Luke 2:39

39 And when they had completed all things according to the law of [the] Lord, they returned to Galilee to their own city 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 herself a widow up to eighty-four years; who did not depart from the temple, serving night and day with fastings and prayers;
38 and she coming up the same hour gave praise to the Lord, and spoke of him to all those who waited for redemption in Jerusalem.
39 And when they had completed all things according to the law of [the] Lord, they returned to Galilee to their own city Nazareth.
40 And the child grew and waxed strong [in spirit], filled with wisdom, and God's grace was upon him.
41 And his parents went yearly to Jerusalem at the feast of the passover.

Footnotes 1

  • [a]. 'Jehovah,' as chs. 1.38; 3.4
The Darby Translation is in the public domain.