Devine Scripture

Luke 2:48

What does Luke 2:48 mean?

A plain-English look at Luke 2:48 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Luke 2:48 means

When Joseph and Mary finally found Jesus, they were "astonished" by His presence in such a setting, but Mary, filled with parental concern and perhaps a touch of exasperation, asked Him, "Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? behold, thy father and I sought thee sorrowing." Her question reflects the natural anxiety of parents, highlighting the human element of their relationship with the divine Son.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And 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.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And 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.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And when they saw him they were surprised, and his mother said to him, Son, why have you done this to us? see, your father and I have been looking for you with sorrow.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And, having seen him, they were amazed, and his mother said unto him, `Child, why didst thou thus to us? lo, thy father and I, sorrowing, were seeking thee.'

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And seeing him, they wondered. And his mother said to him: Son, why hast thou done so to us? Behold thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And when they saw him they were amazed: and his mother said to him, Child, why hast thou dealt thus with us? behold, thy father and I have sought thee distressed.

Context

This verse captures the parents' emotional reaction upon finding Jesus, specifically Mary's direct, concerned question to Him. It immediately follows the amazement of the Temple teachers at Jesus' wisdom. This parental distress and direct questioning set the stage for Jesus' enigmatic and profound response, which will further reveal His unique identity.

v.47and all that heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers.

v.48This passage

v.49And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? knew ye not that I must be in my Father’s house?

Cross references

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

  • 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?

  • Matthew 12:46

    While he was yet speaking to the multitudes, behold, his mother and his brethren stood without, seeking to speak to him.

  • Luke 3:23

    And Jesus himself, when he beganto teach, was about thirty years of age, being the son (as was supposed) of Joseph, the son of Heli,

  • Luke 2:49

    And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? knew ye not that I must be in my Father’s house?

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