Luke 2:47

What does Luke 2:47 mean?

A plain-English look at Luke 2:47 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Luke 2:47 means

All who heard the twelve-year-old Jesus were utterly astonished by His deep understanding and the wisdom embedded in His answers. His ability to engage with seasoned religious teachers, both listening and asking insightful questions, demonstrated an intellectual and spiritual maturity far beyond His years. This public display of divine wisdom foreshadows His future ministry and authority as a teacher sent from God.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And all to whose ears it came were full of wonder at his knowledge and the answers which he gave.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and all those hearing him were astonished at his understanding and answers.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

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

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

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

Context

This verse emphasizes the effect of Jesus' interaction with the Temple teachers, highlighting the amazement of all who heard Him. It directly follows His discovery by His parents and His engagement with the religious authorities. This collective wonder underscores the extraordinary nature of Jesus' mind, leading directly to His mother's astonished question and His profound reply.

v.46And it came to pass, after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, both hearing them, and asking them questions:

v.47This passage

v.48And when they saw him, they were astonished; and his mother said unto him, Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? behold, thy father and I sought thee sorrowing.

Cross references

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

  • John 7:46

    The officers answered, Never man so spake.

  • John 7:15

    The Jews therefore marvelled, saying, How knoweth this man letters, having never learned?

  • Luke 4:32

    and they were astonished at his teaching; for his word was with authority.

  • Mark 1:22

    And they were astonished at his teaching: for he taught them as having authority, and not as the scribes.

  • Matthew 7:28

    And it came to pass, when Jesus had finished these words, the multitudes were astonished at his teaching:

  • Luke 4:22

    And all bare him witness, and wondered at the words of grace which proceeded out of his mouth: and they said, Is not this Joseph’s son?

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