And when they had performed all things according to the law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own city Nazareth.

LUKE 2:39KJV
Know the Bible

Luke 2:39 (KJV)

What does Luke 2:39 mean?

Luke 2:39 means that after Mary and Joseph finished doing everything required by God’s law for their newborn son Jesus, they left Jerusalem and returned home to Nazareth in the region of Galilee. This verse marks the end of their time in Jerusalem after Jesus’ birth and shows their obedience to religious customs.

Luke is narrating to his readers, describing how Jesus’ parents carefully followed the Jewish laws after his birth—such as purification and presenting him at the temple. Once these duties were completed, the family returned to their hometown, Nazareth, setting the stage for Jesus’ upbringing there. This verse connects the events in Jerusalem with Jesus’ early life in Galilee, emphasizing the family’s faithfulness and the ordinary setting where Jesus would grow up.

Where else these words appear

“Nazareth” Greek G3478 · used in 12 verses

  • Matthew 2:23 And he came and dwelt in a city called Nazareth: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophets, He shall be called a Nazarene.
  • Mark 1:9 And it came to pass in those days, that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee, and was baptized of John in Jordan.
  • Luke 4:16 And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up: and, as his custom was, he went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and stood up for to read.

“performed” Greek G5055 · used in 26 verses

  • Matthew 10:23 But when they persecute you in this city, flee ye into another: for verily I say unto you, Ye shall not have gone over the cities of Israel, till the Son of man be come.
  • Luke 22:37 For I say unto you, that this that is written must yet be accomplished in me, And he was reckoned among the transgressors: for the things concerning me have an end.
  • James 2:8 If ye fulfil the royal law according to the scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself, ye do well:

“returned” Greek G5290 · used in 35 verses

  • Mark 14:40 And when he returned, he found them asleep again,(for their eyes were heavy,) neither wist they what to answer him.
  • Luke 10:17 And the seventy returned again with joy, saying, Lord, even the devils are subject unto us through thy name.
  • Acts 8:25 And they, when they had testified and preached the word of the Lord, returned to Jerusalem, and preached the gospel in many villages of the Samaritans.

“things” Greek G537 · used in 43 verses

  • Matthew 6:32 (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.
  • Luke 8:37 Then the whole multitude of the country of the Gadarenes round about besought him to depart from them; for they were taken with great fear: and he went up into the ship, and returned back again.
  • Acts 2:44 And all that believed were together, and had all things common;