Luke 2
All 52 verses in the Clear Bible Translation. Tap a verse to compare the KJV and read what it means.
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- 1In those days, Caesar Augustus issued a decree that everyone in the world should be taxed.
- 2This was the first census taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria.
- 3And everyone went to be registered, each to his own city.
- 4So Joseph traveled from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was a descendant of David's family line.
- 5He went to register there along with Mary, who was pledged to marry him and was expecting a child.
- 6While they were in Bethlehem, the time came for her baby to be born.
- 7She gave birth to her firstborn son, wrapped him snugly in strips of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them at the inn.
- 8Nearby, shepherds were out in the fields, keeping watch over their flocks through the night.
- 9Look, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone all around them. They were terrified.
- 10But the angel said to them, "Don't be afraid, for I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all people."
- 11"Today in the city of David, a Savior has been born for you — he is Christ the Lord."
- 12"Here's how you'll recognize him: you'll find a baby wrapped in strips of cloth, lying in a manger."
- 13Then suddenly, there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,
- 14"Glory to God in the highest heavens, and on earth peace and good will toward men."
- 15After the angels left them and returned to heaven, the shepherds said to each other, "Let's go to Bethlehem right now and see this thing the Lord has told us about!"
- 16They hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in the manger.
- 17After seeing the child, they spread the word everywhere about what the angel had told them about him.
- 18And all who heard it wondered at the things which were told them by the shepherds.
- 19But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart.
- 20The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, just as it was told to them.
- 21When the 8 days were completed for the circumcision of the child, he was named Jesus — the name the angel had given before he was conceived in the womb.
- 22When the time came for the purification ceremony required by the law of Moses, Joseph and Mary brought Jesus to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord.
- 23This was in keeping with what is written in the law of the LORD: "Every firstborn male shall be set apart as holy to the Lord."
- 24They also offered the sacrifice required by the law of the Lord: "A pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons."
- 25Look, there was a man in Jerusalem named Simeon. He was righteous and devoted, waiting for Israel’s consolation, and the Holy Spirit was upon him.
- 26And it was revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord's Christ.
- 27Led by the Spirit, Simeon went into the temple that day. When Mary and Joseph brought the child Jesus in to carry out the customary requirements of the law,
- 28Simeon took the baby in his arms, praised God, and said,
- 29“Lord, now you are releasing your servant in peace, according to your word.
- 30"My own eyes have seen your salvation —"
- 31"which you have prepared for all people to see —"
- 32a light to give light to the Gentiles and the glory of your people Israel.”
- 33Joseph and his mother were amazed at the things Simeon said about the child.
- 34Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother, “Look, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel and as a sign that will be spoken against.
- 35"And a sword will pierce your own soul as well — so that the hidden thoughts of many hearts will be exposed."
- 36There was also a prophetess named Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, from the tribe of Asher. She was very old and had lived with her husband for seven years from her virginity;
- 37And she was a widow of about 84 years, who never left the temple, but served God with fasting and prayers night and day.
- 38She came up to them at that very moment, gave thanks to the Lord, and spoke about him to all who were looking for redemption in Jerusalem.
- 39Once Joseph and Mary had completed everything required by the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their hometown of Nazareth.
- 40The child grew and became strong in spirit, filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was on him.
- 41Every year, Jesus' parents traveled to Jerusalem for the feast of the Passover.
- 42When Jesus was 12 years old, they went up to Jerusalem as usual for the festival.
- 43After the celebration ended, they started the journey home, but the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem. His parents didn't realize it.
- 44Assuming he was in the traveling group, they went a day's journey, and then they looked for him among their relatives and friends.
- 45When they couldn't find him, they turned around and went back to Jerusalem to search for him.
- 46After 3 days, they finally found him in the temple, sitting among the religious teachers, listening to them and asking questions.
- 47Everyone who heard him was stunned by his understanding and his answers.
- 48When his parents saw him, they were amazed. His mother said to him, "Son, why have you treated us like this? Your father and I have been searching for you with sorrow."
- 49He replied, "Why were you searching for me? Didn't you know that I must be about my Father's business?"
- 50But they didn't understand what he meant.
- 51Then he went back to Nazareth with them and was obedient to them. His mother held all these things close in her heart.
- 52Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with both God and people.