Luke 2:43

And when they had fulfilled the days, as they returned, the child Jesus tarried behind in Jerusalem; and Joseph and his mother knew not [of it].

And {G2532} when they had fulfilled {G5048} the days {G2250}, as {G1722} they {G846} returned {G5290}, the child {G3816} Jesus {G2424} tarried behind {G5278} in {G1722} Jerusalem {G2419}; and {G2532} Joseph {G2501} and {G2532} his {G846} mother {G3384} knew {G1097} not {G3756} of it.

But after the festival was over, when his parents returned, Yeshua remained in Yerushalayim. They didn't realize this;

When those days were over and they were returning home, the boy Jesus remained behind in Jerusalem, but His parents were unaware He had stayed.

and when they had fulfilled the days, as they were returning, the boy Jesus tarried behind in Jerusalem; and his parents knew it not;

Luke 2:43 KJV describes a pivotal moment in Jesus' childhood, revealing His unique identity and purpose even at an early age. After observing the Passover feast in Jerusalem with His parents, Joseph and Mary, the twelve-year-old Jesus unexpectedly remained behind, unbeknownst to them as they began their journey home.

Context

This verse follows the account of Jesus' family observing the annual Passover pilgrimage to Jerusalem, a customary religious duty for devout Jews. For Jesus, being twelve years old was significant; it marked the age when a Jewish boy began to assume more religious responsibility and accountability, often referred to as a "son of the law." The return journey typically involved large groups or caravans of families and friends, making it easy for a child to be out of immediate sight without causing alarm, as parents might assume their child was with other relatives or acquaintances in the large company.

Key Themes

  • Jesus' Developing Awareness of His Divine Purpose: This incident is the first recorded instance of Jesus' independent action and His explicit statement about His unique relationship with God, foreshadowing His future ministry. His decision to "tarry behind" was not childish disobedience but a nascent expression of His divine calling.
  • Parental Concern and Human Experience: Mary and Joseph's distress upon realizing Jesus was missing highlights the very real human anxiety and responsibility they felt as His earthly parents. It underscores Jesus' full humanity, as He was subject to the same parental care and concerns as any child.
  • Seeking God's Presence: The frantic search for Jesus by His parents can be seen as an allegory for the human search for God. They had to return to Jerusalem, the place of worship and divine presence, to find Him.

Linguistic Insight

The phrase "tarried behind" in the Greek is hupelipen (ὑπέλιπεν), meaning "left behind" or "remained." This word choice suggests that Jesus intentionally stayed in Jerusalem, rather than simply being accidentally separated. This subtle nuance hints at His conscious decision and His growing awareness of His divine mission, which He later articulates in Luke 2:49 when found in the temple.

Practical Application

Luke 2:43 offers several insights for believers today:

  • Prioritizing God's Business: Just as Jesus, even as a child, prioritized His Father's affairs, we are called to seek God's will and purpose above all else. This may sometimes involve choices that are not immediately understood by those around us.
  • The Journey of Faith: There are times in our spiritual walk when God may seem "lost" or distant. This verse encourages us to actively seek Him, often by returning to the foundational truths and places of spiritual nourishment (like prayer, scripture, and fellowship).
  • Understanding God's Ways: God's plans are often higher than our plans and understanding (Isaiah 55:8). This passage reminds us that even those closest to Jesus did not fully grasp His nature or mission at every moment, teaching us patience and trust in God's unfolding purposes.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Exodus 12:15

    Seven days shall ye eat unleavened bread; even the first day ye shall put away leaven out of your houses: for whosoever eateth leavened bread from the first day until the seventh day, that soul shall be cut off from Israel.

  • 2 Chronicles 30:21

    ¶ And the children of Israel that were present at Jerusalem kept the feast of unleavened bread seven days with great gladness: and the Levites and the priests praised the LORD day by day, [singing] with loud instruments unto the LORD.

  • 2 Chronicles 30:23

    And the whole assembly took counsel to keep other seven days: and they kept [other] seven days with gladness.

  • 2 Chronicles 25:17

    ¶ Then Amaziah king of Judah took advice, and sent to Joash, the son of Jehoahaz, the son of Jehu, king of Israel, saying, Come, let us see one another in the face.

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