New Testament
Luke 2:6
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
While they were in Bethlehem, the time came for her baby to be born.
Compare translations
And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.
What Luke 2:6 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, we see Mary and Joseph in Bethlehem, fulfilling the prophecy that the Messiah would be born in this city. The phrase "the time came for her baby to be born" indicates that the moment God had planned for the birth of Jesus had arrived. This moment is significant not only for Mary and Joseph but for all of humanity, as it marks the beginning of the fulfillment of God's promise of salvation. The use of the word "accomplished" in the KJV emphasizes that this event was part of a divine plan that was set in motion long before. The birth of Jesus is a pivotal moment in the Christian faith, symbolizing hope, love, and the incarnation of God in human form. This verse sets the stage for the miraculous events that follow, highlighting the importance of Jesus' birth in the context of God's overarching narrative of redemption.
How to apply Luke 2:6 to your life
This verse reminds us of the importance of God's timing in our lives. Just as Mary and Joseph were in the right place at the right time for Jesus' birth, we can trust that God has a plan for us. We should remain patient and faithful, knowing that God is working in our lives even when we cannot see it.
Curated for this public verse page. Luke Summary
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: The Birth of Jesus (Luke 2:1–7)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Jesus
Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002724966). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Bethlehem, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Bethlehem
David's hometown, and the town where Jesus was born.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Luke 2:6
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Luke 2:6
Related Bible verses
Key themes
At a Glance — the Book of Luke
- Author
- Luke the physician
- Written
- Around AD 60-62
- Genre
- Gospel and history
- Original Audience
- Gentile Christians (addressed to Theophilus)
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Luke 2:6 mean?
Luke 2:6 describes the moment when Mary and Joseph were in Bethlehem, and it was time for Jesus to be born. This signifies the fulfillment of God's plan for the birth of the Messiah.
What is the significance of Bethlehem in Luke 2:6?
Bethlehem is significant in Luke 2:6 because it fulfills the prophecy that the Messiah would be born there, highlighting God's divine plan for salvation.
What does 'the days were accomplished' mean in Luke 2:6?
The phrase 'the days were accomplished' in Luke 2:6 indicates that the time God had set for Jesus' birth had arrived, emphasizing the importance of divine timing.
How does Luke 2:6 relate to God's timing?
Luke 2:6 illustrates God's perfect timing, showing that just as Mary and Joseph were in the right place for Jesus' birth, we can trust that God has a plan for our lives.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.