LUK 2:21-24

Jesus Presented at the Temple

21And when eight days were fulfilled for his circumcision, his name was called Jesus, the name given by the angel before he was conceived in the womb. [2:22] And when the days of their purification were fulfilled according to the law of Moses, they brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord — [2:23] as it is written in the law of the Lord: "Every male that opens the womb shall be called holy to the Lord" — [2:24] and to offer a sacrifice according to what is stated in the law of the Lord: "a pair of turtledoves or two young nestlings."

In the world it was spoken into

In first-century Judea, the rituals described in Luke 2:21-24 were deeply embedded in Jewish religious and cultural practice. Circumcision on the eighth day marked a male child’s entry into the covenant community, a sign of identity and belonging rooted in Genesis 17. The purification ritual, required by Leviticus 12, involved a 40-day period for a woman after childbirth, culminating in offerings at the Temple. The offering of 'a pair of turtle doves or two young pigeons' was the provision for those unable to afford a lamb, reflecting economic stratification in Jewish society. The presentation of the firstborn male at the Temple recalled the Exodus narrative, where the firstborn were consecrated to God. For Luke’s audience, these details would underscore Jesus’ Jewish identity and His family’s adherence to Torah, even as they hinted at His unique role. The Temple setting also evoked the centrality of Jerusalem in Jewish religious life, while the modest offering highlighted the humble circumstances of Jesus’ family.

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How other translations render this

LUK 2:21

KJV: 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.
BSB: When the eight days before His circumcision had passed, He was named Jesus, the name the angel had given Him before He was conceived.
Koinōnos: And when eight days were fulfilled for his circumcision, his name was called Jesus, the name given by the angel before he was conceived in the womb.

LUK 2:22

KJV: 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;
BSB: And when the time of purification according to the Law of Moses was complete, His parents brought Him to Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord
Koinōnos: And when the days of their purification were fulfilled according to the law of Moses, they brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord —

LUK 2:23

KJV: (As it is written in the law of the LORD, Every male that openeth the womb shall be called holy to the Lord;)
BSB: (as it is written in the Law of the Lord: “Every firstborn male shall be consecrated to the Lord”),
Koinōnos: as it is written in the law of the Lord: "Every male that opens the womb shall be called holy to the Lord" —

LUK 2:24

KJV: 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.
BSB: and to offer the sacrifice specified in the Law of the Lord: “A pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons.”
Koinōnos: and to offer a sacrifice according to what is stated in the law of the Lord: "a pair of turtledoves or two young nestlings.

Only verses where the wording diverges meaningfully are shown. Identical phrasings are suppressed.

Translator's notes

LUK 2:21

were fulfilled:The word translated 'were fulfilled' here implies a sense of being completely filled or accomplished, suggesting a full completion of the designated time.

LUK 2:22

purification:The term 'purification' refers to a ritual cleansing, specifically in a religious or ceremonial context, rather than a general cleaning.

LUK 2:23

opening:The word translated 'opening' carries the sense of opening something up completely, making it fully accessible or revealed, often with the implication of a first-time opening.

LUK 2:24

young:The word translated 'young' specifically refers to a nestling or a chick, emphasizing its extreme youth and dependence, rather than just any young animal.