Luke 2:40
And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him.
Original Language Analysis
Τὸ
G3588
Τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
παιδίον
the child
G3813
παιδίον
the child
Strong's:
G3813
Word #:
3 of 15
a childling (of either sex), i.e., (properly), an infant, or (by extension) a half-grown boy or girl; figuratively, an immature christian
ηὔξανεν
grew
G837
ηὔξανεν
grew
Strong's:
G837
Word #:
4 of 15
to grow ("wax"), i.e., enlarge (literal or figurative, active or passive)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
5 of 15
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἐκραταιοῦτο
waxed strong
G2901
ἐκραταιοῦτο
waxed strong
Strong's:
G2901
Word #:
6 of 15
to empower, i.e., (passively) increase in vigor
πνεύματι,
in spirit
G4151
πνεύματι,
in spirit
Strong's:
G4151
Word #:
7 of 15
a current of air, i.e., breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit, i.e., (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital prin
πληρούμενον
filled
G4137
πληρούμενον
filled
Strong's:
G4137
Word #:
8 of 15
to make replete, i.e., (literally) to cram (a net), level up (a hollow), or (figuratively) to furnish (or imbue, diffuse, influence), satisfy, execute
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
10 of 15
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
χάρις
the grace
G5485
χάρις
the grace
Strong's:
G5485
Word #:
11 of 15
graciousness (as gratifying), of manner or act (abstract or concrete; literal, figurative or spiritual; especially the divine influence upon the heart
θεοῦ
of God
G2316
θεοῦ
of God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
12 of 15
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
Cross References
Luke 2:52And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.Luke 1:80And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, and was in the deserts till the day of his shewing unto Israel.John 1:14And 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.1 Samuel 2:26And the child Samuel grew on, and was in favour both with the LORD, and also with men.1 Samuel 3:19And Samuel grew, and the LORD was with him, and did let none of his words fall to the ground.Psalms 22:9But thou art he that took me out of the womb: thou didst make me hope when I was upon my mother's breasts.Luke 2:47And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers.1 Samuel 2:18But Samuel ministered before the LORD, being a child, girded with a linen ephod.Judges 13:24And the woman bare a son, and called his name Samson: and the child grew, and the LORD blessed him.Acts 4:33And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all.
Historical Context
Jesus' childhood in Nazareth was unremarkable by outward appearance—He learned carpentry from Joseph (Mark 6:3), studied Torah, participated in synagogue life. The absence of miracle accounts from these years (apocryphal gospels notwithstanding) emphasizes normal development. His humanity was not diminished by deity; rather, deity expressed itself through authentic human experience including growth in wisdom (Luke 2:52). This 18-year 'hidden life' prepared Him for public ministry.
Questions for Reflection
- What does Jesus' normal human development teach about the full reality of the incarnation?
- How should Christ's example of steady growth in wisdom encourage our own spiritual formation?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Luke summarizes Jesus' childhood: 'And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him' (τὸ δὲ παιδίον ηὔξανεν καὶ ἐκραταιοῦτο πληρούμενον σοφίᾳ, καὶ χάρις θεοῦ ἦν ἐπ᾽ αὐτό). The verbs 'auxanō' (ηὔξανεν, grew) and 'krataioō' (ἐκραταιοῦτο, waxed strong) describe normal human development—Jesus experienced genuine childhood, not docetic appearance. The present passive participle 'plēroumenon sophia' (πληρούμενον σοφίᾳ, being filled with wisdom) indicates progressive development, while 'charis theou' (χάρις θεοῦ, grace of God) rested upon Him. This demonstrates the hypostatic union—Jesus' full humanity developed normally while His divine nature remained fully present. He learned as humans learn, yet without sin.