Luke 3 (BHT-ATN)

“The Word of God Came to John the Son of Zechariah in the Wilderness”

1 Now in the fifteenth year of the reign of Emperor Tiberius,+ when Pontius Pilate was governor over Judea and Herod was the regional governor+ in charge of Galilee; when Philip, Herod’s+ brother, was the regional governor over this territory—Iturea and Trachonitis—and Lysanias the regional governor of Abilene, 2 during the high priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the word of God came to John the son of Zechariah in the wilderness.+ 3 He traveled from place to place all over the Jordan valley,+ proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. 4 As it is written in the scroll+ containing the words of Isaiah the prophet:

“A voice of one shouting in the wilderness:

‘ᵖPrepare the way for the LORD!

Make your crooked paths+ straight for him!

5 Every valley must be filled in,

and every mountain and hill brought low!

The crooked roads must be made straight,

and the rough paths made smooth!

6 And then all mankind+ will see the salvation of God.’ ”+

7 So, John+ would say to the crowds that were coming out to be baptized by him, “You offspring of vipers! Who warned ᵖyou to flee from the wrath to come? 8 Produce fruits that prove your repentance, therefore, and don’t begin to say to yourselves, ‘We have our father, Abraham.’ For I tell ᵖyou this: God has power to raise up children for Abraham out of these very stones! 9 Even now the ax is poised right at the root of the trees! Every tree not producing good fruit, therefore, is about to be cut down and thrown into the fire!”

10 “What then should we do?” the crowds kept asking him.

11 “If someone has two inner garments,+” John+ replied, “he must share with the person who has none, and if a person has food, he must do the same.”

12 Some tax collectors also came to be baptized. “Teacher,” they said to him, “what should we do?”

13 “Collect not a cent more than what you’ve been ordered to collect,”+ he told them.

14 “And what about us?” some soldiers asked him. “What should we do?”

“Don’t extort money from anyone,” John+ said to them, “and don’t use lies and intimidation to take from others; be content with ᵖyour pay.”

15 Now because the people were waiting in suspense and were all wondering in their hearts whether John himself might possibly be the Messiah, 16 John, in response, told them all, “Though I have been baptizing ᵖyou with+ water, the one who is more powerful than I is coming, and I am not fit to untie the strap of his sandals. He will baptize ᵖyou with+ the Holy Spirit and fire.+ 17 His winnowing fork is in his hand, to clean out his threshing floor and to gather the wheat into his barn. The chaff, however, he will burn in+ the unquenchable fire.+”

18 It was with many, many other exhortations of this kind,+ then, that John+ was proclaiming the gospel to the people. 19 Herod the regional governor,+ however, when he was rebuked by John+ for marrying+ Herodias, his brother’s wife, and for all the other wicked things he+ had done, 20 added this to his pile of evil deeds:+ He had John locked up in prison.

“You Are My Dearly Loved Son”

21 Now one day, when all the people were baptized, Jesus, too, was himself baptized. And as he was praying, heaven+ was opened 22 and the Holy Spirit descended in bodily form like a dove toward him. And there came a voice from heaven: “ˢYou are my dearly loved Son. With you I am very pleased.”+

“Jesus Himself, When He Began His Ministry, Was About Thirty Years Old”

23 Jesus himself, when he began his ministry, was about thirty years old,+ being a descendant+ (though it was thought that he had descended from Joseph+) of Heli,+ 24 who descended+ from Matthat, who descended from Levi, who descended from Melchi, who descended from Jannai, who descended from Joseph, 25 who descended from Mattathias, who descended from Amos, who descended from Nahum, who descended from Esli, who descended from Naggai, 26 who descended from Maath, who descended from Mattathias, who descended from Semein, who descended from Josech, who descended from Joda, 27 who descended from Joanan, who descended from Rhesa, who descended from Zerubbabel, who descended from Shealtiel, who descended from Neri, 28 son of Melchi, who descended from Addi, who descended from Cosam, who descended from Elmadam, who descended from Er, 29 who descended from Joshua, who descended from Eliezer, who descended from Jorim, who descended from Matthat, who descended from Levi, 30 who descended from Simeon, who descended from Judah, who descended from Joseph, who descended from Jonam, who descended from Eliakim, 31 who descended from Melea, who descended from Menna, who descended from Mattatha, who descended from Nathan, who descended from David, 32 who descended from Jesse, who descended from Obed, who descended from Boaz, who descended from Sala, who descended from Nahshon, 33 who descended from Amminadab, who descended from Admin, who descended from Arni, who descended from Hezron, who descended from Perez, who descended from Judah, 34 who descended from Jacob, who descended from Isaac, who descended from Abraham, who descended from Terah, who descended from Nahor, 35 who descended from Serug, who descended from Reu, who descended from Peleg, who descended from Eber, who descended from Shelah, 36 who descended from Cainan, who descended from Arphaxad, who descended from Shem, who descended from Noah, who descended from Lamech, 37 who descended from Methuselah, who descended from Enoch, who descended from Jared, who descended from Mahalaleel, who descended from Cainan, 38 who descended from Enosh, who descended from Seth, who descended from Adam, who was made by God.+

+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.+3:1Or Tiberius Caesar.+3:1Lit the tetrarch. ME(H) (see note at Mt 14:1). So throughout this verse.+3:1Lit his.+3:2Cf Gn 15:1; 1 Sm 15:10; 2 Sm 7:4; 1 Ki 6:11; 1 Ki 18:1; Is 38:1; Jr 1:2-4; Ezk 1:3; Jnh 1:1; Hg 1:3.+3:3Lit He went into all the surrounding region of the Jordan. ME (see UBSHS [Lk], 159). Cf NEB, NLT.+3:4Or book.+3:4Lit the paths, or your paths. ME(I/F) (see note at Mt 3:3).+3:6Lit all flesh. ME (see UBSHS [Lk], 163; FBT Chart, M). Cf CJB, NET, NIV, TEV.+3:6Is 40:3-5+3:7Lit he.+3:11Lit two tunics. ME (see NET Bible Notes, Lk 3:11).+3:11Lit he.+3:13Lit Collect nothing more than what has been ordered to you. ME. Cf ISV, NCV.+3:14Lit he.+3:16Or in.+3:16Or in.+3:16Cf Is 4:4; 32:15, 44:3; Jl 2:11; Ezk 39:28-29; Ml 3:2, 4:1-6.+3:17Or with. Cf Is 30:27-33, 66:24; Mk 9:43, 48.+3:17Or in/with unquenchable fire. See note at Mt 3:12. Cf Is 30:27-33, 66:24; Mk 9:43, 48; Re 14:9-11, 20:14.+3:18Or of different kinds.+3:18Lit he.+3:19Lit the tetrach. ME(H) (see note at Mt 14:1).+3:19Lit by him.+3:19Lit concerning. ME/IT. Cf ISV, NLT, TEV.+3:19Lit Herod.+3:20Lit added this also upon/to all. ME. Cf HCSB, NET, NLT. “All” here refers to the evil deeds mentioned in v 19 (see UBSHS [Lk], 178).+3:21Or the sky. So throughout this section.+3:22Cf Gn 22:2, 16; Is 42:1.+3:23Cf Nu 4:3.+3:23Or the son. In the Scriptures, “son” sometimes means “descendant” (see, eg, L-N, 10.30). Because not all of the men listed in the genealogy are direct offspring, descendant is most likely the primary meaning here. This, of course, does not exclude direct descent.+3:23Lit as/while/how it was thought of Joseph. ME(I/F) (see, eg, L-N, 10.30).+3:23Or being a son/descendant (so it was thought) of Joseph, the son/descendant of Heli. For a summary and brief discussion of the interpretive options here, see ESS (Lk), 141; Lange, Commentary (Lk), 62; NAC (Lk), 141. The interpretation reflected in the translation is that Luke is giving us Jesus’ genealogy through Mary. The statement could, however, also be interpreted and rendered as reflecting Joseph’s lineage. Though I’m not dogmatic on this point or unaware of the various problems involved with reconciling the genealogies in Luke and Matthew, I prefer the option included in the translation for two reasons. First, Luke traces Jesus’ genealogy back to Adam, once again indicating his concern to show that God’s plan of redemption as spelled out in the covenants includes in its purview the salvation of the entire human race. This theme appears repeatedly in Luke and Acts. Second, the fact that Jesus descended from David through Solomon gives him a legal right to David’s throne; at the same time, the fact that he is descended biologically through Nathan’s line also means that the prophesy spoken against Jeconiah in Jr 22:30 does not apply to Jesus. The FSB’s claim that “both genealogies reflect Joseph’s lineage; the discrepancies are the result of different sources and theological agenda” (see FSB, Lk 3:23-28), is stated with too much certainty and needs to be qualified. While Luke’s choices are surely directed by his theology, what source materials he used is a matter of debate. Furthermore, it is just as easy to conceive Luke’s “theological agenda” as being more clearly expressed by the inclusion of Jesus’ human descent through Mary’s line, rather than his legal descent through Joseph’s line (cf, eg, Lk 1:26-38).+3:24Lit of Matthat. ME/IT (see L-N, 10.30). So throughout this section. “Son/descendent” is implied from v 23.+3:38Lit of Adam, of God. ME (see Gn 1:26, 2:7). “Son/descendent” is implied from v 23. To maintain consistency with the preceding verses would require “Adam, who descended from God.” This is awkward, though, and in Adam’s case obscures the meaning. The meaning is that Adam, as the first human being, was created directly by God.