Luke 2:4

Joseph belonged to the family of David, the man that was Israel’s big boss a long time ago. David grew up in the town called Bethlehem, in Judea country, but Joseph lived in a town called Nazareth, in Galilee country. So Joseph had to go south to Bethlehem, to put his name on the right list.

Plain English Version

In The King James Version

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:)

In Context

5Joseph took Mary with him. She was his promised wife, and she was carrying a baby inside her at that time.

Read all of Luke 2

Cross References

Genesis 35:19That’s how Rachel died. Then Jacob’s mob buried her near the road that goes to the town called Efrath. Another name for Efrath is Bethlehem.

1 Samuel 16:4Samuel listened to God, and he went to Bethlehem. After he got there, the elders of the town came to meet him. They were really afraid. They were so frightened that they shook, and they asked, “Did you come with good news? Or are you angry with us?”

Matthew Henry on Luke 2:2-8

The Birth of Christ. 1 And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Cæsar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. 2 ( And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) 3 And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. 4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judæa, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) 5 To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with… Read the whole commentary →

This Verse In Other Editions

Study Luke 2:4