And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem;(because he was of the house and lineage of David:)

LUKE 2:4KJV
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Luke 2:4 (KJV)

What does Luke 2:4 mean?

Luke 2:4 describes how Joseph traveled from his home in Nazareth, a city in Galilee, to Bethlehem in Judea because he belonged to the family line of King David. This journey sets the stage for the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem, fulfilling ancient expectations about the Messiah’s birthplace.

The verse is part of the story where the Roman emperor has ordered a census, requiring everyone to return to their ancestral towns. Luke, the author, is explaining to his readers why Joseph and Mary leave Nazareth for Bethlehem. By mentioning Joseph’s descent from David, the verse highlights the connection between Jesus’ family and the royal line of Israel’s most famous king.

The Greek behind Luke 2:4

  • "ἀνέβη" (anebē, translated "went up"): In Greek, this word often means to go up to a higher place, which fits because Bethlehem is at a higher elevation than Nazareth. It also hints at the importance of the journey, as "going up" was often used for pilgrimages to significant cities like Jerusalem.
  • "οἶκος" (oikos, translated "house"): This word means "household" or "family." Here, it emphasizes that Joseph is not just from the region of David, but is part of David’s own family line.
  • "πατριά" (patria, translated "lineage"): This word refers to a clan or ancestral line. It underlines Joseph’s direct connection to David, which is important for understanding why Bethlehem—the city of David—is the destination.

Why Luke 2:4 matters

  • Luke 2:4 clarifies why Jesus is born in Bethlehem, even though his parents lived in Nazareth, connecting the story to Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah’s birthplace.
  • The verse highlights Joseph’s royal ancestry, which is a key point for readers who know the Messiah was expected to come from David’s line.
  • By mentioning both the "house" and "lineage" of David, Luke emphasizes the legitimacy of Jesus’ family background, setting up the significance of events that follow in the chapter.

Where else these words appear

“lineage” Greek G3965 · used in 3 verses

  • Acts 3:25 Ye are the children of the prophets, and of the covenant which God made with our fathers, saying unto Abraham, And in thy seed shall all the kindreds of the earth be blessed.
  • Ephesians 3:15 Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named,

“Bethlehembecause” Greek G965 · used in 8 verses

  • Matthew 2:1 Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem,
  • Matthew 2:6 And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel.
  • Matthew 2:16 Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the wise men, was exceeding wroth, and sent forth, and slew all the children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had diligently enquired of the wise men.

“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.

“Joseph” Greek G2501 · used in 34 verses

  • Matthew 1:16 And Jacob begat Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ.
  • Luke 1:27 To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin's name was Mary.
  • John 4:5 Then cometh he to a city of Samaria, which is called Sychar, near to the parcel of ground that Jacob gave to his son Joseph.