Devine Scripture

Luke 2:40

What does Luke 2:40 mean?

A plain-English look at Luke 2:40 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Luke 2:40 means

This verse summarizes Jesus' childhood development: "And the child grew, and waxed strong, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him." This concise statement reveals Jesus' unique, divinely guided growth, encompassing physical, mental, and spiritual aspects. He developed as a true human, yet distinctively, He was "filled with wisdom" and enjoyed "the grace of God," indicating His divine nature and favor even in boyhood.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And the child became tall and strong and full of wisdom, and the grace of God was on him.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and the child grew and was strengthened in spirit, being filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was upon him.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And the child grew and waxed strong, full of wisdom: and the grace of God was in him.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And the child grew and waxed strong [in spirit], filled with wisdom, andGod's grace was upon him.

Context

This verse offers a concise summary of Jesus' early childhood, providing a transition between the events of His infancy and the next significant episode at age twelve. It prepares the reader for the later display of wisdom described in the Temple, setting up the expectation of remarkable development in the divine child.

v.39And when they had accomplished all things that were according to the law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own city Nazareth.

v.40This passage

v.41And his parents went every year to Jerusalem at the feast of the passover.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Judges 13:24

    And the woman bare a son, and called his name Samson: and the child grew, and Jehovah blessed him.

  • Luke 2:47

    and all that heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers.

  • Psalms 45:2

    Thou art fairer than the children of men; Grace is poured into thy lips: Therefore God hath blessed thee for ever.

  • Colossians 2:2

    that their hearts may be comforted, they being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, that they may know the mystery of God, even Christ,

  • Isaiah 53:1

    Who hath believed our message? and to whom hath the arm of Jehovah been revealed?

  • Isaiah 11:1

    And there shall come forth a shoot out of the stock of Jesse, and a branch out of his roots shall bear fruit.

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