(as it is written in the Law of the Lord, “Every male who first opens the womb shall be called holy to the Lord”)
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse highlights that Jesus, as the firstborn male, was not just born, but was dedicated by law to the Lord. This ritual wasn't a burden for Joseph and Mary, but a way they recognized Jesus’ divine identity and purpose from the very beginning.
(as it is written in the Law of the Lord, “Every male who first opens the womb shall be called holy to the Lord”)
English Standard Version (ESV)
Mary and Joseph have brought the infant Jesus to the Temple in Jerusalem. This follows the completion of Mary’s purification period after childbirth and fulfills the requirement to present the firstborn son to the Lord. The text emphasizes their obedience to the Law of Moses, which dictated that all firstborn males were holy to the Lord and often required redemption.
Why would the Law of Moses command that every firstborn son be 'holy to the Lord'? It wasn't just a legal formality, but a profound act of remembrance.
The command for the firstborn male to be 'holy to the Lord' stemmed from a pivotal moment in Israel's history: the Exodus.
A Debt of Remembrance
When God struck down the firstborn of Egypt, He spared the firstborn of Israel. This act of divine deliverance created a sacred claim. In remembrance of this saving act, every firstborn male was to be dedicated to the Lord, signifying that their very lives were a gift from God, preserved by His power.
Setting Apart and Redemption
This dedication meant the firstborn was consecrated, set apart for God's service. While the entire tribe of Levi was eventually set apart to serve God in the Tabernacle and Temple, all other firstborn males were to be 'redeemed.' This redemption, often a set payment, acknowledged God's ultimate ownership and allowed the child to remain with his family, but under God's claim.
Jesus, the Son of God, was also a firstborn son. How does His presentation in the Temple relate to this ancient law, and what does it reveal about Him?
Jesus, as the firstborn son of Mary, was subject to the Law of Moses, just like any other Israelite child.
Fulfilling Every Requirement
Luke emphasizes that Joseph and Mary 'did according to the custom of the Law of the Lord' (Luke 2:23). This means they presented Jesus, paid the redemption price (though not explicitly mentioned here, it was part of the custom for firstborns not of the priestly or Levitical line), and offered the required sacrifice. This highlights Jesus' perfect obedience and His submission to the very laws He would fulfill.
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A Deeper Holiness
While the law declared firstborn males 'holy to the Lord' as a reminder of God's deliverance, Jesus Himself is holy. He is not merely dedicated to the Lord; He is the Lord's. His presentation wasn't just a legal requirement but a revelation of His true identity – the holy Son of God, who would ultimately redeem not just Himself, but all of humanity.
Understand the original words
hagios · Greek Adjective
Set apart exclusively for God’s service and presence; it denotes a state of moral purity and dedication to the divine will.
This verse points to an ancient Israelite law rooted in the Exodus, requiring the dedication or redemption of firstborn males. Jesus, as the firstborn son, is presented at the Temple, fulfilling this law and highlighting His unique status and the devout obedience of Mary and Joseph.
~1440 BC
Exodus from Egypt
God delivers Israel from slavery in Egypt, miraculously sparing the firstborn of Israel when striking down the firstborn of Egypt.
~1440 BC
Law of the Firstborn Given
Following the Exodus, God institutes the law requiring the dedication of all firstborn males to Him, commemorating their deliverance.
~1400 BC
Levites Consecrated to Service
God chooses the tribe of Levi to serve Him in the Tabernacle, in place of all the firstborn males of Israel.
~1400 BC
Redemption Price Established
For firstborn males not of Levitical descent, a redemption price of five shekels is established, to be paid to the Levites.
~450 BC
Ezra and Nehemiah Reforms
Post-exilic reforms reinforce adherence to the Mosaic Law, including practices related to firstborn rituals.
c. AD 1-2— this verse
Jesus Presented at the Temple
Mary and Joseph present the infant Jesus at the Temple in Jerusalem according to the Law of Moses, fulfilling the requirement for firstborn males and the purification of the mother.
This is the foundational Old Testament law that Luke is directly quoting, establishing the practice of setting apart the firstborn male to God.
Numbers 3:13This passage explains the consecration of the firstborn to the Lord and how the tribe of Levi was chosen to serve in their place, highlighting the divine claim on all firstborn males.
Leviticus 12:8This passage specifies the sacrifice offered for purification, noting the provision for the poor (two turtledoves or two young pigeons), which explains the humble offering made by Mary and Joseph for Jesus.
Galatians 4:4This New Testament verse echoes the principle that Jesus was 'born under the law,' underscoring His complete submission to God's commands, including those related to His birth.
cambridgeLuke 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;)"
23 . as it is written in the law of the Lord ] The tribe of Levi were sanctified to the Lord in lieu of the firstborn, and originally all the firstborn in excess of the number of the Levites had to be redeemed with five shekels of the sanctuary (about 15 shillings), a rule afterwards extended to all the firstborn. Exodus 13:2 ; Exodus 22:29 ; Exodus 34:19 ; Numbers 3:13 ; N…
bengelLuke 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;)"
Luke 2:23 . Πᾶν ἄρσεν διανοῖγον μήτραν , ἅγιον τῷ Κυρίῳ κληθήσεται ) LXX. Exodus 13:2 , ἁγίασον μοι , κ . τ . λ .; Exodus 13:12 , ἀφοριεῖς πᾶν διανοῖγον μήτραν τὰ ἀρσενικὰ τῷ Κυρίω .
This verse highlights that Jesus, as the firstborn male, was not just born, but was dedicated by law to the Lord. This ritual wasn't a burden for Joseph and Mary, but a way they recognized Jesus’ divine identity and purpose from the very beginning.
Mary and Joseph have brought the infant Jesus to the Temple in Jerusalem. This follows the completion of Mary’s purification period after childbirth and fulfills the requirement to present the firstborn son to the Lord. The text emphasizes their obedience to the Law of Moses, which dictated that all firstborn males were holy to the Lord and often required redemption.
Mary and Joseph have brought the infant Jesus to the Temple in Jerusalem. This follows the completion of Mary’s purification period after childbirth and fulfills the requirement to present the firstborn son to the Lord. The text emphasizes their obedience to the Law of Moses, which dictated that all firstborn males were holy to the Lord and often required redemption.
"(as it is written in the Law of the Lord, “Every male who first opens the womb shall be called holy to the Lord”)" — This verse highlights that Jesus, as the firstborn male, was not just born, but was dedicated by law to the Lord. This ritual wasn't a burden for Joseph and Mary, but a way they recognized Jesus’ d…
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Last reviewed October 2026