Luke 2:27 - He came in the Spirit into the temple. When the parents brought in the child, Jesus, that they might do concerning him according to the custom of the law,
Select Bible Verse
Filter Categories
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
R
S
T
U
V
W
What does "Luke 2:27" mean?
This verse from Luke 2:27 is packed with meaning and is crucial for understanding the significance of Jesus' dedication in the temple. Let's break it down:
"He came in the Spirit into the temple..." This refers to Simeon, an elderly man who was righteous and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel (the Messiah). The Holy Spirit had revealed to him that he would not die before seeing the Lord's Christ. This phrase emphasizes that Simeon's presence and actions in the temple are divinely inspired and guided. He didn't just happen to be there; he was led there by the Holy Spirit. This highlights the divine timing and purpose of the encounter.
"When the parents brought in the child, Jesus..." This refers to Mary and Joseph bringing the infant Jesus to the temple. "Parents" is used although Joseph was Jesus' adoptive father. They are fulfilling their religious obligations under Jewish law.
"...that they might do concerning him according to the custom of the law..." This speaks to Mary and Joseph's obedience to Jewish law. Specifically, this refers to two likely practices:
Redemption of the Firstborn (Exodus 13:2, 12-15; Numbers 18:15-16): The firstborn male belonged to God. Instead of sacrificing him, parents could redeem him by paying a price (usually five shekels). This act acknowledged God's ownership and the child's belonging to God.
Purification of the Mother (Leviticus 12:2-8): According to the Law, a woman was considered unclean for a certain period after childbirth. After this period, she was required to offer a sacrifice at the temple for purification. Since they brought a pair of doves or two young pigeons, it indicates they were poor and couldn't afford a lamb.
In summary, the verse means:
Led by the Holy Spirit, Simeon entered the temple at the exact moment Mary and Joseph were bringing the infant Jesus to fulfill the requirements of Jewish law concerning the redemption of the firstborn son and the purification of the mother.
Significance:
Divine Providence: God orchestrated this encounter between Simeon and Jesus.
Fulfillment of Prophecy: Simeon's presence and recognition of Jesus as the Messiah demonstrates the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies.
Obedience to the Law: Mary and Joseph, though divinely chosen, were still obedient to Jewish law.
Jesus' Identity: The encounter further validates Jesus' identity as the Messiah, not just to Simeon and Anna (mentioned later in the chapter), but also implicitly to the reader of the Gospel.
Humility: The sacrifice of doves reflects their poverty and Mary and Joseph's humble status.
The verse sets the stage for Simeon's prophetic words about Jesus, recognizing him as the "light for revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel" (Luke 2:32) and foretelling the suffering that Mary will endure. It's a pivotal moment in the Gospel narrative, revealing Jesus' destined role as the Messiah and foreshadowing the challenges he and his mother will face.
Luke 2:27 - He came in the Spirit into the temple. When the parents brought in the child, Jesus, that they might do concerning him according to the custom of the law,
What does "Luke 2:27" mean?
This verse from Luke 2:27 is packed with meaning and is crucial for understanding the significance of Jesus' dedication in the temple. Let's break it down:
"He came in the Spirit into the temple..." This refers to Simeon, an elderly man who was righteous and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel (the Messiah). The Holy Spirit had revealed to him that he would not die before seeing the Lord's Christ. This phrase emphasizes that Simeon's presence and actions in the temple are divinely inspired and guided. He didn't just happen to be there; he was led there by the Holy Spirit. This highlights the divine timing and purpose of the encounter.
"When the parents brought in the child, Jesus..." This refers to Mary and Joseph bringing the infant Jesus to the temple. "Parents" is used although Joseph was Jesus' adoptive father. They are fulfilling their religious obligations under Jewish law.
"...that they might do concerning him according to the custom of the law..." This speaks to Mary and Joseph's obedience to Jewish law. Specifically, this refers to two likely practices:
Redemption of the Firstborn (Exodus 13:2, 12-15; Numbers 18:15-16): The firstborn male belonged to God. Instead of sacrificing him, parents could redeem him by paying a price (usually five shekels). This act acknowledged God's ownership and the child's belonging to God.
Purification of the Mother (Leviticus 12:2-8): According to the Law, a woman was considered unclean for a certain period after childbirth. After this period, she was required to offer a sacrifice at the temple for purification. Since they brought a pair of doves or two young pigeons, it indicates they were poor and couldn't afford a lamb.
In summary, the verse means:
Led by the Holy Spirit, Simeon entered the temple at the exact moment Mary and Joseph were bringing the infant Jesus to fulfill the requirements of Jewish law concerning the redemption of the firstborn son and the purification of the mother.
Significance:
Divine Providence: God orchestrated this encounter between Simeon and Jesus.
Fulfillment of Prophecy: Simeon's presence and recognition of Jesus as the Messiah demonstrates the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies.
Obedience to the Law: Mary and Joseph, though divinely chosen, were still obedient to Jewish law.
Jesus' Identity: The encounter further validates Jesus' identity as the Messiah, not just to Simeon and Anna (mentioned later in the chapter), but also implicitly to the reader of the Gospel.
Humility: The sacrifice of doves reflects their poverty and Mary and Joseph's humble status.
The verse sets the stage for Simeon's prophetic words about Jesus, recognizing him as the "light for revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel" (Luke 2:32) and foretelling the suffering that Mary will endure. It's a pivotal moment in the Gospel narrative, revealing Jesus' destined role as the Messiah and foreshadowing the challenges he and his mother will face.