Luke 2:23
(As it is written in the law of the Lord, Euery male that openeth the wombe, shalbe called holy to the Lord) Luke 2:23 (KJV)
When Mary and Joseph presented the infant Jesus at the temple they offered a sacrifice “according to what is said in the law of the Lord,” referring to the purification requirements after childbirth found in Leviticus 12:2‑8.
Luke 2:23 is part of the narrative of Jesus’ birth and early life. After the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem, Mary and Joseph brought Him to Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord, as prescribed by the law of Moses concerning the purification of a mother after childbirth (Leviticus 12:2‑8). This act of dedication or presentation was a customary practice for Jewish parents.
In this passage Luke emphasizes that Mary and Joseph were following the requirements of the Mosaic Law. According to the law every firstborn male was to be consecrated to God and considered holy. This command is found in Exodus 13:2, where God instructed the Israelites to consecrate to Him every firstborn male from both humans and animals. It is also recorded in Exodus 13:12‑13, where God instructed the Israelites to set apart to Him every firstborn male among humans and animals. By fulfilling this law Mary and Joseph demonstrated their obedience to God’s commandments.
The phrase “Every male that openeth the womb shall be called holy to the Lord” highlights the special designation of Jesus as the firstborn son. In Jewish tradition the firstborn held particular significance, and Christians understand Jesus to be uniquely holy as the Son of God.
Luke often highlights how Jesus fulfilled Old Testament expectations. By linking the presentation of Jesus to the law concerning firstborns, Luke connects this event to the broader theme of Jesus as the promised Messiah who embodies God’s covenant promises.
Luke 2:23 teaches the importance of obeying God’s commands and recognizing the fulfillment of divine promises. It reminds believers to honor and dedicate their lives to God, following the faithful example of Mary and Joseph in carrying out the rituals prescribed by the Law.
