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 2:22KJV
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Luke 2:22 (KJV)

What does Luke 2:22 mean?

Luke 2:22 describes how, after the required days for Mary’s purification were completed according to the law of Moses, Mary and Joseph brought Jesus to Jerusalem to present him to God. This verse shows the family following Jewish customs and laws after Jesus’ birth.

The setting is shortly after Jesus’ birth, with Mary and Joseph acting in obedience to the religious laws given through Moses. The verse refers to the purification period a woman observed after childbirth, as outlined in the Old Testament, and the tradition of presenting a firstborn son at the temple. Luke is narrating this to show Jesus’ family’s faithfulness to Jewish law and tradition.

The Greek behind Luke 2:22

  • καθαρισμός (katharismos, G2512): This word means “purification.” In this context, it refers to the ceremonial cleansing required for a woman after childbirth, as described in the law of Moses. It highlights the family’s observance of religious rituals.
  • νόμος (nomos, G3551): This is the Greek word for “law,” specifically pointing to the law of Moses. The verse emphasizes that Mary and Joseph’s actions were in line with the established religious requirements.
  • προσφέρω (prospherō, G3936): Translated here as “to present,” this word means to bring or offer someone or something. It underlines the act of dedicating Jesus to God at the temple, a significant moment in Jewish tradition.

Why Luke 2:22 matters

  • Luke 2:22 clarifies that Jesus’ family was observant of Jewish law, countering any idea that they disregarded the traditions of their people.
  • The verse connects Jesus’ early life to the Old Testament, showing continuity between the Hebrew Scriptures and the story of Jesus.
  • This detail sets the stage for the following events in the temple, including the encounters with Simeon and Anna, which further reveal Jesus’ identity and mission.

Where else these words appear

“purification” Greek G2512 · used in 7 verses

  • Mark 1:44 And saith unto him, See thou say nothing to any man: but go thy way, shew thyself to the priest, and offer for thy cleansing those things which Moses commanded, for a testimony unto them.
  • John 2:6 And there were set there six waterpots of stone, after the manner of the purifying of the Jews, containing two or three firkins apiece.
  • Hebrews 1:3 Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high;

“accomplished” Greek G4130 · used in 24 verses

  • Matthew 22:10 So those servants went out into the highways, and gathered together all as many as they found, both bad and good: and the wedding was furnished with guests.
  • Luke 2:6 And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.
  • Acts 3:10 And they knew that it was he which sat for alms at the Beautiful gate of the temple: and they were filled with wonder and amazement at that which had happened unto him.

“brought” Greek G321 · used in 24 verses

  • Matthew 4:1 Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil.
  • Acts 13:13 Now when Paul and his company loosed from Paphos, they came to Perga in Pamphylia: and John departing from them returned to Jerusalem.
  • Acts 27:2 And entering into a ship of Adramyttium, we launched, meaning to sail by the coasts of Asia; one Aristarchus, a Macedonian of Thessalonica, being with us.

“present” Greek G3936 · used in 40 verses

  • Matthew 26:53 Thinkest thou that I cannot now pray to my Father, and he shall presently give me more than twelve legions of angels?
  • Acts 4:10 Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole.
  • Romans 6:19 I speak after the manner of men because of the infirmity of your flesh: for as ye have yielded your members servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity; even so now yield your members servants to righteousness unto holiness.