John 1:46](/john/1-46 "Can anything good come out of Nazareth?")), beautifully prefigures His identity as the Suffering Servant, who would come not with earthly fanfare but in humility, taking on the form of a servant ([Philippians 2:7](/philippians/2-7 "Jesus Takes the Form of a Servant")). The return to Nazareth signifies God's sovereign choice to work through the seemingly insignificant to accomplish His grand redemptive purposes, culminating in Christ's atoning work on the cross and His resurrection, which ultimately brings all things "according to the law of the Lord" to their glorious completion in Him ([Romans 10:4](/romans/10-4 "Christ is the End of the Law")).

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 2:4

And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)

Matthew 3:15

And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer [it to be so] now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered him.

Galatians 4:4

But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law,

Galatians 4:5

To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.

Deuteronomy 12:32

What thing soever I command you, observe to do it: thou shalt not add thereto, nor diminish from it.

Matthew 2:22

But when he heard that Archelaus did reign in Judaea in the room of his father Herod, he was afraid to go thither: notwithstanding, being warned of God in a dream, he turned aside into the parts of Galilee:

Matthew 2:23

And he came and dwelt in a city called Nazareth: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophets, He shall be called a Nazarene.