Luke 2:22-40

Luke 2:22-40
Christmastide B5

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22 When the timeA cameB for their purificationC according to the lawD of Moses,E

Notes on verse 22a

A “time” = hemera. Literally, day.
B “came” = pleitho. This is to fill to the highest level possible – to accomplish, supply, or complete.
C “purification” = katharismos. 7x in NT. From katharizo (to cleanse, make clean, purify, purge, or declare to be clean; includes cleansing in a literal, ritual, or spiritual sense); from katharos (clean, clear, pure, unstained; clean in a literal, ritual, or spiritual sense; so, also guiltless, innocent or upright; something that is pure because it has been separated from the negative substance or aspect; spiritually clean because of God’s act of purifying). This is cleansing or purification. It can be used in a literal, ritual, or moral sense.
D “law” = nomos. From nemo (to parcel out). Literally, this is that which is assigned. It can be usage, custom, or law. This word can be used for human or divine law. It can be used specifically for the law of Moses or as a name for the Torah (the first five books of the Bible). Sometimes it is used for scripture as a whole, used of the Gospel, or of any theology. It is also used for the “tradition of the elders,” which would be the oral Torah – the tradition of the laws plus their interpretations as they were passed down over time. We must carefully consider which meaning of “law” is meant when we interpret passages the word is found in.
E “Moses” = Mouses. From Hebrew Mosheh (Moses); from mashah (to pull out in a literal or figurative sense, to draw out) OR from Egyptian mes or mesu (child, son i.e. child of…). This is Moses – the one drawn out from the water, which is to say, rescued. If derived from the Egyptian, his name would share a root with Rameses and Thutmose.

they brought him upF to JerusalemG to presentH him to the LordI 

Notes on verse 22b

F “brought…up” = anago. From ana (up, again, back, among, anew) + ago (to lead, bring, carry, guide, drive, go). This is to lead up, offer, set sail, bring out, depart, loose.
G “Jerusalem” = Hiersoluma. From Hebrew yerushalaim (probably foundation of peace); {from yarah (to throw, shoot, be stunned; to flow as water so figuratively to instruct or teach) + shalem (to make amends, to be complete or sound)}. This is Jerusalem, dwelling of peace.
H “present” = paristemi. From para (from beside, by) + histemi (to stand, place, set up, establish, stand ready, stand firm, be steadfast). This is literally to place by stand. It can mean to present, exhibit, appear, bring, stand by, or prove. It can also mean to be ready, to assist, to yield, or to commend.
I “Lord” = kurios. From kuros (authority, supremacy). This is a respectful address meaning master or sir. It refers to one who has control or power greater than one’s own. So, it was also applied to God and Jesus as Master or Lord.

23 (as it is written in the law of the Lord, “Every firstbornJ maleK shall be designatedL as holyM to the Lord”), 

Notes on verse 23

J “firstborn” = diaoigo + metra. Literally “opening a womb.” Diaoigo is 8x in NT. From dia (through, because of, across, thoroughly) + anoigo (to open or open up in a literal or figurative sense; to speak freely); {from ana (up, back, again, among, between, anew) + oigo (to open)}. This is to open fully. It can mean to open the womb as a firstborn does or figuratively to explain or expound. Metra is 2x in NT. From meter (mother literally or figuratively). This is the womb.
K “male” = arren. 9x in NT. From arsen (male, man) OR perhaps from airo (raise, take up, lift, remove). This is male or man.
L “designated” = kaleo. Related to keleuo (to command, order, direct); from kelomai (to urge on). This is to call by name, invite, to name, bid, summon, call aloud.
M “holy” = hagios. From hagnos (holy, sacred, pure ethically, ritually, or ceremonially; prepared for worship, chaste, unadulterated, pure to the core; undefiled by sin; figurative for innocent, modest, perfect). God is totally different from humanity and thus set apart. That which is consecrated to worship God (elements of worship) or to serve God (as the saints) are holy because they are now set apart for God’s purposes. Holy because important to God. This is sacred physically, pure. It can be morally blameless or ceremonially consecrated.

24 and they offered a sacrificeN according to what is stated in the law of the Lord, “a pairO of turtledovesP or two youngQ pigeons.”R

Notes on verse 24

N “sacrifice” = thusia. From thuo (to breathe violently, seethe, rage; properly, to rush as breathing heavy; so smoke as in offering an animal sacrifice by fire; by extension, killing or slaying in general). This is a sacrifice or offering. It can refer to the act of sacrifice or the thing being sacrificed. Also, this is sacrifice in a literal or figurative sense.
O “pair” = zeugos. 2x in NT. From the same as zugos (yoke, scales; figuratively, a burden or something linking two people to work in tandem); from zeugnumi (to yoke or join). This is yoke, couple, pair; tea of oxen, group of tied together birds.
P “turtledoves” = trugon. 1x in NT. From truzo (to murmur or coo); akin to trizo (to grate, gnash teeth, creak, squeak). This is a turtledove.
Q “young” = neossos. 1x in NT. Related to nossos (young, young bird); from neos (young, new, youth, person). This is a nestling or a young one.
R “pigeons” = peristera. 10x in NT. This is dove or pigeon.

25 NowS there was a manT in JerusalemU whose nameV was Simeon;W 

Notes on verse 25a

S {untranslated} = idou. From eido (to be aware, see, know, remember, appreciate). This is see! Lo! Behold! Look! Used to express surprise and or draw attention to the statement.
T “man” = anthropos. Probably from aner (man, male, husband) + ops (eye, face). This is human, humankind. Used for all genders.
U “Jerusalem” = Ierousalem. From Hebrew yerushalaim (probably foundation of peace); {from yarah (to throw, shoot, be stunned; to flow as water so figuratively to instruct or teach) + shalem (to make amends, to be complete or sound)}. This is Jerusalem, dwelling of peace.
V “name” = onoma. May be from ginosko (know, recognize, learn from firsthand experience). This is a name, authority, cause, character, fame, reputation. The name was thought to include something of the essence of the person so it was not thought to be separate from the person.
W “Simeon” = Sumeon. 7x in NT. From Hebrew Shimon (Simon – Jacob’s son and his tribe); from shama (to hear, often implying attention and obedience). This is Simeon, Symeon, or Simon. It is a personal name as well as the tribe Simeon. It means “he who hears.”

this man was righteousX and devout,Y looking forward toZ the consolationAA of Israel,BB and the Holy SpiritCC restedDD on him. 

Notes on verse 25b

X “righteous” = dikaios. From dike (the principle of justice; that which is right in a way that is very clear; a decision or the execution of that decision; originally, this word was for custom or usage; evolved to include the process of law, judicial hearing, execution of sentence, penalty, and even vengeance; more commonly, it refers to what is right); may be from deiknumi (to show, point out, exhibit; figurative for teach, demonstrate, make known). This is correct, righteous, just, or a righteous person. It implies innocent or conforming to God’s standard of justice.
Y “devout” = eulabes. 4x in NT. From eu (good, well, well done, rightly) + lambano (active acceptance/taking of what is available or what has been offered; emphasizes the choice and action of the individual). This is literally handling well or grasping what is good. So, cautious or circumspect. By extension, it refers to devout, pious, or God fearing
Z “looking forward to” = prosdechomai. 14x in NT. From pros (at, to, toward, with) + dechomai (to warmly receive, be ready for what is offered, take, accept, or welcome; to receive in a literal or figurative sense). This is to receive, welcome, expect, accept. It is reception with a warm, personal welcome or active waiting. It can also mean endurance or patience.
AA “consolation” = paraklesis. Related to “designated” in v23. From parakaleo (to call to, summon, invite, request, or beg; to exhort or admonish; to encourage, comfort, or console; has legal overtones and is used of one’s advocate in a courtroom); {from para (beside, by, in the presence of) + kaleo (see note L above)}. This is calling someone for help, a personal exhortation, comfort, encouragement, joy, entreaty, urging. This word comes from a legal setting – as bringing evidence to advocate for another in court. This word is related to the word “Advocate” or paraclete used for the Holy Spirit.
BB “Israel” = Israel. From Hebrew Yisrael (God strives or one who strives with God; new name for Jacob and for his offspring); {from sarah (to persist, exert oneself, contend, persevere, wrestle, prevail) + el (God or god)}. This is Israel the people and the land.
CC “Spirit” = pneuma. From pneo (to blow, breath, breathe hard). This is wind, breath, or ghost. A breeze or a blast or air, a breath. Figuratively used for a spirit, the human soul or part of us that is rational. It is also used supernaturally for angels, demons, God, and the Holy Spirit. This is where pneumonia comes from.
DD “rested” = eimi. Literally “was.”

26 It had been revealedEE to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not seeFF deathGG before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah.HH

Notes on verse 26

EE “revealed” = chrematizo. 9x in NT – including Matthew 2:12 when the wise men were warned in a dream not to return to Herod. 9x in NT. From chrema (something one uses or needs; money, possessions, wealth); from chraomai (to use, make use of, give what is needed, act in a specific way, request). This is to conduct business, instruct, warn, reveal, to utter an oracle, be warned by God.
FF “see” = horao. To see, perceive, attend to, look upon, experience. Properly, to stare at and so implying clear discernment. This, by extension, would indicate attending to what was seen and learned. This is to see, often with a metaphorical sense. Can include inward spiritual seeing.
GG “death” = thanatos. This is death, whether literal or spiritual. It can also refer to something that is fatal.
HH “Messiah” = christos. From chrio (consecrate by anointing with oil; often done for prophets, priests, or kings). Literally, the anointed one, Christ. The Greek word for Messiah.

 27 Guided by the Spirit, Simeon came into the temple;II and when the parentsJJ brought inKK the childLL Jesus,MM to do for him what was customaryNN under the law, 

Notes on verse 27

II “temple” = hieron. From hieros (sacred, something sacred, temple, holy, set apart; something consecrated to a god). This is the word for temple.
JJ “parents” = goneus. From ginomai (to come into being, to happen, become, be born; to emerge from one state or condition to another; this is coming into being with the sense of movement or growth). This is a parent or a father.
KK “brought in” = eisago. Related to “brought” in v22. 11x in NT. From eis (to, into, for, among) + ago (see note F above). This is to bring in, lead in, or introduce in a literal or figurative sense.
LL “child” = paidion. From pais (child, youth, servant, slave); perhaps from paio (to strike or sting). This is a child as one who is still being educated or trained. Perhaps one seven years old or younger. Used figuratively for an immature Christian.
MM “Jesus” = Iesous. From Hebrew Yehoshua (Joshua, the Lord is salvation); {from YHVH (proper name of the God of Israel; the self-existent and eternal one); {from havah (to become) or from hayah (to come to pass, become, be)} + yasha (to deliver, defend, help, preserve, rescue; properly, to be open, wide or free, which implies being safe. So, in a causative sense, this is to free someone). This is Jesus or Joshua in Greek – the Lord saves or the Lord is salvation.
NN “was customary” = ethizo. 1x in NT. From ethos (custom habit, rite – also, doing something that the law requires; can be an unwritten custom, acting in accordance with tradition); from etho (custom, what is customary). This is custom or customary.

28 Simeon tookOO him in his arms and praisedPP God,QQ saying,

Notes on verse 28

OO “took” = dechomai. Related to “looking forward to” in v25. See note Z above.
PP “praised” = eulogeo. From eu (good, well, well done, rightly) + logos (word, statement, speech, analogy; a word that carries an idea or expresses a thought, a saying; a person with a message or reasoning laid out in words; by implication, a topic, line of reasoning, or a motive; can be used for a divine utterance or as Word – Christ); {from lego (to speak, tell, mention)}. Properly, this is speaking well of – speaking so that the other is benefited. It can mean praise, bless, thank, or call for a blessing. This is where “eulogy” comes from.
QQ “God” = theos. From Proto-Indo-European origins, meaning do, put, place. This is God or a god in general.

29 “Master,RR now you are dismissingSS your servantTT in peace,UU
    according to your word;VV

Notes on verse 29

RR “Master” = despotes. 10x in NT. Perhaps from deo (to tie, bind, compel; declare unlawful). This is lord, master, despot, sovereign Lord. It is an authority who has unrestricted power and jurisdiction.
SS “dismissing” = apoluo. From apo (from, away from) + luo (to loose, release, untie; figuratively, to break, destroy, or annul; releasing what had been withheld). This is letting go, setting free, or releasing. So, it can be to discharge, dismiss, divorce, pardon, or set at liberty.
TT “servant” = doulos. Perhaps from deo (to tie, bind, fasten, impel, compel; to declare something against the law or prohibited). This is used for a servant or for a slave, enslaved. It refers to someone who belongs to someone else. But, it could be voluntary (choosing to be enslaved to pay off debt) or involuntary (captured in war and enslaved). It is used as a metaphor for serving Christ. Slavery was not inherited (i.e. the children of slaves were not assumed to be slaves) and slaves could buy their way to freedom. Slavery was generally on a contractual basis (that is for the duration of how long it took you to pay your debt and/or save up enough money to buy your freedom).
UU “peace” = eirene. Perhaps from eiro (to join, tie together to form a whole). This is one, peace, quietness, rest, peace of mind, harmony. Peace was a common farewell among Jews (i.e. shalom) and this well-wishing included a blessing of health and wholeness for the individual. This word also indicates wholeness and well-being – when everything that is essential is joined together properly. This is peace literally or figuratively. By implication, it is prosperity (but not in the sense of excessive wealth. Prosperity would have meant having enough from day to day.)
VV “word” = rhema. From rheo (to speak, command, make, say, speak of); from ereo (to all, say, speak of, tell; denotes ongoing speech). This is word, which implies a matter or thing spoken, a command, report, promise, thing, or business. Often used for narration, commands, or disputes.

30 for my eyesWW have seen your salvation,XX
31     which you have preparedYY in the presenceZZ of all peoples,AAA

Notes on verses 30-31

WW “eyes” = ophthalmos. From optanomai (to appear, be seen by). This is eye or sight. It is used figuratively for the mind’s eye, a vision, or for envy.
XX “salvation” = soterios. 5x in NT. From soter (a savior, deliverer); from sozo (to save, heal, preserve, or rescue; taking someone from danger to safety; delivering or protecting literally or figuratively); from sos (safe, rescued, well). This is salvation, defender, something or someone saving.
YY “prepared” = hetoimazo. From hetoimos (make ready, be ready because of being prepared, standing by, adjusted; ready to meet some opportunity or challenge). This is to prepare or provide.
ZZ “presence” = prosopon. Related to “man” in v25 & “eyes” in v30. From pros (at, towards, with) + ops (see note T above) {from optanomai (see note WW above)}. This is the face, surface, or front. It can imply presence more generally.
AAA “peoples” = laos. This is the people or crowd – often used for the chosen people. This is where the word “laity” comes from.

32 a lightBBB for revelationCCC to the GentilesDDD
    and for gloryEEE to your people Israel.”

Notes on verse 32

BBB “light” = phos. From phao (to shine or make visible, especially with rays of light); from the same as phaino (to bring light, cause to appear, shine, become visible or clear). This is light, a source of light, fire, or radiance. This is light with specific reference to what it reveals. It is luminousness whether natural or artificial, abstract or concrete, literal or figurative.
CCC “revelation” = apokalupsis. 18x in NT. From apokalupto (properly to uncover; revealing something that was hidden or obstructed; particularly refers to revealing the essence of something; to make plain or manifest); {from apo (from, away from) + kalupto (to cover, hide, conceal; figuratively, to keep hidden or secret) {related to kalube (hut, cabin)}. This is uncovering, unveiling, appearing, manifestation, or revelation. This is where the word “apocalypse” comes from.
DDD “Gentiles” = ethnos. Related to “was customary” in v27. Probably from etho (see note NN above). This is people who are united by having similar customs or culture. Generally, it is used to refer to Gentiles. This is a tribe, race, nation, or Gentiles in general. This is where the term “ethnicity” comes from.
EEE “glory” = doxa. From dokeo (to have an opinion, seem, appear, suppose; a personal judgment; to think); from dokos (opinion). This is literally something that evokes a good opinion – something that connects to our understanding of intrinsic worth. The ultimate expression of this is, of course, God and God’s manifestation. So, this is opinion, honor, and dignity, but also praise, glory, renown, and worship.

33 And the child’s father and motherFFF were amazedGGG at what was being said about him. 34 Then Simeon blessedHHH them and said to his mother Mary,III

Notes on verses 33-34a

FFF “mother” = meter. Related to “firstborn” in v23. See note J above.
GGG “amazed” = thaumazo. From thauma (a wonder or marvel; used abstractly for wonderment or amazement; something that evokes emotional astonishment); may be from theaomai (to behold, look upon, see, contemplate, visit); from thaomai (to gaze at a spectacle; to look at or contemplate as a spectator; to interpret something in efforts to grasp its significance). This is to marvel, wonder, or admire. To be amazed out of one’s senses or be awestruck. Being astonished and starting to contemplate what was beheld. This root is where the word “theatre” comes from.
HHH “blessed” = eulogeo. Same as “praised” in v28. See note PP above.
III “Mary” = Mariam. From Hebrew Miryam (Aaron and Moses’s sister); from marah (to be contentious, rebellious, bitter, provoking, disobedient; to be or make bitter or unpleasant; figuratively, to rebel or resist; causatively to provoke). This is Miriam or Mary.

JJJThis child is destinedKKK for the fallingLLL and the risingMMM of many in Israel, and to be a signNNN that will be opposedOOO 

Notes on verse 34b

JJJ {untranslated} = idou. Same as {untranslated} in v25. See note S above.
KKK “destined” = keimai. This is to lie, recline, be set, appointed, destined. It is to lie down literally or figuratively.
LLL “falling” = ptosis. 2x in NT – here and in the Parable of the wise and foolish builders, “great was its fall” in Matthew 7:27. From pipto (to fall literally or figuratively). This is a falling or ruin.
MMM “rising” = anastasis. Relate to “present” in v22. From anistemi (to raise up, rise, appear; to stand up literally or figuratively. Can also mean to resurrect); from ana (upwards, up, again, back, anew) + histemi (see note H above). This is literally standing up or standing again. It is used figuratively for recovering a spiritual truth. It can be raising up, rising, or resurrection.
NNN “sign” = semeion. From the same as semaino (to give a sign, signify, indicate, make known); from sema (a sign or mark). It is literally a sign of any kind. It also refers to a sign given by God to confirm or authenticate a message or prophecy. It is not necessarily miraculous, but it can be. The Gospel of John generally uses this word instead of miracle.
OOO “opposed” = antilego. Related to “praised” in v28. 11x in NT. From anti (opposite, instead of, against) + lego (see note PP above). This is literally to speak against – so, to contradict, oppose, resist. It is being argumentative, especially with a hostile bent through opposition. It can indicate attempts to thwart.

35 so that the innerPPP thoughtsQQQ of many will be revealedRRR—and a swordSSS will pierceTTT your own soulUUU too.”

Notes on verse 35

PPP “inner” = kardia. Literally the heart, but figuratively mind, character, inner self, will, intention, thoughts, feelings. Also, the center of something. The word heart is only used figuratively in the Old and New Testaments. This is where “cardiac” comes from.
QQQ “thoughts” = dialogismos. Related to “praised” in v28 & “opposed” in v34. 14x in NT. From dialogizomai (to consider, have a back and forth debate with an uncertain conclusion; multiple confused minds reinforcing a faulty conclusion); {from dia (through, because of, across, thoroughly) + logizmai (to compute or reckon up, to count; figuratively, it is coming to a conclusion or decision using logic; taking an inventory in a literal or figurative sense); {from logos (see note PP above)}. This is reasoning, plotting, argument, discussion that reinforces faulty reasoning, debate.
RRR “revealed” = apokalupto. Related to “revelation” in v32. See note CCC above.
SSS “sword” = rhompaia. 7x in NT – 1x Simeon’s words to Mary “a sword will pierce your own soul,” 6x in the book of Revelation. Probably of foreign origin. This refers to a Thracian long sword that could thrust and slash. It may have come from an Egyptian god. Figuratively, it refers to war or intense grief. Since the sword was so powerful, it can symbolize dominance.
TTT “pierce” = dierchomai. From dia (through, across to the other side, thoroughly) + erchomai (to come, go). This is to go through, come, depart, pierce, travel, traverse.
UUU “soul” = psuche. From psucho (to breathe, blow). This is breath, the breath of life, the self, individual, soul. This is the word for that which makes a person unique – their identity, will, personality, affections. This isn’t the soul as the immortal part of us, but as our individuality. It is also not life as a general concept, but specific to people. This is where the words psyche and psychology come from.

36 There was also a prophet,VVV AnnaWWW the daughter of Phanuel,XXX of the tribeYYY of Asher.ZZZ

Notes on verse 36a

VVV “prophet” = prophetis. Related to “light” in v32. 2x in NT – of Anna in Luke 2:36 and Jezebel in Revelation 2:20. From prophetes (prophet or poet; one who speaks with inspiration from God); {from pro (before, in front of, earlier than) + phemi (to declare, say, use contrasts in speaking to shed light on one point of view); {from phao (see note BBB above) or phaino (see note BBB above)}}. This is a female prophet.
WWW “Anna” = Hanna. 1x in NT. From Hebrew Channah (Channah, Hannah; “favored”); from chanan (beseech, show favor, be gracious; properly, to bend in kindness to someone with less status). This is Anna, meaning “favored.”
XXX “Phanuel” = Phanouel. Related to “Israel” in v25. 1x in NT. From Hebrew Penuel (Penuel, Peniel, “face of God; a place and proper name); {from panim (face in a literal or figurative sense; presence, anger, respect; can be used of God to indicate divine favor or presence); {from panah (to turn, face, appear)} + el (see note BB above)}. This is Phanuel, the Greek version of Penuel, meaning “face of God.”
YYY “tribe” = phule. From phuo (to produce, spring up, grow, germinate; perhaps originally meaning puff or blow). This is clan, tribe, lineage. It is those who descend from a shared ancestor.
ZZZ “Asher” = Aser. 2x in NT. From Hebrew Asher (Asher; “happy one”; one of Jacob’s children and the tribe of his descendants; may also be a city); from ashar (to go straight, lead, guide; to be level and so to be right, blessed, honest, happy). This is Asher, meaning “happy one.”

She was of a great age,AAAA having lived with her husbandBBBB seven years after her marriage,CCCC 37 then as a widowDDDD to the age of eighty-four.

Notes on verses 36b-37a

AAAA “was of great age” = probaino + en + hemera. Literally “advanced in days.” Probaino is 5x in NT. From pro (before, ahead, earlier than, above) + the same as basis (a step, pace, foot); {from baino (to walk, to go)}. This is to go forward literally or to advance in years.
BBBB “husband” = aner. Related to “man” in v25. See note T above.
CCCC “marriage” = parthenia.1x in NT. From parthenos (virgin, chaste, unmarried; can refer to a woman past puberty who is not yet married, since she was presumed to be a virgin). This is maidenhood or virginity.
DDDD “widow” = chera. Perhaps from the base of chasma (chasm, gap, gulf); from chasko (to yawn). This is widow literally or figuratively.

She never leftEEEE the temple but worshipedFFFF there with fastingGGGG and prayerHHHH night and day. 

Notes on verse 37b

EEEE “left” = aphistemi. Related to “present” in v22 & “rising” in v34. 14x in NT. From apo (from, away from) + histemi (see note H above). This is to lead away, repel, withdraw from, remove, refrain, start a revolt.
FFFF “worshiped” = latreuo. From latris (a hired servant; someone who is qualified to perform a technical task). Properly, this is giving good, technical service because qualified or equipped to do so. It can be serve, minister, worship, or give homage.
GGGG “fasting” = nesteia. 6x in NT. From nesteuo (to fast, not eat food, to make a religious fast); from nestis (hungry, fasting, fasting for religious reasons); {from ne (not) + the same as esthio (to eat or figuratively to devour or consume like rust); {akin to edo (to eat)}}. This is fasting, hunger. Can be used specifically for the fast done on the Day of Atonement.
HHHH “prayer” = deesis. Perhaps related to “servant” and “Master” in v29. 18x in NT. From deomai (having an urgent need because one is missing or needing something so it is an earnest appeal or pressing request); from deo (see note RR above). This is a request coming from a deep personal need or want. So, it is supplication or prayer.

38 At that momentIIII she came,JJJJ and began to praiseKKKK God and to speak about the child to all who were looking forLLLL the redemptionMMMM of Jerusalem.

Notes on verse 38

IIII “moment” = hora. This is a set time or period, an hour, instant, or season. This is where the word “hour” comes from.
JJJJ “came” = ephistemi. Related to “present” in v22 & “rising” in v34 & “left” in v37. From epi (on, upon, what is fitting) + histemi (see note H above). This is to stand upon, happen, be present. Usually, it is used in a literal sense.
KKKK “praise” = anthomologeomai. Related to “praised” in v28 & “opposed” in v34 & “inner thoughts” in v35. 1x in NT. From anti (opposite, instead of, against) + homologeo (to agree, speak the same, declare, promise, praise, celebrate; to align with, express the same conclusion, endorse); {from homologos (of one mind); {from homos (the same) + lego (see note PP above)}}. This is to confess, give thanks to, fully acknowledge, give praise.
LLLL “looking for” = prosdechomai. Same as “looking forward to” in v25. See note Z above.
MMMM “redemption” = lutrosis. Related to “dismissing” in v29. 3x in NT. From lutroo  (to redeem, liberate, release because ransom was paid in full; figuratively, returning something or someone to their rightful owner);from lutron (ransom, the money used to free slaves; also a sacrifice of expiation; figurative for atonement); from luo (see note SS above). This is ransoming, release, liberation, or redemption It is paying to free someone from imprisonment because of debt or from slavery more generally. Used figuratively for spiritual redemption.

39 When they had finishedNNNN everything required by the law of the Lord, they returnedOOOO to Galilee,PPPP to their own townQQQQ of Nazareth.RRRR 

Notes on verse 39

NNNN “finished” = teleo. From telos (an end, aim, purpose, completion, end goal, consummation, tax; going through the steps to complete a stage or phase and then moving on to the next one). This is to complete, fulfill, accomplish, end.
OOOO “returned” = epistrepho. From epi (on, upon, among, what is fitting) + strepho (to turn, change, turn back, be converted; to turn around completely to take the opposite path or a completely different one); {from trope (turning, shifting, a revolution; figuratively, a variation); from trepo (to turn)}. This is to turn, return, or come again. It can also mean to revert. It is turning in a literal or figurative sense – also a moral turning.
PPPP “Galilee” = Galilaia. From Hebrew galil (cylinder, circuit, district); from galal (to roll in a literal or figurative sense, roll away, roll down, wallow, remove, trust). This is Galilee, meaning perhaps region or cylinder.
QQQQ “town” = polis. This is a city or its inhabitants. It is a town of variable size, but one that has walls. This is where “metropolis” and “police” come from.
RRRR “Nazareth” = Nazareth. 12x in NT. Perhaps from Hebrew netser (branch) OR from natsar (to watch, guard, protect). This is Nazareth, meaning perhaps branch or protected. It is a city in Galilee. See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nazareth

40 The child grewSSSS and became strong,TTTT filledUUUU with wisdom;VVVV and the favorWWWW of God was upon him.

Notes on verse 40

SSSS “grew” = auxano. From auksano (to grow or enlarge, whether literal or figurative). This is growing whether in size or mature or greatness or some other metric.
TTTT “became strong” = krataioo. 4x in NT. From kratos (strength, power, dominion; vigor in a literal or figurative sense; power that is exercised). This is to strengthen, confirm, empower, or prevail.
UUUU “filled” = pleroo. From pleres (to be full, complete, abounding in, occupied with). This is to fill, make full or complete. Properly, this is filling something up to the maximum extent that it can be filled – an appropriate amount for its individual capacity. So, this is used figuratively for furnish, influence, satisfy, finish, preach, perfect, and fulfill.
VVVV “wisdom” = sophia. From sophos (wise, clever, skilled, learned, cultivated); related to saphes (clear). This is skill, wisdom, insight, intelligence, clarity. It is wisdom as applied through a practical skill or shrewdness. It is not thoughtfulness or the mere gaining of intelligence for its own sake. Sophia is wisdom in action for everyday living.
WWWW “favor” = charis. From chairo (to rejoice, be glad; used to say hello; properly, delighting in the grace of God or experiencing God’s favor); from char– (to extend favor, lean towards, be inclined to be favorable towards). This is grace, kindness, favor, gratitude, thanks. It is the sense of being inclined to or favorable towards – leaning towards someone to share some good or benefit. This can be literal, figurative, or spiritual. It is grace as abstract concept, manner, or action.


Image credit: “Presentation in the Temple” by John August Swanson, 1988.

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