New Testament

Luke 2:22

The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English

At a Glance

In this verse, we see Joseph and Mary fulfilling a requirement of the Jewish law after the birth of Jesus.

Author
Luke the physician
Written
Around AD 60-62
Genre
Gospel and history
Original Audience
Gentile Christians (addressed to Theophilus)
CBTClear Bible Translation

When 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.

KJVKing James Version

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;

Verse Analysis

Plain-English insight for readers

In this verse, we see Joseph and Mary fulfilling a requirement of the Jewish law after the birth of Jesus. According to the law of Moses, a woman who had given birth had to undergo a purification ceremony. This was a significant ritual that symbolized spiritual cleanliness and obedience to God's commandments. After this period, they took Jesus to Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord, which was also a customary practice for firstborn sons. This act of dedication highlights the importance of following religious traditions and the significance of Jesus' early life in the context of Jewish law. It shows that even as a child, Jesus was recognized and honored in accordance with the faith of His parents. This moment marks the beginning of Jesus' life in relation to the Jewish faith and sets the stage for His future ministry. Joseph and Mary's actions reflect their commitment to God and their role in fulfilling His plan through their son, Jesus. Explore related fear.

Related topics

fear, purpose, prayer

How to apply Luke 2:22 to your life

This verse encourages us to honor our commitments to God and to follow the traditions that strengthen our faith. Just as Joseph and Mary dedicated Jesus to the Lord, we can dedicate our lives and our children to God, seeking to raise them in a way that honors Him.

Curated for this public verse page. Luke Summary

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What is the purification ceremony mentioned in Luke 2:22?

The purification ceremony referred to in Luke 2:22 is a ritual required by Jewish law for women after childbirth. According to Leviticus 12, a woman who gives birth to a son is considered ceremonially unclean for seven days, followed by a period of purification lasting 33 days. After this time, she is to bring a sacrifice to the temple as an act of obedience and to restore her spiritual cleanliness. This ceremony underscores the importance of following God's commandments and the cultural practices of the time.

Why did Joseph and Mary present Jesus to the Lord?

Joseph and Mary presented Jesus to the Lord in accordance with Jewish law, which required the dedication of the firstborn son to God. This practice is rooted in Exodus 13:2, where God commands that every firstborn male be consecrated to Him. By presenting Jesus at the temple, they were fulfilling this commandment and acknowledging Jesus' special status as their firstborn son. This act also reflects their faith and commitment to raising Jesus within the traditions of their faith.

What does this verse teach about obedience to God's laws?

Luke 2:22 illustrates the importance of obedience to God's laws and traditions. Joseph and Mary’s actions demonstrate their commitment to following the requirements set forth in the law of Moses. Their adherence to these rituals not only reflects their faith but also sets an example for believers today about the significance of honoring God's commandments in our lives. It encourages us to be diligent in our spiritual practices and to pass on these values to future generations.

How does this verse relate to the significance of Jesus' early life?

This verse highlights the significance of Jesus' early life in the context of Jewish faith and tradition. By being presented at the temple, Jesus is recognized as a child of the covenant, fulfilling the law from the very beginning of His life. This moment is foundational, as it sets the stage for His future ministry and the fulfillment of God's promises. It emphasizes that Jesus was raised in a faithful environment, rooted in the customs and teachings of His heritage.

The Book of Luke
Book Summary

The Book of Luke

Luke 1: The Births of John the Baptist and Jesus Foretold

In the days of Herod, king of Judaea, a priest named Zacharias serves in the temple. He and his wife Elisabeth are both righteous but have no children because Elisabeth is barren, and they are both old. While Zacharias burns incense, the angel Gabriel appears to him and says Elisabeth will bear a son who is to be named John. The child will be great before the Lord, will drink no wine or strong drink, and will be filled with the Holy Ghost from his mother's womb. He will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God. Zacharias asks how he can know this, since he and his wife are old. Gabriel says Zacharias will be unable to speak until these things come to pass because he did not believe.

Premium

Unlock the full Luke summary

Continue reading every chapter — themes, structure, and turning points.

The complete summary of Luke — a chapter-by-chapter breakdown covering all 24 chapters.

What you get

Every chapter of Luke summarized in clear, modern English

How each section connects — narrative flow, key themes, and turning points

Permanent access — read anytime, on any device

Best Value

Best value • Save over 90%

or

One-time purchase • Access anytime

ClearBible summaries are proprietary content and may not be copied, republished, or resold.

Checkout works as a guest. After payment, you create an account to claim your unlock.