Luke 2:22-52 ▼

22 And when the days of her purification were accomplished according to the law of Moses, they brought him to Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord;

23 as it is written in the law of the Lord, Every male child, that openeth the womb, shall be called holy to the Lord;

24 and to offer a sacrifice, according to what is prescribed in the law of the Lord, A pair of turtle doves, or two young pigeons.

25 And, behold, there was a man at Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and this man was righteous and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him.

26 And it had been divinely communicated to him by the Holy Spirit, that he should not see death, till he had seen the Lord's Messiah.

27 And he came by the spirit into the temple; just as the parents were bringing in the child Jesus, that they might do according to what was the custom of the law concerning him;

28 and he took him into his arms, and blessed God, and said,

29 Now dismiss thy servant, Lord, according to thy word, in peace;

30 for my eyes have seen thy salvation,

31 which thou hast prepared before the face of all people.

32 A light to give revelation to the Gentiles, and glory to thy people Israel.

33 And Joseph and his mother were amazed at the things spoken concerning him.

34 And Simeon blessed them, and said to Mary his mother, Behold, this child is appointed for the fall, and rising again of many in Israel; and for a marked object to be spoken against;

35 (so shall a dart pierce through thy own soul) that the reasonings of many hearts may be laid open,

36 And there was Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asser: she was far advanced in old age, having lived but seven years with a husband, from her virgin state:

37 though she was now a widow, of about eighty-four years, who departed not from the temple, attending the divine service, with fastings and prayers night and day:

38 and at the very same moment coming up, she also in turn confessed the Lord, and spake of him to all who were expecting redemption in Jerusalem.

39 And when they had finished all things according to the law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, into their own city Nazareth.

40 And the child grew, and became endued with great powers of spirit, filled with wisdom; and the grace of God was upon him.

41 And his parents went annually to Jerusalem at the feast of the passover.

42 And when he was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem, according to the custom of the feast.

43 And when they had concluded the days, as they were returning, the child Jesus remained at Jerusalem, and Joseph and his mother knew it not:

44 but supposing him to be in the company, they went a day's journey; and they sought him among their relations and acquaintances;

45 and not finding him, they returned to Jerusalem in search of him.

46 And it came to pass after three days, they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them and asking them questions.

47 And all who heard him, were in a transport of admiration, at his understanding and answers.

48 And when they saw him, they were struck with surprise; and his mother said to him, Son, why hast thou behaved to us in this manner? lo! thy father and I have been seeking thee in anguish of heart.

49 And he said unto them, Wherefore did ye seek me? did you not know, that I must be occupied with my Father's affairs?

50 And they understood not the meaning of what he spake to them.

51 And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was in subjection to them: though his mother preserved all these sayings in her heart.

52 And Jesus advanced in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and men.