Devine Scripture

Luke 2:49

What does Luke 2:49 mean?

A plain-English look at Luke 2:49 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Luke 2:49 means

Jesus' response to His mother was profound and revealing: "How is it that ye sought me? knew ye not that I must be in my Father's house?" This statement clarifies His divine consciousness even as a boy. He was not merely a son of Joseph and Mary, but the Son of God, prioritizing His heavenly Father's affairs. This marks the first recorded words of Jesus and unequivocally points to His divine identity and mission.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father’s business?

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And he said to them, Why were you looking for me? was it not clear to you that my right place was in my Father's house?

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And he said unto them, `Why <FI>is it<Fi> that ye were seeking me? did ye not know that in the things of my Father it behoveth me to be?'

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And he said to them: How is it that you sought me? Did you not know that I must be about my father's business?

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And he said to them, Why [is it] that ye have sought me? did ye not know that I ought to be [occupied] in my Father's business?

Context

This verse provides Jesus' first recorded words, a profound response to His mother's question, asserting His divine identity and purpose. It directly addresses His parents' concern and astonishment. This pivotal declaration shifts the reader's understanding of Jesus, emphasizing His unique relationship with God, and it leads to His parents' lack of full comprehension.

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.

v.49This passage

v.50And they understood not the saying which he spake unto them.

Cross references

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

  • Psalms 40:8

    I delight to do thy will, O my God; Yea, thy law is within my heart.

  • John 2:16

    and to them that sold the doves he said, Take these things hence; make not my Father’s house a house of merchandise.

  • John 8:29

    And he that sent me is with me; he hath not left me alone; for I do always the things that are pleasing to him.

  • John 6:38

    For I am come down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me.

  • John 9:4

    We must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.

  • Matthew 21:12

    And Jesus entered into the temple of God, and cast out all them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the money-changers, and the seats of them that sold the doves;

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