Luk 2:4 | NETfull | STEP | So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family line of David.

Luke 2:4

4 So ^{▼▼ Here καί (kai) has been translated as “so” to indicate the consequential nature of the action.} Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth ^{▼▼ On Nazareth see Luke 1:26.} ^{▼▼ For location see Map1-D3; Map2-C2; Map3-D5; Map4-C1; Map5-G3.} in Galilee to Judea, to the city ^{▼▼ Or “town.” The translation “city” is used here because of its collocation with “of David,” suggesting its importance, though not its size.} of David called Bethlehem, ^{▼▼ The journey from Nazareth to the city of David called Bethlehem was a journey of about 90 mi (150 km). Bethlehem was a small village located about 7 miles south-southwest of Jerusalem.} ^{▼▼ For location see Map5-B1; Map7-E2; Map8-E2; Map10-B4.} because he was of the house ^{▼▼ Luke’s use of the term “house” probably alludes to the original promise made to David outlined in the Nathan oracle of 2 Sam 7:12–16, especially in light of earlier connections between Jesus and David made in Luke 1:32. Further, the mention of Bethlehem reminds one of the promise of Mic 5:2, namely, that a great king would emerge from Bethlehem to rule over God’s people.} and family line ^{▼▼ Or “family,” “lineage.”} of David.