Devine Scripture

Luke 2:42

What does Luke 2:42 mean?

A plain-English look at Luke 2:42 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Luke 2:42 means

When Jesus reached the age of twelve, a significant milestone for Jewish boys, He accompanied His parents to Jerusalem for the Passover feast, as was their custom. At twelve, a boy was often considered ready for more active participation in religious life and understanding of the Law. This particular journey to Jerusalem would mark a pivotal moment, revealing more about Jesus' unique identity and purpose.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And when he was twelve years old, they went up, as their way was, to the feast;

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and when he became twelve years old, they having gone up to Jerusalem, according to the custom of the feast,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And when he was twelve years old, they going up into Jerusalem, according to the custom of the feast,

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And when he was twelve years old, and they went up [to Jerusalem] according to the custom of the feast

Context

This verse specifies the age of Jesus (12 years old) during one of His family's annual Passover trips to Jerusalem. It follows the general description of their tradition, narrowing the focus to this particular event. This age is significant in Jewish tradition, preparing the reader for a display of maturing wisdom and a foreshadowing of Jesus' divine calling.

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

v.42This passage

v.43and when they had fulfilled the days, as they were returning, the boy Jesus tarried behind in Jerusalem; and his parents knew it not;

Related questions readers ask

Keep reading

Want to dig deeper? Explore Luke 2

Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on Luke 2.

Keep exploring

Follow this verse across Scripture

Topics, devotionals, original-language word studies, and figures connected to Luke 2:42.

Browse every hub

BibleTopicsBible answersDevotionalsFamous passagesWord studiesPeoplePlacesVerses for…Reading plansCommentary