Luke 2:39

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

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}.

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

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

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

Luke 2:39 succinctly concludes the initial post-birth narrative of Jesus, highlighting the faithful obedience of Mary and Joseph and their return to their hometown. This verse bridges the miraculous events surrounding Jesus' birth with His quiet upbringing in Nazareth, setting the stage for His public ministry decades later.

Context

The phrase "all things according to the law of the Lord" refers to the specific Jewish legal requirements fulfilled by Mary and Joseph after Jesus' birth in Bethlehem. This included the purification period for Mary (Leviticus 12:2-4) and the presentation of Jesus in the Temple as the firstborn son (Exodus 13:2; Numbers 18:15-16). These rituals, typically performed at the Temple in Jerusalem, explain their presence in the capital city before their return journey. While Matthew's Gospel includes the visit of the Magi and the flight to Egypt (Matthew 2:1-23), Luke's narrative here focuses specifically on the family's adherence to the Mosaic Law and their subsequent return to Nazareth in Galilee, which was their permanent residence.

Key Themes

  • Obedience and Faithfulness: Mary and Joseph consistently demonstrate their devotion to God by meticulously fulfilling the requirements of the Law. Their actions serve as an example of humble submission to divine commands, even amidst extraordinary circumstances.
  • Fulfillment of Prophecy: Their return to Nazareth, a seemingly insignificant town in Galilee, is crucial. Although not explicitly stated as a prophecy in Old Testament texts, Jesus becoming known as "Jesus of Nazareth" (e.g., John 1:46) aligns with the humble and often overlooked origins of the Messiah.
  • The Ordinariness of the Incarnation: Despite the miraculous birth, Jesus' early life unfolds within the conventional framework of Jewish family life. God's plan often works through seemingly ordinary circumstances, highlighting His presence in the everyday lives of His people.

Linguistic Insights

The term "the law of the Lord" (Greek: ho nomos Kyriou) emphasizes the divine origin and authority of the commandments that Mary and Joseph observed. It underscores that their actions were not merely cultural customs but direct adherence to God's revealed will, demonstrating their piety and reverence.

Practical Application

This verse offers a powerful lesson in faithfulness and submission to God's plan. Just as Mary and Joseph diligently fulfilled their responsibilities according to God's law, we are called to live lives of obedience and devotion. It reminds us that God often works through humble and ordinary means, and that our greatest purpose can be found in faithfully walking the path He sets before us, even if it leads to an obscure place like Nazareth. Our consistent obedience in the small things prepares us for God's greater purposes.

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Cross-References

  • Luke 2:4 (5 votes)

    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 (4 votes)

    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 (4 votes)

    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 (4 votes)

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

  • Deuteronomy 12:32 (4 votes)

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

  • Matthew 2:22 (3 votes)

    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 (3 votes)

    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.