King James Version

What Does Luke 2:4 Mean?

Luke 2:4 in the King James Version says “And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called ... — study this verse from Luke chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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 2:4 · KJV


Context

2

( And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)

3

And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.

4

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:)

5

To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.

6

And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Joseph going 'from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem' emphasizes the geographic movement necessary to fulfill prophecy. The phrase 'because he was of the house and lineage of David' explains both why Joseph went to Bethlehem and Jesus's legal right to David's throne. That Jesus's adoptive father descends from David establishes messianic credentials through legal lineage, while Matthew's genealogy traces Mary's biological descent. God's providence arranged that both Mary's biological and Joseph's legal lines descend from David. The approximately 80-mile journey, difficult for pregnant Mary, demonstrates obedience to governmental authority and divine providence.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Bethlehem, David's birthplace, was the prophesied location of Messiah's birth (Micah 5:2). Joseph and Mary's residence in Nazareth seemed to conflict with prophecy, yet God used Roman census to bring them to Bethlehem at precisely the right time. This demonstrates God's meticulous orchestration of history.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God use circumstances to position people where they need to be?
  2. Why is Jesus's connection to David through both legal and biological lines significant?
  3. What does Joseph's obedience to difficult governmental requirements teach about submission to authority?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 28 words
Ἀνέβη1 of 28

went up

G305

to go up (literally or figuratively)

δὲ2 of 28

And

G1161

but, and, etc

καὶ3 of 28

also

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

Ἰωσὴφ4 of 28

Joseph

G2501

joseph, the name of seven israelites

ἀπὸ5 of 28

from

G575

"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)

τῆς6 of 28
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

Γαλιλαίας7 of 28

Galilee

G1056

galilaea (i.e., the heathen circle), a region of palestine

ἐξ8 of 28

of

G1537

a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct

πόλιν9 of 28

the city

G4172

a town (properly, with walls, of greater or less size)

Ναζαρὲτ10 of 28

of Nazareth

G3478

nazareth or nazaret, a place in palestine

εἰς11 of 28

into

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

τὴν12 of 28
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

Ἰουδαίαν13 of 28

Judaea

G2449

the judaean land (i.e., judaea), a region of palestine

εἰς14 of 28

into

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

πόλιν15 of 28

the city

G4172

a town (properly, with walls, of greater or less size)

Δαβίδ,16 of 28

of David

G1138

david, the israelite king

ἥτις17 of 28

which

G3748

which some, i.e., any that; also (definite) which same

καλεῖται18 of 28

is called

G2564

to "call" (properly, aloud, but used in a variety of applications, directly or otherwise)

Βηθλέεμ19 of 28

Bethlehem

G965

bethleem (i.e., beth-lechem), a place in palestine

διὰ20 of 28

(because

G1223

through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)

τὸ21 of 28
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

εἶναι22 of 28

he was

G1511

to exist

αὐτὸν23 of 28
G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

ἐξ24 of 28

of

G1537

a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct

οἴκου25 of 28

the house

G3624

a dwelling (more or less extensive, literal or figurative); by implication, a family (more or less related, literally or figuratively)

καὶ26 of 28

also

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

πατριᾶς27 of 28

lineage

G3965

paternal descent, i.e., (concretely) a group of families or a whole race (nation)

Δαβίδ,28 of 28

of David

G1138

david, the israelite king


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Luke. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Luke 2:4 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Luke 2:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Places in This Verse

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study