Luke 2:40

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

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}.

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

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

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

Commentary

Luke 2:40 provides a concise summary of Jesus' early years, bridging the narrative gap between His infancy and His appearance at the Temple as a twelve-year-old. It highlights His remarkable and unique development, emphasizing both His humanity and the divine favor upon Him.

Context

This verse follows the accounts of Jesus' birth, the visit of the shepherds, His circumcision, and His presentation in the Jerusalem Temple, where Simeon and Anna prophesied over Him (Luke 2:22-39). It serves as a transitional statement, preparing the reader for the next significant event in Jesus' childhood, His visit to the Temple at age 12, as described in Luke 2:41-52. The verse underscores the normalcy of His human growth while affirming His unparalleled spiritual and intellectual development under divine guidance.

Key Themes

  • Holistic Development of Jesus: The verse paints a picture of Jesus' complete growth – physically ("grew"), mentally ("filled with wisdom"), and spiritually ("waxed strong in spirit"). This foreshadows His later teaching and ministry, demonstrating that His human nature developed perfectly.
  • Divine Wisdom and Understanding: Jesus was "filled with wisdom," indicating an extraordinary insight and understanding of divine truths from a young age. This was not merely intellectual knowledge but a profound spiritual discernment, critical for His future role.
  • The Grace of God: The phrase "the grace of God was upon him" signifies God's special favor, blessing, and divine presence empowering Jesus. This grace enabled His unique growth and prepared Him for His redemptive mission. It echoes the truth that Christ was full of grace and truth.
  • Preparation for Ministry: This period of growth and spiritual strengthening was crucial for Jesus' future public ministry. It highlights God's sovereign plan in preparing His Son for the work He was sent to accomplish.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek verb for "waxed strong" (ekrataiouto) implies being strengthened, empowered, or made mighty. When applied to Jesus' "spirit" (pneumati), it speaks to the strengthening of His inner being, His spiritual fortitude, and resilience. The term "wisdom" (sophia) in this context refers to a comprehensive understanding, not just intellectual knowledge, but profound spiritual insight and discernment, fitting for one who would later teach with unparalleled authority. The "grace of God" (charis Theou) emphasizes God's unmerited favor and active divine influence, which was uniquely present and operative in Jesus' life from His earliest days, setting Him apart.

Significance and Application

Luke 2:40 offers profound insights for believers today. Jesus' example of holistic growth encourages us to seek not only physical and intellectual development but also deep spiritual strengthening and wisdom. Just as the grace of God was upon Jesus, believers are also called to grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. This verse reminds us that true wisdom and spiritual strength are gifts from God, essential for navigating life and fulfilling our divine purpose. It encourages us to cultivate our spiritual lives, trusting that God's grace will empower us in our journey of faith and prepare us for His service, just as it prepared the young Christ.

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Cross-References

  • Luke 2:52 (19 votes)

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

  • Luke 1:80 (15 votes)

    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 (11 votes)

    ¶ 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 (11 votes)

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

  • 1 Samuel 2:26 (9 votes)

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

  • John 1:14 (9 votes)

    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 (8 votes)

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