Luke 2 Parallel Bible

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	ESV English Standard Version	HCSB Holman Christian Standard Bible	KJV King James Version	NASB New American Standard Bible
1	In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered.	In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that the whole empire should be registered.	And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed.	Now in those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus, that a census be taken of all the inhabited earth.
2	This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria.	This first registration took place while Quirinius was governing Syria.	(And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)	This was the first census taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria.
3	And all went to be registered, each to his own town.	So everyone went to be registered, each to his own town.	And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.	And all the people were on their way to register for the census, each to his own city.
4	And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David,	And Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family line of David,	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:)	Now Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the city of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David,
5	to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child.	to be registered along with Mary, who was engaged to him and was pregnant.	To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.	in order to register along with Mary, who was betrothed to him, and was pregnant.
6	And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth.	While they were there, the time came for her to give birth.	And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.	While they were there, the time came for her to give birth.
7	And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.	Then she gave birth to her firstborn Son, and she wrapped Him snugly in cloth and laid Him in a feeding trough—because there was no room for them at the lodging place.	And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.	And she gave birth to her firstborn son; and she wrapped Him in cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.
8	And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.	In the same region, shepherds were staying out in the fields and keeping watch at night over their flock.	And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.	In the same region there were some shepherds staying out in the fields and keeping watch over their flock at night.
9	And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear.	Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.	And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.	And an angel of the Lord suddenly stood near them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them; and they were terribly frightened.
10	And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.	But the angel said to them, “Don’t be afraid, for look, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people:	And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.	And so the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people;
11	For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.	Today a Savior, who is Messiah the Lord, was born for you in the city of David.	For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.	for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.
12	And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.”	This will be the sign for you: You will find a baby wrapped snugly in cloth and lying in a feeding trough.”	And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.	And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”
13	And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,	Suddenly there was a multitude of the heavenly host with the angel, praising God and saying:	And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,	And suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of the heavenly army of angels praising God and saying,
14	“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”	Glory to God in the highest heaven, and peace on earth to people He favors!	Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.	“Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace among people with whom He is pleased.”
15	When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.”	When the angels had left them and returned to heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go straight to Bethlehem and see what has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.”	And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.	When the angels had departed from them into heaven, the shepherds began saying to one another, “Let’s go straight to Bethlehem, then, and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.”
16	And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger.	They hurried off and found both Mary and Joseph, and the baby who was lying in the feeding trough.	And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.	And they came in a hurry and found their way to Mary and Joseph, and the baby as He lay in the manger.
17	And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child.	After seeing them, they reported the message they were told about this child,	And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.	When they had seen Him, they made known the statement which had been told them about this Child.
18	And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them.	and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them.	And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.	And all who heard it were amazed about the things which were told them by the shepherds.
19	But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart.	But Mary was treasuring up all these things in her heart and meditating on them.	But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.	But Mary treasured all these things, pondering them in her heart.
20	And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.	The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had seen and heard, just as they had been told.	And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.	And the shepherds went back, glorifying and praising God for all that they had heard and seen, just as had been told them.
21	And at the end of eight days, when he was circumcised, he was called Jesus, the name given by the angel before he was conceived in the womb.	When the eight days were completed for His circumcision, He was named Jesus—the name given by the angel before He was conceived.	And when eight days were accomplished for the circumcising of the child, his name was called JESUS, which was so named of the angel before he was conceived in the womb.	And when eight days were completed so that it was time for His circumcision, He was also named Jesus, the name given by the angel before He was conceived in the womb.
22	And when the time came for their purification according to the Law of Moses, they brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord	And when the days of their purification according to the law of Moses were finished, they brought Him up to Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord	And when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were accomplished, they brought him to Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord;	And when the days for their purification according to the Law of Moses were completed, they brought Him up to Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord
23	(as it is written in the Law of the Lord, “Every male who first opens the womb shall be called holy to the Lord”)	(just as it is written in the law of the Lord: Every firstborn male will be dedicated to the Lord)	(As it is written in the law of the Lord, Every male that openeth the womb shall be called holy to the Lord;)	(as it is written in the Law of the Lord: “EVERY FIRSTBORN MALE THAT OPENS THE WOMB SHALL BE CALLED HOLY TO THE LORD”),
24	and to offer a sacrifice according to what is said in the Law of the Lord, “a pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons.”	and to offer a sacrifice (according to what is stated in the law of the Lord: a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons).	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.	and to offer a sacrifice according to what has been stated in the Law of the Lord: “A PAIR OF TURTLEDOVES OR TWO YOUNG DOVES.”
25	Now there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon, and this man was righteous and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him.	There was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon. This man was righteous and devout, looking forward to Israel’s consolation, and the Holy Spirit was on him.	And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him.	And there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon; and this man was righteous and devout, looking forward to the consolation of Israel; and the Holy Spirit was upon him.
26	And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ.	It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he saw the Lord’s Messiah.	And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord's Christ.	And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ.
27	And he came in the Spirit into the temple, and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him according to the custom of the Law,	Guided by the Spirit, he entered the temple complex. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to perform for Him what was customary under the law,	And he came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law,	And he came by the Spirit into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to carry out for Him the custom of the Law,
28	he took him up in his arms and blessed God and said,	Simeon took Him up in his arms, praised God, and said:	Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said,	then he took Him in his arms, and blessed God, and said,
29	“Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace, according to your word;	Now, Master, You can dismiss Your slave in peace, as You promised.	Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word:	“Now, Lord, You are letting Your bond-servant depart in peace, According to Your word;
30	for my eyes have seen your salvation	For my eyes have seen Your salvation.	For mine eyes have seen thy salvation,	For my eyes have seen Your salvation,
31	that you have prepared in the presence of all peoples,	You have prepared it in the presence of all peoples—	Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people;	Which You have prepared in the presence of all the peoples:
32	a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to your people Israel.”	a light for revelation to the Gentiles and glory to Your people Israel.	A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.	A light for revelation for the Gentiles, And the glory of Your people Israel.”
33	And his father and his mother marveled at what was said about him.	His father and mother were amazed at what was being said about Him.	And Joseph and his mother marvelled at those things which were spoken of him.	And His father and mother were amazed at the things which were being said about Him.
34	And Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, “Behold, this child is appointed for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that is opposed	Then Simeon blessed them and told His mother Mary: “Indeed, this child is destined to cause the fall and rise of many in Israel and to be a sign that will be opposed—	And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against;	And Simeon blessed them and said to His mother Mary, “Behold, this Child is appointed for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and as a sign to be opposed—
35	(and a sword will pierce through your own soul also), so that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed.”	and a sword will pierce your own soul—that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.”	(Yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also,) that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.	and a sword will pierce your own soul—to the end that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed.”
36	And there was a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was advanced in years, having lived with her husband seven years from when she was a virgin,	There was also a prophetess, Anna, a daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was well along in years, having lived with her husband seven years after her marriage,	And there was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Aser: she was of a great age, and had lived with an husband seven years from her virginity;	And there was a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was advanced in years and had lived with her husband for seven years after her marriage,
37	and then as a widow until she was eighty-four. She did not depart from the temple, worshiping with fasting and prayer night and day.	and was a widow for 84 years. She did not leave the temple complex, serving God night and day with fasting and prayers.	And she was a widow of about fourscore and four years, which departed not from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day.	and then as a widow to the age of eighty-four. She did not leave the temple grounds, serving night and day with fasts and prayers.
38	And coming up at that very hour she began to give thanks to God and to speak of him to all who were waiting for the redemption of Jerusalem.	At that very moment, she came up and began to thank God and to speak about Him to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.	And she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem.	And at that very moment she came up and began giving thanks to God, and continued to speak about Him to all those who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.
39	And when they had performed everything according to the Law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth.	When they had completed everything according to the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth.	And when they had performed all things according to the law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own city Nazareth.	And when His parents had completed everything in accordance with the Law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own city of Nazareth.
40	And the child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom. And the favor of God was upon him.	The boy grew up and became strong, filled with wisdom, and God’s grace was on Him.	And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him.	Now the Child continued to grow and to become strong, increasing in wisdom; and the favor of God was upon Him.
41	Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the Feast of the Passover.	Every year His parents traveled to Jerusalem for the Passover Festival.	Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the feast of the passover.	His parents went to Jerusalem every year at the Feast of the Passover.
42	And when he was twelve years old, they went up according to custom.	When He was 12 years old, they went up according to the custom of the festival.	And when he was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem after the custom of the feast.	And when He was twelve years old, they went up there according to the custom of the feast;
43	And when the feast was ended, as they were returning, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem. His parents did not know it,	After those days were over, as they were returning, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem, but His parents did not know it.	And when they had fulfilled the days, as they returned, the child Jesus tarried behind in Jerusalem; and Joseph and his mother knew not of it.	and as they were returning, after spending the full number of days required, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem, but His parents were unaware of it.
44	but supposing him to be in the group they went a day’s journey, but then they began to search for him among their relatives and acquaintances,	Assuming He was in the traveling party, they went a day’s journey. Then they began looking for Him among their relatives and friends.	But they, supposing him to have been in the company, went a day's journey; and they sought him among their kinsfolk and acquaintance.	Instead, they thought that He was somewhere in the caravan, and they went a day’s journey; and then they began looking for Him among their relatives and acquaintances.
45	and when they did not find him, they returned to Jerusalem, searching for him.	When they did not find Him, they returned to Jerusalem to search for Him.	And when they found him not, they turned back again to Jerusalem, seeking him.	And when they did not find Him, they returned to Jerusalem, looking for Him.
46	After three days they found him in the temple, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions.	After three days, they found Him in the temple complex sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions.	And it came to pass, that after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions.	Then, after three days they found Him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, both listening to them and asking them questions.
47	And all who heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers.	And all those who heard Him were astounded at His understanding and His answers.	And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers.	And all who heard Him were amazed at His understanding and His answers.
48	And when his parents saw him, they were astonished. And his mother said to him, “Son, why have you treated us so? Behold, your father and I have been searching for you in great distress.”	When His parents saw Him, they were astonished, and His mother said to Him, “Son, why have You treated us like this? Your father and I have been anxiously searching for You.”	And when they saw him, they were amazed: and his mother said unto him, Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? behold, thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing.	When Joseph and Mary saw Him, they were bewildered; and His mother said to Him, “Son, why have You treated us this way? Behold, Your father and I have been anxiously looking for You!”
49	And he said to them, “Why were you looking for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father’s house?”	“Why were you searching for Me?” He asked them. “Didn’t you know that I had to be in My Father’s house?”	And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father's business?	And He said to them, “Why is it that you were looking for Me? Did you not know that I had to be in My Father’s house?”
50	And they did not understand the saying that he spoke to them.	But they did not understand what He said to them.	And they understood not the saying which he spake unto them.	And yet they on their part did not understand the statement which He had made to them.
51	And he went down with them and came to Nazareth and was submissive to them. And his mother treasured up all these things in her heart.	Then He went down with them and came to Nazareth and was obedient to them. His mother kept all these things in her heart.	And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject unto them: but his mother kept all these sayings in her heart.	And He went down with them and came to Nazareth, and He continued to be subject to them; and His mother treasured all these things in her heart.
52	And Jesus increased in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and man.	And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and with people.	And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.	And Jesus kept increasing in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and people.
	Read English Standard Version Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles.	Read Holman Christian Standard Bible Copyright © 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2009 by Holman Bible Publishers.	Read King James Version Public domain.	Read New American Standard Bible Copyright © 2020 by The Lockman Foundation.

Luke 2 Parallel Bible Translations