What does Luke 2:5 mean?
What is the meaning of Luke 2:5?

He went there

Joseph, a descendant of David, traveled from Nazareth to Bethlehem.

Luke 2:4 notes Bethlehem as “the City of David,” aligning Joseph with the royal line God promised would bring Messiah (2 Samuel 7:12–16).

Micah 5:2 foretells that the Ruler of Israel would come from Bethlehem, showing that the journey fulfills prophecy.

Matthew 2:6 restates Micah’s prophecy, confirming God’s sovereign orchestration of circumstances.


to register

The Roman census required every man to record his household in his ancestral town.

Romans 13:1 teaches, “Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities,” and Joseph’s compliance models respectful obedience.

Acts 17:26 reminds that God “determined their appointed times and the boundaries of their lands,” so even an imperial decree serves divine purpose.

Proverbs 21:1 displays God directing rulers’ decisions, ensuring the census brings Mary to the prophesied birthplace.


with Mary

Mary’s presence underscores family unity and the significance of the coming birth.

Matthew 1:24 shows Joseph taking Mary into his home after the angel’s assurance, signifying protection and honor.

Amos 3:3 highlights agreement in walking together; Joseph and Mary move in step with God’s plan.

Genesis 2:24 speaks of man and wife being “one flesh,” foreshadowing their upcoming married life under God’s covenant.


who was pledged to him in marriage

They were in the legally binding betrothal phase, yet the marriage had not been consummated.

Matthew 1:18–19 clarifies that Mary was “pledged to be married” when she conceived by the Holy Spirit, preserving Jesus’ divine origin.

Deuteronomy 22:23–24 illustrates the seriousness of betrothal in Jewish law, treating it as covenantal.

Hebrews 13:4 upholds the honor of marriage, and their restraint demonstrates obedience and purity.


and was expecting a child

Mary carried the promised Messiah, conceived supernaturally.

Luke 1:35: “The Holy Spirit will come upon you… the holy One to be born will be called the Son of God.”

Isaiah 7:14 foretells, “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son,” highlighting the miracle.

Galatians 4:4 speaks of God sending His Son “when the fullness of time had come,” confirming that Mary’s pregnancy fulfilled heaven’s timetable.


summary

Luke 2:5 captures Joseph’s obedient journey, the lawful census, the unity of Joseph and Mary, the sanctity of their betrothal, and the miraculous pregnancy. Every phrase threads civil history with divine prophecy, proving that God faithfully guides humble believers to fulfill His eternal plan of redemption through Christ.

What historical evidence exists for the census mentioned in Luke 2:4?
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