Luke 2:47

And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers.

And {G1161} all {G3956} that heard {G191} him {G846} were astonished {G1839} at {G1909} his {G846} understanding {G4907} and {G2532} answers {G612}.

and everyone who heard him was astonished at his insight and his responses.

And all who heard Him were astounded at His understanding and His answers.

and all that heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers.

Commentary

Luke 2:47 describes a pivotal moment in the rarely documented childhood of Jesus, immediately after His parents, Mary and Joseph, found Him in the Temple in Jerusalem after a three-day search. This verse highlights the profound impact of Jesus's early demonstration of divine wisdom.

Context

At just twelve years old, Jesus was found sitting among the esteemed religious teachers and elders in the Temple courts. He wasn't merely listening; He was actively engaging, asking questions, and providing answers. This scene, following Luke 2:46, provides one of the few glimpses into Jesus's formative years before His public ministry began. It underscores His unique relationship with God and His innate understanding of spiritual truths, far beyond His physical age.

Key Themes

  • Divine Wisdom and Understanding: The central theme is Jesus's extraordinary intellectual and spiritual capacity. His "understanding and answers" were not merely clever or learned, but demonstrated a divine insight that transcended typical human knowledge. This foreshadows His later ministry where His words would amaze crowds and silence opponents.
  • Astonishment and Recognition: The fact that "all that heard him were astonished" signifies that these were not ordinary responses from a child. The Temple teachers were highly educated and experienced in the Scriptures, making their amazement a powerful testament to Jesus's unique wisdom. This early recognition serves as a subtle affirmation of His identity as the Son of God and the promised Messiah.
  • Early Revelation of Identity: While His parents were still grappling with His unique nature (as seen in Luke 2:48), Jesus was already revealing His divine purpose and connection to His Heavenly Father through His profound spiritual comprehension.

Linguistic Insights

  • The Greek word for "astonished" is ekplēssomai (ἐκπλήσσομαι), which means "to be struck out of oneself," "to be utterly amazed," or "to be overwhelmed." It conveys a sense of profound shock and wonder, indicating that Jesus's words were truly remarkable and unexpected.
  • "Understanding" comes from the Greek synesis (σύνεσις), implying a "bringing together" or "comprehension" – not just knowledge, but the ability to connect disparate facts and derive deep meaning.
  • "Answers" (Greek: apokriseis - ἀποκρίσεις) refers to His responses, implying that He wasn't just asking questions but also providing insightful replies to the teachers' inquiries, demonstrating a two-way intellectual and spiritual exchange.

Practical Application and Reflection

Luke 2:47 encourages believers to seek and value true wisdom, which ultimately comes from God (Proverbs 2:6). Jesus, even as a youth, modeled active engagement with spiritual truths, listening, questioning, and providing answers rooted in divine insight. This verse reminds us that spiritual growth is a lifelong journey, and we are called to grow in wisdom and stature, just as Jesus did. It also emphasizes the importance of listening attentively and responding thoughtfully in our spiritual walk, always open to the profound truths of God's Word.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Matthew 7:28 (5 votes)

    And it came to pass, when Jesus had ended these sayings, the people were astonished at his doctrine:

  • Psalms 119:99 (4 votes)

    I have more understanding than all my teachers: for thy testimonies [are] my meditation.

  • Luke 4:32 (4 votes)

    And they were astonished at his doctrine: for his word was with power.

  • Mark 1:22 (3 votes)

    And they were astonished at his doctrine: for he taught them as one that had authority, and not as the scribes.

  • John 7:15 (3 votes)

    And the Jews marvelled, saying, How knoweth this man letters, having never learned?

  • John 7:46 (2 votes)

    The officers answered, Never man spake like this man.

  • Luke 4:22 (2 votes)

    And all bare him witness, and wondered at the gracious words which proceeded out of his mouth. And they said, Is not this Joseph's son?