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Matthew 2; Luke 2
Scripture Central Videos
Watch videos from Gospel scholars and teachers to learn more about these New Testament passages. Scripture Central produces weekly videos from Tyler Griffin, Taylor Halverson, Clint Mortenson, John Hilton III, and Lynne Hilton Wilson.
Other Creator Videos
Commentary
The New Testament Minute is a commentary series made especially for the free ScripturePlus app, which features insights from New Testament scholars. many of the insights in the New Testament Minute are gleaned from the BYU New Testament Commentary series. Lynne Hilton Wilson has written a commentary to supplement her New Testament video series.
John W. Welch, General Editor
John W. Welch, General Editor
Reading Plan
Structure your personal scripture study by following a 15-minute, day-by-day plan. Each day's assignment includes the required scripture passages from the Come, Follow Me curriculum, as well as suggestions for additional resources to bring context and understanding to your study. For the best experience, use our Reading Plan in the free ScripturePlus app! You can track your progress and have access to the best resources.
Monday
- Verse of the Day: Matthew 2:11
- Scripture: Matthew 2:1–12
- Video: Messages of Christ - Gold, Frankincense and Myrrh: Gifts of the Wise Men
- Commentary: Matthew 2:1–12. Event 2: Magi and Herod Seek the Prophesied King in Opposite Ways
- Commentary: Matthew 2:2, 7. We saw his star in the east
- Commentary: Matthew 2:11. Coming into the house
Tuesday
- Verse of the Day: Matthew 2:23
- Scripture: Matthew 2:13–23
- Video: Messages of Christ - Who Were the Wise Men? - Nativity Story
- Video: Messages of Christ - The Remarkable Story of Joseph the Carpenter
Further Reading
- Commentary: Matthew 2:13–23. Event 3: The Flight to Egypt and Return to Nazareth Fulfill Further Prophecies
- Commentary: Matthew 2:15. “Out of Egypt have I called my son.”
- Commentary: Matthew 2:19–21. The parallels between the incidents involving Moses in Egypt and the birth of Jesus
- Commentary: Matthew 2:19–23. Take the child and the child’s mother and go into the land of Israel
- Commentary: Matthew 2:19–23. Jesus of Nazareth
- Commentary: Matthew 2:23. Additional information on Jesus’s early years
Wednesday
- Verse of the Day: Luke 2:7
- Scripture: Luke 2:1–7
- Video: Messages of Christ - Why Was Jesus Swaddled and Laid in a Manger?
- Video: Messages of Christ - What was the Birth of Jesus Like?
- Video: Messages of Christ - Who Were the Shepherds?
Thursday
- Verse of the Day: Luke 2:10-11
- Scripture: Luke 2:8–20
- Video: Messages of Christ - The Temple Shepherds
- Video: Messages of Christ - The Heavenly Host - Nativity Story
- Video: Messages of Christ - Ancient Birth Customs - Nativity Story
Friday
- Verse of the Day: Luke 2:25–26
- Scripture: Luke 2:21–27
- Video: Messages of Christ - Mary the Mother of Jesus
- Commentary: Luke 2:21–24. Circumcision and Purification at the Temple
- Commentary: Luke 2:25–35. Simeon
Saturday
- Verse of the Day: Luke 2:36-38
- Scripture: Luke 2:28–38
- Commentary: Luke 2:36–38. Anna
Sunday
- Verse of the Day: Luke 2:40
- Scripture: Luke 2:39–52
- Commentary: Luke 2:39–52. The Youthful Jesus in the Jerusalem Temple
Joseph Smith Translation Variants
Matthew 2 JST Variants
KJV |
JST |
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(2) Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him. |
(2) Saying, Where is the child that is born the Messiah of the Jews? For we have seen his star in the east, and have come to worship him. |
(3) When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. |
(3) When Herod the king had heard of the child, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. |
(4) And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born. |
(4) And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them, saying, Where is the place that is written of by the prophets in which Christ should be born? For he greatly feared, yet he believed not the prophets. |
(5) And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judæa: for thus it is written by the prophet, |
(5) And they said unto him, It is written by the prophets that he should be born in Bethlehem of Judea, for thus have they said: |
(6) And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel. |
(6) The word of the Lord came to us, saying: And thou, Bethlehem, which lieth in the land of Judea, in thee shall be born a prince which is not the least among the princes of Judea. For out of thee shall come the Messiah, who shall save my people Israel. |
(7) Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, inquired of them diligently what time the star appeared. |
(7) Then Herod, when he had called the wise men privily, inquired of them diligently what time the star appeared. |
(8) And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also. |
(8) And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found the child, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also. |
(9) When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was. |
(9) When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them until it came and stood over where the young child was. |
(13) And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him. |
(13) And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a vision, saying Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and tarry thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him. |
(14) When he arose, he took the young child and his mother by night, and departed into Egypt: |
(14) And then he arose and took the young child and the child’s mother by night, and departed into Egypt: |
(16) Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the wise men, was exceeding wroth, and sent forth, and slew all the children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had diligently inquired of the wise men. |
(16) Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the wise men, was exceeding wroth, and sent forth, and slew all the children that were in Bethlehem, and |
(17) Then was fulfilled that which was spoken by Jeremy the prophet, saying, |
(17) Then was fulfilled that which was spoken by Jeremiah the prophet, saying, |
(18) In Rama was there a voice heard, lamentation, and weeping, and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children, and would not be comforted, because they are not. |
(18) In Ramah there was a voice heard, lamentation, and weeping for the loss of her children and would not be comforted, because they were not. |
(19) But when Herod was dead, behold, an angel of the Lord appeareth in a dream to Joseph in Egypt, |
(19) But when Herod was dead, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared in a vision to Joseph in Egypt, |
(20) Saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and go into the land of Israel: for they are dead which sought the young child’s life. |
(20) Saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and go into the land of Israel: for they are dead who sought the young child’s life. |
(21) And he arose, and took the young child and his mother, and came into the land of Israel. |
(21) And he arose, and took the young child and the child’s mother, and came into the land of Israel. |
(22) But when he heard that Archelaus did reign in Judæa in the room of his father Herod, he was afraid to go thither: notwithstanding, being warned of God in a dream, he turned aside into the parts of Galilee: |
(22) But when he heard that Archelaus did reign in Judea in the stead of his father Herod, he was afraid to go thither. But notwithstanding, having been warned of God in a vision he went into the eastern parts of Galilee. |
(23) And he came and dwelt in a city called Nazareth: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophets, He shall be called a Nazarene. |
(23) And he came and dwelt in a city called Nazareth: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophets, He shall be called a Nazarene. And it came to pass that Jesus grew up with his brethren and waxed strong and waited upon the Lord for the time of his ministry to come. And he served under his father. And he spake not as other men, neither could he be taught, for he needed not that any man should teach him. And after many years the hour of his ministry drew nigh. |
Luke 2 JST Variants
KJV |
JST |
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(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. |
(1) And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Cæsar Augustus, that all his empire should be taxed. |
(2) (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) |
(2) |
(3) And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. |
(3) And all went to be taxed, everyone in his own city. |
(5) To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. |
(5) To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, she being great with child. |
(7) And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. |
(7) And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was none to give room for them in the inns. |
(8) And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. |
(8) And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. |
(9) And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. |
(9) And lo, an angel of the Lord appeared unto them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. |
(10) And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. |
(10) But the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. |
(11) For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. |
(11) For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord. |
(12) And this shall be a asign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. |
(12) And this is the way you shall find the babe: he is wrapped in swaddling clothes and is lying in a manger. |
(14) Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. |
(14) Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will to men. |
(15) And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. |
(15) And it came to pass when theangels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord has made known unto us. |
(17) And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. |
(17) And when they had seen, |
(18) And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds. |
(18) |
(19) But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart. |
(19) But Mary kept all those things, and pondered them in her heart. |
(20) And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them. |
(20) And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things which they had heard and seen, as they were manifested unto them. |
(21) And when eight days were accomplished for the circumcising of the child, his name was called Jesus, which was so named of the angel before he was conceived in the womb. |
(21) And when eight days were accomplished for the circumcising of the child, his name was called Jesus, which was so named of the angel before he was conceived. |
(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, Every male which openeth the womb shall be called holy to the Lord;) |
(24) And to offer a sacrifice according to that which is said in the law of the Lord, A pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons. |
(24) And to offer a sacrifice according to that which is written in the law of the Lord, A pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons. |
(25) And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him. |
(25) And, behold, there was a man at Jerusalem whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him. |
(27) And he came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law, |
(27) And he came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child, even Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law, |
(29) Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word: |
(29) Lord, now let thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word: |
(33) And Joseph and his mother marvelled at those things which were spoken of him. |
(33) And Joseph and Mary marveled at those things which were spoken of the child. |
(34) And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against; |
(34) And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary, |
(35) (Yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also,) that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed. |
(35) Yea, a spear shall pierce through him to the wounding of thine own soul also, that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed. |
(36) And there was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Aser: she was of a great age, and had lived with an husband seven years from her virginity; |
(36) And there was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Aser: she was of |
(37) And she was a widow of about fourscore and four years, which departed not from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day. |
(37) And she lived a widow |
(38) And she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem. |
(38) And she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of him to all them who looked for redemption in Jerusalem. |
(39) And when they had performed all things according to the law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own city Nazareth. |
(39) And when they had performed all things according to the law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee unto their own city Nazareth. |
(40) And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him. |
(40) And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, being filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him. |
(42) And when he was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem after the custom of the feast. |
(42) And when he was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem after the custom to the feast. |
(43) And when they had fulfilled the days, as they returned, the child Jesus tarried behind in Jerusalem; and Joseph and his mother knew not of it. |
(43) And when they had fulfilled the days, as they returned, the child Jesus tarried behind in Jerusalem; and Joseph and his mother knew not that he tarried. |
(44) But they, supposing him to have been in the company, went a day’s journey; and they sought him among their kinsfolk and acquaintance. |
(44) But they, supposing him to have been in the company, went a day’s journey; and they sought him among his kindred and acquaintance. |
(46) And it came to pass, that after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions. |
(46) And it came to pass, that after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors. And they were hearing him and asking him questions. |
(47) And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers. |
(47) And all who heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers. |
(48) And when they saw him, they were amazed: and his mother said unto him, Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? behold, thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing. |
(48) And when his parents saw him, they were amazed: and his mother said unto him, Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? behold, thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing. |
(49) And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father’s business? |
(49) And he said unto them, Why is it that ye sought me? Knew ye not that I must be about my Father’s business? |
(51) And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject unto them: but his mother kept all these sayings in her heart. |
(51) And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject unto them. And his mother kept all these sayings in her heart. |
Reading Resources
Matthew 2
Lynne Wilson, "Matthew 2 and Luke 2," Come Follow Me Commentary: The New Testament, 2019.
Jeffrey R. Chadwich, “Dating the Birth of Christ,” BYU Studies 49, no. 4 (2010): 4–38.
Lincoln H. Blumell and Thomas A. Wayment, “When Was Jesus Born? A Response to a Recent Proposal,” BYU Studies 51, no. 3 (2012): 53–81.
Charles Dike, “A Comet, Christ’s Birth, and Josephus’s Lunar Eclipse,” Interpreter: A Journal of Latter-day Saint Faith and Scholarship 52 (2022): 279-320.
Kristine Wardle Frederickson, “Musings on the Birth of the Savior Jesus Christ,” Interpreter: A Journal of Latter-day Saint Faith and Scholarship 34 (2020): 179-194.
John W. Welch, “Christmas Stories,” FARMS Review 21, no. 2 (2009): 31–46.
Robert J. Matthews, “Mary and Joseph: Heirs of David, Highly Favored, Guardians of Our Lord,” Maxwell Institute for Religious Scholarship transcript.
Daniel C. Peterson, “Christmas and a Condescending God,” Interpreter: A Journal of Latter-day Saint Faith and Scholarship 49 (2021): 275-282.
Paul Thomas Smith, “Birth of the Messiah,” Maxwell Institute for Religious Scholarship transcript.
A. Keith Thompson, “The Character and Knowledge of Mary, the Mother of Christ,” Interpreter: A Journal of Latter-day Saint Faith and Scholarship 36 (2020): 109-138.
Doris Dant and Richard Oman, “’Behold the Condescension of God’: A Scriptural Perspective on Three Nativity Scenes,” BYU Studies 41, no. 3 (2002): 18–34.
“A Book of Mormon Christmas,” New Era 23, no. 12 (December 1993).
Luke 2
Lynne Wilson, "Matthew 2 and Luke 2," Come Follow Me Commentary: The New Testament, 2019.
S. Kent Brown, “Jesus’ First Visit to the Temple,” Interpreter: A Journal of Latter-day Saint Faith and Scholarship 45 (2021): 331-362.
Jeffrey R. Chadwich, “Dating the Birth of Christ,” BYU Studies 49, no. 4 (2010): 4–38.
Lincoln H. Blumell and Thomas A. Wayment, “When Was Jesus Born? A Response to a Recent Proposal,” BYU Studies 51, no. 3 (2012): 53–81.
Kristine Wardle Frederickson, “Musings on the Birth of the Savior Jesus Christ,” Interpreter: A Journal of Latter-day Saint Faith and Scholarship 34 (2020): 179-194.
John W. Welch, “What on Earth are Swaddling Clothes?,” New Testament Commentary, accessed on December 5, 2018.
John W. Welch, “Christmas Stories,” FARMS Review 21, no. 2 (2009): 31–46.
Robert J. Matthews, “Mary and Joseph: Heirs of David, Highly Favored, Guardians of Our Lord,” Maxwell Institute for Religious Scholarship transcript.
Paul Thomas Smith, “Birth of the Messiah,” Maxwell Institute for Religious Scholarship transcript.
A. Keith Thompson, “The Character and Knowledge of Mary, the Mother of Christ,” Interpreter: A Journal of Latter-day Saint Faith and Scholarship 36 (2020): 109-138.
Doris Dant and Richard Oman, “’Behold the Condescension of God’: A Scriptural Perspective on Three Nativity Scenes,” BYU Studies 41, no. 3 (2002): 18–34.
“A Book of Mormon Christmas,” New Era 23, no. 12 (December 1993).