* **traveled to the Judean town of Bethlehem** - This could be translated as "went up to the town of Bethlehem in Judea." Bethlehem was higher in elevation than Nazareth.
* **city of David ** - Bethlehem was called a city because of its importance, not its size. King David was born there and there was a prophecy that the Messiah would be born there. "City of David" could be translated as "city of King David."
* **to register** - This could be translated as "to have his name written in the register" or "to be included in the count."
* **along with Mary** - Mary traveled with Joseph from Nazareth. It is likely that women were also taxed, so Mary would have needed to travel and be registered as well.
* **who was engaged to him** - This could be translated as "his fiancée" or "who was promised to him." An engaged couple was considered legally married, but there would not have been physical intimacy between them.