Luke 2:40

KJV

And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} the child {G3813} grew {G837}, and {G2532} waxed strong {G2901} in spirit {G4151}, filled {G4137} with wisdom {G4678}: and {G2532} the grace {G5485} of God {G2316} was {G2258} upon {G1909} him {G846}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The child grew and became strong and filled with wisdom -- God's favor was upon him.

Berean Standard Bible

And the Child grew and became strong. He was filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was upon Him.

American Standard Version

And the child grew, and waxed strong, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 2:40 offers a profound, concise summary of Jesus' developmental years between His infancy and His public ministry, bridging a significant narrative gap in the Gospels. This pivotal verse highlights the unique and multifaceted growth of the child Jesus, emphasizing His physical maturation, the remarkable strengthening of His inner being, His exceptional endowment with divine wisdom, and the pervasive, empowering favor of God upon Him. It underscores both His genuine humanity and the distinct divine presence that set Him apart, preparing Him for His redemptive mission.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as a crucial transitional statement within Luke's Gospel, bridging the narrative gap between Jesus' infancy narratives and His presentation as a twelve-year-old in the Temple. It immediately follows the accounts of Jesus' birth, circumcision, and His dedication in the Jerusalem Temple, where the prophetic declarations of Simeon and Anna affirmed His messianic identity and future significance ([Luke 2:22-39](/luke/2-22-39 "Jesus' Dedication in the Temple")). Luke 2:40 then sets the stage for the next and only other childhood episode recorded by Luke: Jesus' precocious visit to the Temple at age twelve, where His wisdom astounded the teachers ([Luke 2:41-52](/luke/2-41-52 "Jesus at the Temple as a Boy")). By providing this succinct summary of His early development, Luke emphasizes that Jesus' growth was not ordinary but divinely orchestrated, preparing the reader for His later public ministry and the revelation of His unique identity.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Jewish culture, childhood was a period of preparation, particularly for boys who would eventually assume religious and societal responsibilities. Education typically involved learning the Torah and traditions, often within the home and local synagogue. While Luke 2:40 describes a normal human growth process ("the child grew"), it simultaneously transcends the ordinary by highlighting extraordinary spiritual and intellectual development. Nazareth, Jesus' hometown, was a small, unassuming village in Galilee, far from the religious centers of Jerusalem. Yet, it was in this humble setting that Jesus experienced a unique upbringing, marked by divine favor. The emphasis on "wisdom" and "spirit" would have resonated with Jewish expectations of a Messiah endowed with the Spirit of God and profound understanding, as prophesied in passages like [Isaiah 11:2](/isaiah/11-2 "The Spirit of the Lord rests on the Messiah").
* **Key Themes:** Luke 2:40 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Luke's Gospel and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the **holistic development of Jesus**, presenting a picture of growth that encompasses physical, intellectual, and spiritual dimensions, affirming His true humanity. Secondly, the phrase "filled with wisdom" highlights the theme of **divine wisdom and understanding**, indicating Jesus' unique insight into God's truth from an early age, distinguishing Him from all others. This wisdom is not merely human intellect but a profound spiritual discernment, essential for His future role as the ultimate teacher and revealer of God's will. Thirdly, "the grace of God was upon him" introduces the theme of **divine favor and empowerment**, signifying God's active presence and blessing uniquely resting upon Jesus. This grace enabled His unparalleled growth and prepared Him for His redemptive mission, echoing the truth that Christ was indeed [full of grace and truth](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word became flesh"). Finally, this period of growth and spiritual strengthening is presented as crucial **preparation for ministry**, demonstrating God's sovereign plan in nurturing His Son for the monumental task of salvation.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **child (Greek, _paidíon'_):** This neuter diminutive of _paîs_ refers to a "childling," an infant, or a half-grown boy or girl. In Luke 2:40, it emphasizes Jesus' genuine humanity and the normalcy of His early physical development as a young boy, not yet an adult, undergoing the natural processes of growth.
* **waxed strong (Greek, _krataióō'_):** Derived from _krataióos_ (mighty, strong), this verb means "to empower" or, in the passive voice as used here, "to increase in vigor," "to be strengthened," or "to be made mighty." When applied to Jesus' "spirit," it signifies the strengthening of His inner being, His spiritual fortitude, resilience, and inner power, indicating a divinely empowered spiritual development.
* **grace (Greek, _cháris'_):** This term denotes "graciousness," "favor," "benefit," or "divine influence upon the heart." In this context, "the grace of God was upon him" signifies God's special, unmerited favor, active divine influence, and empowering presence uniquely resting upon Jesus. It implies God's benevolent disposition and active support, which was uniquely operative in Jesus' life from His earliest days, setting Him apart.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the child grew":** This clause affirms Jesus' genuine humanity, indicating His physical development from infancy through childhood. It emphasizes that Jesus underwent the normal biological processes of human growth, demonstrating His full identification with humanity. This growth was not merely physical but comprehensive, laying the foundation for His later capacities.
* **"and waxed strong in spirit":** This phrase points to Jesus' inner, spiritual development. "Waxed strong" (Greek _ekrataiouto_) suggests an active strengthening and empowerment of His "spirit" (Greek _pneumati_), referring to His inner being, His spiritual fortitude, and His connection to God. This was a unique, divinely enabled spiritual maturation, preparing Him for the profound spiritual battles and demands of His future ministry.
* **"filled with wisdom":** This indicates Jesus' intellectual and spiritual discernment. The phrase "filled with wisdom" (Greek _peplērōmenon sophías_) implies a complete and continuous endowment with profound insight and understanding. This was not merely acquired knowledge but a divine wisdom, a deep spiritual discernment that allowed Him to grasp divine truths and understand God's purposes in a way unparalleled by any other human.
* **"and the grace of God was upon him":** This final clause provides the theological explanation for Jesus' extraordinary development. "The grace of God" (Greek _hē cháris tou Theou_) signifies God's special favor, divine blessing, and active empowering presence. It highlights that Jesus' unique growth in all areas was not solely a natural process but was supernaturally guided and enabled by God's unique and continuous favor, setting Him apart as the Son of God.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 2:40 is a masterclass in **Conciseness**, packing immense theological significance into a single, compact sentence. It functions as a **Summary Statement**, providing a comprehensive overview of Jesus' early development without dwelling on specific events, thus efficiently bridging a significant chronological gap in the narrative. The verse employs **Parallelism** by listing three distinct but interconnected aspects of Jesus' growth: physical ("grew"), spiritual ("waxed strong in spirit"), and intellectual ("filled with wisdom"), culminating in the overarching divine enabling ("the grace of God was upon him"). This structure highlights the holistic and perfect nature of His development. Furthermore, the verse serves as significant **Foreshadowing**, hinting at the extraordinary wisdom and spiritual power Jesus would later demonstrate in His public ministry, particularly in His encounter with the teachers in the Temple at age twelve ([Luke 2:46-47](/luke/2-46-47 "Jesus' wisdom in the Temple")). It is also a profound **Theological Statement**, asserting the unique divine favor and presence upon Jesus from His earliest days, affirming His divine nature and special relationship with God.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 2:40 is a profound theological statement, asserting the unique and divinely orchestrated development of Jesus, who, while fully human, was also uniquely empowered by God's grace and filled with divine wisdom. This verse underscores the perfect, holistic growth of the Incarnate Son, demonstrating that His humanity was fully developed and sanctified by the Spirit, preparing Him for His redemptive mission. It reveals that Jesus' unparalleled spiritual and intellectual maturity was not merely a result of human effort or natural genius but a direct consequence of God's active, empowering favor upon Him. This perfect growth of Christ serves as a prototype for humanity's potential when fully yielded to God's grace and wisdom, and it highlights the essential role of God's favor in enabling spiritual maturity.

* [2 Peter 3:18](/2_peter/3-18 "Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ")
* [James 1:5](/james/1-5 "God gives wisdom generously to all who ask")
* [Proverbs 3:3-4](/proverbs/3-3-4 "Find favor and good understanding in the sight of God and man")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 2:40, in its concise yet profound description of Jesus' early life, offers a powerful model for believers today. It calls us to pursue a holistic and balanced growth, not merely in physical or intellectual capacities, but most importantly in spiritual strength and divine wisdom. Just as Jesus "waxed strong in spirit" and was "filled with wisdom," we are encouraged to cultivate our inner lives, seeking to be strengthened by the Holy Spirit and to grow in our understanding of God's truth. This verse reminds us that true wisdom is a gift from God, accessible through prayer and diligent study of His Word, and that spiritual vitality is nurtured by His grace. Our development, like Jesus', should be marked by an increasing awareness and reliance on "the grace of God," recognizing that His favor empowers us for every good work and prepares us for the unique purposes He has for our lives. It challenges us to reflect on the areas where we need to grow, trusting that God's grace is sufficient to enable our transformation and equip us for service.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways do I prioritize holistic growth—physical, intellectual, and spiritual—in my own life, mirroring Jesus' example?**
* **How am I actively seeking to be "filled with wisdom" from God, and how does this wisdom impact my daily decisions and understanding?**
* **How do I recognize and rely on "the grace of God" in my life, allowing His favor to empower me for spiritual growth and service?**
* **What practical steps can I take this week to "wax strong in spirit," deepening my inner spiritual fortitude and resilience?**

### FAQ

**Why does Luke provide such a brief summary of Jesus' childhood, covering so many years in a single verse?**

Answer: Luke's Gospel is not a comprehensive biography in the modern sense but a theological narrative with a specific purpose: to present an orderly account of Jesus' life and ministry, demonstrating His identity as the Son of God and Savior of the world. The brevity of [Luke 2:40](/luke/2-40 "Luke 2:40 - Jesus' childhood development") serves several literary and theological functions. Firstly, it efficiently bridges the gap between Jesus' infancy and His public ministry, focusing on key developmental milestones rather than exhaustive details. Secondly, it highlights the unique, divinely guided nature of Jesus' growth, emphasizing His spiritual and intellectual maturation under God's grace, which was far more significant than any ordinary childhood events. Luke's primary interest is in Jesus' identity and mission, not a chronological diary, thus he includes only what is essential to his theological argument.

**What does it mean for Jesus to have "waxed strong in spirit" if He was already divine?**

Answer: The phrase "waxed strong in spirit" (Greek _ekrataiouto en pneumati_) in [Luke 2:40](/luke/2-40 "Luke 2:40 - Jesus' spiritual growth") refers to the strengthening of Jesus' human spirit, His inner being, and His spiritual fortitude. While Jesus was fully divine (God incarnate), He also fully embraced human nature, including its developmental processes. This means He experienced genuine human growth, not just physically and intellectually, but also spiritually. His human spirit was being empowered, matured, and prepared by the Holy Spirit for the immense challenges and responsibilities of His messianic mission. This wasn't a growth from sinfulness to righteousness, as He was without sin, but a growth in the capacity to endure, to understand, and to perfectly fulfill the Father's will. It speaks to the dynamic interaction between His divine nature and His true humanity, demonstrating His full identification with us while remaining perfectly God.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 2:40, though a concise summary of Jesus' early years, is profoundly Christ-centered, revealing essential aspects of His person and preparing us for His redemptive work. The "child" who "grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom" is none other than the Son of God, truly incarnate. His physical growth affirms His genuine humanity, a necessary prerequisite for Him to become the perfect sacrifice for human sin. His spiritual strengthening and being "filled with wisdom" speak to His unique anointing by the Holy Spirit and His perfect understanding of the Father's will, which would later be fully manifested in His teachings and miracles. This wisdom was not merely intellectual but a divine insight into the very heart of God, enabling Him to perfectly reveal God to humanity, as [John 1:18](/john/1-18 "John 1:18 - No one has seen God, but the only God has explained Him") declares. The crowning statement, "the grace of God was upon him," underscores His unique relationship with the Father and His status as the ultimate recipient and embodiment of divine favor. This grace, which empowered His growth, would ultimately flow from Him to us, as [John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word became flesh, full of grace and truth") states, "The Word became flesh and dwelt among us, full of grace and truth." Jesus' perfect, Spirit-empowered human development, undergirded by God's grace, was not for His own sake but was the necessary preparation for Him to fulfill His role as the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). His growth in wisdom and grace was integral to His journey towards the cross and resurrection, where He would fully accomplish our salvation, becoming the perfect High Priest who can sympathize with our weaknesses, having been tempted in every way, yet without sin ([Hebrews 4:15](/hebrews/4-15 "Hebrews 4:15 - Jesus, our High Priest")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Luke 2:52

And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.

Luke 1:80

And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, and was in the deserts till the day of his shewing unto Israel.

Isaiah 11:1

¶ And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots:

Isaiah 11:5

And righteousness shall be the girdle of his loins, and faithfulness the girdle of his reins.

1 Samuel 2:26

And the child Samuel grew on, and was in favour both with the LORD, and also with men.

John 1:14

And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.

Isaiah 53:1

¶ Who hath believed our report? and to whom is the arm of the LORD revealed?