Luke — Chapter 2

📖 Luke — Chapter 2 (KJV)

Read the complete King James Version chapter below, then explore the passage sections, check what you remember, and keep your private study notes.

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Red lettering identifies words spoken by Jesus; it is an editorial reading aid. Scripture source: Project Gutenberg KJV, ebook 10.

Luke 2:1 And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from ^RCaesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed.

Luke 2:2 (And this ^Rtaxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)

Luke 2:3 And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.

Luke 2:4 And ^RJoseph 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:)

Luke 2:5 ^RTo be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.

Luke 2:6 And so it was, that, while they were there, ^Rthe days were accomplished that she should be delivered.

Luke 2:7 And ^Rshe 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.

Luke 2:8 And there were in the same country shepherds ^Rabiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.

Luke 2:9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, ^Rand the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.

Luke 2:10 And the angel said unto them, ^RFear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

Luke 2:11 For ^Runto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

Luke 2:12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

Luke 2:13 And suddenly there was with the angel ^Ra multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,

Luke 2:14 ^RGlory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

Luke 2:15 And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them ^Rinto 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.

Luke 2:16 And they came ^Rwith haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.

Luke 2:17 And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.

Luke 2:18 And all they that heard it ^Rwondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.

Luke 2:19 ^RBut Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.

Luke 2:20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.

Luke 2:21 And when ^Reight 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.

Luke 2:22 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;

Luke 2:23 (As it is written in the law of the LORD, ^REvery male that openeth the womb shall be called holy to the Lord;)

Luke 2:24 And to offer a sacrifice according to that which is said in the law of the Lord, ^RA pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons.

Luke 2:25 And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was ^Rjust and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him.

Luke 2:26 And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not ^Rsee death, before he had seen the Lord’s Christ.

Luke 2:27 And he came by the Spirit into the temple: and when ^Rthe parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law,

Luke 2:28 Then ^Rtook he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said,

Luke 2:29 Lord, ^Rnow lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word:

Luke 2:30 ^RFor mine eyes have seen thy salvation,

Luke 2:31 ^RWhich thou hast prepared before the face of all people;

Luke 2:32 A ^Rlight to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.

Luke 2:33 And Joseph and his mother marvelled at those things which were spoken of him.

Luke 2:34 And Simeon ^Rblessed 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;

Luke 2:35 (Yea, ^Ra sword shall pierce through thy own soul also,) that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.

Luke 2:36 And there was one Anna, ^Ra 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;

Luke 2:37 And she was a widow of about fourscore and four years, ^Rwhich departed not from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day.

Luke 2:38 And she coming in that instant ^Rgave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem.

Luke 2:39 And when they had ^Rperformed all things according to the law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own city Nazareth.

Luke 2:40 And ^Rthe child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him.

Luke 2:41 Now his parents ^Rwent to Jerusalem every year at the feast of the passover.

Luke 2:42 And when he was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem after the custom of the feast.

Luke 2:43 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.

Luke 2:44 But they, supposing him to have been in the company, went a day’s journey; and they sought him among their kinsfolk and acquaintance.

Luke 2:45 And when they found him not, they turned back again to Jerusalem, seeking him.

Luke 2:46 And it came to pass, that ^Rafter three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions.

Luke 2:47 And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers.

Luke 2:48 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.

Luke 2:49 And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father’s business?

Luke 2:50 ^RAnd they understood not the saying which he spake unto them.

Luke 2:51 And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth, ^Rand was subject unto them: but his mother kept all these sayings in her heart.

Luke 2:52 And ^RJesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.

📚 Study This Chapter

📖 What We’re Reading

Luke 2:1–20 — Jesus is born and the shepherds receive good tidings

🌱 What These Verses Teach Us

Joseph and Mary travel to Bethlehem for enrollment, and Jesus is laid in a manger. Angels announce the Saviour to shepherds, who visit, spread the message, and return praising God while Mary ponders.

Key Truth: Receive the good tidings with attentive faith and praise.

Check What You Remember

📖 What We’re Reading

Luke 2:21–40 — Temple witnesses recognize salvation and costly purpose

🌱 What These Verses Teach Us

Jesus is circumcised and presented according to the law. Simeon and Anna give testimony concerning redemption, while Simeon also speaks of opposition and Mary’s sorrow; the child grows in grace and wisdom.

Key Truth: Hold the hope of salvation together with the seriousness of its cost.

Check What You Remember

📖 What We’re Reading

Luke 2:41–52 — The twelve-year-old Jesus is found in the temple

🌱 What These Verses Teach Us

After the Passover visit, Mary and Joseph search for Jesus and find him among the teachers. His words concern his Father’s business; he returns in subjection, and Mary keeps these things in her heart.

Key Truth: Attend to Jesus’ identity while valuing faithful daily growth.

Check What You Remember

Related Scripture (KJV)

Isaiah 49:6 — The promised light to the Gentiles connects with Simeon’s description of salvation.

Isaiah 49:6 (KJV) And he said, It is a light thing that thou shouldest be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to restore the preserved of Israel: I will also give thee for a light to the Gentiles, that thou mayest be my salvation unto the end of the earth.

This related passage is selected for its connection with this chapter. It is separate from the chapter text.

Reflect and Apply

What truth about Jesus deserves prayerful attention rather than hurried dismissal?

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