Devine Scripture

Luke 2:43

What does Luke 2:43 mean?

A plain-English look at Luke 2:43 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Luke 2:43 means

After the completion of the Passover festivities, Joseph and Mary began their journey home to Nazareth. However, during the return journey, the young Jesus lingered behind in Jerusalem without His parents' knowledge. This accidental separation foreshadows the deeper truth that Jesus' priorities and understanding of His divine mission would eventually lead Him to operate independently of His earthly parents' immediate plans.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And when the days of the feast came to an end and they were going back, the boy Jesus was still in Jerusalem, but they had no knowledge of it:

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and having finished the days, in their returning the child Jesus remained behind in Jerusalem, and Joseph and his mother did not know,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And having fulfilled the days, when they returned, the child Jesus remained in Jerusalem. And his parents knew it not.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

and had completed the days, as they returned, the boy Jesus remained behind in Jerusalem, and his parents knew not [of it];

Context

This verse describes the family's departure from Jerusalem and, crucially, Jesus' unexpected absence from their company. It immediately creates a sense of tension and concern, as the parents are unaware of their Son's whereabouts. This sets the stage for their anxious search and the discovery of Jesus in a highly significant location.

v.42And when he was twelve years old, they went up after the custom of the feast;

v.43This passage

v.44but supposing him to be in the company, they went a day’s journey; and they sought for him among their kinsfolk and acquaintance:

Cross references

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

  • 2 Chronicles 30:21

    And the children of Israel that were present at Jerusalem kept the feast of unleavened bread seven days with great gladness; and the Levites and the priests praised Jehovah day by day, singing with loud instruments unto Jehovah.

  • Exodus 12:15

    Seven days shall ye eat unleavened bread; even the first day ye shall put away leaven out of your houses: for whosoever eateth leavened bread from the first day until the seventh day, that soul shall be cut off from Israel.

  • 2 Chronicles 25:17

    Then Amaziah king of Judah took advice, and sent to Joash, the son of Jehoahaz the son of Jehu, king of Israel, saying, Come, let us look one another in the face.

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