Tag Archives: Luke 2:7

Introduction: The Hands that Wrapped the Word

In Luke 2:7, immediately following the birth of Yeshuʿ, we are told: καὶ ἐσπαργάνωσεν αὐτόν — “and she swaddled him.”

This act, grammatically represented by the aorist active indicative verb ἐσπαργάνωσεν {esparganōsen}, is simple and maternal—but deeply evocative. It links Jesus to common humanity, while hinting forward to the wrapping of his body in burial. The verb is rare, pictorial, and powerful.

Καὶ ἔτεκε τὸν υἱὸν αὐτῆς τὸν πρωτότοκον, καὶ ἐσπαργάνωσεν αὐτὸν, καὶ ἀνέκλινεν αὐτὸν ἐν τῇ φάτνῃ, διότι οὐκ ἦν αὐτοῖς τόπος ἐν τῷ καταλύματι.

Let us focus on the vivid and tender verb ἐσπαργάνωσεν in Luke 2:7—a verb that occurs only here in the New Testament.… Learn Koine Greek

Introduction: Firstborn in Form and Fulfillment

In Luke 2:7, we read the terse, solemn line: Καὶ ἔτεκε τὸν υἱὸν αὐτῆς τὸν πρωτότοκον — “And she gave birth to her son, the firstborn.”

The participial-adjectival form πρωτότοκος {prōtótokos} functions grammatically as an appositive descriptor of υἱὸν (“son”)—yet its implications go beyond birth order. This single word is loaded with grammatical complexity, covenantal overtones, and messianic significance.

Let’s examine how this participle-adjective hybrid operates syntactically and theologically in this birth narrative.

Καὶ ἔτεκε τὸν υἱὸν αὐτῆς τὸν πρωτότοκον, καὶ ἐσπαργάνωσεν αὐτὸν, καὶ ἀνέκλινεν αὐτὸν ἐν τῇ φάτνῃ, διότι οὐκ ἦν αὐτοῖς τόπος ἐν τῷ καταλύματι.… Learn Koine Greek