Devine Scripture

Luke 2:51

What does Luke 2:51 mean?

A plain-English look at Luke 2:51 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Luke 2:51 means

Jesus returned to Nazareth with His parents and "was subject unto them," demonstrating perfect obedience to His earthly authority figures, even while knowing His divine identity. His mother, Mary, continued her practice of "kept all these sayings in her heart," meditating on His words and actions, storing them for future understanding. This period of submission and quiet reflection preceded His public ministry, further preparing Him for His ultimate mission.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth; and he was subject unto them: and his mother kept all these sayings in her heart.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject unto them: but his mother kept all these sayings in her heart.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth; and he was subject unto them: and his mother kept all these sayings in her heart.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And he went down with them and came to Nazareth; and did as he was ordered: and his mother kept all these words in her heart.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and he went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and he was subject to them, and his mother was keeping all these sayings in her heart,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And he went down with them and came to Nazareth and was subject to them. And his mother kept all these words in her heart.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And he went down with them and came to Nazareth, and he was in subjection to them. And his mother kept all these things in her heart.

Context

This verse concludes the episode of Jesus in the Temple, showing His return to Nazareth and His submission to His parents. It follows the parents' lack of understanding regarding His divine statement. This return to normalcy and Mary's continued pondering set the stage for the final summary of Jesus' growth before His public ministry.

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

v.51This passage

v.52And Jesus advanced in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.

Cross references

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

  • Daniel 7:28

    Here is the end of the matter. As for me, Daniel, my thoughts much troubled me, and my countenance was changed in me: but I kept the matter in my heart.

  • Luke 2:19

    But Mary kept all these sayings, pondering them in her heart.

  • Matthew 3:15

    But Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffereth him.

  • 1 Peter 2:21

    For hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, that ye should follow his steps:

  • Luke 2:39

    And when they had accomplished all things that were according to the law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own city Nazareth.

  • Mark 6:3

    Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary, and brother of James, and Joses, and Judas, and Simon? and are not his sisters here with us? And they were offended in him.

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