Luke 2:6

KJV

And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} so it was {G1096}, that, while {G1722} they {G846} were {G1511} there {G1563}, the days {G2250} were accomplished {G4130} that she {G846} should be delivered {G5088}.

Complete Jewish Bible

While they were there, the time came for her to give birth;

Berean Standard Bible

While they were there, the time came for her Child to be born.

American Standard Version

And it came to pass, while they were there, the days were fulfilled that she should be delivered.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 2:6, though brief, serves as a crucial narrative hinge in the birth account of Jesus Christ, subtly yet powerfully underscoring the precise and sovereign timing of God. It marks the culmination of Mary's pregnancy during Joseph and Mary's stay in Bethlehem, signaling the imminent arrival of the Messiah and setting the stage for the fulfillment of ancient prophecies concerning His birthplace. This verse transforms a seemingly ordinary detail of a young couple's journey into a profound statement about divine providence and the unfolding of God's redemptive plan.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Luke 2:6 immediately follows the detailed account of Caesar Augustus's decree for a census, which compelled Joseph and Mary to travel from Nazareth to Bethlehem, the city of David, as described in [Luke 2:1-5](/luke/2-1-5 "Luke 2:1-5 - The Journey to Bethlehem"). This journey, undertaken while Mary was heavily pregnant, is presented not as a random inconvenience but as a divinely orchestrated event. Verse 6 then acts as the narrative climax of this journey, stating that "while they were there," the appointed time for Mary's delivery arrived. It directly precedes the pivotal moment of Jesus's birth and the subsequent events of His humble arrival, as detailed in [Luke 2:7](/luke/2-7 "Luke 2:7 - The Birth of Jesus"). The verse thus functions as a bridge, connecting the historical decree and the arduous journey to the miraculous birth itself, emphasizing the precise timing of God's plan.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The decree issued by Caesar Augustus (likely around 6-4 BC, though the exact date of Quirinius's census is debated) was a significant historical event that impacted the entire Roman world. For Joseph, a descendant of David, this meant a mandated return to his ancestral hometown of Bethlehem. Travel during pregnancy, especially over the hilly terrain from Nazareth to Bethlehem (approximately 90 miles), would have been arduous and culturally challenging, highlighting the humility of their circumstances. The cultural expectation for a woman to be delivered in a familiar, comfortable setting with the support of family and midwives was completely upended by this journey. Their presence in Bethlehem, a small Judean town, was crucial for the fulfillment of the prophecy in [Micah 5:2](/micah/5-2 "Micah 5:2 - Bethlehem, the Messiah's Birthplace"), which foretold that the Messiah would come from this specific place, the "least among the clans of Judah."
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes within Luke's Gospel and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores **Divine Timing and Providence**, illustrating that Jesus's birth was not a random occurrence but transpired precisely at God's appointed moment, fulfilling the "fullness of time" spoken of in [Galatians 4:4](/galatians/4-4 "Galatians 4:4 - Christ's Coming in the Fullness of Time"). Secondly, it highlights the **Fulfillment of Prophecy**, as the Roman census, a secular decree, inadvertently ensured that the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem, as foretold by the prophets (e.g., [Micah 5:2](/micah/5-2 "Micah 5:2 - Bethlehem, the Messiah's Birthplace")). This demonstrates God's sovereign control over human events to accomplish His divine purposes. Lastly, the verse subtly emphasizes the **Humility of Christ's Incarnation**. The world-changing event of the Son of God becoming flesh occurs not in a grand palace, but amidst the ordinary, inconvenient circumstances of a young, traveling couple awaiting childbirth, setting the stage for the humble beginnings of the Savior's earthly ministry.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **And so it was (Greek, _gínomai'_):** This verb, often translated as "to become," "to come into being," or "to happen," here functions as a transitional phrase indicating the unfolding of events. In this context, it signifies that the subsequent event—Mary's delivery—was not accidental but a natural and expected progression, emphasizing the inevitability and divinely ordained nature of what was about to transpire. It carries a sense of "it came to pass," highlighting the fulfillment of a process.
* **accomplished (Greek, _plḗthō'_):** Derived from a verb meaning "to fill" or "to complete," this word conveys more than just the passing of days. It suggests that the full measure of time had run its course, or the days had been "filled up" to their divinely appointed completion. This is a powerful term, implying a precise, predetermined moment rather than a mere chronological progression. It signifies the culmination of a period, specifically Mary's full term of pregnancy, leading directly to the birth.
* **should be delivered (Greek, _tíktō'_):** This verb means "to produce," "to bear," or "to bring forth," specifically referring to childbirth. Its use here indicates the natural, biological process of Mary's pregnancy reaching its conclusion. Combined with "accomplished," it underscores the imminence and certainty of the birth, making it clear that the time for the Messiah's arrival had fully come.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And so it was, that, while they were there":** This opening clause sets the scene, grounding the miraculous event of Jesus' birth within the ordinary, if inconvenient, circumstances of Joseph and Mary's stay in Bethlehem. The phrase "so it was" (Greek: *kai egeneto*) is a common Lukan transition, often signaling the unfolding of God's plan. It emphasizes that their presence in Bethlehem was not merely coincidental but part of a larger divine narrative, leading to the precise moment of fulfillment.
* **"the days were accomplished":** This is the theological heart of the verse. It signifies that Mary's full term of pregnancy had been reached, but more profoundly, it points to the divine timetable. The "days" refer not just to the biological gestation period but to the preordained time for the Messiah's arrival. The word "accomplished" (Greek: *eplēsthēsan*) implies a divinely appointed completion, a "filling up" of the appointed time, rather than just the passing of days. It highlights God's meticulous precision in bringing about His purposes.
* **"that she should be delivered":** This final clause states the immediate consequence of the "accomplished days"—Mary was ready to give birth. It is a direct and unadorned statement of the imminence of the birth, linking the divine timing to the physical reality of childbirth. This simple declaration builds narrative tension and anticipation, leading directly into the next verse where the birth of Jesus is announced.

#### Literary Devices
Luke's concise phrasing in [Luke 2:6](/luke/2-6 "Luke 2:6 - The Imminent Birth") employs several literary devices. There is a profound sense of **Understatement** and **Narrative Economy**. The verse describes the culmination of centuries of prophetic expectation and the most significant event in human history—the incarnation of God—with remarkable brevity and simplicity. The phrase "the days were accomplished" is a subtle yet powerful declaration of divine timing, hinting at a cosmic plan unfolding within mundane circumstances. This **Divine Irony** highlights the contrast between the world-altering significance of the event and its quiet, unheralded arrival. The narrative moves swiftly, creating a sense of inevitable progression, almost as if the universe itself is holding its breath for the appointed moment. The verse also functions as a moment of **Anticipation**, building suspense for the immediate revelation of Jesus's birth in the subsequent verse, making the reader keenly aware that the long-awaited moment has finally arrived.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 2:6 profoundly illustrates God's meticulous sovereignty and faithfulness to His promises. The "accomplished days" are not merely a biological endpoint but a theological marker, signifying that God's perfect timing had arrived for the world's redemption. This verse reminds us that even amidst the chaos and inconvenience of human decrees and arduous journeys, God is actively orchestrating events to fulfill His eternal purposes. The birth of Christ was not an emergency plan but the precise execution of a divine covenant, demonstrating that God is always at work, bringing about His will in His own perfect way and time. This truth offers immense comfort and encouragement, assuring believers that God's plans for their lives, though often unfolding through unexpected circumstances, are equally precise and purposeful.

* [Galatians 4:4](/galatians/4-4 "Galatians 4:4 - Christ Came in the Fullness of Time")
* [Hebrews 10:5-7](/hebrews/10-5-7 "Hebrews 10:5-7 - Christ's Obedience and Sacrifice")
* [Psalm 37:5](/psalms/37-5 "Psalm 37:5 - Commit Your Way to the Lord")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 2:6, in its quiet power, offers profound lessons for our lives today. It reminds us that God is sovereign over all circumstances, even the seemingly mundane, inconvenient, or chaotic. Joseph and Mary's journey to Bethlehem, compelled by a Roman census, was not a detour from God's plan but the very path to its fulfillment. This teaches us to trust God's timing, even when our own plans are disrupted or when we face delays and difficulties. Just as the "days were accomplished" for Mary's delivery, so too will God's purposes for our lives and His kingdom come to fruition in His perfect timing. We are called to cultivate patience, to wait expectantly, and to discern God's hand at work even in the ordinary or challenging moments. This verse encourages us to release our anxieties about control and to rest in the assurance that God is meticulously orchestrating every detail, bringing about His good and perfect will.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the idea of God's perfect timing, as seen in Luke 2:6, challenge your own impatience or desire for immediate results in your life?**
* **Can you identify a time in your life when a seemingly inconvenient or difficult circumstance ultimately led to a significant blessing or the fulfillment of a promise from God?**
* **What does this verse teach us about trusting God's sovereignty even when we don't understand the "why" or "how" of current events?**
* **How might recognizing God's meticulous planning in the birth of Jesus encourage you to surrender your own plans to His greater design?**

### FAQ
**Why is this verse important if it just states Mary was due?**

Answer: While the verse appears simple, its importance lies in its profound theological implications. It's not merely a statement of Mary's biological readiness but a declaration of divine timing. The phrase "the days were accomplished" (Greek: *eplēsthēsan*) signifies that the full, divinely appointed measure of time had run its course. This highlights God's meticulous sovereignty, demonstrating that Jesus's birth was not a random event but occurred precisely when God intended, fulfilling centuries of prophecy and marking the "fullness of time" (as seen in [Galatians 4:4](/galatians/4-4 "Galatians 4:4 - Christ Came in the Fullness of Time")). It sets the stage for the most pivotal moment in human history, emphasizing that God is in complete control, even using a Roman census (as in [Luke 2:1](/luke/2-1 "Luke 2:1 - Caesar Augustus's Decree")) to bring His plans to fruition.

**What does "the days were accomplished" truly mean?**

Answer: The phrase "the days were accomplished" translates the Greek *eplēsthēsan hēmerai*, which literally means "the days were filled up" or "completed." It conveys a sense of divine completion and fulfillment, rather than just the passage of time. For Mary, it meant her full term of pregnancy was reached. Theologically, it signifies that God's preordained timetable for the Messiah's arrival had come to its precise moment. It's an active completion, implying that every preceding event—the prophecy of [Micah 5:2](/micah/5-2 "Micah 5:2 - Bethlehem, the Messiah's Birthplace"), the decree of Caesar Augustus, the journey to Bethlehem—had served to "fill up" the days until this exact, appointed time for the Savior's birth.

**How does this verse relate to prophecy?**

Answer: Luke 2:6 is intrinsically linked to prophecy through its context. The journey of Joseph and Mary to Bethlehem, necessitated by the census, directly fulfilled the ancient prophecy found in [Micah 5:2](/micah/5-2 "Micah 5:2 - Bethlehem, the Messiah's Birthplace"), which declared that the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem Ephrathah. While Luke 2:6 itself doesn't explicitly mention prophecy, it describes the precise moment *in Bethlehem* when Mary was ready to give birth, thus setting the stage for the fulfillment detailed in [Luke 2:7](/luke/2-7 "Luke 2:7 - The Birth of Jesus"). The "accomplished days" refer not only to the end of Mary's pregnancy but also to the culmination of God's prophetic timeline, demonstrating His faithfulness to His word.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 2:6, with its simple declaration that "the days were accomplished that she should be delivered," serves as a profound Christ-centered statement. This verse points directly to Jesus as the fulfillment of all God's promises and the culmination of salvation history. The "accomplished days" signify that the eternal Word, who was with God and was God ([John 1:1](/john/1-1 "John 1:1 - The Word Was God")), was now, in the fullness of time, about to take on human flesh. This is the mystery of the Incarnation, where the pre-existent Son of God, through whom all things were created ([Colossians 1:15-17](/colossians/1-15-17 "Colossians 1:15-17 - Christ, the Image of the Invisible God")), humbly emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant, being born in human likeness ([Philippians 2:6-8](/philippians/2-6-8 "Philippians 2:6-8 - Christ's Humility and Exaltation")). The mundane reality of Mary's pregnancy reaching its term in Bethlehem underscores the radical humility of God's entry into human history. It reveals that God, who had spoken to His people through prophets in various ways throughout history, now spoke definitively through His Son ([Hebrews 1:1-2](/hebrews/1-1-2 "Hebrews 1:1-2 - God Has Spoken Through His Son")). Thus, Luke 2:6 is not just a narrative detail; it is the quiet, powerful prelude to the grandest act of divine love—the arrival of the Savior, Jesus Christ, to redeem humanity.

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

Psalms 33:11

The counsel of the LORD standeth for ever, the thoughts of his heart to all generations.

Revelation 12:1

¶ And there appeared a great wonder in heaven; a woman clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and upon her head a crown of twelve stars:

Revelation 12:5

And she brought forth a man child, who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron: and her child was caught up unto God, and [to] his throne.

Proverbs 19:21

¶ [There are] many devices in a man's heart; nevertheless the counsel of the LORD, that shall stand.

Luke 1:57

¶ Now Elisabeth's full time came that she should be delivered; and she brought forth a son.

Micah 5:2

But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, [though] thou be little among the thousands of Judah, [yet] out of thee shall he come forth unto me [that is] to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth [have been] from of old, from everlasting.