Luke 2:41
Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the feast of the passover.
Original Language Analysis
Καὶ
Now
G2532
Καὶ
Now
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 13
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἐπορεύοντο
went
G4198
ἐπορεύοντο
went
Strong's:
G4198
Word #:
2 of 13
to traverse, i.e., travel (literally or figuratively; especially to remove (figuratively, die), live, etc.)
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
αὐτοῦ
G846
αὐτοῦ
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
5 of 13
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
κατ'
every
G2596
κατ'
every
Strong's:
G2596
Word #:
6 of 13
(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)
εἰς
to
G1519
εἰς
to
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
8 of 13
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
Ἰερουσαλὴμ
Jerusalem
G2419
Ἰερουσαλὴμ
Jerusalem
Strong's:
G2419
Word #:
9 of 13
hierusalem (i.e., jerushalem), the capitol of palestine
τῇ
G3588
τῇ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Deuteronomy 12:18But thou must eat them before the LORD thy God in the place which the LORD thy God shall choose, thou, and thy son, and thy daughter, and thy manservant, and thy maidservant, and the Levite that is within thy gates: and thou shalt rejoice before the LORD thy God in all that thou puttest thine hands unto.1 Samuel 1:21And the man Elkanah, and all his house, went up to offer unto the LORD the yearly sacrifice, and his vow.
Historical Context
First-century Jews throughout Palestine and the diaspora made pilgrimages to Jerusalem for major festivals. The week-long Passover celebration commemorated Israel's exodus from Egypt. Galilean pilgrims typically traveled in large groups for safety, taking 3-4 days to walk the roughly 70 miles from Nazareth to Jerusalem. This annual pattern shaped Jesus' upbringing, immersing Him in Israel's faith and identity. His later temple teaching and Jerusalem ministry built on childhood familiarity with the holy city and its worship.
Questions for Reflection
- What does Mary and Joseph's faithful Passover observance teach about raising children in covenant faith?
- How did Jesus' annual Passover experiences prepare Him for His ultimate role as the Passover Lamb?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Jesus' parents 'went to Jerusalem every year at the feast of the passover,' demonstrating their faithful observance of Torah. The annual Passover pilgrimage was commanded in Deuteronomy 16:16—all males must appear before the LORD three times yearly (Passover, Pentecost, Tabernacles). Mary and Joseph's consistent obedience shows their genuine piety and commitment to raising Jesus within covenant faithfulness. This context is crucial—Jesus was raised in an observant Jewish home, learned Scripture and tradition, and participated fully in Israel's worship life.