Scofield Reference Bible Notes
Luke 2

Luk 2:1 And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed.

world

Greek oikoumene, = "inhabited earth." This passage is noteworthy as defining the usual N.T. use of oikoumene as the sphere of Roman rule at its greatest extent, that is, of the great Gentile world-monarchies (Dan 2; 7). That part of the earth is therefore peculiarly the sphere of prophecy.

oikoumene = inhabited earth (Luk 2:1).

Luk 2:4 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:)

Bethlehem

Mic 5:2; 1Sa 17:12.

Luk 2:7 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.

she brought forth her firstborn son

Mat 1:25; Isa 7:14.

Luk 2:9 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.

angel [See also Luk 2:13, 15, 21.]

Scofield Hebrews 1:4, note.

Luk 2:10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

good tidings

Gospel. Luk 2:10-11; Luk 4:18. (Gen 12:1-3; Rev 14:6.)

Luk 2:11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

Saviour

Scofield Romans 1:16, note.

Luk 2:14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

peace

Cf. Scofield Matthew 10:34, note.

good will

2Co 5:18, 20; Eph 2:14, 18.

Luk 2:21 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.

the circumcising of the child

Lev 12:3; Gal 4:4-5; 5:3.

JESUS

Luk 1:31; Mat 1:21.

Luk 2:22 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;

days of her purification

Sanctify, holy (persons) (N.T.). Luk 9:26. (Mat 4:5; Rev 22:11.)

Luk 2:23 (As it is written in the law of the Lord, Every male that openeth the womb shall be called holy to the Lord;)

Lord

Jehovah. Exo 13:2, 12.

Every male that openeth the womb

Exo 13:12, 16; Num 8:17

Luk 2:24 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.

A pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons

Lev 12:8.

Luk 2:25 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.

just and devout

Righteousness. (Gen 6:9.)

The O.T. righteousness. Summary: In the O.T. "righteous" and "just" are English words used to translate the Hebrew words yasher, "upright"; tsadiq, "just"; tsidkah, "righteous." In all of these words but one idea inheres: the righteous, or just, man is so called, because he is right with God; and he is right with God because he has walked "in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless" (Luk 1:6; Rom 10:5; Phl 3:6). The O.T. righteous man was not sinless (Ecc 7:20), but one who, for his sins, resorted to the ordinances, and offered in faith the required sacrifice (e.g. Lev 4:27-35). Cf. "Righteousness (N.T.), Scofield Romans 10:10, note, and Paul's contrast, Phl 3:4-9.

Holy Ghost

Holy Spirit (N.T.). Luk 2:25-27, 40; Luk 3:16, 22. (Mat 1:18; Act 2:4.)

Luk 2:29 Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word:

depart in peace

Isa 57:1-2; Rev 14:13.

Luk 2:30 For mine eyes have seen thy salvation,

salvation

Scofield Romans 1:16, note.

Luk 2:32 A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.

A light to lighten the Gentiles

Isa 42:6-7.

Luk 2:34 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;

the fall and rising again

Isa 8:14; Rom 9:32-33; 1Co 1:23-24; 2Co 2:16; 1Pe 2:7

Luk 2:35 (Yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also,) that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.

pierce through thy own soul

Jhn 19:25

thoughts…may be revealed

1Co 11:19; 1Jo 2:19.

Luk 2:37 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.

prayers night and day

1Ti 5:5.

Luk 2:38 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.

redemption

Scofield Romans 3:24, note.

Luk 2:39 And when they had performed all things according to the law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own city Nazareth.

Nazareth

Mat 2:23.

Luk 2:41 Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the feast of the passover.

every year at the feast of the passover [the month Abib]

Exo 23:15; Deu 16:1.

Luk 2:49 And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father's business?

I must be about my Father's business

Jhn 9:4.

Luk 2:52 And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.

increased in wisdom and stature

Isa 11:2-3; Col 2:2-3.