Luke 2:39

The Family's Return to Nazareth

39 When they had completed everything according to the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth.

Luke 2:39 Meaning and Commentary

Luke 2:39

And when they had performed all things
Relating to the purification of Mary, and the presentation and redemption of her firstborn, and the sacrifices and ceremonies belonging thereunto:

according to the law of the Lord;
which that directed to, and enjoined:

they returned into Galilee:
not that they came from thence to Jerusalem, but from Bethlehem, where Mary gave birth, and her time for purification was now just expired: nor did they go now directly to Galilee; or, if they did, they soon came back again to Bethlehem, since here the wise men found them two years after; when by a divine warning, they went into Egypt, where they remained till Herod's death, and after came into the land of Israel, into the parts of Galilee, and dwelt at Nazareth; for which reason it is here called their own city;

to their own city Nazareth:
Bethlehem was their native city, the place of their birth, at least of their family; and Nazareth was the city of their habitation.

Luke 2:39 In-Context

37 and was a widow for 84 years. She did not leave the temple complex, serving God night and day with fastings and prayers.
38 At that very moment, she came up and began to thank God and to speak about Him to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.
39 When they had completed everything according to the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth.
40 The boy grew up and became strong, filled with wisdom, and God's grace was on Him.
41 Every year His parents traveled to Jerusalem for the Passover Festival.
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