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Shared Word Translation

Luke 2

The Birth of Jesus

In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the inhabited world should be registered. This was the first registration, taken while Quirinius was governing Syria. All went to be registered, each to their own city.

Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the city of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was descended from the house and family of David. He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was pledged, and who was expecting a child.

While they were there, the time came for her to give birth. She gave birth to her firstborn child, wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a feeding trough, because there was no place for them in the guest room.

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Notes

Translation notes for Luke 2.

v02

“the first registration” — The Greek wording can also be understood in relation to the registration associated with Quirinius. The historical relationship between Luke’s chronology and other ancient evidence remains debated, so the translation does not attempt to resolve the question within the main text.

v07

“guest room” — The Greek κατάλυμα (katalyma) can refer to a lodging place or guest room. Luke uses a different term for a commercial inn elsewhere. “Guest room” avoids introducing an innkeeper or commercial inn not mentioned in the text.

v11

“Savior … Messiah … Lord” — Three titles appear together. “Messiah” renders χριστός (christos), “anointed one,” while “Lord” preserves κύριος (kyrios) without reducing its range of meaning.

v14

“peace among those whom God favors” — Ancient manuscripts differ in the form of the final Greek word, producing readings commonly rendered either “among those whom God favors” or “goodwill among people.” The main text follows the critical reading reflected here.

v19

“treasured … pondered” — The two verbs distinguish keeping these events carefully from actively bringing them together in reflection. The wording does not imply that Mary fully understood their meaning.

v22

“their purification” — The critical Greek text reads “their purification,” although manuscript traditions vary. The wording is retained rather than silently changing the plural to refer only to Mary.

v25

“consolation of Israel” — παράκλησις (paraklēsis) can signify consolation, encouragement, or comfort. Here it expresses expectation of God’s promised restoration of Israel.

v32

“nations” — The Greek ἔθνη (ethnē) can be rendered “nations” or “Gentiles.” “Nations” preserves the broader sense of the term and the parallel with Israel.

v34

“falling and rising” — The Greek deliberately places falling and rising together. The translation preserves both the order and the tension without specifying whether the same or different people are in view.

v37

“to the age of eighty-four” — The Greek can be understood as describing Anna as eighty-four years old, though it has also been read as saying that she had lived as a widow for eighty-four years. The main text follows the former reading.

v38

“redemption of Jerusalem” — The expression speaks of deliverance or release associated with Jerusalem. The translation preserves the communal and geographic language rather than replacing it with a more generalized expression of salvation.

v49

“in my Father’s house” — The Greek phrase can be rendered “in my Father’s house,” “among the things of my Father,” or in a sense such as “about my Father’s affairs.” The immediate temple setting supports the wording in the main text, while the Greek retains a degree of ambiguity.

v51

“he was subject to them” — The verb describes Jesus placing himself under the ordering of his parents. Luke holds this statement beside Jesus’ declaration concerning his Father without explaining away the tension.

v52

“stature” — The Greek ἡλικία (hēlikia) can refer to physical stature or maturity/age. The translation retains “stature,” while the wider sense of maturation remains possible.

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Vocabulary

Selected source-language vocabulary for Luke 2.

v01

οἰκουμένη (oikoumenē)

“The inhabited world.” Often used for the inhabited or ordered world and, in an imperial context, for the world under Roman rule.

v05

ἐμνηστευμένη (emnēsteumenē)

“Pledged” or “betrothed.” A legally binding relationship stronger than what is usually implied by modern engagement.

v07

κατάλυμα (katalyma)

“Guest room” or “lodging place.” A place for lodging, often a room within a household; not necessarily a commercial inn.

v07

φάτνη (phatnē)

“Feeding trough” or “manger.” A place from which animals feed.

v10

εὐαγγελίζομαι (euangelizomai)

“To announce good news.” The verb describes the proclamation of news of joy or deliverance.

v11

σωτήρ (sōtēr)

“Savior” or “deliverer.” One who rescues or brings deliverance.

v11

χριστός (christos)

“Messiah” or “anointed one.” The Greek equivalent of the Hebrew title for one who has been anointed.

v11

κύριος (kyrios)

“Lord.” A term ranging from respectful address to a title of authority and, in biblical usage, frequently associated with the divine name.

v14

εἰρήνη (eirēnē)

“Peace.” Peace, wholeness, or restored well-being.

v19

συμβάλλω (symballō)

“To ponder” or “to bring together.” The verb can describe comparing or bringing matters together in reflection.

v25

παράκλησις (paraklēsis)

“Consolation,” “comfort,” or “encouragement.” Here associated with Israel’s anticipated restoration.

v30

σωτήριον (sōtērion)

“Salvation” or “saving deliverance.” That which brings or embodies God’s deliverance.

v32

ἀποκάλυψις (apokalypsis)

“Revelation” or “unveiling.” The making visible of what had been hidden.

v34

ἀνάστασις (anastasis)

“Rising” or “resurrection.” Literally a rising up; the immediate expression contrasts it with falling.

v38

λύτρωσις (lytrōsis)

“Redemption” or “release.” Deliverance expressed through the language of liberation or ransom.

v49

δεῖ (dei)

“It is necessary” or “it must be.” Often expresses necessity arising from divine purpose rather than ordinary obligation.

v51

ὑποτάσσω (hypotassō)

“To be subject” or “to place under.” To take an ordered position under another.

v52

ἡλικία (hēlikia)

“Stature,” “age,” or “maturity.” The term can describe physical growth as well as development toward maturity.

v52

χάρις (charis)

“Favor” or “grace.” Favor freely given; here describing Jesus’ growth in favor with God and people.