1.
And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed.
it came to pass in those days. The seventh and last occurrence of this ominous phrase. See note on Genesis 14:1 .
it came to pass. A Hebraism, frequent in Luke. Compare Luke 1:8 .
in. Greek. en. App-104 .
a decree = an edict, from. Greek. para. App-104 .
all . Figure of speech Synecdoche (of the whole) for a part of the whole; i.e. the Roman Empire.
world. Greek. oikoumene. See App-129 . Compare Acts 11:28 .
taxed = enrolled, or registered.
2.
(And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)
this taxing was first made = this was the first registration to be made. A second is recorded in Acts 5:37 .
Cyrenius. Greek for the Latin Quirinus. His full name was Publius Sulpicius Quirinus.
3.
And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.
every one , &c. A Papyrus (in British Museum), being a rescript of the Prefect Gaius Vibius Maximus (A.D. 103-4), shows that Herod must have been acting under Roman orders. Vib. Max. was Prefect of Egypt, and wrote: "The enrolment by households being at hand, it is necessary to notify all who for any cause soever are outside their homes to return to their domestic hearths, that they may accomplish the customary dispensation of enrolment, and continue steadfastly in the husbandry that belongeth to them. "There is a large number of Papyri relating to these enrolments. See Deissmann's Light from the Ancient East, pp. 268, 269.
into = unto. Greek. eis. App-104 .
4.
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:)
went up : literally true, the ascent from Nazareth to Jerusalem being at least 1,500 feet.
from = away from. Greek. apo. App-104 .
out of Greek ek. App-104 .
Nazareth. Aramaean. See note on Luke 1:26 . = Branch = Town, where He, Jehovah's "Branch "(Zechariah 3:8 ; Zechariah 6:12 ), wasbrought up (Luke 4:16 ).
unto . Greek. eis. App-104 . Not the same word as in verses: Luke 2:2 , Luke 2:15 -, Luke 2:20 , Luke 2:48 , Luke 2:49 .
the city of David. 1 Samuel 20:6 . Zion also so called, 2Sa 5:9 ; 2 Samuel 6:10 , 2 Samuel 6:12 , 2Sa 6:16 ; 1 Kings 2:10 , &c.
Bethlehem = the house of bread. Compare Genesis 35:19 ; Genesis 48:7 . Psalms 132:6 . NOW Beit Lahm, about five miles south of Jerusalem.
because he was = on account of (dia. App-104 .Luke 2:2; Luke 2:2 )his being.
of. Greek. ek. App-104 .
lineage: i.e. the family.
5.
To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.
with = in conjunction with. Greek. sun. App-104 . Not the same word as in verses: Luke 2:36 , Luke 2:51 , Luke 2:52 .
espoused = married. Not merely "betrothed "(Matthew 1:20 , Matthew 1:24 , Matthew 1:25 ). See note on Matthew 1:18 . Compare Deuteronomy 22:23 , Deuteronomy 22:24 .
great with child . Compare Luke 1:24 . Greek enkuos. Occurs only here in N.T.
6.
And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.
so it was = it came to pass; as in Luke 2:1 .
while = in (Greek. en. App-104 .) the time.
7.
And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.
her firstborn Son =
her son, the firstborn. App-179 .
wrapped . . . swaddling clothes. Greek sparganoo = to swathe. Occurs only here and Luke 2:12 . A medical term = bandage. See Co Luke 1:4 , Luke 1:14 . Eng. "swathe". Anglo = Saxon swathu = as much grass as is mown at one stroke of the scythe. From Low Germ. swade = a scythe. Hence a shred, or slice, then a bandage. Compare Ezekiel 16:4 .
a = the. But all the Texts omit the Art.
manger . Greek phatne (from pateomai, to eat). Occurs only in verses: Luke 12:16 , and Luke 13:15 . Septuagint for Hebrew. 'ebus. Proverbs 14:4 .
no . Greek. ou. App-105 .
the inn = the Khan. Not "guestchamber", as in Luke 22:11 and Mark 14:14 , its only other occurrences.
8.
And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
country = region where David fed his father's sheep, when sent for by Samuel (1 Samuel 16:11 , 1 Samuel 16:12 ).
over . Greek. epi. App-104 .
9.
And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
lo . Figure of speech Asterismos ( App-6 ), to call attention to the wondrous event.
the angel = an angel. No Art. See note on Luke 1:11 . App-179 .
LORD = Jehovah ( App-98 ).
came upon = stood by. Greek. ephistemi. Used eighteen times by Luke. Compare Luke 24:4 .Acts 12:7 ; Acts 23:11 .
the glory: the Shekinah, which symbolized the Divine presence. See Exo 24:16 . 1 Kings 8:10 . Isaiah 6:1-3 .Acts 7:55 .
were sore afraid = feared a great fear. Figure of speech Polyptoton. App-6 . See note on Genesis 26:28 .
10.
And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
not. Greek. me. App-105 .
behold. Figure of speech Asterismos. App-6 .
I bring you good tidings . Greek. euangelizomai = 1 evangelize (announce) to you great joy.
which . Denoting the class or character of the joy.
people = the People [of Israel].
11.
For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
For = That: meaning "born to-day"; not "I announce to-day". See note on Luke 23:43 .
is born = was born, or brought forth.
a Saviour. Not a helper: for a
Saviour is for the lost.
Christ the Lord = Hebrew. Mashiah Jehovah, i.e. Jehovah's Anointed. 1 Samuel 24:6 . App-98 .
the Lord. App-98 . B. a. The Lord of all power and might. Therefore able to save. Compare Romans 14:9 . 1Co 8:6 ; 1 Corinthians 12:3 . 2 Corinthians 4:5 .Philippians 1:2 , Philippians 1:11 . These three words define and contain the "Gospel" as being good news as to a Person; and as being Christianity as distinct from Religion, which consists of Articles, Creeds, Doctrines, and Confessions; i.e. all that is outward. Compare Philippians 1:3 , Philippians 1:4-7 , Philippians 1:9 , Philippians 1:10 , Philippians 1:20 , Philippians 1:21 . Note that in the Greek the words, "in the city of David", come last. Hence the z and z correspond in the Structure. p. 1436. d
12.
And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
the Babe = a babe.
13.
And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
heavenly host = host of heaven. So Tr. WH margin host = the Sabaioth of the O.T. Compare Daniel 8:10 . Romans 9:29 . James 5:4 .Revelation 5:11 , Revelation 5:12 .
God. App-98 .
14.
Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
Glory. Supply the Ellipsis: [be] to God. Compare Luke 19:38 .
on earth peace. But man murdered "the Prince of peace", and now vainly talks about "Peace". on. Greek. epi. App-104 .
earth. Greek. ge . App-124 .
good will toward men. All the texts read "among men of good pleasure", reading eudokias instead of eudokia. But the sense is the same, as the "good pleasure" is that of Jehovah alone = among men of [His] good pleasure: See Luke 12:32 , "It is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom". But it was man's bad pleasure to reject the kingdom. See the Structure (F).
toward = among. Greek en. App-104 .
15.
And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.
heaven = the heaven. Singular with Art.
to. Greek. pros. App-104 .
Let us now go = [Come now], let us go through.
unto = as far as.
see . Greek. eidon. App-133 .
thing = word, or saying. Greek. rhema. See note on Mark 9:32 .
is = has.
made known : i.e. the saying of Luke 2:12 . Greek gnorizo. Compare gnosis. App-132 .
16.
And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.
found = discovered, after search, or in succession. Greek. aneurisko. Occ, only here and in Acts 21:4 .
Mary, and Joseph, and the Babe. Each has the Art. with conj. emphasizing the several parties referred to.
17.
And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.
18.
And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.
19.
But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.
kept = kept within herself.
and pondered = pondering; i.e. weighing them. Compare Gen 87:11 .
20.
And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.
for = on. Greek. epi. App-104 .
as = according as.
unto. Greek. pros. App-104 .
21.
And when eight days were accomplished for the circumcising of the child, his name was called JESUS, which was so named of the angel before he was conceived in the womb.
eight days, &c.: i.e. on the last and great day of the Feast of Tabernacles (John 7:37 ).
accomplished = fulfilled. See Leviticus 12:3 .
name . Supply the logical Ellipsis thus: "[Then they circumcised Him] and called His Name", &c. Only four named before birth: Ishmael, Isaac, John, and the Lord.
JESUS. See note on Matthew 1:21 . App-98 . X
of = by. Greek. hupo, as in Luke 2:13 .
before. Greek. pro. App-104 .
22.
And when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were accomplished, they brought him to Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord;
the days: i.e. forty days after the birth of a son (eighty after a daughter). See Leviticus 12:2-4
her = their. So all the texts; i.e. Joseph and Mary.
according to. Greek. kata. App-104 . See Exodus 13:12 ; Exodus 22:29 ; Exodus 34:19 . Numbers 3:12 , Numbers 3:13 , Numbers 18:15 .
the law . Mentioned five times in this chapter, oftener than all the rest of Luke, to show the truth of Galatians 1:4 , Galatians 1:4 .
Him = brought Him up. to. Greek. eis. App-104 . present, &c. Exodus 13:2 .Numbers 18:15 , Numbers 18:16 .
23.
(As it is written in the law of the Lord, Every male that openeth the womb shall be called holy to the Lord;)
Every male, &c. Quoted from Exodus 13:2 .Numbers 18:15 , holy. Seenote on Exodus 3:5 .
24.
And to offer a sacrifice according to that which is said in the law of the Lord, A pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons.
A pair , &c. Leviticus 12:2 , Leviticus 12:6 .
25.
And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him.
man. Greek. anthropos. See App-123 .
Simeon. In Hebrew. Shimeon = hearing. Compare Genesis 29:33 . Possibly the father of Gamaliel (Acts 5:34 .
devout. Greek eulabes. Used only by Luke = taking hold of well; i.e. careful and circumspect in observing the Law. Compare Acts 2:5 ; Acts 8:2 . The kindred word eulabeia, rendered "godly fear", occurs twice Hebrews 5:7 ; Hebrews 12:28 ).
waiting for . Compare Genesis 49:18 . Isaiah 49:23 ; and see App-36 . Joseph of Arimathaea was another who thus waited. Mark 15:43 . Compare Luke 2:38 ; Luke 3:15 ; Luke 24:21 .
the consolation of Israel. Compare Acts 28:20 and Isaiah 40:1 . "May I see the consolation of Israel! "was a Jewish formula of blessing; and an adjuration also: "May I not see it, if I speak not the truth! "
the Holy Ghost = pneumahagion = a spiritual gift. See App-101 .
upon. Greek. epi. App-104 .
26.
And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord's Christ.
it was revealed. Greek. chrematizo. Occurs nine times; seven times of a Divine communication; here, Matthew 2:12 , Matthew 2:22 .Acts 10:22 ; Acts 11:26 . Romans 7:3 .Hebrews 8:5 ;. Luke 11:17 ; Luke 12:25 .
the Holy Ghost. The Person being the revealer (with Articles). Not the same as in Luke 2:25 . See App-101 .
before. Greek. prin. See note on "Till", Matthew 1:25 .
the Lord's Christ = Jehovah's Anointed. See note on Luke 2:11 . App-98 .
27.
And he came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law,
by = in. Greek. en. App-104 .
the Spirit . The Holy Spirit Himself. See App-101 .
the temple = the Temple courts. Greek. hieron. See notes on Matthew 4:5 ; Matthew 23:10 .
for = concerning. Greek. peri. App-104 .
after = according to. As in Luke 2:22 .
28.
Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said,
took = received.
in = into, as in Luke 2:3 .
29.
Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word:
Lord = Master. Greek. Despotes. App-98 . Occurs ten times in N.T. (here; Act 4:24 . 1 Timothy 6:1 , 1Ti 6:2 ; 2 Timothy 2:21 . Tit 2:9 . 1 Peter 2:18 . 2 Peter 2:1 .Jude 1:4 .Revelation 6:10; Revelation 6:10 ).
word = saying. See Luke 2:26 .
30.
For mine eyes have seen thy salvation,
Thy salvation . Greek. to soterion (not the usual soteria). Used of Jehovah Himself (not merely of salvation as such). See Isaiah 62:11 . Compare Luke 3:6 .
31.
Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people;
before. Greek. kata. App-104 .
people = the peoples.
32.
A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.
A light. Greek. phos. See App-130 . Quotedfrom Isaiah 42:6 .
to lighten = for (Greek. eis, as in Luke 2:34 ) a revelation of. Greek. apokalupsis = a revelation by unveiling and manifesting to view. The first of eighteen occurrences. All noted in App-106 . Compare Psalms 98:2 , Psalms 98:3 .Isaiah 42:6 ; Isaiah 49:6 ; Isaiah 52:10 , &c. the Gentiles. See Isaiah 26:7 . glory. The special blessing for Israel. Israel has had the "light". She is yet to have the glory.
33.
And Joseph and his mother marvelled at those things which were spoken of him.
34.
And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against;
set = destined.
for. Greek. eis. App-104 . Not the same word as in verses: Luke 2:10 , Luke 2:11 , Luke 2:20 , Luke 10:27 , Luke 10:30 .
fall :i.e. a stumbling = block. See Isaiah 8:14 , and compare Matthew 21:42 , Matthew 21:44 .Acts 4:11 .Romans 9:33 . 1 Corinthians 1:23 .
rising again = rising up. Matthew 11:5 . App-178 . spoken against. See Acts 28:22 . Not a prophecy, but describing its character.
35.
(Yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also,) that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.
Yea = And thee.
sword. Greek. rhomphaia. Occurs only here and Revelation 1:16 ; Revelation 2:12 , Revelation 2:16 ; Revelation 6:8 ; Revelation 19:15 , Revelation 19:21 . Septuagint for Zechariah 13:7 .
pierce, &c. When on the Cross.
soul. Greek. psuche. App-110 . Luke 2:1 .
thoughts = reasonings. Compare Luke 5:22 .Matthew 15:19 . John 9:16 . 1 Corinthians 11:19 . 1 John 2:19 .
revealed = unveiled. Greek. apokalupto. App-106 .
36.
And there was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Aser: she was of a great age, and had lived with an husband seven years from her virginity;
Anna. Hebrew. Hannah , as in 1 Samuel 1:20 = He was gracious.
prophetess. Only here and Revelation 2:20 .
Aser = Asher; thus Anna of Israel united with Simeon of Judah.
37.
And she was a widow of about fourscore and four years, which departed not from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day.
not. Greek. ou. App-105 .
served. Same as Luke 1:74 .
38.
And she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem.
coming in = standing by.
that instant = at the same time (or hour).
thanks = praise.
the Lord . All the texts read "God".
looked = waited.
redemption. See notes on Luke 2:24 ; Luke 24:21 .Mark 15:43 .
39.
And when they had performed all things according to the law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own city Nazareth.
performed = ended.
Nazareth . See note on Matthew 2:23 .
40.
And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him.
in spirit . All the texts omit this. App-101 .Matthew 2 comes in here.
the grace , &c. Compare John 1:14 .Isaiah 11:2 , Isaiah 11:3 .
41.
Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the feast of the passover.
passover. See App-94 .
42.
And when he was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem after the custom of the feast.
twelve years old : when every Jewish boy becomes "a son of the law "If they performed "all things" according to the Law, Joseph had paid the five shekels redemption money (Numbers 3:47 ; Numbers 3:18 , Numbers 3:16 ), which gave Joseph the legal right to be reckoned the "father", claiming the obedience shown in Luke 2:51 . See notes on Luke 2:45 , and Luke 3:23 , which, thus explain the genealogy there.
43.
And when they had fulfilled the days, as they returned, the child Jesus tarried behind in Jerusalem; and Joseph and his mother knew not of it.
as they returned = in (Greek. en. App-101 .) their returning.
the Child . Now the Greek is pais = the youth as be = coming Jehovah's servant. See App-108 .
Joseph and His mother . All the Texts read "His parents".
knew not = did not get to know of it. Greek ginosko. App-132 .
44.
But they, supposing him to have been in the company, went a day's journey; and they sought him among their kinsfolk and acquaintance.
supposing = surely reckoning. See note on Luke 3:23 .
the company: i.e. in the caravan.
a day's journey. Probably to Beeroth, about six miles north of Jerusalem. Now Bireh.
sought = searched up and down.
among. Greek. en. App-101 .
and = and among.
45.
And when they found him not, they turned back again to Jerusalem, seeking him.
seeking = searching (all the way they went). Greek. anaz as in Luke 2:44 .
46.
And it came to pass, that after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions.
after = with. Greek. meta. App-104 .
sitting. This was strictly according to rule.
doctors = teachers: i.e. Rabbis.
47.
And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers.
48.
And when they saw him, they were amazed: and his mother said unto him, Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? behold, thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing.
49.
And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father's business?
wist ye not = knew ye not. Greek. oida. See App-132 .
must. These are the first recorded words of the Lord. The reference is to Psalms 40:5-11 , John 4:34 . Hence the Divine necessity. Compare Matthew 16:21 ; Matthew 26:54 .Mark 8:31 . Mar 4:43 ; Mark 9:22 ; Mark 13:33 ; Mar 24:7 , Mar 24:26 , Mar 24:46 . John 3:14 ; John 4:4 ; John 12:34 , &c. The last-recorded wordsthe Son of man were, "It is finished": i.e. the Father's business which He came to be about. Compare His first and last ministerial or official words. See note on Matthew 4:4 , "It is written".
50.
And they understood not the saying which he spake unto them.
understood not. Compare Luke 9:45 ; Luke 18:34 .Mark 9:32; 2 John 1:102 John 1:10 , John 1:11 ; John 10:6 .
51.
And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject unto them: but his mother kept all these sayings in her heart.
subject. See note on Luke 2:42 .
52.
And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.
increased = advanced, in wisdom. See App-117 .
stature = maturity in all respects.
with = from beside. Greek. para. App-104 .
man = men. Greek. anthropos. App-123 .