Luke 2:24 - and to offer a sacrifice according to that which is said in the law of the Lord, “A pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons.” Leviticus 12:8
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What does "Luke 2:24" mean?
This verse, Luke 2:24, describes an offering made by Mary and Joseph after the birth of Jesus. It refers back to a provision in the Law of Moses (specifically Leviticus 12:8) regarding purification offerings for a woman after childbirth. Let's break it down:
"And to offer a sacrifice according to that which is said in the law of the Lord..." This establishes that Mary and Joseph are following the prescriptions laid out in the Old Testament Law (Torah). They are obedient Jews.
"...“A pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons.” Leviticus 12:8" This quotes the specific part of the law they are following. Leviticus 12 outlines the ritual purification required of a woman after giving birth. The law stated that a lamb should be offered as a burnt offering and a young pigeon or turtledove as a sin offering. However, Leviticus 12:8 provides an exception for those who are poor. It states that if the woman cannot afford a lamb, she could offer two turtledoves or two young pigeons, one for the burnt offering and one for the sin offering.
Therefore, the meaning of Luke 2:24 is multi-layered:
1. Obedience to the Law: Mary and Joseph are devout Jews who are fulfilling the requirements of the Law of Moses. This highlights their commitment to their faith.
2. Poverty: The fact that they offered the alternative offering (turtledoves/pigeons instead of a lamb) indicates that they were of humble means. This detail emphasizes the socio-economic context of Jesus' birth: He was born into a poor family.
3. Fulfillment of Prophecy: Some see this as a subtle fulfillment of prophecy or foreshadowing. While not a direct prophecy, it aligns with the theme of Jesus being born into a humble and unassuming situation, contrasting with the expectations of a Messiah who would be a powerful king.
4. The nature of the sacrifice. The sacrifice they offer at this time is a sin offering, which would normally be for the new mother to offer to be purified. The fact that Mary needed to be purified highlights the fact that even a woman chosen to bear God’s son had to follow the law.
In essence, Luke 2:24 paints a picture of Mary and Joseph as a pious, law-abiding, and financially modest couple fulfilling their religious obligations after the birth of their son, Jesus. It subtly underscores the humility and poverty surrounding the circumstances of Jesus' birth.
Luke 2:24 - and to offer a sacrifice according to that which is said in the law of the Lord, “A pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons.” Leviticus 12:8
What does "Luke 2:24" mean?
This verse, Luke 2:24, describes an offering made by Mary and Joseph after the birth of Jesus. It refers back to a provision in the Law of Moses (specifically Leviticus 12:8) regarding purification offerings for a woman after childbirth. Let's break it down:
"And to offer a sacrifice according to that which is said in the law of the Lord..." This establishes that Mary and Joseph are following the prescriptions laid out in the Old Testament Law (Torah). They are obedient Jews.
"...“A pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons.” Leviticus 12:8" This quotes the specific part of the law they are following. Leviticus 12 outlines the ritual purification required of a woman after giving birth. The law stated that a lamb should be offered as a burnt offering and a young pigeon or turtledove as a sin offering. However, Leviticus 12:8 provides an exception for those who are poor. It states that if the woman cannot afford a lamb, she could offer two turtledoves or two young pigeons, one for the burnt offering and one for the sin offering.
Therefore, the meaning of Luke 2:24 is multi-layered:
1. Obedience to the Law: Mary and Joseph are devout Jews who are fulfilling the requirements of the Law of Moses. This highlights their commitment to their faith.
2. Poverty: The fact that they offered the alternative offering (turtledoves/pigeons instead of a lamb) indicates that they were of humble means. This detail emphasizes the socio-economic context of Jesus' birth: He was born into a poor family.
3. Fulfillment of Prophecy: Some see this as a subtle fulfillment of prophecy or foreshadowing. While not a direct prophecy, it aligns with the theme of Jesus being born into a humble and unassuming situation, contrasting with the expectations of a Messiah who would be a powerful king.
4. The nature of the sacrifice. The sacrifice they offer at this time is a sin offering, which would normally be for the new mother to offer to be purified. The fact that Mary needed to be purified highlights the fact that even a woman chosen to bear God’s son had to follow the law.
In essence, Luke 2:24 paints a picture of Mary and Joseph as a pious, law-abiding, and financially modest couple fulfilling their religious obligations after the birth of their son, Jesus. It subtly underscores the humility and poverty surrounding the circumstances of Jesus' birth.