Luke 2:5

KJV

To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.

KJV (with Strong's)

To be taxed {G583} with {G4862} Mary {G3137} his {G846} espoused {G3423} wife {G1135}, being {G5607} great with child {G1471}.

Complete Jewish Bible

to be registered, with Miryam, to whom he was engaged, and who was pregnant.

Berean Standard Bible

He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to him in marriage and was expecting a child.

American Standard Version

to enrol himself with Mary, who was betrothed to him, being great with child.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 2:5 provides a poignant snapshot of Joseph and Mary's arduous journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem, compelled by a Roman census decree. This verse highlights the immediate circumstances surrounding the impending birth of Jesus, emphasizing Mary's advanced state of pregnancy and the legal and social implications of their betrothal, setting the stage for the fulfillment of ancient prophecy in the most humble of settings.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is an integral part of Luke's carefully constructed narrative of Jesus' birth, immediately following the decree of Caesar Augustus for a worldwide census ([Luke 2:1](/luke/2-1 "Luke 2:1 - Caesar's Decree")). Luke 2:1-4 establishes the imperial command that necessitates Joseph's return to Bethlehem, his ancestral city. Verse 5 then focuses specifically on Mary's accompanying Joseph, underscoring her vulnerability and the challenging conditions of their travel. The subsequent verses ([Luke 2:6-7](/luke/2-6-7 "Luke 2:6-7 - The Birth of Jesus")) directly describe the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem, making Luke 2:5 a crucial transitional element that explains *why* the birth occurred in that specific location, fulfilling prophetic expectations.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Roman census (Latin: *census*, Greek: *apographē*) mentioned in [Luke 2:1](/luke/2-1 "Luke 2:1 - The Roman Census Decree") was a registration process primarily for taxation purposes, requiring individuals to return to their ancestral towns. For Joseph, a descendant of King David, this meant journeying from Nazareth in Galilee to Bethlehem in Judea, a distance of approximately 90 miles. Such a journey, particularly for a woman "great with child," would have been incredibly difficult and dangerous, often taking several days. Jewish betrothal customs, where an "espoused wife" (as Mary is described) was legally considered married even before cohabitation, explain why Mary would accompany Joseph, as her legal status was bound to his. This cultural norm also underscores the profound faith and obedience required of Mary to undertake such a public and challenging journey while visibly pregnant outside of a fully consummated marriage.
* **Key Themes:** Luke 2:5 contributes significantly to several key themes in Luke's Gospel and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates **Divine Providence and Human Obedience**. The seemingly secular decree of a pagan emperor becomes the precise instrument through which God orchestrates the fulfillment of the prophecy that the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem ([Micah 5:2](/micah/5-2 "Micah 5:2 - Prophecy of Bethlehem")). Joseph and Mary's obedience to this human authority, despite the immense hardship, unknowingly aligns with God's perfect, sovereign plan. Secondly, the verse highlights **Mary's Faith and Vulnerability**. Her willingness to endure such an arduous journey while heavily pregnant demonstrates her profound trust in God's will, as she had previously assented to the angel Gabriel's announcement ([Luke 1:38](/luke/1-38 "Luke 1:38 - Mary's Fiat")). Thirdly, it subtly introduces the theme of the **Humility of the Messiah's Birth**. The King of Kings is not born in a palace or under comfortable circumstances, but amidst the inconvenience and discomfort of a forced journey, foreshadowing the humble and sacrificial nature of Jesus' entire earthly ministry, culminating in his death and resurrection ([Philippians 2:5-8](/philippians/2-5-8 "Philippians 2:5-8 - Christ's Humility")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **espoused (Greek, _mnēsteúō'_):** From G3423, meaning "to give a souvenir (engagement present), i.e. betroth." This term is crucial, as it signifies a legally binding betrothal in Jewish custom, which was considered as serious as marriage itself, though the couple had not yet consummated the union. Mary was legally Joseph's wife, even if not yet living with him as such. This status explains why she would travel with him and why her pregnancy, though miraculous, was a matter of significant concern until Joseph received divine reassurance ([Matthew 1:20](/matthew/1-20 "Matthew 1:20 - Joseph's Dream")).
* **wife (Greek, _gynḗ'_):** From G1135, meaning "a woman; specially, a wife." While "espoused" clarifies her betrothal status, the use of "wife" further emphasizes the legal and social reality of their relationship. Despite not yet having lived together or consummated their marriage, Mary was formally recognized as Joseph's wife in the eyes of the law and society, making her presence on the census journey with him entirely appropriate and expected.
* **great with child (Greek, _énkyos'_):** From G1471, meaning "swelling inside, i.e. pregnant." This vivid description underscores Mary's advanced state of pregnancy, highlighting the extreme physical difficulty and potential danger of undertaking a long journey on foot or by donkey. It draws attention to her vulnerability and the extraordinary circumstances under which the Messiah was brought into the world.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"To be taxed with Mary":** This phrase directly links Mary's presence to the Roman census decree, emphasizing that she, as Joseph's legally recognized betrothed wife, was required to accompany him for the registration. It highlights the external pressures that shaped the circumstances of Jesus' birth.
* **"his espoused wife":** This clarifies the nature of Joseph and Mary's relationship. It signifies a formal, legal betrothal, which in Jewish culture carried the weight of marriage, though the couple had not yet begun living together as husband and wife. This legal status is essential for understanding why Mary was traveling with Joseph despite her pregnancy, and it underscores the unique circumstances of Jesus' conception.
* **"being great with child":** This poignant detail emphasizes Mary's advanced state of pregnancy. It highlights the immense physical hardship and vulnerability she faced during the arduous journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem. This detail humanizes the divine narrative, drawing attention to the real-world challenges faced by the Holy Family.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 2:5 masterfully employs several literary devices to deepen its impact. **Irony** is evident in the fact that a decree from the mighty Roman Empire, intended for administrative and tax purposes, becomes the unwitting instrument of divine prophecy fulfillment, forcing the Messiah's birth in Bethlehem. This highlights God's sovereign control over human affairs. The phrase "being great with child" serves as powerful **foreshadowing**, hinting at the imminent birth of the promised Savior and the extraordinary events that are about to unfold. The journey itself can be seen as **symbolism**, representing the difficult path the Messiah would tread, from a humble birth to a sacrificial death. Furthermore, there is a subtle **contrast** between the immense power of Caesar Augustus, whose decree impacts an entire empire, and the vulnerability of a young, heavily pregnant woman and her betrothed, who are nonetheless central to God's ultimate plan.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 2:5 serves as a profound theological bridge, connecting the mundane realities of human governance with the extraordinary unfolding of divine prophecy. It underscores God's meticulous sovereignty, demonstrating how even seemingly secular or inconvenient events are woven into His grand tapestry of redemption. The forced journey of Joseph and Mary, particularly Mary's vulnerability, highlights the incarnational reality of Christ—God entering human history in its most humble and challenging forms. This verse reminds us that God's plans often unfold not in grand, comfortable settings, but through the faithful obedience of ordinary people navigating difficult circumstances, ultimately leading to the fulfillment of His eternal purposes for humanity.

* [Micah 5:2](/micah/5-2 "Prophecy of Bethlehem")
* [Matthew 1:18-25](/matthew/1-18-25 "Joseph's Dilemma and Divine Reassurance")
* [Isaiah 7:14](/isaiah/7-14 "Prophecy of Immanuel's Birth")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 2:5 invites us to ponder the nature of divine providence and human obedience in our own lives. Joseph and Mary faced immense discomfort and uncertainty, yet their compliance with a human decree ultimately served a divine agenda, leading directly to the birth of the Savior. This challenges us to consider how God might be working through the inconvenient, the difficult, or the seemingly mundane circumstances we encounter. Do we trust His sovereignty when His path for us is unclear or uncomfortable? Their journey reminds us that faithfulness often involves stepping out in obedience even when the destination is fraught with challenges, knowing that God's ultimate purpose is always unfolding. It encourages us to embrace the "in-between" moments of life—the journeys, the waiting, the periods of vulnerability—as opportunities for God to demonstrate His faithfulness and bring about His extraordinary plans.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the journey of Joseph and Mary, particularly Mary's condition, challenge my understanding of God's chosen path for the Messiah?**
* **In what areas of my life am I being called to obey a seemingly inconvenient or difficult command, trusting that God has a greater purpose?**
* **How can I cultivate a deeper trust in God's sovereignty, even when circumstances seem to be beyond my control or understanding?**

### FAQ

**Why did Mary have to travel with Joseph if she was so heavily pregnant?**

Answer: In Jewish custom of the time, betrothal was a legally binding relationship, essentially making Mary Joseph's wife, even though the marriage had not yet been physically consummated. The Roman census decree required individuals to return to their ancestral towns for registration. As Joseph was a descendant of King David and had to go to Bethlehem, Mary, as his legally "espoused wife," was required to accompany him for the census. Her presence ensured the accurate registration of the household, and her legal status meant she was considered part of Joseph's family unit for this purpose. This highlights the legal and social realities that shaped the circumstances of Jesus' birth, even amidst the miraculous nature of His conception ([Luke 2:1-4](/luke/2-1-4 "Luke 2:1-4 - The Census Decree")).

**What does "espoused wife" mean in this context?**

Answer: The term "espoused wife" (from the Greek *mnēsteúō*) refers to a formal betrothal, which in ancient Jewish society was far more serious and legally binding than a modern engagement. It was considered the first stage of marriage, establishing a legal bond that could only be broken by divorce. Although the couple had not yet begun living together or consummated their marriage, they were legally husband and wife in the eyes of the law and the community. This status explains why Joseph was deeply troubled when he learned of Mary's pregnancy before their cohabitation, as it appeared to be a breach of their betrothal covenant, until an angel intervened to reveal the divine nature of the conception ([Matthew 1:18-20](/matthew/1-18-20 "Matthew 1:18-20 - Joseph's Dilemma")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 2:5, with its depiction of Mary and Joseph's arduous journey, profoundly foreshadows the Christ-centered fulfillment of God's redemptive plan. The vulnerability of Mary, "great with child," on a difficult journey, speaks to the profound **incarnation** of God in human flesh. The Son of God, the King of Glory, chose to enter the world not in comfort or splendor, but in the midst of human struggle and inconvenience, identifying fully with the human condition from His very conception and birth ([Philippians 2:6-8](/philippians/2-6-8 "Philippians 2:6-8 - Christ's Humility and Obedience")). This journey to Bethlehem, compelled by an earthly decree yet orchestrated by divine providence, symbolizes Jesus' entire earthly ministry—a journey of **obedience** to the Father's will, leading Him ultimately to Jerusalem for His crucifixion and resurrection ([Luke 9:51](/luke/9-51 "Luke 9:51 - Jesus' Resolve to Go to Jerusalem")). The humble circumstances of His birth, ushered in by this difficult journey, prefigure the **sacrificial nature** of His life, lived not for self, but for the redemption of humanity, culminating in His ultimate act of love on the cross, where He became the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). Thus, Luke 2:5 is not merely a historical detail but a foundational moment in the unfolding narrative of God's redemptive love, perfectly centered on the person and mission of Jesus Christ.

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

Matthew 1:18

¶ Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost.

Matthew 1:19

Then Joseph her husband, being a just [man], and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily.

Deuteronomy 22:22

If a man be found lying with a woman married to an husband, then they shall both of them die, [both] the man that lay with the woman, and the woman: so shalt thou put away evil from Israel.

Deuteronomy 22:27

For he found her in the field, [and] the betrothed damsel cried, and [there was] none to save her.