1. Luc 2:22 (NEG79)
  2. Explication du texte

What did the Law of Moses require regarding purification and why?

Luc 2:22 (NEG79)

22 Et, quand les jours de leur purification furent accomplis, selon la loi de Moïse, Joseph et Marie le portèrent à Jérusalem, pour le présenter au Seigneur

Leviticus 12:1–8 gives details regarding purification following childbirth. With the birth of any child, there is typically a large loss of blood. Since blood is associated with life (Genesis 9:4; Leviticus 17:14), the loss of blood correlates with the loss of life, rendering one unfit to be in the presence of God (who is fullness of life, John 1:3–4). Coming as part of the clean/unclean laws (Leviticus 11:1 - 16:34), the focus of purification is not atoning for sin but dealing with the pollution that comes from living in a fallen world.1 Though Leviticus 12:1–8 refers only to women, reference is made to Mary and Joseph (they) most likely because Joseph helped with the delivery.2