^{1 Ref} And it came to pass in those days, there went forth a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world be enrolled --

^{2 Ref} this enrollment first came to pass when Cyrenius was governor of Syria --

³ and all were going to be enrolled, each to his proper city,

^{4 Ref} and Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, that is called Bethlehem, because of his being of the house and family of David,

^{5 Ref} to enroll himself with Mary his betrothed wife, being with child.

^{6 Ref} And it came to pass, in their being there, the days were fulfilled for her bringing forth,

^{7 Ref} and she brought forth her son -- the first-born, and wrapped him up, and laid him down in the manger, because there was not for them a place in the guest-chamber.

^{8 Ref} And there were shepherds in the same region, lodging in the field, and keeping the night-watches over their flock,

^{9 Ref} and lo, a messenger of the Lord stood over them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they feared a great fear.

^{10 Ref} And the messenger said to them, `Fear not, for lo, I bring you good news of great joy, that shall be to all the people --

^{11 Ref} because there was born to you to-day a Saviour -- who is Christ the Lord -- in the city of David,

^{12 Ref} and this `is' to you the sign: Ye shall find a babe wrapped up, lying in the manger.'

^{13 Ref} And suddenly there came with the messenger a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God, and saying,

^{14 Ref} `Glory in the highest to God, and upon earth peace, among men -- good will.'

^{15 Ref} And it came to pass, when the messengers were gone away from them to the heavens, that the men, the shepherds, said unto one another, `We may go over indeed unto Bethlehem, and see this thing that hath come to pass, that the Lord did make known to us.'

^{16 Ref} And they came, having hasted, and found both Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in the manger,

^{17 Ref} and having seen, they made known abroad concerning the saying spoken to them concerning the child.

^{18 Ref} And all who heard, did wonder concerning the things spoken by the shepherds unto them;

^{19 Ref} and Mary was preserving all these things, pondering in her heart;

^{20 Ref} and the shepherds turned back, glorifying and praising God, for all those things they heard and saw, as it was spoken unto them.

^{21 Ref} And when eight days were fulfilled to circumcise the child, then was his name called Jesus, having been so called by the messenger before his being conceived in the womb.

^{22 Ref} And when the days of their purification were fulfilled, according to the law of Moses, they brought him up to Jerusalem, to present to the Lord,

^{23 Ref} as it hath been written in the Law of the Lord, -- `Every male opening a womb shall be called holy to the Lord,'

^{24 Ref} and to give a sacrifice, according to that said in the Law of the Lord, `A pair of turtle-doves, or two young pigeons.'

^{25 Ref} And lo, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name `is' Simeon, and this man is righteous and devout, looking for the comforting of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him,

^{26 Ref} and it hath been divinely told him by the Holy Spirit -- not to see death before he may see the Christ of the Lord.

^{27 Ref} And he came in the Spirit to the temple, and in the parents bringing in the child Jesus, for their doing according to the custom of the law regarding him,

^{28 Ref} then he took him in his arms, and blessed God, and he said,

^{29 Ref} `Now Thou dost send away Thy servant, Lord, according to Thy word, in peace,

^{30 Ref} because mine eyes did see Thy salvation,

^{31 Ref} which Thou didst prepare before the face of all the peoples,

^{32 Ref} a light to the uncovering of nations, and the glory of Thy people Israel.'

^{33 Ref} And Joseph and his mother were wondering at the things spoken concerning him,

^{34 Ref} and Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, `Lo, this `one' is set for the falling and rising again of many in Israel, and for a sign spoken against --

^{35 Ref} (and also thine own soul shall a sword pass through) -- that the reasonings of many hearts may be revealed.'

^{36 Ref} And there was Anna, a prophetess, daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher, she was much advanced in days, having lived with an husband seven years from her virginity,

^{37 Ref} and she `is' a widow of about eighty-four years, who did depart not from the temple, with fasts and supplications serving, night and day,

^{38 Ref} and she, at that hour, having come in, was confessing, likewise, to the Lord, and was speaking concerning him, to all those looking for redemption in Jerusalem.

^{39 Ref} And when they finished all things, according to the Law of the Lord, they turned back to Galilee, to their city Nazareth;

^{40 Ref} and the child grew and was strengthened in spirit, being filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was upon him.

^{41 Ref} And his parents were going yearly to Jerusalem, at the feast of the passover,

⁴² and when he became twelve years old, they having gone up to Jerusalem, according to the custom of the feast,

^{43 Ref} and having finished the days, in their returning the child Jesus remained behind in Jerusalem, and Joseph and his mother did not know,

^{44 Ref} and, having supposed him to be in the company, they went a day's journey, and were seeking him among the kindred and among the acquaintances,

⁴⁵ and not having found him, they turned back to Jerusalem seeking him.

^{46 Ref} And it came to pass, after three days, they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, both hearing them and questioning them,

^{47 Ref} and all those hearing him were astonished at his understanding and answers.

^{48 Ref} And, having seen him, they were amazed, and his mother said unto him, `Child, why didst thou thus to us? lo, thy father and I, sorrowing, were seeking thee.'

^{49 Ref} And he said unto them, `Why `is it' that ye were seeking me? did ye not know that in the things of my Father it behoveth me to be?'

^{50 Ref} and they did not understand the saying that he spake to them,

^{51 Ref} and he went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and he was subject to them, and his mother was keeping all these sayings in her heart,

^{52 Ref} and Jesus was advancing in wisdom, and in stature, and in favour with God and men.

^{1 Ref} Now it came to pass in those days, there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be enrolled.

^{2 Ref} This was the first enrolment made when Quirinius was governor of Syria.

³ And all went to enrol themselves, every one to his own city.

^{4 Ref} And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David;

^{5 Ref} to enrol himself with Mary, who was betrothed to him, being great with child.

^{6 Ref} And it came to pass, while they were there, the days were fulfilled that she should be delivered.

^{7 Ref} And she brought forth her firstborn son; and she wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

^{8 Ref} And there were shepherds in the same country abiding in the field, and keeping watch by night over their flock.

^{9 Ref} And an angel of the Lord stood by them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.

^{10 Ref} And the angel said unto them, Be not afraid; for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which shall be to all the people:

^{11 Ref} for there is born to you this day in the city of David a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord.

^{12 Ref} And this `is' the sign unto you: Ye shall find a babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, and lying in a manger.

^{13 Ref} And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,

^{14 Ref} Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace among men in whom he is well pleased.

^{15 Ref} And it came to pass, when the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing that is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.

^{16 Ref} And they came with haste, and found both Mary and Joseph, and the babe lying in the manger.

^{17 Ref} And when they saw it, they made known concerning the saying which was spoken to them about this child.

^{18 Ref} And all that heard it wondered at the things which were spoken unto them by the shepherds.

^{19 Ref} But Mary kept all these sayings, pondering them in her heart.

^{20 Ref} And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, even as it was spoken unto them.

^{21 Ref} And when eight days were fulfilled for circumcising him, his name was called JESUS, which was so called by the angel before he was conceived in the womb.

^{22 Ref} And when the days of their purification according to the law of Moses were fulfilled, they brought him up to Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord

^{23 Ref} (as it is written in the law of the Lord, Every male that openeth the womb shall be called holy to the Lord),

^{24 Ref} 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.

^{25 Ref} And behold, there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon; and this man was righteous and devout, looking for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Spirit was upon him.

^{26 Ref} And it had been revealed unto him by the Holy Spirit, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord's Christ.

^{27 Ref} And he came in the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, that they might do concerning him after the custom of the law,

^{28 Ref} then he received him into his arms, and blessed God, and said,

^{29 Ref} Now lettest thou thy servant depart, Lord, According to thy word, in peace;

^{30 Ref} For mine eyes have seen thy salvation,

^{31 Ref} Which thou hast prepared before the face of all peoples;

^{32 Ref} A light for revelation to the Gentiles, And the glory of thy people Israel.

^{33 Ref} And his father and his mother were marvelling at the things which were spoken concerning him;

^{34 Ref} and Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this `child' is set for the falling and the rising of many in Israel; and for a sign which is spoken against;

^{35 Ref} yea and a sword shall pierce through thine own soul; that thoughts out of many hearts may be revealed.

^{36 Ref} And there was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher (she was of a great age, having lived with a husband seven years from her virginity,

^{37 Ref} and she had been a widow even unto fourscore and four years), who departed not from the temple, worshipping with fastings and supplications night and day.

^{38 Ref} And coming up at that very hour she gave thanks unto God, and spake of him to all them that were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem.

^{39 Ref} And when they had accomplished all things that were according to the law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own city Nazareth.

^{40 Ref} And the child grew, and waxed strong, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him.

^{41 Ref} And his parents went every year to Jerusalem at the feast of the passover.

⁴² And when he was twelve years old, they went up after the custom of the feast;

^{43 Ref} and when they had fulfilled the days, as they were returning, the boy Jesus tarried behind in Jerusalem; and his parents knew it not;

^{44 Ref} but supposing him to be in the company, they went a day's journey; and they sought for him among their kinsfolk and acquaintance:

⁴⁵ and when they found him not, they returned to Jerusalem, seeking for him.

^{46 Ref} And it came to pass, after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, both hearing them, and asking them questions:

^{47 Ref} and all that heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers.

^{48 Ref} And when they saw him, they were astonished; and his mother said unto him, Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? behold, thy father and I sought thee sorrowing.

^{49 Ref} And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? knew ye not that I must be in my Father's house?

^{50 Ref} And they understood not the saying which he spake unto them.

^{51 Ref} And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth; and he was subject unto them: and his mother kept all `these' sayings in her heart.

^{52 Ref} And Jesus advanced in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.

^{1 Ref} Now it came about in those days that an order went out from Caesar Augustus that there was to be a numbering of all the world.

^{2 Ref} This was the first numbering, which was made when Quirinius was ruler of Syria.

³ And all men went to be numbered, everyone to his town.

^{4 Ref} And Joseph went up from Galilee, out of the town of Nazareth, into Judaea, to Beth-lehem, the town of David, because he was of the house and family of David,

^{5 Ref} To be put on the list with Mary, his future wife, who was about to become a mother.

^{6 Ref} And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth.

^{7 Ref} And she had her first son; and folding him in linen, she put him to rest in the place where the cattle had their food, because there was no room for them in the house.

^{8 Ref} And in the same country there were keepers of sheep in the fields, watching over their flock by night.

^{9 Ref} And an angel of the Lord came to them, and the glory of the Lord was shining round about them: and fear came on them.

^{10 Ref} And the angel said, Have no fear; for truly, I give you good news of great joy which will be for all the people:

^{11 Ref} For on this day, in the town of David, a Saviour has come to birth, who is Christ the Lord.

^{12 Ref} And this is the sign to you: you will see a young child folded in linen, in the place where the cattle have their food.

^{13 Ref} And suddenly there was with the angel a great band of spirits from heaven, giving praise to God, and saying,

^{14 Ref} Glory to God in the highest, and on the earth peace among men with whom he is well pleased.

^{15 Ref} And when the angels had gone away from them into heaven, the keepers of the sheep said to one another, Let us go now to Beth-lehem, and see this thing which has come about, which the Lord has made clear to us.

^{16 Ref} And they came quickly, and saw Mary and Joseph, and the child in the place where the cattle had their food.

^{17 Ref} And when they saw it, they gave them an account of the things which had been said to them about the child.

^{18 Ref} And all those to whose ears it came were full of wonder at the things said by the keepers of the sheep.

^{19 Ref} But Mary kept all these words in her heart, and gave much thought to them.

^{20 Ref} Then the keepers of the sheep went back, giving glory and praise to God for all the things which had come to their ears and which they had seen, as it had been said to them.

^{21 Ref} And when, after eight days, the time came for his circumcision, he was named Jesus, the name which the angel had given to him before his birth.

^{22 Ref} And when the necessary days for making them clean by the law of Moses had come to an end, they took him to Jerusalem to give him to the Lord

^{23 Ref} (As it says in the law of the Lord, Every mother's first male child is to be holy to the Lord),

^{24 Ref} And to make an offering, as it is ordered in the law of the Lord, of two doves or other young birds.

^{25 Ref} And there was then in Jerusalem a man whose name was Simeon; and he was an upright man, fearing God and waiting for the comfort of Israel: and the Holy Spirit was on him.

^{26 Ref} And he had knowledge, through the Holy Spirit, that he would not see death till he had seen the Lord's Christ.

^{27 Ref} And full of the Spirit he came into the Temple; and when the father and mother came in with the child Jesus, to do with him what was ordered by the law,

^{28 Ref} Then he took him in his arms and gave praise to God and said,

^{29 Ref} Now you are letting your servant go in peace, O Lord, as you have said;

^{30 Ref} For my eyes have seen your salvation,

^{31 Ref} Which you have made ready before the face of all nations;

^{32 Ref} A light of revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel.

^{33 Ref} And his father and mother were full of wonder at the things which were said about him.

^{34 Ref} And Simeon gave them his blessing and said to Mary, his mother, See, this child will be the cause of the downfall and the lifting up of great numbers of people in Israel, and he will be a sign against which hard words will be said;

^{35 Ref} (And a sword will go through your heart;) so that the secret thoughts of men may come to light.

^{36 Ref} And there was one, Anna, a woman prophet, the daughter of Phanuel, of the family of Asher (she was very old, and after seven years of married life

^{37 Ref} She had been a widow for eighty-four years); she was in the Temple at all times, worshipping with prayers and going without food, night and day.

^{38 Ref} And coming up at that time, she gave praise to God, talking of him to all those who were waiting for the freeing of Jerusalem.

^{39 Ref} And when they had done all the things which were ordered by the law of the Lord, they went back to Galilee, to Nazareth, the town where they were living.

^{40 Ref} And the child became tall and strong and full of wisdom, and the grace of God was on him.

^{41 Ref} And every year his father and mother went to Jerusalem at the feast of the Passover.

⁴² And when he was twelve years old, they went up, as their way was, to the feast;

^{43 Ref} And when the days of the feast came to an end and they were going back, the boy Jesus was still in Jerusalem, but they had no knowledge of it:

^{44 Ref} And in the belief that he was with some of their number, they went a day's journey; and after looking for him among their relations and friends,

⁴⁵ And seeing that he was not there, they went back to Jerusalem, to make search for him.

^{46 Ref} And after three days they came across him in the Temple, seated among the wise men, giving ear to their words and putting questions to them.

^{47 Ref} And all to whose ears it came were full of wonder at his knowledge and the answers which he gave.

^{48 Ref} And when they saw him they were surprised, and his mother said to him, Son, why have you done this to us? see, your father and I have been looking for you with sorrow.

^{49 Ref} And he said to them, Why were you looking for me? was it not clear to you that my right place was in my Father's house?

^{50 Ref} And his words seemed strange to them.

^{51 Ref} And he went down with them and came to Nazareth; and did as he was ordered: and his mother kept all these words in her heart.

^{52 Ref} And Jesus was increasing in wisdom and in years, and in grace before God and men.