What does Luke 2:40 mean?

And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him. Luke 2:40

Explanation

Luke 2:40 describes the growth and development of Jesus from childhood to that point in his life when he is starting to emerge as a figure of spiritual significance. The verse notes that Jesus grew both in physical stature and in his spiritual qualities. Being “strong in spirit” implies that he had a robust inner life, characterized by fortitude and a developing relationship with God. The phrase “filled with wisdom” suggests that he possessed an exceptional understanding or enlightenment, which went beyond what would be typical for his age. The final part of the verse, “the grace of God was upon him,” signifies that Jesus was seen to have God’s favor or blessing, which in Christian theology, is understood to mean that he was chosen and upheld by God for a unique purpose.

Historical Context

This verse comes from the Gospel of Luke, which is estimated to have been written around 80-110 AD. Luke is presumed by many scholars to be a companion of Paul, and his account is directed at a largely Gentile Christian audience. At the time of writing, there was an interest in the life of Jesus from his birth through childhood to his adult ministry. The cultural context of the verse reflects a Jewish upbringing, where children would learn from parents, attend synagogue, and engage with religious teachings from an early age. It may have also been influenced by Greco-Roman biographical traditions which often included stories about the early years of important figures highlighting their divine favor and exceptional qualities.

Theological Insights

From a Christian theological perspective, this verse is significant for several reasons. Firstly, it provides a glimpse into the mystery of the incarnation, where Jesus is both fully divine and fully human. It reaffirms that Jesus, while divine, grew and developed as any human child would. Secondly, this passage is often seen as a reaffirmation of God’s presence in Jesus’s life from the outset. From a broader theological viewpoint, it underscores the theme of God’s grace being instrumental in the fulfillment of spiritual potential. For some theologians, this verse may also symbolize the concept of progressive revelation, where Jesus’s wisdom and divine connection unfold over time.

Practical Applications

Practically speaking, Luke 2:40 can serve as an inspiration for individuals in their spiritual growth. It illustrates that spiritual strength, wisdom, and the grace of God are aspects to strive for in personal development. Furthermore, it might encourage people to consider the ways in which their upbringing influences their spiritual formation. On a communal level, this verse can encourage the nurturing of these qualities in children, highlighting the importance of supportive environments that foster spiritual growth and wisdom from a young age.

Cross-References

• Luke 1:80: “And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, and was in the deserts till the day of his shewing unto Israel.”
• Luke 2:52: “And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.”
• 1 Samuel 2:26: “And the child Samuel grew on, and was in favour both with the LORD, and also with men.”
• Ephesians 4:15: “But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:”

Language Study

The key phrases in the original Greek are worth examining:

• “waxed strong in spirit” (ἐκραταιοῦτο πνεύματι) implies gaining strength or becoming empowered in one’s spiritual or non-physical essence.
• “filled with wisdom” (πληρούμενον σοφίᾳ) suggests being filled or made complete with wisdom, indicating an exceptional quality.
• “the grace of God” (χάρις Θεοῦ) refers to the favor or kindness of God.

Understanding the original Greek terms adds depth to the comprehension of the development of Jesus’ character as depicted in the verse.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Comparable stories in other cultures include narratives where young deities or heroes display early signs of their future greatness, such as the Buddha displaying profound insight as a child. The theme of favored individuals marked by divine grace is prevalent throughout various mythologies. In a religious context, such stories often serve the purpose of illustrating the ways divinely chosen figures are set apart from their birth to fulfill a higher purpose.

Scientific Perspectives

From a modern scientific perspective, childhood development is understood in terms of cognitive, emotional, and physical stages. This verse might be seen through the lens of developmental psychology, suggesting Jesus had advanced cognitive abilities (“filled with wisdom”) for his age. However, science generally does not address concepts like “the grace of God,” as they fall outside the realm of empirical measurement and observation.

Commentaries

Many biblical scholars and theologians have offered commentary on Luke 2:40:

• Matthew Henry’s Commentary notes that Jesus’s growth in wisdom was a sign that he was not only God but man as well.
• The Pulpit Commentary discusses the idea that Jesus grew and developed much like any human child, though he was without sin.
• John Gill’s Exposition of the Bible mentions the Jewish custom of boys learning the Scriptures at a very young age, which could contribute to Jesus being filled with wisdom.
• William Barclay suggests that the fact that Jesus grew in wisdom and grace emphasizes his true humanity and his need to learn and grow.

These commentaries reflect a spectrum of perspectives, from focusing on Jesus’s dual nature as both human and divine to considering the educational customs of his cultural context.