volume 14, issue 1, 2022, pages 49-66

DOI: https://doi.org/10.64438/sbsBPJE9507
Published online: 2022-06-01
Published in print: 2022-06-30

Abstract: This article takes up the phrase ὅτε ἐπλήσθησαν αἱ ἡµέραι τοῦ καθαρισµοῦ αὐτῶν in Luke 2:22 for a detailed study from a linguistic point of view inspired by canonical intertextuality. Authors from the earlier periods had difficulty in understanding καθαρισµοῦ αὐτῶν. According to Lev 12:8, only the mother was required to undergo the rite of purification. However, there is no Greek manuscript which has the genitive feminine pronoun and thus referring to Mary. Even though it was difficult to explain αὐτῶν, the scholars interpreted it as the purification of mother based on their understanding on the sacrifice mentioned in v. 24. However, the sacrifice mentioned here could also be understood as a sacrifice any poor Jew undertakes on their visit to Jerusalem temple to purify the tabernacle from impurity caused by the ongoing life of the community, and to restore its sacred status (Lev 5:1-13). Scriptural traditions found in the OT make it possible to understand καθαρισµός as the Feast of Purification. This reading goes well with the Lukan style and theology. The Feast of Purification and its associated eschatological ideas of purification of Jews is a better reading for the puzzling Lukan expression “their purification” from a canonical scriptural perspective.