Luke 2:43
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.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 22
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τελειωσάντων
when they had fulfilled
G5048
τελειωσάντων
when they had fulfilled
Strong's:
G5048
Word #:
2 of 22
to complete, i.e., (literally) accomplish, or (figuratively) consummate (in character)
τὰς
G3588
τὰς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἡμέρας
the days
G2250
ἡμέρας
the days
Strong's:
G2250
Word #:
4 of 22
day, i.e., (literally) the time space between dawn and dark, or the whole 24 hours (but several days were usually reckoned by the jews as inclusive of
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὑποστρέφειν
returned
G5290
ὑποστρέφειν
returned
Strong's:
G5290
Word #:
7 of 22
to turn under (behind), i.e., to return (literally or figuratively)
αὐτοῦ
his
G846
αὐτοῦ
his
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
8 of 22
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
ὑπέμεινεν
tarried behind
G5278
ὑπέμεινεν
tarried behind
Strong's:
G5278
Word #:
9 of 22
to stay under (behind), i.e., remain; figuratively, to undergo, i.e., bear (trials), have fortitude, persevere
Ἰησοῦς
Jesus
G2424
Ἰησοῦς
Jesus
Strong's:
G2424
Word #:
10 of 22
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
παῖς
the child
G3816
παῖς
the child
Strong's:
G3816
Word #:
12 of 22
a boy (as often beaten with impunity), or (by analogy), a girl, and (genitive case) a child; specially, a slave or servant (especially a minister to a
Ἰερουσαλήμ
Jerusalem
G2419
Ἰερουσαλήμ
Jerusalem
Strong's:
G2419
Word #:
14 of 22
hierusalem (i.e., jerushalem), the capitol of palestine
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
15 of 22
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἔγνω
knew
G1097
ἔγνω
knew
Strong's:
G1097
Word #:
17 of 22
to "know" (absolutely) in a great variety of applications and with many implications (as follow, with others not thus clearly expressed)
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
19 of 22
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
20 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Historical Context
Large pilgrimage groups traveled together for safety, with women and children often traveling separately from men. It wasn't unusual for parents not to see their twelve-year-old during the day's journey, expecting him with relatives. Jesus's deliberate remaining behind demonstrated remarkable independence and purpose for His age.
Questions for Reflection
- What does Jesus's deliberate remaining in Jerusalem teach about His self-awareness?
- How does this incident foreshadow Jesus's prioritizing His Father's will over family?
- What does this teach about the development of Jesus's human consciousness of His divine mission?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The parents' ignorance that Jesus 'tarried behind in Jerusalem' after completing the feast days shows the accidental nature of the separation. The detail that they 'fulfilled the days' emphasizes they completed proper observance before beginning return journey. That 'Joseph and his mother knew not of it' indicates Jesus's action was independent and intentional on His part, not parental negligence. The passive 'tarried behind' suggests deliberate choice to remain. This incident foreshadows Jesus's priority of His Father's business over even legitimate family concerns. His remaining in the temple demonstrates early consciousness of His unique relationship to God and mission.