Luke 2 (BHT-ATN)

“She Gave Birth to Her Firstborn Son”

1 At that time,+ a decree went out from Emperor+ Augustus that the whole empire was to be registered for taxes. 2 (This was the first registration, taken when Quirinius was governor of Syria.) 3 Everyone was traveling to be registered, each to his own town. 4 Well, Joseph, for his part, went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the town of David called Bethlehem, because he descended from the royal family+ line of David. 5 He went there to be registered along with Mary, who was betrothed to him and who was pregnant. 6 While they were there, the time came for her to have the baby, 7 and she gave birth to her firstborn son. She swaddled him in cloths and laid him in a feeding trough, because there wasn’t any room for them in the inn.

8 There were in that same region some shepherds, spending the night out in the fields and taking turns watching+ over their flock. 9 Suddenly there appeared to them an angel+ of the Lord, and shining all around them was the glory of the Lord. The shepherds+ were terrified.

10 “Don’t be afraid!” the angel said to them. “Listen carefully. I am bringing ᵖyou good news that will bring great joy to all the people:+ 11 To ᵖyou is born this day in the town of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This is how ᵖyou will recognize him:+ You will find a baby swaddled in cloth and lying in a feeding trough.” 13 Suddenly the angel was joined by a vast army of angels from heaven,+ praising God and saying,

14 “Glory in the heights to God,+

and on the earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”+

15 When the angels had left them and returned to heaven, the shepherds began saying to one another, “Well, let’s go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” 16 So they hurried off and searched until they found Mary and Joseph with the baby, who was lying in the feeding trough. 17 On seeing this,+ the shepherds+ made known what they had been told about this child. 18 All who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them. 19 Mary, meanwhile, kept in mind every single one of these things, giving careful thought to them in her heart. 20 The shepherds returned to their flock glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen; everything had turned out just as they had been told.+

21 Eight days later, when the child was circumcised,++ he was named Jesus—the name given by the angel before he was conceived.+

“My Own Eyes Have Seen Your Salvation”

22 When they had completed the forty days of ritual purification prescribed in the Torah of Moses,+ they brought Jesus+ up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord 23 (just as it is written in the Torah of the Lord, “As for every firstborn male,+ set apart for service to the Lord is what he is to be called”+), 24 and to offer the sacrifice that the Torah of the Lord says must be offered after childbirth,+ namely, “a pair of doves or two young pigeons.”+ 25 During this time something very significant happened.+ There was in Jerusalem a certain man, named Simeon. This man was righteous and devout, waiting expectantly for the restoration+ of Israel,+ and the Holy Spirit was upon him. 26 It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die+ before he had seen the Messiah promised by the Lord. 27 Simeon+ went, at the prompting of the Spirit, into the temple courts, and after the parents brought in the child Jesus to carry out what the Torah required concerning him,++ 28 he welcomed the child+ into his arms and praised God, saying,

29 “Now ᵖyou may discharge your slave and let me die,+ Sovereign Master,

just as you have promised,+ in peace.

30 For my own eyes have seen your salvation,

31 the salvation you have prepared in the presence of all the peoples,+

32 a light to bring revelation to the Gentiles+ and glory to your people Israel.”+

33 The child’s+ father and mother were astonished at what was being said about him. 34 Then Simeon invoked divine blessing+ upon them and said to Mary his mother, “Listen very carefully. This child is destined to cause the fall and rise of many in Israel and to be a warning and example from God,+ one that+ is going to be fiercely resisted.+ 35 And as for ˢyou, grief, like a sword, will pierce your very soul.+ And as a result of these things, the inmost thoughts and motives+ of many hearts will be disclosed.”+

36 There was also a prophetess, Anna the daughter+ of Phanuel, from the tribe of Asher. This woman was very old,+ having lived with her husband for seven years after her marriage+ 37 and then as a widow for eighty-four years.+ She never left the temple courts, worshiping and serving God, night and day, through times of fasting and prayer. 38 Coming up to them at that very moment, Anna+ began to give thanks to God and to speak about the child+ to all who were waiting expectantly for the promised release of Jerusalem from slavery and oppression+ of Jerusalem.+

39 When Joseph and Mary+ had fulfilled everything required by the Torah of the Lord,+ they returned to Galilee, to their hometown+ of Nazareth. 40 As for the child, he continued growing and became stronger and stronger, filled with wisdom.+ And upon him was the favor+ of God.+

“Didn’t You Know That My Father’s House Is Where I Myself Had to Be?”

41 Now Jesus’+ parents would travel every year to Jerusalem for the Passover Festival. 42 When Jesus+ was twelve years old, they made the trip up+ in accordance with the custom of the festival. 43 When the festival was over,+ while they were on their way back home, young Jesus+ stayed behind in Jerusalem, though his parents didn’t realize it. 44 Assuming that he was somewhere among the other travelers in the caravan, they traveled on for a whole day,+ at which point they began looking for him everywhere among their relatives and acquaintances.+ 45 When they didn’t find him, they returned to Jerusalem, searching all over for him. 46 Three days later they finally found him in the temple courts,+ sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. 47 (Everyone who heard him was astounded at his understanding and his answers.) 48 When they saw him, they were overwhelmed.+

“O child,” his mother said to him, “why have you done this to us? Your father and I have been worried to death looking for you!”+

49 “Why did ᵖyou have to look for me?” Jesus+ asked them. “Didn’t ᵖyou know that my Father’s house+ is where I myself had to be?”+ 50 Yet they didn’t understand what he meant.+

51 Then he went down with them and returned to Nazareth; and he was obedient to them. As for his mother, she kept all these matters in her heart. 52 Jesus, meanwhile, continued to grow in wisdom and in maturity+ and in favor with God and men.

+1:1IT. Luke is written as a letter to a man named Theophilus (see UBSHS [Lk], 11). Cf CJB, TEV.+1:1Or matters.+1:1Or concerning the events that have been fulfilled/accomplished/taken place among us; or concerning the events that have been fully proclaimed among us. Cf KJV. For more on the interpretive options here, see BDAG, 827, sv πληροφορέω 1.a.; DBL Greek, #4442; ESL, #4135; UBSHS (Lk), 8.+1:1Cf Heb 11:1.+1:2Or of the message, or of the word, or of the teaching. Following McGirr, τοῦ λόγου ( tou logou) here has been interpreted as an insider reference to Jesus (see McGirr, Ten Ways, 60). This makes sense especially considering that “of the Word” is used with “eyewitnesses.” Cf Jn 1:1-3; Ac 1:21-2.+1:2The direct object is implied from the context. Cf ESV, HCSB, NKJV.+1:2Cf Ac 15:24, 21:17-21, 23:29; 1 Co 4:1-4, 11:2, 15:1-2; 2 Co 11:4, 12-15; Gal 1:6-9, 2:4-5, 5:7-14; Php 3:1-3, 3:17-4:1; Col 1:23, 2:2; 1 Th 1:4-7; 2 Th 2:14-15; 1 Ti 1:3-7, 4:7; Tit 1:14 2 Pt 1:16. Cf the translation here with McGirr’s trajectory of interpretation and translation of these verses (McGirr, Ten Ways, 54-63). Though I don’t entirely agree with McGirr’s analysis or all of his translation choices in this opening section of Luke, his claim that Luke is warning Theophilus against questionable accounts being by produced people besides the apostles is quite plausible.+1:3Or I too.+1:3Or from the beginning.+1:3Cf 1 Ti 4:6; 2 Ti 3:10.+1:4Or informed.+1:5Lit the days. ME. Cf NCV, NET, NIV, TEV.+1:5Cf 1 Ch 24:10.+1:5Lit was of the daughters of. ME (see L-N, 10.31). Cf CJB, ISV, NET, NIV, NRSV.+1:7Lit was barren, or was sterile. ME(I/F) (see L-N, 23.56). Cf HCSB, NLT.+1:7Lit both of them were advanced in their days. ME(I/F) (see L-N, 67.99). Cf NCV, NET, NLT, TEV.+1:8Lit Now it happened that. EFE. Cf CJB, NCV, NIV, NLT, TEV. The phrases kai egeneto or egeneto de function in a variety of ways in Luke’s gospel (for a summary description, see UBSHS [Lk], 22). Corresponding EFEs are used throughout the translation of Luke, depending on the context.+1:8Lit Now it happened that when he was serving as priest in the order of his priestly division before/in the presence of God. ME. Cf CJB, HCSB, NIV, NRSV.+1:8Cf 1 Ch 24:10, 19; 2Ch 8:14, 31:2.+1:9Cf Ex 30:7-8.+1:10Lit hour. ME. Cf CJB, ISV, NCV, NIV, NRSV.+1:11Lit to him.+1:11Or the angel. See note at Mt 1:20.+1:12Lit fear fell upon him. ME. Cf CJB, NCV, NLT.+1:13Cf Dn 9:20-23.+1:13IT. In Hebrew, John’s name means “Yahweh is gracious,” or “Yahweh has shown favor” (see FSB, Lk 1:13; UBSHS [Lk], 31).+1:14Lit And there will be to you joy and gladness. ME.+1:15Cf Nm 6:3; Jg 13:3-5; Mt 11:18; Lk 7:33.+1:15Cf Lk 1:41, 44.+1:16Lit sons. ME (see L-N, 11.58). Cf CJB, NCV, NET, NRSV, TEV.+1:17Lit will go before him. ME.+1:17Lit in/by the Spirit and power of Elijah. ME (see UBSHS [Lk], 36; translation and notes at Re 1:10). Cf TEV. πνεύματι καὶ δυνάμει ( pneumati kai dunamei) is an example of hendiadys. Hendiadys is “the expression of an idea by the use of usually two independent words connected by and (as nice and warm) instead of the usual combination of independent word and its modifier (as nicely warm)” ( Miriam-Webster’s, sv). In view here, moreover, is not the human spirit, but the Spirit of God (see UBSHS [Lk], 36).+1:17Cf 2 Ki 2:9, 2:15.+1:17Or to turn the hearts of the fathers back to the children. Cf Dt 30:2; Ml 4:4 (NET). Following the lead of the NET at Ml 4:6 in translation here (see NET Bible Notes, Ml 4:6). The prophetic focus of the Torah is on repentance that extends across generational lines within the nation (see, eg, Dt 30:2; 1 Ki 18:36-40; cf “remember the Law of my servant Moses” at Ml 4:4).+1:17Cf Lv 26:40-42; Dt 4:29-31, 30:2-3; 1 Ki 18:36-39; Ne 1:9; Is 55:7; Jl 2:12-13.+1:17Or attitude, or mindset, or wisdom, or understanding, or prudence. Cf REB in ESS (Lk), 32.+1:17Cf Ezk 3:20-21; 18:21-32, 33:8-19.+1:17Cf Ml 3:1; Mt 11:10; Mk 1:2; Jn 3:28-9; Re 19:7-8.+1:18Lit advanced in her days. ME(I/F) (see L-N, 67.99). Cf NCV, NET, TEV.+1:20Cf Gn 18:9-14.+1:21Lit were wondering at his being delayed. ME. Cf CJB, HCSB, ISV, NLT, TEV.+1:22Lit remained mute/dumb. ME (see L-N, 33.106). Cf most English translations.+1:23Lit the days. ME. Cf CJB, NET, NIV, NCV, TEV.+1:24Lit After these days. ME (see UBSHS [Lk], 46). Cf NET, TEV.+1:25Lit Thus the Lord has dealt with me. ME (see UBSHS [Lk], 47). Cf Gdspd; NLT; Phps.+1:25Lit in days in which. ME (see UBSHS [Lk], 47). Cf TEV.+1:25Or favor.+1:25Lit to remove my disgrace among men. ME(H) (see NET Bible Notes, Lk 1:25; UBSHS [Lk], 47). As is true of many cultures today, among the Jewish people of this time barrenness carried a stigma with it. Cf Lv 20:20-21; Jr 22:30.+1:26Lit In the sixth month. ME/IT (see UBSHS [Lk], 48; NAC [Lk], 82; NET Bible Notes, Lk 1:26; cf vv 24-5, 36). Cf ISV, NCV, NET, NLT, TEV.+1:27Lit betrothed to. ME(H) (see note at Mt 1:18).+1:27Lit Joseph from the house of David. ME(I/F/OTB)/IT (see BSL, Lk 1:27, sv οἶκος; L-N, 10.24; NET Bible Notes, 2 Sm 7:11). In this context, “house” doesn’t just mean family line, but royal lineage and dynasty. This is important in light of vv 32-3. Cf TEV.+1:28Lit He.+1:28Lit greetings, or hail. ME(H) (see note at Mt 26:49). Cf CJB.+1:29Lit She.+1:29Lit of what sort this greeting might be. ME (see UBSHS [Lk], 52-3, 553). Cf ISV, NCV, NEB, NLT, NET.+1:31Lit behold. EFE. See note at Mt 2:9.+1:31Lit conceive in the womb. ME (see L-N, 23.49). Cf HCSB, NLT.+1:31IT. See note at Mt 1:21.+1:32Lit This one.+1:32Or ancestor, or forefather.+1:33Cf Is 14:1, 29:22, 46:3-4.+1:33Cf 2 Sm 7; 1 Ki 2:12; 1 Ch 17; Ps 2, 89, 132; Is 9:2-7; Jr 33:17.+1:34Lit since I am not knowing a man. ME(I/F) (see L-N, 23.61). Cf HCSB.+1:35Lit come upon you, or come over you. ME. Following the lead of L-N (see L-N, 15.83) and the UBSHS (see UBSHS [Lk], 60), an ME has been used here to avoid sexual connotations. Cf note at Mt 1:18.+1:35Cf Ex 40:35; Ps 91:1; Lk 9:34.+1:35Cf 2 Sm 7; Ps 2.+1:36Cf HCSB, TEV.+1:36Lit in. ME (see UBSHS [Lk], 62). Cf NCV, NET, TEV. The meaning here is obviously concessive.+1:36Lit barren. ME(I/F) (see L-N, 23.56). Cf HCSB, NCV, TEV.+1:37Or nothing will be impossible from God. Cf ASV, NLT, REB.+1:37Cf Gn 18:14; Is 55:9-11; Jr 32:17, 32:27.+1:38Lit behold. Cf NEB, NRSV; UBSHS(Lk), 63; most English translations at Mt 12:49.+1:38Lit according to your word. ME. Cf CJB, ISV, NCV, NIV, NLT, TEV.+1:42Lit the fruit of your womb. ME(I/F) (see L-N, 10.38). Cf CJB, HCSB, NCV, NET, NIV, NLT.+1:43Lit Yet from where/why to me this. ME (see UBSHS [Lk], 68). Cf NIV, NLT.+1:45Or who trusted, or who believed.+1:45Lit that there would be a fulfillment to the things that have been spoken to her from the Lord. ME (see BDAG, 997, sv τελείωσις 2). Cf CJB, NCV, NIV, NLT.+1:49Cf Lv 22:32; 1 Ch 16:10; Ps 29:2, 30:4, 33:21, 97:12, 103:1, 105:3, 111:9, 145:21; Is 57:15; Ezk 36:20-23, 39:7, 39:25; Re 4:8.+1:50Or faithful love, or lovingkindness. Lit mercy. ME(OTB) (see NET Bible Notes, Lk 1:50, 72; note at Mt 5:48).+1:50Cf Ex 20:6, 34:6-7; Dt 5:9-10, 7:9-10; Ps 100:5, 103:11, 103:17; Jr 32:18; Dn 9:4.+1:51Cf Is 33:2; 40:10-11, 51:5, 52:10, 53:1, 59:16, 63:5. I have opted for a more literal rendering here because of the connection of this idea with the Messiah (cf, eg, Is 53:1, 63:1-6; Jn 12:38; Re 19:11-21).+1:51Lit the arrogant in the thoughts of their hearts. ME (see note at Mk 3:5). Cf ISV.+1:51Cf 2 Ch 32:25; Ps 18:27, 101:5; Pr 8:13, 16:5; Is 2:11-22, 13:11; Dn 4:37.+1:52Cf Ps 2, 149; Is 40:22-23; Dn 2:20-23.+1:54Cf Dt 4:30-31, Ps 102:13-17; Is 41:8, 44:1, 44:21, 45:4, 49:3-5; Ac 1:6.+1:54Lit his mercy. ME(OTB) (see note at Lk 1:50). Cf Dt 4:30-31; Ps 25:6; Jr 31:20; Mic 7:18-20; Hab 3:2; Rm 11:28-32.+1:55Lit as he spoke. In this context, the things spoken are the promises of the covenant (see NET Bible Notes, Lk 1:55). Cf CJB, ISV, NET, NCV, NLT.+1:55Or forefathers, or ancestors.+1:56Lit with her.+1:58Lit that the Lord had made large his mercy with her. ME. Cf CJB, HCSB, ISV, NCV, NET, NIV, NLT, TEV.+1:59Cf Lv 12:3.+1:62Lit name him.+1:63Lit he.+1:64Lit his.+1:64Or began praising. VPR. See VCC (Lk 1:64). “The imperfect tense of elalei suggests that Zechariah continued to speak for some time” ( UBSHS [Lk], 86).+1:64Lit was speaking, praising. ME. The participle here defines the nature of the speech (see UBSHS [Lk], 86). Cf NCV, NLT, TEV.+1:65Lit all these events were being talked about. ME. Cf NCV, NLT, TEV.+1:66Lit For the hand of the Lord was with him. ME(I/F/OTB) (see L-N, 76.3). Cf CJB, NLT, TEV. The “hand of the Lord” is an idiom for God carrying out some sort of powerful action either for or against someone (see, eg, Ex 9:3; Dt 2:15; Jsh 4:23-24, 22:31; Jg 2:15; 1 Ki 18:46; 2 Ki 3:15; 1 Ch 21:13-14; Ezr 7:6; Jb 12:9; Is 25:10).+1:67Lit his.+1:68Lit make a ransom, or perform redemption. ME(OTB). In OT theology, when God is the one performing “redemption” or paying a “ransom,” the “ransom” or “price” that God “pays” to bring about someone’s “release” is his own mighty acts—as, for example, in the Exodus (see, eg, Dt 7:8, 9:26; Ps 78:42; Is 50:2). These acts, moreover, are performed freely as gracious acts because of God’s name and covenant faithfulness (see Dt 9:5), and cover a wide range of actions, including provision of a ransom that delivers someone from Sheol (eg, Ps 49:7); deliverance from enemies of various kinds (eg, Ps 55:18); and the future deliverance of Israel (eg, Is 51:11). For further discussion, see TWOT, 715-17. See also ANLEX, 249, sv λύτρωσις; BDAG, 606, sv λύτρωσις 1; L-N, 37.128.+1:69Or has visited and performed…and has raised up (effective aorists). Though one could argue for an effective aorist here based on Zechariah’s presumed knowledge of the baby in Mary’s womb, the Messianic function highlighted in this prophecy (“deliverance from our enemies”), the promises of vv 71-5, the shift to the future indicative in v 76, and the simple fact that Zechariah is prophesying, all favor a proleptic function in this context, with the aorist possibly pointing back to the recent events as the basis for the certainty of the accomplishment of the yet future acts of deliverance.+1:69Lit a horn of salvation. ME(I/F) (see UBSHS [Lk], 91). Cf CJB, ISV, NIV, NLT, TEV.+1:69Lit house. ME (see note at Lk 1:27). The same applies here.+1:70Lit spoke. ME. Here promises are again in view (see note at Lk 1:55). Cf ISV, NLT, TEV.+1:71Lit salvation, or deliverance. σωτηρίαν ( sōtērian) is in an appositional relationship to κέρας ( keras) in v 69 (see LSGNT Notes, Lk 1:69, 71, sv κέρας). I have made the connection explicit in translation.+1:71Lit hand. ME(I/F) (see DBL Hebrew, #5931.3; L-N, 76.3; UBSHS [Lk], 94). Cf CJB, NCV, TEV.+1:72Or thus showing steadfast love. Lit to do mercy. ME(OTB) (see note at Lk 1:50).+1:72Or ancestors, or forefathers.+1:72Maintaining consistency in translation between this verse and v 54 (cf ESV, NASB, NKJV, NRSV, and RSV at Lk 1:54).+1:74Lit the hand. ME(I/F) (see not at 1:71 above).+1:74Cf Gn 32:20; Ex 3:6, 19:1-20, 24:10-11, 33:20; Lv 10:1-10, 16:1-34; Nu 18:3; Dt 5:24-26; Jg 6:22-23; Jb 9:32-35; Ps 11:7, 15:1-5, 24:3-4, 140:13; Is 33:14; Is 6:5; Jr 33:20-26, 50:4-5; Ezk 44:13-31, 45:1-5; Re 7:15, 22:4.+1:75Or in his sight, or before him.+1:75Cf Ps 132:9-16; Is 61:3,10; Zc 3:1-10; Ml 3:3-4.+1:76Cf Ml 3:1; Mt 11:10; Mk 1:2; Lk 7:27.+1:77Or and to give.+1:77Cf Lv 10:11; Dt 17:9; Is 5:13; Jr 3:15; Ho 4:4-6; Zp 3:4; Ml 2:7-8.+1:77Or in, or consisting in.+1:77Or by giving understanding of salvation to his people with regard to/in the forgiveness of their sins. While the statement “to give/cause knowledge of salvation” is most likely referring to John’s prophetic pronouncement, the gospels indicate that John’s ministry also included a significant amount of teaching and instruction (cf Mt 3 and Lk 3; remember, John was a Levite). Since the roles of teacher and prophet often overlap in Scripture, it is possible to interpret “giving knowledge of salvation” in terms of John giving instruction and understanding (cf Lv 10:11; Dt 17:9; Is 5:13; Jr 3:15; Ho 4:4-6; Zp 3:4; Ml 2:7-8). In that situation, the meaning is that John gives them understanding concerning salvation—the need for it, the means of receiving it, the fruit it must produce, etc. Cf Mt 3:7-12; Lk 3:7-14.+1:78Lit because of the bowels of mercy of our God. ME(I/F/OTB) (see L-N, 25.49; note at Lk 1:50).+1:78Or by which.+1:78Or the dawn, or the rising sun. Cf Jr 23:5 (LXX), Zc 3:8, 6:12 (LXX); Ml 4:2. That this is a reference to the Messiah is clear. Less clear is whether it is an allusion to Ml 4:2, or to passages like Jr 23:5. Most translations seem to favor the first option, presumably because ἐπιφαίνω ( epiphainō) is used in the next clause. The UBSHS claims that the Branch interpretation “is not consistent with the idea of shining in the darkness in the next clause which clearly should be related to anatolē” ( UBSHS [Lk], 99). I disagree. ἐπισκέπτομαι ( episkeptomai) has already been used in v 68 to describe the visitation of the God of Israel through the Davidic Savior, and there clearly means a visitation from God to help his people. In Re 22:16, “Bright Morning Star” is in an appositional relationship to “Root and Offspring of David” (see LDGNT, Re 22:16; LSGNT Notes, Re 22:16, sv ἀστὴρ). “The Branch” is a Messianic title, and therefore if the Messiah shines, it means the Branch shines. I say this not because I am dogmatic in either direction, but simply to point out that the “Branch” is just as valid a candidate here as the “rising sun” or the “dawn.” One interesting fact that may also be worth taking into consideration on this matter, is that in addition to being prophesied in the Old Testament, the Messianic “Branch” is also part of the constellation Virgo (and constellations, obviously, shine!). I discuss this topic some in a seminar called “The Gospel in the Stars,” and in a children’s book entitled The Heavens Declare. Both can be found on the DTN website (www.danieltrainingnetwork.org).+1:79Lit in darkness and shadow of death. This is an example of hendiadys (see note at Mt 4:16). Cf Is 9:1-2, 42:6-7, 42:19; Mt 4:16.+1:79Or and to guide.+1:79Or to, or on. According to the LSGNT Notes, εἰς ( eis) here is either a preposition of direction or a preposition of location (see LSGNT Notes, Lk 1:79, sv).+1:79Cf 1 Sm 2:9; Jb 23:11; Ps 17:5, 25:12, 37:23, 44:8, 119:31, 121:3; Pr 1:16, 3:26, 4:26, 14:15, 16:9, 20:4; Is 59:7-8; Jr 10:23.+1:79Cf Is 42:7; Rm 2:19-20; Eph 1:17-18.+1:80Cf Mt 11:7-12, 14:1-4.+1:80Lit until the day of his public appearance. ME. Cf CJB, NIV, TEV.+2:1Lit In those days. ME. Cf NCV, NLT, TEV.+2:1Or Caesar.+2:4Lit house and lineage. ME/IT (see note a Lk 1:27).+2:8Lit watching watches during the night. ME/IT. Shifts or turns are implied by the plural form of the direct object here (see ESS [Lk], 80; Robertson, Word Pictures, Lk 2:7).+2:9Or the angel. See note at Mt 1:20.+2:9Lit They.+2:10Lit I gospel to you great joy, which will be to/for all the people. ME. Cf CJB, NET, NLT, TEV.+2:12Lit This will be to you the sign. ME (see BDAG, 920, sv σημεῖον 1). Cf CJB, NLT, TEV.+2:13Lit a multitude of the army of heaven. ME (see L-N, 12. 30). Cf CJB, NCV, NET, TEV.+2:14Cf Ps 148:1.+2:14Or those on whom his favor rests, or people of goodwill.+2:17Or On seeing him, or On seeing them. The direct object is implied from the context here. Cf most English translations.+2:17Lit they.+2:20Lit praising God for all that they had heard and seen, just as it was spoken to them. ME/IT. Cf CJB, NCV, NET, NLT, TEV.+2:21Lit And when eight days had been fulfilled to circumcise him. ME. Cf ISV, NET, NIV, NLT, TEV+2:21Cf Gn 17:12; Lv 12:13.+2:21Lit before he was conceived in the womb. ME. Cf HCSB, NIV, NLT.+2:22Lit And when the days of their purification were fulfilled according to the Law/Torah of Moses. ME(OTB)/IT (see Lv 12; UBSHS [Lk], 124). Cf Lv 12:4 (LXX).+2:22Lit him.+2:23Lit every male that opens the womb. ME(I/F) (see L-N, 10.45). Cf CJB, HCSB, ISV, NCV, NET, NIV, NLT, TEV.+2:23Ex 13:2, 12+2:24Lit and to give sacrifice according to what is said in the Law/Torah of the Lord. ME(OTB)/IT (see Lv 12). As the UBSHS points out (see UBSHS [Lk], 128), τοῦ δοῦναι θυσίαν ( tou dounai thusian) here does not mean that Mary herself offered a sacrifice on the altar, but that she gave over sacrificial animals to the priest, who in turn offered the sacrifice (see Lv 12:8).+2:24Lv 12:8+2:25Lit behold. EFE. See note at Mt 2:9.+2:25Or consolation, or deliverance. Cf NET.+2:25Cf Ps 102:12-17; Is 40:1; 49:13; 51:3; 57:18; 61:2; Mic 4:8; Ac 1:6.+2:26Lit would not see death. ME. Cf CJB, ISV, NCV, NET, NIV, NLT, TEV.+2:27Lit He.+2:27Lit to do according to what was customary of the Law/Torah concerning him. ME. Cf CJB, NIV, NLT, TEV.+2:27Cf Ex 13:2, 11-16.+2:28Lit him.+2:29Lit dismiss. ME(I/F) (see BSL, Lk 2:29, sv ἀπολύω; UBSHS [Lk], 134). Cf NCV, NLT, TEV.+2:29Lit according to your word. ME. Cf NLT, TEV.+2:31Cf Ps 98; Is 52:10.+2:32Cf Is 2:2-3, 42:4-6, 49:6; Mt 28:18-20; Lk 1:79; Ac 13:47; Rm 2:19; Eph 1:17-23, 4:17-18.+2:32Cf Is 42:6, 45:25, 46:13, and 49:6.+2:33Lit His.+2:34Or blessed. ME(H) (see not at Mk 10:16).+2:34Lit and to be a sign. ME(OTB)/IT (see FSB, Is 8:18; TWOT, 67, sv môpēt; UBSHS [Lk], 138; UBSHS [Ps], 613). Cf Ps 71:7 (see esp CJB, HCSB, NIV, NCV, TEV); Is 8:18 (see esp NET, NLT), 20:3 (see esp NET); Ezk 12:6 (see esp NET), 12:11, 24:24-27; Zc 3:8; Lk 11:30.+2:34Lit which.+2:34Or spoken against, or rejected, or opposed. Drawing from the BSL in translation here (see BSL, Lk 2:34, sv ἀντιλέγω). Like the prophets of old, Jesus’ life and message would stir up great opposition.+2:35Cf Lk 23:27-8; Jn 19:25.+2:35Or secrets, or plans.+2:35Cf Ps 118:22; Is 8:14-15, 28:13-16; Rm 9:33; 1 Pe 2:6-8. Cf also Jn 8:37, 8:40, 9:39-40, 15:22.+2:36Or descendant.+2:36Lit was advanced in many days. ME(I/F). See note at Lk 1:7.+2:36Lit seven years from her virginity. ME (see L-N, 23.64). Cf CJB, HCSB, ISV, NIV, NRSV.+2:37Or until age eighty-four.+2:38Lit she.+2:38Lit about him.+2:38Lit redemption of Jerusalem. ME(OTB) (see note at Lk 1:68). Cf Is 1:27, 52:7-10, 59:20, 62:1-7.+2:38Cf Is 1:27, 52:9-10, 59:20.+2:39Lit When they.+2:39Lit all the things that were according to the Law/Torah of the Lord. ME. Cf CJB, ISV, NIV, NLT, TEV.+2:39Lit to their own town. ME. Cf ISV, TEV.+2:40Or with understanding, or with insight. Cf Is 50:4-5; 53:2; Lk 2:46; Jn 7:16, 8:28.+2:40Or grace.+2:40Cf Lk 1:80, 2:52.+2:41Lit his.+2:42Lit he.+2:42Lit went up.+2:43Lit and having completed the days. ME. Cf CJB, ESV, NCV, NET, NIV, NLT, NRSV, RSV, TEV.+2:43Lit Jesus the boy. ME. Cf ISV.+2:44Lit they went the journey of a day. ME. Cf CJB, ISV, NCV, NIV, TEV.+2:44In many cultures, trust between extended relatives, neighbors, acquaintances, and even strangers is often much stronger than what Westerners are accustomed to. My family and I have experienced this many times in different parts of the world.+2:46Cf Ps 84:1-2, 10.+2:48Or astonished. Cf NET.+2:48Lit Your father and I, being distressed terribily, were looking for you. ME. Cf CJB, HCSB, ISV, TEV.+2:49Lit he.+2:49Or about My Father’s affairs.+2:49Cf Is 53:2; Hg 2:6-9; Zc 6:9-13; Ml 3:1-4.+2:50Lit Yet they did not understand the statement he spoke to them. ME. Cf CJB, NCV, NIV, NLT, TEV.+2:52Or in stature, or in age. Cf ISV.