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Luke 2

And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed.

(And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)

And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.

And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)

To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.

And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.

And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.

And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.

And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,

Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.

And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.

And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.

And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.

But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.

And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.

And when eight days were accomplished for the circumcising of the child, his name was called JESUS, which was so named of the angel before he was conceived in the womb.

And when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were accomplished, they brought him to Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord;

(As it is written in the law of the Lord, Every male that openeth the womb shall be called holy to the Lord;)

And to offer a sacrifice according to that which is said in the law of the Lord, A pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons.

And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him.

And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord's Christ.

And he came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law,

Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said,

Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word:

For mine eyes have seen thy salvation,

Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people;

A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.

And Joseph and his mother marvelled at those things which were spoken of him.

And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against;

(Yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also,) that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.

And there was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Aser: she was of a great age, and had lived with an husband seven years from her virginity;

And she was a widow of about fourscore and four years, which departed not from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day.

And she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem.

And when they had performed all things according to the law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own city Nazareth.

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

Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the feast of the passover.

And when he was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem after the custom of the feast.

And when they had fulfilled the days, as they returned, the child Jesus tarried behind in Jerusalem; and Joseph and his mother knew not of it.

But they, supposing him to have been in the company, went a day's journey; and they sought him among their kinsfolk and acquaintance.

And when they found him not, they turned back again to Jerusalem, seeking him.

And it came to pass, that after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions.

And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers.

And when they saw him, they were amazed: and his mother said unto him, Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? behold, thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing.

And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father's business?

And they understood not the saying which he spake unto them.

And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject unto them: but his mother kept all these sayings in her heart.

And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.

What does Luke 2:47 mean?

Explanation

Luke 2:47 captures a moment from Jesus Christ's childhood.

At the age of twelve, Jesus is found in the Temple interacting with the teachers and religious leaders.

Those who heard him were amazed, not just at the answers he provided but also at his understanding of complex theological issues.

The literal meaning of this passage is straightforward: Jesus is in the Temple, he is speaking, and the people are astonished.

The deeper implication, however, is that even as a child, Jesus possessed wisdom far beyond his years, indicating his divine nature and understanding.

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Historical Context

This verse is situated during the event described in Luke 2:41-52, where Jesus' family travels to Jerusalem for the Feast of Passover, an important Jewish festival.

At the conclusion of the feast, his parents accidentally leave Jesus behind, assuming he is with their group.

Only after a day's journey do they realize Jesus' absence and return to find him in the Temple.

The historical setting is significant because the Temple was the heart of Jewish religious life.

Engaging with teachers in the Temple would have been a respectful way to learn and discuss the Scriptures, meaning Jesus was participating in a custom typical for Jewish education of the time.

Theological Insights

From a Christian theological perspective, this verse is seen as an indication of Christ's divine wisdom even at a young age.

It stresses his unique role in salvation history, wherein even before his public ministry, he was engaging with the religious authorities of Judaism.

The astonishment of the listeners could also be interpreted as a prefiguration of how Christ's teachings would later amaze and challenge many during his adult ministry.

Practical Applications

Practically speaking, this verse can inspire individuals to pursue wisdom and understanding, regardless of age. It prompts believers to study scriptures and seek deep understanding.

Moreover, it encourages respect for youthful insights and the recognition that wisdom is not solely the province of the elderly.

Cross-References

"And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man." (Luke 2:52)
"And the child Samuel grew on, and was in favour both with the Lord, and also with men." (1 Samuel 2:26)
"And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father's business?" (Luke 2:49)

Language Study

In the original Greek text, the term "astonished" (ἐξίσταντο, existanto) has a deeper connotation of being overwhelmed or struck with awe.

"Understanding" (σύνεσις, synesis) implies discernment or intelligence, while "answers" (ἀποκρίσεις, apokriseis) indicates Jesus was responding to questions or problems posed, possibly about the Scriptures or points of Law.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Within the broader cultural context of the ancient Near East, child prodigies in wisdom were not unknown. Figures like King Solomon in Jewish tradition are renowned for their wisdom.

However, Jesus’ wisdom, as described in Luke 2:47, is distinct in its divine association.

In other ancient cultures, figures like the Greek god Apollo or the Egyptian god Thoth were associated with wisdom and might have comparable tales of childhood precociousness, though these would be understood mythologically rather than historically.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific or psychological perspective, this verse may be understood through the lens of child prodigies, where a young individual shows extraordinary capability in a particular area, such as music, mathematics, or, in Jesus's case, theological understanding.

Modern science would approach this through cognitive development studies, examining how a child's brain might process information differently than adults.

Commentaries

Various biblical scholars and theologians have commented on Luke 2:47.

Some emphasize the divine nature of Jesus' wisdom as a sign of his messianic identity, while others point out the cultural custom of children learning from teachers and engaging in discussions as part of their education.

Still, others note the foreshadowing present in this scene of the impact Jesus would have on Jewish and later Christian thought.

Each of these interpretations highlights different facets of the verse, reflecting on the significance of Jesus' presence in the Temple at a young age.

Luke 2

Luke 2

What does Luke 2:47 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Luke Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?

What does Luke 2:47 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Luke Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?