Luke 2:39

The Return to Nazareth

39 And when they had performed everything according to 1the Law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own town of 2Nazareth.

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 then as a widow until she was eighty-four. She did not depart from the temple, worshiping with fasting and prayer night and day.
38 And coming up at that very hour she began to give thanks to God and to speak of him to all who were waiting for the redemption of Jerusalem.
39 And when they had performed everything according to the Law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth.
40 And the child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom. And the favor of God was upon him.
41 Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the Feast of the Passover.

Cross References 2

The English Standard Version is published with the permission of Good News Publishers.