Bible Commentary

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. 51. with them ] We may infer from the subsequent omission of Joseph’s name, and from the traditional belief of his age, that he died shortly after this event, as … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Luke 2:51”

And they understood not the saying which he spake unto them. 50. they understood not ] Words which might stand as the epitome of much of His ministry, Luk 9:45, Luk 18:34; Mar 9:32; Joh 10:6; Joh 1:10-11. The meaning however is not that they had any doubt as to what the grammatical construction of … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Luke 2:50”

And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father’s business? 49. about my Father’s business ] Rather, in my Father’s house. See Excursus I. These words are very memorable as being the first recorded words of Jesus. They bear with them the … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Luke 2:49”

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. 48. they were amazed ] The “ people of the land,” such as were the simple peasants of Galilee, held their great teachers in … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Luke 2:48”

And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers. 47. were astonished ] Similar incidents are narrated of Rabbi Eliezer Ben Azariah; of Rabbi Ashi, the compiler of the Babylonian Talmud; and (by himself) of Josephus ( Vit. 2). See Excursus VII. Fuente: The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges Verse 47. … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Luke 2:47”

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. 46. after three days ] This, in the Jewish idiom, probably means ‘on the third day.’ One day was occupied by the journey to Beeroth; on … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Luke 2:46”

And when they found him not, they turned back again to Jerusalem, seeking him. Verse 45. Seeking him.] – or rather, seeking him diligently, . This is the reading of BCDL, six others, Vulgate, and nine copies of the Itala. If they sought earnestly when they first found him missing, there is little doubt that … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Luke 2:45”

But they, supposing him to have been in the company, went a day’s journey; and they sought him among [their] kinsfolk and acquaintance. 44. went a day’s journey ] Probably to Beeroth, six miles north of Jerusalem. In the numerous and rejoicing caravans of kinsmen and fellow-countrymen relations are often separated without feeling any anxiety. … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Luke 2:44”

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.] 43. fulfilled the days ] Exo 12:15. the child Jesus ] Rather, “ the boy Jesus ” ( ). St Luke seems purposely to have narrated something about the … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Luke 2:43”

And when he was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem after the custom of the feast. 42. when he was twelve years old ] No single word breaks the silence of the Gospels respecting the childhood of Jesus from the return to Nazareth till this time. We infer indeed from scattered hints in … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Luke 2:42”