Devine Scripture

Luke 2:44

What does Luke 2:44 mean?

A plain-English look at Luke 2:44 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Luke 2:44 means

Assuming Jesus was among their relatives or acquaintances traveling in the broader company, Joseph and Mary continued for a day's journey before realizing He was not with them. This communal travel often meant children moved freely between family groups. Their delayed realization underscores the initial assumption of safety within their community, making their eventual discovery of His absence all the more alarming and prompting their urgent search.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And in the belief that he was with some of their number, they went a day's journey; and after looking for him among their relations and friends,

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and, having supposed him to be in the company, they went a day's journey, and were seeking him among the kindred and among the acquaintances,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And thinking that he was in the company, they came a day's journey and sought him among their kinsfolks and acquaintance.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

but, supposing him to be in the company that journeyed together, they went a day's journey, and sought him among their relations and acquaintances:

Context

This verse explains the parents' initial lack of concern, assuming Jesus was with other travelers in their large company. It highlights the communal aspects of their journey, which explains their delayed discovery of Jesus' absence. This sets up the dramatic realization that something is wrong and directly leads to their frantic search for Him.

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;

v.44This passage

v.45and when they found him not, they returned to Jerusalem, seeking for him.

Cross references

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

  • Isaiah 2:3

    And many peoples shall go and say, Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of Jehovah, to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of Jehovah from Jerusalem.

  • Psalms 42:4

    These things I remember, and pour out my soul within me, How I went with the throng, and led them to the house of God, With the voice of joy and praise, a multitude keeping holyday.

  • Psalms 122:1

    I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go unto the house of Jehovah.

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