What does Luke 2:6 mean?

And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. Luke 2:6

Explanation

The verse Luke 2:6 from the King James Version (KJV) of the Bible refers to a significant event in Christianity: the birth of Jesus Christ. According to the account in Luke, Mary and Joseph were in Bethlehem when the time came for her to give birth. The verse indicates that Mary’s pregnancy reached full term while they were there, and she subsequently gave birth to Jesus. It underscores the fulfillment of the prophecy concerning the birth of the Messiah in Bethlehem and hints at the divine orchestration of events leading to this moment.

Historical Context

This verse is set in the context of the Roman Empire’s census that required people to return to their ancestral towns to be registered. Joseph, being of the house and lineage of David, traveled from Nazareth to Bethlehem with Mary, who was betrothed to him and was expecting a child. This journey fulfills the prophecy from Micah 5:2, which states that the Messiah would come from Bethlehem. The historical setting is likely in the first century AD, during the reign of Caesar Augustus.

Theological Insights

Theologians often discuss the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy in this verse, which is a common theme in Christian teachings. The birth of Jesus in Bethlehem rather than in Nazareth, where Mary and Joseph lived, points to the idea of divine providence. From a theological standpoint, this event is viewed as a pivotal moment in salvation history, signifying the incarnation of God in human form as a newborn child.

From a Christian perspective, the verse underscores the humbling circumstances of Christ’s birth, as further verses detail the lack of proper accommodations, leading to Jesus being born in a stable. This imagery of humility and simplicity is significant in Christian theology.

Practical Applications

For those who study the Bible, Luke 2:6 can serve as a reminder of the importance of trusting in divine timing and guidance. Believers are often encouraged to see through the simple circumstances of Jesus’ birth a model for humility and acceptance of God’s plans for their lives.

Cross-References

• Micah 5:2: “But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting.”
• Isaiah 7:14: “Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.”
• Matthew 1:21-23: “And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.”

Language Study

In the original Greek text, the phrase “the days were accomplished that she should be delivered” uses the word “πληρόω” (plēroō) which means to fulfill or to complete, indicating that the time for Mary to give birth was fully come. The phrase emphasizes the idea of completion and fulfillment of not only the pregnancy but also the divine plan.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Within the context of other ancient cultures and religions, the birth of significant figures was often accompanied by miraculous signs or prophecies. For instance, in Roman mythology, the birth of Romulus and Remus involved a series of supernatural events. Similarly, in Hinduism, Lord Krishna’s birth was marked by prophecies and divine interventions. The common thread across many cultures is the idea that the birth of a divine or heroic figure disrupts the ordinary course of history.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific perspective, childbirth is a natural process that follows a set period of gestation. The verse “the days were accomplished that she should be delivered” correlates with the concept of a full-term pregnancy in modern obstetrics, which is approximately 40 weeks. Scientifically, the description provided would be consistent with a normal gestational period coming to completion.

Commentaries

Bible commentators often provide insights on the historical and theological importance of this verse. John Calvin highlights the humility and the simplicity of Christ’s birth, while Matthew Henry draws attention to the fulfillment of prophetic scripture. Modern commentators discuss the role of divine timing and the manifestation of Old Testament prophecies in New Testament events. Overall, the consensus among commentators is that Luke 2:6 is an important verse that narrates the crucial event of Jesus’ birth and its implication in the broader narrative of the Christian faith.