Luke 2

Read on churchofjesuschrist.org (with footnotes)

1And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Cæsar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed.

JSTJoseph Smith Translation of v. 1

And it came to pass in those days that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all his empire should be taxed.
IV v. 1 (Inspired Version, 1867)

2(And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)

JSTJoseph Smith Translation of v. 2

This same taxing was when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.
IV v. 2 (Inspired Version, 1867)

3And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.

JSTJoseph Smith Translation of v. 3

And all went to be taxed, everyone in his own city.
IV v. 3 (Inspired Version, 1867)

4And 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:)

JSTJoseph Smith Translation of v. 4

And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem (because he was of the house and lineage of David),
IV v. 4 (Inspired Version, 1867)

5To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.

JSTJoseph Smith Translation of v. 5

To be taxed, with Mary, his espoused wife, she being great with child.
IV v. 5 (Inspired Version, 1867)

6And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.

7And 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.

JSTJoseph Smith Translation of v. 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.
IV v. 7 (Inspired Version, 1867)

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

JSTJoseph Smith Translation of v. 8

And there were in the same country, shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flocks by night.
IV v. 8 (Inspired Version, 1867)

9And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.

JSTJoseph Smith Translation of v. 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.
IV v. 9 (Inspired Version, 1867)

10And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

JSTJoseph Smith Translation of v. 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.
IV v. 10 (Inspired Version, 1867)

11For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

JSTJoseph Smith Translation of v. 11

For unto you is born this day, in the city of David, a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.
IV v. 11 (Inspired Version, 1867)

12And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

JSTJoseph Smith Translation of v. 12

And this is the way you shall find the babe: he is wrapped in swaddling clothes and is lying in a manger.
IV v. 12 (Inspired Version, 1867)

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

14Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

JSTJoseph Smith Translation of v. 14

Glory to God in the highest; and on earth, peace, goodwill to men.
IV v. 14 (Inspired Version, 1867)

15And 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.

JSTJoseph Smith Translation of v. 15

And it came to pass, when 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 has made known unto us.
IV v. 15 (Inspired Version, 1867)

16And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.

17And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.

JSTJoseph Smith Translation of v. 17

And when they had seen, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.
IV v. 17 (Inspired Version, 1867)

18And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.

JSTJoseph Smith Translation of v. 18

All they who heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds;
IV v. 18 (Inspired Version, 1867)

19But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.

20And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.

JSTJoseph Smith Translation of v. 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.
IV v. 20 (Inspired Version, 1867)

21And 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.

JSTJoseph Smith Translation of v. 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.
IV v. 21 (Inspired Version, 1867)

22And when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were accomplished, they brought him to Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord;

23(As it is written in the law of the Lord, Every male that openeth the womb shall be called holy to the Lord;)

JSTJoseph Smith Translation of v. 23

(As it is written in the law of the Lord, Every male which openeth the womb shall be called holy to the Lord),
IV v. 23 (Inspired Version, 1867)

24And to offer a sacrifice according to that which is said in the law of the Lord, A pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons.

JSTJoseph Smith Translation of v. 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.
IV v. 24 (Inspired Version, 1867)

25And, 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.

JSTJoseph Smith Translation of v. 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.
IV v. 25 (Inspired Version, 1867)

26And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord's Christ.

27And 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,

JSTJoseph Smith Translation of v. 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,
IV v. 27 (Inspired Version, 1867)

28Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said,

29Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word:

JSTJoseph Smith Translation of v. 29

Lord, now lettest thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word.
IV v. 29 (Inspired Version, 1867)

30For mine eyes have seen thy salvation,

31Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people;

32A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.

33And Joseph and his mother marvelled at those things which were spoken of him.

JSTJoseph Smith Translation of v. 33

And Joseph and Mary marveled at those things which were spoken of the child.
IV v. 33 (Inspired Version, 1867)

34And 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;

JSTJoseph Smith Translation of v. 34

And Simeon blessed them and said unto Mary, Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel and for a sign which shall be spoken against;
IV v. 34 (Inspired Version, 1867)

35(Yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also,) that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.

JSTJoseph Smith Translation of v. 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.
IV v. 35 (Inspired Version, 1867)

36And 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;

JSTJoseph Smith Translation of v. 36

And there was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel of the tribe of Asher. She was of great age and had lived with a husband only seven years, whom she married in her youth.
IV v. 36 (Inspired Version, 1867)

37And 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.

JSTJoseph Smith Translation of v. 37

And she lived a widow about fourscore and four years, who departed not from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day.
IV v. 37 (Inspired Version, 1867)

38And she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem.

JSTJoseph Smith Translation of v. 38

And she, coming in that instant, gave thanks likewise unto the Lord and spake of him to all those who looked for redemption in Jerusalem.
IV v. 38 (Inspired Version, 1867)

39And when they had performed all things according to the law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own city Nazareth.

40And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him.

JSTJoseph Smith Translation of v. 40

And the child grew and waxed strong in spirit, being filled with wisdom; and the grace of God was upon him.
IV v. 40 (Inspired Version, 1867)

41Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the feast of the passover.

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

JSTJoseph Smith Translation of v. 42

And when he was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem, after the custom, to the feast.
IV v. 42 (Inspired Version, 1867)

43And 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.

JSTJoseph Smith Translation of v. 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;
IV v. 43 (Inspired Version, 1867)

44But they, supposing him to have been in the company, went a day's journey; and they sought him among their kinsfolk and acquaintance.

JSTJoseph Smith Translation of v. 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.
IV v. 44 (Inspired Version, 1867)

45And when they found him not, they turned back again to Jerusalem, seeking him.

46And 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.

JSTJoseph Smith Translation of v. 46

And it came to pass 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.
IV v. 46 (Inspired Version, 1867)

47And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers.

JSTJoseph Smith Translation of v. 47

And all who heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers.
IV v. 47 (Inspired Version, 1867)

48And 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.

JSTJoseph Smith Translation of v. 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.
IV v. 48 (Inspired Version, 1867)

49And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father's business?

JSTJoseph Smith Translation of v. 49

And he said unto them, Why is it that ye sought me? Know ye not that I must be about my Father's business?
IV v. 49 (Inspired Version, 1867)

50And they understood not the saying which he spake unto them.

51And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject unto them: but his mother kept all these sayings in her heart.

JSTJoseph Smith Translation of v. 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.
IV v. 51 (Inspired Version, 1867)

52And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.

JSTJoseph Smith Translation of v. 52

And Jesus increased in wisdom, and stature, and in favor with God and man.
IV v. 52 (Inspired Version, 1867)

Also cited in commentary

1 Nephi 11 — The Condescension of God and the Catechetical Tree
- The condescension defined
1 Nephi 21 — Isaiah 49 — The Servant's Commission, the Engraved Palms, and the Light to the Gentiles
- The expansion of the commission
- Where this lands
2 Nephi 17 — Isaiah 7 — The Sign of Immanuel and the Trembling House of David
- Where this lands
2 Nephi 18 — Isaiah 8 — Maher-Shalal-Hash-Baz, the Sanctuary and the Stone of Stumbling, To the Law and to the Testimony
2 Nephi 19 — Isaiah 9 — The People That Walked in Darkness, the Child Born, the Four Throne-Names
- Where this lands
2 Nephi 22 — Isaiah 12 — The Song of Salvation, the Wells of Yeshua, and Zion's Inhabitant Shouting
- Where this lands
2 Nephi 25 — Nephi's Exposition — The Plainness, Six Hundred Years, the Name of Christ, and Grace After All We Can Do
- Where this lands
3 Nephi 1 — On the Morrow Come I Into the World — The Sign Fulfilled
- How the chapter is built
Alma 13 — After the Order of the Son of God — The High Priesthood, Foreordination, and Melchizedek the King of Salem
- The chapter's architecture
Alma 16 — The Desolation of Nehors — Ammonihah Destroyed in a Day, the Zoram Rescue at Sidon, and the Many Things That Looked Forth for the Coming of Christ
- Preaching after the destruction
- The chapter's architecture
Alma 19 — The Light of the Everlasting Life Was Lit Up in His Soul — The Queen's Greater Faith, Abish the Long-Hidden Witness, and the Conversion of Lamoni's Household
- Abish runs from house to house
Enos 1 — Enos's Wrestle — The Hunt That Became a Prayer, Intercession for Brethren and Enemies, the Promise of Preservation
- The hunt that became a prayer
- Where this lands
Jacob 1 — The Plates Pass to Jacob — Magnifying the Office, the Anxiety for Souls, and the Naming of Kings
- The moral state and Jacob's commission
Mosiah 3 — The Angel's Message — Jesus Christ Named, Blood from Every Pore, and the Natural Man
- The angel's introduction and announcement
- Where this lands
Mosiah 12 — Abinadi Returns in Disguise — Bound, Tried, and Questioned with Isaiah's Good Tidings
- The council tries to confound
- Where this lands
Mosiah 27 — The Angel, the Three Days of Death-Like Sleep, and the Born-Again — Alma the Younger and the Sons of Mosiah Converted, the Earth Trembling, the Soul Redeemed from the Gall of Bitterness
- Where this lands
2 Kings 22 — I Have Found the Book — the Boy King Who Walked Straight, the Scroll Lost Inside the Temple, the Clothes Torn at the Reading, and Huldah's Oracle of the Tender Heart
- How this chapter changes the reader
- Huldah speaks for the LORD
Esther 2 — The Orphan Who Found Favor — A Hidden Name, a Recorded Deed, and the Unseen Hand That Set the Crown
- How this chapter changes the reader
- The year of myrrh, and the turn that changed favor
Genesis 5 — The Book of the Generations of Adam — the Likeness Handed Down, the Drumbeat of the Dying, the One Who Walked and Was Not, and the Son Named for Comfort
- How this chapter changes the reader
- This same shall comfort us: Methuselah, Lamech, and the naming of Noah
Job 38 — Out of the Whirlwind — The LORD Answers Job Not with a Why but with a Who
- The morning stars and the sons of God

Cross-references are extracted from the project’s chapter essays — every link below points back into the original prose.

Public-domain text. The modern LDS edition with footnotes and chapter summaries is available on churchofjesuschrist.org ↗.

Study

Joseph Smith Translation

v. 1
And it came to pass in those days that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all his empire should be taxed.
v. 2
This same taxing was when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.
v. 3
And all went to be taxed, everyone in his own city.
v. 4
And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem (because he was of the house and lineage of David),
v. 5
To be taxed, with Mary, his espoused wife, she being great with child.
v. 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.
v. 8
And there were in the same country, shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flocks by night.
v. 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.
v. 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.
v. 11
For unto you is born this day, in the city of David, a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.
v. 12
And this is the way you shall find the babe: he is wrapped in swaddling clothes and is lying in a manger.
v. 14
Glory to God in the highest; and on earth, peace, goodwill to men.
v. 15
And it came to pass, when 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 has made known unto us.
v. 17
And when they had seen, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.
v. 18
All they who heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds;
v. 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.
v. 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.
v. 23
(As it is written in the law of the Lord, Every male which openeth the womb shall be called holy to the Lord),
v. 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.
v. 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.
v. 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,
v. 29
Lord, now lettest thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word.
v. 33
And Joseph and Mary marveled at those things which were spoken of the child.
v. 34
And Simeon blessed them and said unto Mary, Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel and for a sign which shall be spoken against;
v. 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.
v. 36
And there was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel of the tribe of Asher. She was of great age and had lived with a husband only seven years, whom she married in her youth.
v. 37
And she lived a widow about fourscore and four years, who departed not from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day.
v. 38
And she, coming in that instant, gave thanks likewise unto the Lord and spake of him to all those who looked for redemption in Jerusalem.
v. 40
And the child grew and waxed strong in spirit, being filled with wisdom; and the grace of God was upon him.
v. 42
And when he was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem, after the custom, to the feast.
v. 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;
v. 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.
v. 46
And it came to pass 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.
v. 47
And all who heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers.
v. 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.
v. 49
And he said unto them, Why is it that ye sought me? Know ye not that I must be about my Father's business?
v. 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.
v. 52
And Jesus increased in wisdom, and stature, and in favor with God and man.