Luke 2:46

And it came to pass, that after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions.

And {G2532} it came to pass {G1096}, that after {G3326} three {G5140} days {G2250} they found {G2147} him {G846} in {G1722} the temple {G2411}, sitting {G2516} in {G1722} the midst {G3319} of the doctors {G1320}, both {G2532} hearing {G191} them {G846}, and {G2532} asking {G1905} them {G846} questions {G1905}.

On the third day they found him -- he was sitting in the Temple court among the rabbis, not only listening to them but questioning what they said;

Finally, after three days they found Him in the temple courts, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions.

And it came to pass, after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, both hearing them, and asking them questions:

Commentary

Luke 2:46 provides a pivotal glimpse into the childhood of Jesus, offering the first recorded words of the Son of God and revealing His extraordinary divine wisdom and unique relationship with God. This verse details the moment Mary and Joseph found Jesus in the temple after three days of frantic searching.

Context

This verse occurs after the annual Passover pilgrimage to Jerusalem. Jesus, at the age of twelve, had accompanied His parents, Mary and Joseph, who had been on their annual pilgrimage to Jerusalem for the Passover feast. On their return journey, they discovered Jesus was not with their company. After a desperate three-day search, they returned to Jerusalem and finally located Him not playing with other children, but rather engaging with the most learned religious scholars of the day in the temple courts.

Key Themes

  • Jesus' Divine Wisdom and Understanding: Even as a boy, Jesus demonstrates an unparalleled intellect and spiritual insight. His ability to "hear" and "ask questions" of the established teachers (often called "doctors" in the KJV) indicates not mere curiosity, but a profound grasp of the Law and the prophets. This foreshadows His later ministry as the ultimate teacher.
  • His Awareness of His Divine Purpose: This incident marks Jesus' first recorded public appearance and hints at His burgeoning awareness of His unique identity and mission. This incident foreshadows His later declaration in Luke 2:49, revealing His profound sense of divine purpose.
  • The Temple as His Father's House: Jesus' presence in the temple, the center of Jewish worship and learning, underscores His connection to God and His role within the divine plan. He was in His rightful place.

Linguistic Insights

The term "doctors" in the King James Version translates the Greek word didaskaloi (διδάσκαλοι), which simply means "teachers" or "masters." These were the learned scribes and rabbis who expounded the Law and traditions. The phrase "both hearing them, and asking them questions" is significant. It implies an active, discerning engagement. Jesus was not merely a passive listener, but an active participant, demonstrating a depth of understanding that allowed Him to both absorb knowledge and challenge the prevailing interpretations with His own insightful inquiries. This dual action highlights His exceptional intellect and spiritual maturity.

Practical Application

  • Value of Seeking Knowledge: Jesus' example encourages us to be diligent in seeking understanding, especially concerning spiritual truths. We should engage with Scripture and wise teachers actively.
  • Active Learning: Like Jesus, we are called not just to passively receive information, but to critically engage, ask questions, and seek deeper insights into God's Word and His will.
  • Divine Purpose: This account reminds us that God has a unique purpose for each of us, and recognizing and pursuing that purpose, even from a young age, is vital.

Luke 2:46 serves as a powerful testament to Jesus' unique nature from childhood, setting the stage for His public ministry and demonstrating that even at twelve years old, He was fully aware of His divine calling and His Father's business.

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Cross-References

  • Luke 5:17 (5 votes)

    ¶ And it came to pass on a certain day, as he was teaching, that there were Pharisees and doctors of the law sitting by, which were come out of every town of Galilee, and Judaea, and Jerusalem: and the power of the Lord was [present] to heal them.

  • Isaiah 50:4 (4 votes)

    ¶ The Lord GOD hath given me the tongue of the learned, that I should know how to speak a word in season to [him that is] weary: he wakeneth morning by morning, he wakeneth mine ear to hear as the learned.

  • Acts 5:34 (4 votes)

    Then stood there up one in the council, a Pharisee, named Gamaliel, a doctor of the law, had in reputation among all the people, and commanded to put the apostles forth a little space;

  • Isaiah 49:1 (4 votes)

    ¶ Listen, O isles, unto me; and hearken, ye people, from far; The LORD hath called me from the womb; from the bowels of my mother hath he made mention of my name.

  • Isaiah 49:2 (4 votes)

    And he hath made my mouth like a sharp sword; in the shadow of his hand hath he hid me, and made me a polished shaft; in his quiver hath he hid me;

  • Matthew 12:40 (3 votes)

    For as Jonas was three days and three nights in the whale's belly; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.

  • Matthew 27:63 (2 votes)

    Saying, Sir, we remember that that deceiver said, while he was yet alive, After three days I will rise again.