Luke 2
Vincent's Word Studies
And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed.
Decree (δόγμα)

Wyc., mandment. From δοκέω, to think. Hence, strictly, a personal opinion; and, as the opinion of one who can impose his opinion authoritatively on others, a decree.

The world (τὴν οἰκουμένην)

Lit., the inhabited (land). The phrase was originally used by the Greeks to denote the land inhabited by themselves, in contrast with barbarian countries; afterward, when the Greeks became subject to the Romans, the entire Roman world; still later, for the whole inhabited world. In the New Testament this latter is the more common usage, though, in some cases, this is conceived in the mould of the Roman empire, as in this passage, Acts 11:28; Acts 19:27. Christ uses it in the announcement that the Gospel shall be preached in all the world (Matthew 24:14); and Paul in the prediction of a general judgment (Acts 17:31). Once it is used of the world to come (Hebrews 2:5).

Be taxed (ἀπογράφεσθαι)

The word means properly to register or enter in a list. Commentators are divided as to whether it refers to an enrolment for taxation, or for ascertaining the population. Rev., enrolled, which may be taken in either sense.

(And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)
And this taxing was first made (αὕτη ἡ ἀπογραφὴ πρώτη ἐγένετο)

Rather, this occurred as the first enrolment ; or, as Rev., this was the first enrolment made; with reference to a second enrolment which took place about eleven years later, and is referred to in Acts 5:37.

And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.
Went (ἐπορεύοντο)

The A. V. and Rev. alike miss the graphic force of the imperfect tense, were going. The preparation and bustle and travel were in progress.

To his own city

The town to which the village or place of their birth belonged, and where the house and lineage of each were registered.

And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)
House and lineage

According to the Jewish mode of registration the people would be enrolled by tribe, families or clans, and households. Compare Joshua 7:16-18. Rev., house and family.

To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.
To be taxed with Mary

We may read either, went up with Mary, denoting merely the fact of her accompanying him; or, to enrol himself with Mary, implying that both their names must be registered.

Espoused

Not merely betrothed. See Matthew 1:20, Matthew 1:24, Matthew 1:25; also see on Matthew 1:18.

Great with child (ἐγκύῳ)

See on Luke 1:24. Only here in New Testament.

And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.
And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.
Her first-born son

The Greek reads literally, her son, the first-born.

Wrapped in swaddling-clothes (ἐσπαργάνωσεν)

Only here and Luke 2:12. Naturally found often in medical writings. Swaddle is swathed, from the verb to swathe.

In a manger (ἐν φάτνῃ)

Used by Luke only, here and Luke 13:15. Wyc. has a cracche, spelt also cratch. Compare French crche, a manger. Quite possibly a rock-cave. Dr. Thomson says: "I have seen many such, consisting of one or more rooms, in front of and including a cavern where the cattle were kept" ("Land and Book").

In the inn (ἐν τῷ καταλύματι)

Only here, Luke 23:11; Mark 14:14, on which see note. In both these passages it is rendered guest-chamber, which can hardly be the meaning here, as some have maintained. (See Geikie, "Life and Words of Christ," i., 121.) In that case the expression would be, they found no κατάλυμα, guest-chamber. The word refers to the ordinary khan, or caravanserai. Tynd., hostrey. "A Syrian khan is a fort and a mart; a refuge from thieves; a shelter from the heat and dust; a place where a man and his beast may lodge; where a trader may sell his wares, and a pilgrim may slake his thirst....Where built by a great sheikh, it would have a high wall, an inner court, a range of arches or lewans, an open gallery round the four sides, and, in many cases, a tower from which the watcher might descry the approach of marauding bands. On one side of the square, but outside the wall, there is often a huddle of sheds, set apart from the main edifice, as stables for the asses and camels, the buffaloes and goats. In the centre of the khan springs a fountain of water, the first necessity of an Arab's life; and around the jets and troughs in which the limpid element streams, lies the gay and picturesque litter of the East. Camels wait to be unloaded; dogs quarrel for a bone; Bedaween from the desert, their red zannars choked with pistols, are at prayer. In the archways squat the merchants with their bales of goods....Half-naked men are cleansing their hands ere sitting down to eat. Here a barber is at work upon a shaven crown; there a fellah lies asleep in the shade....Each man has to carry his dinner and his bed; to litter his horse or camel; to dress his food; to draw his water; to light his fire, and to boil his mess of herbs" (Hepworth Dixon, "The Holy Land").

And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
Shepherds

Luke's Gospel is the gospel of the poor and lowly. This revelation to the shepherds acquires additional meaning as we remember that shepherds, as a class, were under the Rabbinic ban, because of their necessary isolation from religious ordinances, and their manner of life, which rendered strict legal observance well-nigh impossible.

Keeping watch (φυλάσσοντες φυλακὰς)

Φυλακή is sometimes used of a watch as a measure of time, as in Matthew 14:25; Mark 6:48; Luke 12:38. So possibly here. See Rev. in margin, night-watches. There is a play upon the words: watching watches. There was near Bethlehem, on the road to Jerusalem, a tower known as Migdal Eder, or the watch-tower of the flock. Here was the station where shepherds watched the flocks destined for sacrifice in the temple. Animals straying from Jerusalem on any side, as far as from Jerusalem to Migdal Eder, were offered in sacrifice. It was a settled conviction among the Jews that the Messiah was to be born in Bethlehem, and equally that he was to be revealed from Migdal Eder. The beautiful significance of the revelation of the infant Christ to shepherds watching the flocks destined for sacrifice needs no comment.

Their flock (τὴν ποίμνην)

May not the singular number fall in with what has just been said? - the flock, the temple-flock, specially devoted to sacrifice. The pronoun their would furnish no objection, since it is common to speak of the flock as belonging to the shepherd. Compare John 10:3, John 10:4.

And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
Behold

Omitted by the best texts.

The angel

More correctly an angel, as Rev. The Greek has no article.

Came upon (ἐπέστη)

The word is used in this sense in classical Greek, as well as in that of to stand by, which Rev. prefers here, as in Acts 12:7. In Luke 2:38 of this chapter, Rev. renders coming up. The rendering to come upon has a hostile flavor, as properly in Acts 17:5, where the verb is rendered assaulted; so that the Rev. rendering here is preferable.

They were sore afraid

Lit., feared with great fear.

And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
I bring you good tidings of great joy (εὐαγγελίζομαι ὑμῖν χαρὰν μεγάλην)

Wyc. is strictly literal: I evangelize to you a great joy.

Which (ἥτις)

Of a class or character which, etc.

People (τῷ λαῷ)

Rev., rightly, "the people;" the article pointing specially to the people of Israel.

For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
Is born (ἐτέχθη)

It adds to the vividness of the narrative to keep to the strict rendering of the aorist, was born.

A Saviour

See on Matthew 1:21.

Christ

See on Matthew 1:1.

Lord

See on Matthew 21:3.

And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
Sign (σημεῖον).

See on Matthew 11:20.

The babe (βρέφος)

See on 1 Peter 2:2. Rev., properly, "a babe." No article

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
A multitude of the heavenly host

Host (στρατιας) is literally army. "Here the army announces peace" (Bengel). Wyc., heavenly knighthood. Tynd., heavenly soldiers.

Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
Peace, good-will toward men (εἰρήνη ἐν ἀνθρώποις εὐδοκία)

Both Tischendorf and Westcott and Hort read εὐδοκίας which the Rev. follows. According to this the rendering is, unto men of good pleasure, or as Rev., among men in whom he is well pleased. Wyc., to men of good-will. For a similar construction, see Acts 9:15; Colossians 1:13.

And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.
The shepherds

Some texts add οἱ ἄνθρωποι, the men; but the later texts omit.

Let us go (διέλθωμεν)

The preposition διά, through, implies through the intervening space.

Thing (ῥῆμα)

See on Luke 1:37. The utterance of the shepherds contains a climax: "Let us go and see this saying, which has come to pass; which the Lord made known."

And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.
Found (ἀνεῦραν)

Only here and Acts 21:4. Ἀνά indicates the discovery of the facts in succession.

Mary and Joseph and the babe

Each has the article, pointing to the several parties already referred to.

And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.
They made known

See on Luke 2:8. These shepherds, having charge of flocks devoted to sacrifice, would presently be in the temple, and would meet those who came to worship and to sacrifice, and so proclaim the Messiah in the temple.

And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.
But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.
Kept (συνετήρει)

See on the simple verb τηρέω, on 1 Peter 1:4. The word signifies not merely to guard, but to keep, as the result of guarding. Hence the compound verb is very expressive: kept, σύν, with or within herself: closely. Note the imperfect tense: was keeping all the while.

Pondered (συμβάλλουσα)

The present participle, pondering. Lit., bringing together: comparing and weighing facts. Wyc., bearing together in her heart. Vulg., conferens. Compare Sophocles, "Oedipus Coloneus," 1472-4.

"Oedipus. My children, the heaven-ordained end of life has come upon him who stands here, and there is no avoiding it.

"Antigone. How dost thou know, and with what (fact) having compared (συμβαλὼν) thine opinion hast thou this ?"

And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.
And when eight days were accomplished for the circumcising of the child, his name was called JESUS, which was so named of the angel before he was conceived in the womb.
And when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were accomplished, they brought him to Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord;
The days of her purification (αἱ ἡμέραι τοῦ καθαρισμοῦ αὐτῆς)

The A. V. follows the reading αὐτῆς, her: but all the best texts read αὐτῶν, their; the plural including Joseph with Mary as partaking of the ceremonial defilement. The mother of a child was levitically unclean for forty days after the birth of a son, and for eighty days after the birth of a daughter. Women on this errand commonly rode to the temple on oxen; that the body of so large a beast between them and the ground might prevent any chance of defilement from passing over a sepulchre on the road. For details, see Edersheim, "Life and Times of Jesus," i., 195; "The Temple," p. 302; Geikie, "Life and Words of Christ," i., 127.

To present him to the Lord

The first-born son of every household must be redeemed of the priest at the price of five shekels of the sanctuary; about two dollars and fifty cents. Numbers 18:15, Numbers 18:16; Exodus 13:2.

(As it is written in the law of the Lord, Every male that openeth the womb shall be called holy to the Lord;)
The law of the Lord

The word law occurs in this chapter five times; oftener than in all the rest of this Gospel put together. Luke emphasizes the fact that Jesus" was made under the law" (Galatians 4:4), and accordingly elaborates the details of the fulfilment of the law by the parents of both John and Jesus.

And to offer a sacrifice according to that which is said in the law of the Lord, A pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons.
A pair of turtle-doves, or two young pigeons

The offering of the poor. While the lamb would probably cost about one dollar and seventy-five cents, the doves would cost about sixteen cents. She would not bring the creatures themselves, but would drop the price into one of the thirteen trumpet-shaped chests in the Court of the Women. Young pigeons: lit., young ones of pigeons (νοσσοὺς περιστερῶν). Wyc. has culver-birds; culver being an old English term for dove. So Spenser:

"More light than culver in the falcon's fist."

And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him.
Devout (εὐλαβής)

Used by Luke only. The kindred word, εὐλάβεια, godly-fear, occurs twice' Hebrews 5:7; Hebrews 12:28. From εὖ, well, and λαμβάνω, to take hold of. Hence of a circumspect or cautious person who takes hold of things carefully. As applied to morals and religion, it emphasizes the element of circumspection, a cautious, careful observance of divine law; and is thus peculiarly expressive of Old Testament piety, with its minute attention to precept and ceremony. Compare Acts 2:5.

Consolation of Israel

Compare hope of Israel, Acts 28:20, and Isaiah 40:1. The Messianic blessing of the nation. Of the Messiah himself, Rest. See Isaiah 11:10. A common form of adjuration among the Jews was, So may I see the consolation

And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord's Christ.
It was revealed (ἧν κεχρηματισμένον)

Lit., it was having been revealed; i.e., it stood revealed, while he waited for the fulfilment of the revelation. The verb means primarily to have dealings with; thence to consult or debate about business matters; and so of an oracle, to give a response to one consulting it. The word here implies that the revelation to Simeon had been given in answer to prayer. See on Matthew 2:12.

And he came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law,
By the Spirit (ἐν τῷ πνεύματι)

Lit., as Rev., "in the Spirit'" the Holy Spirit prompting him. Indicating rather his spiritual condition, as one who walked with God, than a special divine impulse.

After the custom (κατὰ τὸ εἰθισμένον)

Lit., according to that which was wont to be done. Only here in New Testament; and the kindred words, ἔθος custom, and ἔθω, to be accustomed, occur more frequently in Luke than elsewhere. Very common in medical writings.

Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said,
Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word:
Lettest thou thy servant depart (ἀπολύεις τὸν δοῦλόν σου)

Lit., thou dost release. The word is often used of manumitting or setting free on payment of ransom; and as Simeon uses the word for bond-servant, it is evident that his death is conceived by him under the figure of enfranchisement from service. Godet's "release of a sentinel from duty" is fanciful.

O Lord (δέσποτα)

See on 2 Peter 2:1.

In peace

Rev. properly puts this in its emphatic position at the end of the sentence.

For mine eyes have seen thy salvation,
Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people;
Of all people (πάντων τῶν λαῶν)

The noun is plural, the peoples, and refers equally to the Gentiles. See Introduction, on the universality of Luke's Gospel. Wyc., all peoples; and so Rev.

A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.
A light (φῶς)

The light itself as distinguished from λύχνος, a lamp, which the A. V. often unfortunately renders light. See on Mark 14:54.

To lighten (εἰς ἀποκάλυψιν)

Wrong. Rev., correctly, for revelation. Wyc., to the shewing. It may be rendered the unveiling of the Gentiles.

Gentiles (ἐθνῶν)

Assigned to the same root as ἔθω, to be accustomed, and hence of a people bound together by like habits or customs. According to biblical usage the term is understood of people who are not of Israel, and who therefore occupy a different position with reference to the plan of salvation. Hence the extension of the gospel salvation to them is treated as a remarkable fact. See Matthew 12:18, Matthew 12:21; Matthew 24:14; Matthew 28:19; Acts 10:45; Acts 11:18; Acts 18:6. Paul is called distinctively an apostle and teacher of the Gentiles, and a chosen vessel to bear Christ's name among them. In Acts 15:9; Ephesians 2:11, Ephesians 2:18; Ephesians 3:6, we see this difference annihilated, and the expression at last is merely historical designation of the non-Israelitish nations which, as such, were formerly without God and salvation. See Acts 15:23; Romans 16:4; Ephesians 3:1. Sometimes the word is used in a purely moral sense, to denote the heathen in opposition to Christians. See 1 Corinthians 5:1; 1 Corinthians 10:20; 1 Peter 2:12. Light is promised here to the Gentiles and glory to Israel. The Gentiles are regarded as in darkness and ignorance. Some render the words εἰς ἀποκάλυψιν, above, for the unveiling of the Gentiles, instead of for revelation. Compare Isaiah 25:7. Israel, however, has already received light by the revelation of God through the law and the prophets, and that light will expand into glory through Christ. Through the Messiah, Israel will attain its true and highest glory.

And Joseph and his mother marvelled at those things which were spoken of him.
And Joseph

The best texts read ὁ πατὴρ αὐτοῦ his father.

Marvelled (ἦν θαυμάζοντες)

The Greek construction is peculiar. His father was and his mother wondering; the finite verb in the singular agreeing with the father, while the plural participle agrees with both. As usual, this combination of finite verb and participle denotes continuance or progression: they were marvelling while Simeon was speaking. So Rev.

And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against;
Them

The parents; the child being separately and specially designated.

Is set (κεῖται)

The verb means primarily to be laid, and so to lie: hence to be set forth or promulgated, as the law is said to be laid down, and so, appointed or destined, as here.

The fall and rising again (πτῶσιν καὶ ἀνάστασιν)

For the fall, because he will be a stumbling-block to many (Isaiah 8:14; Matthew 21:42, Matthew 21:44; Acts 4:11; Romans 9:33; 1 Corinthians 1:23). For the rising, because many will be raised up through him to life and glory (Romans 6:4, Romans 6:9; Ephesians 2:6). The A. V. predicates the falling and the rising of the same persons: the fall and rising again of many. The Rev., the falling and rising up of many, is ambiguous. The American Revisers give it correctly: the falling and the rising.

Which shall be spoken against (ἀντιλεγόμενον)

The participle is the present; and the expression does not voice a prophecy, but describes an inherent characteristic of the sign: a sign of which it is the character to experience contradiction from the world. In the beginning, as a babe, Jesus experienced this at the hands of Herod; so all through his earthly ministry and on the cross; and so it will be to the end, until he shall have put all enemies under his feet. Compare Hebrews 12:3. Wyc., a token to whom it shall be gainsaid.

(Yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also,) that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.
A sword (ῥομφαία)

Strictly, a large Thracian broadsword. Used in Septuagint of the sword of Goliath (1 Samuel 17:51). A figure of Mary's pang when her son should be nailed to the cross.

And there was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Aser: she was of a great age, and had lived with an husband seven years from her virginity;
A prophetess (προφῆτις)

Only here and Revelation 2:20.

Asher

That tribe was celebrated in tradition for the beauty of its women, and their fitness to be wedded to high-priests or kings.

Of great age (προβεβηκυῖα ἐν ἡμέραις πολλαῖς)

Lit., advanced in many days.

And she was a widow of about fourscore and four years, which departed not from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day.
Of about fourscore and four years (ὡς ἐτῶν ὀγδοήκοντα τεσσάρων)

The A. V. might be supposed to be stating her age; but the best texts read ἕως, until, instead of ὡς about; and the statement refers to the time of her widowhood; a widow even for (or up to) fourscore and four years. So Rev.

Served (λατρεύουσα)

The present participle, serving. Rev., worshipping. See on Luke 1:74.

And she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem.
Coming up (ἐπιστᾶσα)

See on Luke 2:9.

Gave thanks (ἀνθωμολογεῖτο)

The verb originally means to make a mutual agreement; and the idea of reciprocity is retained in the expression "to return thanks" for something received. Compare Sept., Psalm 79:13.

Spake

Not a public utterance, for which the words, those that waited, etc., would be inappropriate. It was to the pious ones who were with her in the temple, waiting for the Messiah.

In Jerusalem (ἐν Ἰερουσαλήμ)

All the best texts omit ἐν, in. Render, as Rev., the redemption of Jerusalem. Nearly equivalent to the consolation of Israel, Luke 2:25. Compare Luke 1:68, and see Isaiah 40:2.

And when they had performed all things according to the law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own city Nazareth.
Nazareth

See on Matthew 2:23.

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

The Jews marked the stages of a child's development by nine different terms: the new-born babe (Isaiah 9:6); the suckling (Isaiah 11:8); the suckling beginning to ask for food (Lamentations 4:4); the weaned child (Isaiah 28:9); the child clinging to its mother (Jeremiah 44:7); the child becoming firm and strong (Isaiah 7:14, of the virgin-mother); the youth, literally, he that shakes himself free; the ripened one, or warrior (Isaiah 31:8).

Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the feast of the passover.
His parents

Though women were not bound to present themselves in person.

And when he was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem after the custom of the feast.
Twelve years old

At which age he was known as a son of the law, and came under obligation to observe the ordinances personally.

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.
Had fulfilled the days

Not necessarily the whole seven days of the festival. With the third day commenced the so-called half-holidays, when it was lawful to return home.

But they, supposing him to have been in the company, went a day's journey; and they sought him among their kinsfolk and acquaintance.
The company (συνοδίᾀ)

From σύν, with, and ὁδός, the way. The company that shared the journey.

Went a day's journey

Before they missed him.

They sought (ἀνεζήτουν)

From ἀνὰ, from the bottom up, and ζητέω, to seek. Thus implying a thorough search: they looked for him up and down.

And when they found him not, they turned back again to Jerusalem, seeking him.
Seeking him (ἀναζητοῦντες)

All the way as they went. Force of ἀνὰ, as above.

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.
After three days

From the time of separation.

In the temple

"We read in the Talmud that the members of the Temple-Sanhedrin, who, on ordinary days, sat as a court of appeal from the close of the morning to the time of the evening sacrifice, were wont, upon Sabbaths and feast-days, to come out upon the terrace of the temple, and there to teach. In such popular instruction the utmost latitude of questioning would be given. It is in this audience, which sat upon the ground, surrounding and mingling with the doctors, and hence during, not after, the feast, that we must seek the child Jesus" (Edersheim, "Life and Times," etc., 1:247). From this, Edersheim argues that the parents set out for home before the close of the feast.

Sitting

Not occupying a teacher's place, but sitting in the circle among the doctors and their hearers. See above. Compare Acts 22:3.

And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers.
Understanding (συνέσει)

From συνίημι, to bring together. Hence that quality of mind which combines: understanding not only of facts, but of facts in their mutual relations. See on Mark 12:33; where there is meant "the love of a well-pondered and duly considered resolution which determines the whole person; the love which clearly understands itself" (Cremer).

And when they saw him, they were amazed: and his mother said unto him, Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? behold, thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing.
They were amazed (ἐξεπλάγησαν)

A very strong word; the verb meaning, literally, to strike out or drive away from; and so to drive out of one's senses. Hence in the general sense of great amazement. Amaze is to throw into a maze or labyrinth; and so is closely akin to the Greek word here, and is a faithful rendering.

Son (τέκνον)

Lit., child. See on Matthew 1:1.

Thy father

"Up to this time Joseph had been so called by the holy child himself; but from this time never" (Alford).

Have sought (ἐζητοῦμεν)

Imperfect tense: were seeking; Mary is going over in mind the process of the search.

And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father's business?
And he said

The first saying of Jesus which is preserved to us.

Must (δεῖ)

Lit., it is necessary, or it behoves. A word often used by Jesus concerning his own appointed work, and expressing both the inevitable fulfilment of the divine counsels and the absolute constraint of the principle of duty upon himself. See Matthew 16:21; Matthew 26:54; Mark 8:31; Luke 4:43; Luke 9:22; Luke 13:33; Luke 24:7, Luke 24:26, Luke 24:46; John 3:14; John 4:4; John 12:34.

About my Father's business (ἐν τοῖς τοῦ πατρός)

Lit., in the things of my Father. The words will bear this rendering; but the Rev. is better, in my Father's house. Mary's question was not as to what her son had been doing, but as to where he had been. Jesus, in effect, answers, "Where is a child to be found but in his Father's house?"

And they understood not the saying which he spake unto them.
The saying (τὸ ῥῆμα)

See on Luke 1:37.

And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject unto them: but his mother kept all these sayings in her heart.
Was subject (ἦν ὑποτασσόμενος)

The participle and finite verb, denoting habitual, continuous subjection. "Even before, he had been subject to them; but this is mentioned now, when it might seem that he could by this time have exempted himself. Not even to the angels fell such an honor as to the parents of Jesus" (Bengel). Compare Hebrews 1:4-8.

Kept (διετήρει)

Only here and Acts 15:29. The preposition διά, through, indicates close, faithful, persistent keeping, through all the circumstances which might have weakened the impression of the events. Compare Genesis 37:11.

And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.
Stature (ἡλικία)

Which Rev. rightly retains. The word may be rendered age, which would be superfluous here.

Vincent's Word Studies, by Marvin R. Vincent [1886].
Text Courtesy of Internet Sacred Texts Archive.

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