Luke 2:42
And when he was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem after the custom of the feast.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 14
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἐγένετο
he was
G1096
ἐγένετο
he was
Strong's:
G1096
Word #:
3 of 14
to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)
αὐτῶν
they
G846
αὐτῶν
they
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
7 of 14
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
εἰς
to
G1519
εἰς
to
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
8 of 14
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
Ἰεροσόλυμα,
Jerusalem
G2414
Ἰεροσόλυμα,
Jerusalem
Strong's:
G2414
Word #:
9 of 14
hierosolyma (i.e., jerushalaim), the capitol of palestine
κατὰ
after
G2596
κατὰ
after
Strong's:
G2596
Word #:
10 of 14
(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 14
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Historical Context
Twelve-year-old boys approached the age of religious responsibility in Jewish culture. Passover pilgrimage from Galilee to Jerusalem required substantial time and expense, yet faithful Jews made this journey annually. Jesus's participation in these feasts demonstrated His full entrance into Israel's covenant worship life.
Questions for Reflection
- What does faithful observance of required feasts teach about prioritizing worship?
- How does Jesus's participation in covenant rituals demonstrate His identification with His people?
- What significance does Jesus's age (twelve) have for understanding His developing self-awareness?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Jesus's attendance at Jerusalem when 'twelve years old' demonstrates covenant faithfulness and approaching manhood in Jewish culture. The specific mention of twelve indicates the cusp of religious responsibility—approaching bar mitzvah age when boys assume adult religious obligations. That the family went to the Feast demonstrates their annual Passover observance, though only required of males over thirteen. This journey reveals Jesus's growing awareness of His identity and mission, soon to be expressed in the temple incident. Their faithful observance of feasts models that genuine piety maintains regular, costly worship despite inconvenience. Jesus's participation shows His full identification with Israel's covenant life.