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Luke 2

And in those days an order went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. And this registration was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria. And everyone went to be registered, each to his own town. And Joseph went up too, from Galilee, out of the town of Nazareth into Judaea, to the city of David which is c

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The birth

And in those days an order went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. And this registration was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria. And everyone went to be registered, each to his own town. And Joseph went up too, from Galilee, out of the town of Nazareth into Judaea, to the city of David which is called Bethlehem — because he was of the house and line of David — to be registered with Mary, who was engaged to him and was expecting a child. And so it was that while they were there, the days were completed for her to give birth. And she brought forth her firstborn son, wrapped him in strips of cloth and laid him in a manger — because there was no room for them in the inn.

And it happened in those days that an order went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed. And this taxing was first made when Quirinius was governor of Syria. And everyone went to be taxed, every one to his own town. And Joseph went up too from Galilee, out of the town of Nazareth, into Judea, to the town of David called Bethlehem — because he was of the house and family of David — to be taxed with Mary his promised wife, who was pregnant. And while they were there, the days came for her to give birth. And she had her firstborn son and wrapped him in strips of cloth and laid him in a manger, because there wasn't room for them in the inn.

And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. 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.

1

And in those days an order went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered.

Plain English

And it happened in those days that an order went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed.

King James Version, 1611

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

2

And this registration was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.

Plain English

And this taxing was first made when Quirinius was governor of Syria.

King James Version, 1611

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

3

And everyone went to be registered, each to his own town.

Plain English

And everyone went to be taxed, every one to his own town.

King James Version, 1611

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

4

And Joseph went up too, from Galilee, out of the town of Nazareth into Judaea, to the city of David which is called Bethlehem — because he was of the house and line of David —

Plain English

And Joseph went up too from Galilee, out of the town of Nazareth, into Judea, to the town of David called Bethlehem — because he was of the house and family of David —

King James Version, 1611

And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)

5

to be registered with Mary, who was engaged to him and was expecting a child.

Plain English

to be taxed with Mary his promised wife, who was pregnant.

King James Version, 1611

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

6

And so it was that while they were there, the days were completed for her to give birth.

Plain English

And while they were there, the days came for her to give birth.

King James Version, 1611

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

7

And she brought forth her firstborn son, wrapped him in strips of cloth and laid him in a manger — because there was no room for them in the inn.

Plain English

And she had her firstborn son and wrapped him in strips of cloth and laid him in a manger, because there wasn't room for them in the inn.

King James Version, 1611

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.

The shepherds

And there were shepherds in that same country, out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. And the angel of the Lord came on them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them. And they were terrified. And the angel said to them, Don't be afraid. Because look — I bring you good news of great joy, which will be to all people. Because to you is born this day, in the city of David, a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign to you: you will find the baby wrapped in strips of cloth, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a great crowd of the heavenly host, praising God and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. And when the angels had gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, Let us go now to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us. And they came in a hurry, and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger. And when they had seen it, they spread the word about what had been told them about this child. And everyone who heard it wondered at the things told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these things, and turned them over in her heart. And the shepherds went back, glorifying and praising God for everything they had heard and seen, just as it had been told them.

And there were shepherds in the same country staying in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And look — the angel of the Lord came on them, and the glory of the Lord shone round them. And they were very frightened. And the angel said to them: Don't be frightened. Because look — I bring you good news of great joy that'll be to all people. Because to you is born today in the town of David a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign to you: You'll find the baby wrapped in strips of cloth, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a crowd of the heavenly army, praising God and saying: Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will towards men. And when the angels had gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to each other: Let's go now right to Bethlehem and see this thing that's come about, that the Lord has made known to us. And they came in a hurry and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger. And when they'd seen it, they made known everywhere the saying that was told them about this child. And everyone who heard it was shocked at the things told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these things and thought them over in her heart. And the shepherds went back, giving glory and praise to God for everything they'd heard and seen, the way it was told them.

And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 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. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. 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. And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.

8

And there were shepherds in that same country, out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night.

Plain English

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

King James Version, 1611

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

9

And the angel of the Lord came on them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them. And they were terrified.

Plain English

And look — the angel of the Lord came on them, and the glory of the Lord shone round them. And they were very frightened.

King James Version, 1611

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.

10

And the angel said to them, Don't be afraid. Because look — I bring you good news of great joy, which will be to all people.

Plain English

And the angel said to them: Don't be frightened. Because look — I bring you good news of great joy that'll be to all people.

King James Version, 1611

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

11

Because to you is born this day, in the city of David, a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord.

Plain English

Because to you is born today in the town of David a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord.

King James Version, 1611

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

12

And this will be a sign to you: you will find the baby wrapped in strips of cloth, lying in a manger.

Plain English

And this will be a sign to you: You'll find the baby wrapped in strips of cloth, lying in a manger.

King James Version, 1611

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

13

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

Plain English

And suddenly there was with the angel a crowd of the heavenly army, praising God and saying:

King James Version, 1611

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

14

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

Plain English

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

King James Version, 1611

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

15

And when the angels had gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, Let us go now to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.

Plain English

And when the angels had gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to each other: Let's go now right to Bethlehem and see this thing that's come about, that the Lord has made known to us.

King James Version, 1611

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.

16

And they came in a hurry, and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger.

Plain English

And they came in a hurry and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger.

King James Version, 1611

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

17

And when they had seen it, they spread the word about what had been told them about this child.

Plain English

And when they'd seen it, they made known everywhere the saying that was told them about this child.

King James Version, 1611

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

18

And everyone who heard it wondered at the things told them by the shepherds.

Plain English

And everyone who heard it was shocked at the things told them by the shepherds.

King James Version, 1611

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

19

But Mary kept all these things, and turned them over in her heart.

Plain English

But Mary kept all these things and thought them over in her heart.

King James Version, 1611

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

20

And the shepherds went back, glorifying and praising God for everything they had heard and seen, just as it had been told them.

Plain English

And the shepherds went back, giving glory and praise to God for everything they'd heard and seen, the way it was told them.

King James Version, 1611

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

Simeon and Anna

And when eight days were completed for the circumcising of the child, his name was called JESUS — the name given by the angel before he was conceived in the womb. And when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were completed, they brought him to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord, as it is written in the law of the Lord: Every male that opens the womb will be called holy to the Lord. And to offer a sacrifice according to what is said in the law of the Lord: a pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons. And there was a man in Jerusalem named Simeon. He was righteous and devout, waiting for the comfort of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was on him. And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he wouldn't see death before he had seen the Lord's Christ. And he came by the Spirit into the temple. And when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him what the custom of the law required, he took him up in his arms and blessed God and said: Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace, according to your word. Because my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared before the face of all people — a light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel. And Joseph and his mother were amazed at the things spoken about him. And Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, Look — this child is set for the falling and the rising again of many in Israel, and for a sign that will be spoken against. And a sword will pierce through your own soul too, so the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed. And there was Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Aser. She was very old, and had lived with a husband seven years from her girlhood, and was a widow of about eighty-four years, who never left the temple but served God with fasting and prayer, night and day. And coming in at that moment she gave thanks to the Lord as well, and spoke of him to everyone who was looking for redemption in Jerusalem. And when they had done everything according to the law of the Lord, they went back to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. And the child grew and became strong in spirit, filled with wisdom. And the grace of God was on him.

And when eight days were up for circumcising the child, his name was called Jesus, the name given by the angel before he was conceived in the womb. And when the days of her cleansing according to the teaching of Moses were up, they brought him to Jerusalem to show him to the Lord — as it's written in the teaching of the Lord: Every male who opens the womb will be called holy to the Lord — and to offer a sacrifice according to what's said in the teaching of the Lord: A pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons. And look — there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon. And the same man was righteous and God-fearing, waiting for the comfort of Israel. And the Holy Spirit was on him. And it was shown him by the Holy Spirit that he wouldn't see death before he'd seen the Lord's Christ. And he came by the Spirit into the temple. And when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him according to the way of the teaching, then he took him up in his arms and blessed God and said: Lord, now you let your servant go in peace, according to your word. Because my eyes have seen your salvation, that you've got ready in front of the face of all people — a light to light the nations, and the glory of your people Israel. And Joseph and his mother were shocked at the things spoken about him. And Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother: Look — this child is set for the falling and rising again of plenty in Israel, and for a sign that'll be spoken against. Yes, a sword will go through your own soul too, so the thoughts of plenty of hearts can be shown. And there was one Anna, a prophet, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was of a great age and had lived with a husband seven years from her virginity. And she was a widow of about eighty-four years, who didn't leave the temple but served God with fasting and prayers night and day. And coming in that same hour, she gave thanks to the Lord too and spoke about him to everyone who looked for redemption in Jerusalem. And when they'd carried out everything according to the teaching of the Lord, they went back into Galilee, to their own town Nazareth. And the child grew and got strong in spirit, filled with wisdom. And the grace of God was on him.

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. And 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; (As it is written in the law of the LORD, Every male that openeth the womb shall be called holy to the Lord;) 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. 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. And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. 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, Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said, Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word: For mine eyes have seen thy salvation, Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people; A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel. And Joseph and his mother marvelled at those things which were spoken of him. 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; (Yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also,) that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed. 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; 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. 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. And when they had performed all things according to the law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own city Nazareth. And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him.

21

And when eight days were completed for the circumcising of the child, his name was called JESUS — the name given by the angel before he was conceived in the womb.

Plain English

And when eight days were up for circumcising the child, his name was called Jesus, the name given by the angel before he was conceived in the womb.

King James Version, 1611

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.

22

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

Plain English

And when the days of her cleansing according to the teaching of Moses were up, they brought him to Jerusalem to show him to the Lord —

King James Version, 1611

And 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 opens the womb will be called holy to the Lord.

Plain English

as it's written in the teaching of the Lord: Every male who opens the womb will be called holy to the Lord —

King James Version, 1611

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

24

And to offer a sacrifice according to what is said in the law of the Lord: a pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons.

Plain English

and to offer a sacrifice according to what's said in the teaching of the Lord: A pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons.

King James Version, 1611

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

And there was a man in Jerusalem named Simeon. He was righteous and devout, waiting for the comfort of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was on him.

Plain English

And look — there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon. And the same man was righteous and God-fearing, waiting for the comfort of Israel. And the Holy Spirit was on him.

King James Version, 1611

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.

26

And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he wouldn't see death before he had seen the Lord's Christ.

Plain English

And it was shown him by the Holy Spirit that he wouldn't see death before he'd seen the Lord's Christ.

King James Version, 1611

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

27

And he came by the Spirit into the temple. And when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him what the custom of the law required,

Plain English

And he came by the Spirit into the temple. And when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him according to the way of the teaching,

King James Version, 1611

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,

28

he took him up in his arms and blessed God and said:

Plain English

then he took him up in his arms and blessed God and said:

King James Version, 1611

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

29

Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace, according to your word.

Plain English

Lord, now you let your servant go in peace, according to your word.

King James Version, 1611

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

30

Because my eyes have seen your salvation,

King James Version, 1611

For mine eyes have seen thy salvation,

31

which you have prepared before the face of all people —

Plain English

that you've got ready in front of the face of all people —

King James Version, 1611

Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people;

32

a light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel.

Plain English

a light to light the nations, and the glory of your people Israel.

King James Version, 1611

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

33

And Joseph and his mother were amazed at the things spoken about him.

Plain English

And Joseph and his mother were shocked at the things spoken about him.

King James Version, 1611

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

34

And Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, Look — this child is set for the falling and the rising again of many in Israel, and for a sign that will be spoken against.

Plain English

And Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother: Look — this child is set for the falling and rising again of plenty in Israel, and for a sign that'll be spoken against.

King James Version, 1611

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;

35

And a sword will pierce through your own soul too, so the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.

Plain English

Yes, a sword will go through your own soul too, so the thoughts of plenty of hearts can be shown.

King James Version, 1611

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

36

And there was Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Aser. She was very old, and had lived with a husband seven years from her girlhood,

Plain English

And there was one Anna, a prophet, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was of a great age and had lived with a husband seven years from her virginity.

King James Version, 1611

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;

37

and was a widow of about eighty-four years, who never left the temple but served God with fasting and prayer, night and day.

Plain English

And she was a widow of about eighty-four years, who didn't leave the temple but served God with fasting and prayers night and day.

King James Version, 1611

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.

38

And coming in at that moment she gave thanks to the Lord as well, and spoke of him to everyone who was looking for redemption in Jerusalem.

Plain English

And coming in that same hour, she gave thanks to the Lord too and spoke about him to everyone who looked for redemption in Jerusalem.

King James Version, 1611

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.

39

And when they had done everything according to the law of the Lord, they went back to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth.

Plain English

And when they'd carried out everything according to the teaching of the Lord, they went back into Galilee, to their own town Nazareth.

King James Version, 1611

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

40

And the child grew and became strong in spirit, filled with wisdom. And the grace of God was on him.

Plain English

And the child grew and got strong in spirit, filled with wisdom. And the grace of God was on him.

King James Version, 1611

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

The boy in the temple

Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the Feast of the Passover. And when he was twelve years old they went up to Jerusalem, as the custom of the feast was. And when they had finished the days and were going home, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem. And Joseph and his mother didn't know it. But supposing him to be in the company, they went a day's journey, and looked for him among their relatives and friends. And when they didn't find him, they turned back to Jerusalem, looking for him. And after three days they found him in the temple, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. And everyone who heard him was astonished at his understanding and his answers. And when they saw him they were amazed. And his mother said to him, Son, why have you treated us like this? Look — your father and I have been looking for you, sick with worry. And he said to them, Why were you looking for me? Didn't you know I had to be about my Father's business? And they didn't understand what he said to them. And he went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was obedient to them. But his mother kept all these sayings in her heart. And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.

Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the feast of the Passover. And when he was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem the way the feast went. And when they'd been the full days, as they came back, the child Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem. And Joseph and his mother didn't know it. But they, thinking he was in the company, went a day's journey. And they looked for him among their relatives and the ones they knew. And when they didn't find him, they turned back again to Jerusalem, looking for him. And after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the middle of the teachers, both hearing them and asking them questions. And everyone who heard him was shocked at his understanding and answers. And when they saw him, they were amazed. And his mother said to him: Son, why have you dealt with us like this? Look — your father and I have looked for you, worried. And he said to them: How is it you looked for me? Didn't you know I have to be about my Father's business? And they didn't understand the saying he spoke to them. And he went down with them and came to Nazareth and did what they said. But his mother kept all these sayings in her heart. And Jesus grew in wisdom and in size, and in favour with God and man.

Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the feast of the passover. And when he was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem after the custom of the feast. 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. But they, supposing him to have been in the company, went a day’s journey; and they sought him among their kinsfolk and acquaintance. And when they found him not, they turned back again to Jerusalem, seeking him. 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. And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers. 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. And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father’s business? And they understood not the saying which he spake unto them. 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. And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.

41

Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the Feast of the Passover.

Plain English

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

King James Version, 1611

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

42

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

Plain English

And when he was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem the way the feast went.

King James Version, 1611

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

43

And when they had finished the days and were going home, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem. And Joseph and his mother didn't know it.

Plain English

And when they'd been the full days, as they came back, the child Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem. And Joseph and his mother didn't know it.

King James Version, 1611

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.

44

But supposing him to be in the company, they went a day's journey, and looked for him among their relatives and friends.

Plain English

But they, thinking he was in the company, went a day's journey. And they looked for him among their relatives and the ones they knew.

King James Version, 1611

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

45

And when they didn't find him, they turned back to Jerusalem, looking for him.

Plain English

And when they didn't find him, they turned back again to Jerusalem, looking for him.

King James Version, 1611

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

46

And after three days they found him in the temple, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions.

Plain English

And after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the middle of the teachers, both hearing them and asking them questions.

King James Version, 1611

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.

47

And everyone who heard him was astonished at his understanding and his answers.

Plain English

And everyone who heard him was shocked at his understanding and answers.

King James Version, 1611

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

48

And when they saw him they were amazed. And his mother said to him, Son, why have you treated us like this? Look — your father and I have been looking for you, sick with worry.

Plain English

And when they saw him, they were amazed. And his mother said to him: Son, why have you dealt with us like this? Look — your father and I have looked for you, worried.

King James Version, 1611

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.

49

And he said to them, Why were you looking for me? Didn't you know I had to be about my Father's business?

Plain English

And he said to them: How is it you looked for me? Didn't you know I have to be about my Father's business?

King James Version, 1611

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

50

And they didn't understand what he said to them.

Plain English

And they didn't understand the saying he spoke to them.

King James Version, 1611

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

51

And he went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was obedient to them. But his mother kept all these sayings in her heart.

Plain English

And he went down with them and came to Nazareth and did what they said. But his mother kept all these sayings in her heart.

King James Version, 1611

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.

52

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

Plain English

And Jesus grew in wisdom and in size, and in favour with God and man.

King James Version, 1611

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