And when they had performed everything according to the Law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth.
English Standard Version (ESV)
While the text states they returned to Nazareth, it doesn't mean they went straight there. Luke's account deliberately leaves out the Magi's visit and the flight to Egypt, events Matthew includes, meaning their journey home wasn't an immediate one, but rather a carefully navigated path to safety after their holy duties were fulfilled.
And when they had performed everything according to the Law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth.
English Standard Version (ESV)
After fulfilling the religious requirements in Jerusalem, Mary and Joseph, along with baby Jesus, head back to their hometown of Nazareth in Galilee. This return to Nazareth comes after other events, not detailed by Luke, like the visit of the Magi and the subsequent flight to Egypt, which Matthew’s Gospel describes. Though they were likely originally from Nazareth, the events surrounding Jesus' birth may have led them to consider settling elsewhere before ultimately returning there.
Jesus' presentation in the temple wasn't just a ceremony; it was a crucial act of obedience for his family. What does it mean to 'perform everything according to the Law'?
The phrase 'performed everything according to the Law of the Lord' points to the meticulous adherence of Mary and Joseph to the Mosaic Law. This wasn't a casual step; it involved several rituals:
For Mary and Joseph, these weren't just religious obligations; they were acts of faith and obedience, demonstrating their commitment to God's covenant even amidst extraordinary circumstances.
Luke tells us they returned to Nazareth. Matthew tells us they fled to Egypt. How do these seemingly different accounts fit together?
This verse highlights how the Gospels, while each truthful, offer unique perspectives and sometimes omit details found in others. Luke focuses on the return to Galilee after fulfilling the Law in Jerusalem.
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However, the scholarly context reveals a broader picture:
They returned to 'their own town of Nazareth.' What made this Galilean village so significant for the early life of Jesus?
Calling Nazareth 'their own city' is a key detail. It wasn't just a temporary stop but their established home.
Understand the original words
nomos · Greek Noun
The authoritative revelation of God’s will given to Israel through Moses. It includes moral, civil, and ceremonial requirements intended to reveal God’s holiness and man's need for righteousness.
This verse marks the family's return to Nazareth, but the timeline highlights that this return wasn't immediate, coming after significant events like the visit of the Magi and the flight to Egypt, events not detailed by Luke but crucial for understanding their journey.
c. 6 BC - 4 BC
Birth of Jesus in Bethlehem
Jesus is born in Bethlehem, likely due to Joseph and Mary traveling there for a census or other imperial decree. This event sets the stage for the subsequent events in both Matthew and Luke's narratives.
c. 5 BC - 4 BC
Visit of the Magi
Wise men from the East visit the child Jesus in Bethlehem, seeking the newborn king. This event, recorded by Matthew, prompts Herod's fear and the subsequent flight of Joseph's family.
c. 5 BC - 4 BC
Flight to Egypt
Warned in a dream, Joseph takes Mary and the infant Jesus to Egypt to escape King Herod's murderous decree against male infants in Bethlehem.
c. 4 BC
Death of King Herod
King Herod the Great dies, ending the immediate threat to the young Jesus. This marks a turning point for the holy family's return from exile.
c. 4 BC— this verse
Return to Nazareth
After Herod's death, Joseph, Mary, and Jesus return from Egypt to Galilee, settling in their hometown of Nazareth. This verse describes this return after all legal requirements were met.
This passage directly follows the visit of the Magi and describes Joseph's flight into Egypt, events that likely occurred after the presentation in the temple but before the return to Nazareth. It highlights the divine guidance Joseph received, emphasizing God's protection over Jesus even in the context of worldly threats.
Matthew 2:22-23This passage explains the reason for their settling in Nazareth after returning from Egypt, linking it to a prophecy that the Messiah would be called a Nazarene. It clarifies why Nazareth, rather than Bethlehem, became their home.
Ruth 4:11-17This passage describes the lineage of David and the hope for a redeemer arising from Bethlehem, connecting the birthplace of Jesus to ancient Messianic expectations. While Luke focuses on Nazareth as their home, the underlying Messianic hope links back to prophecies associated with Bethlehem.
Luke 1:26-38This passage details the Annunciation, where the angel Gabriel tells Mary that her son will be great and called the Son of the Most High, and that 'the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David.' This sets the stage for Jesus' identity as the promised Messiah, even though his earthly home is established in Nazareth.
clarkeLuke 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."
They returned into Galilee - But not immediately: for the coming of the wise men, and the retreat of Joseph with his family into Egypt, happened between this period of time, and his going to Nazareth in Galilee. - Bp. Pearce. But it is very likely, that as soon as the presentation in the temple, and the ceremonies relative to it, had been accomplished, th…
jfbLuke 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."
- Nothing is more difficult than to fix the precise order in which the visit of the Magi, with the flight into and return from Egypt (Mt 2:13-23), are to be taken, in relation to the circumcision and presentation of Christ in the temple, here recorded. It is perhaps best to leave this in the obscurity in which we find it, as the result of two independen…
While the text states they returned to Nazareth, it doesn't mean they went straight there. Luke's account deliberately leaves out the Magi's visit and the flight to Egypt, events Matthew includes, meaning their journey home wasn't an immediate one, but rather a carefully navigated path to safety after their holy duties were fulfilled.
After fulfilling the religious requirements in Jerusalem, Mary and Joseph, along with baby Jesus, head back to their hometown of Nazareth in Galilee. This return to Nazareth comes after other events, not detailed by Luke, like the visit of the Magi and the subsequent flight to Egypt, which Matthew’s Gospel describes. Though they were likely originally from Nazareth, the events surrounding Jesus' birth may have led them to consider settling elsewhere before ultimately returning there.
After fulfilling the religious requirements in Jerusalem, Mary and Joseph, along with baby Jesus, head back to their hometown of Nazareth in Galilee. This return to Nazareth comes after other events, not detailed by Luke, like the visit of the Magi and the subsequent flight to Egypt, which Matthew’s Gospel describes. Though they were likely originally from Nazareth, the events surrounding Jesus' birth may have led them to consider settling elsewhere before ultimately returning there.
"And when they had performed everything according to the Law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth." — While the text states they returned to Nazareth, it doesn't mean they went straight there. Luke's account deliberately leaves out the Magi's visit and the flight to Egypt, events Matthew includes, me…
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Last reviewed October 2026