Luke 2:45
And when they found him not, they turned back again to Jerusalem, seeking him.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 9
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
μὴ
not
G3361
μὴ
not
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
2 of 9
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
αὐτὸν,
him
G846
αὐτὸν,
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
4 of 9
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
ὑπέστρεψαν
they turned back again
G5290
ὑπέστρεψαν
they turned back again
Strong's:
G5290
Word #:
5 of 9
to turn under (behind), i.e., to return (literally or figuratively)
εἰς
to
G1519
εἰς
to
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
6 of 9
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 #:
7 of 9
hierusalem (i.e., jerushalem), the capitol of palestine
Historical Context
Returning to Jerusalem required another full day's journey, then searching a city swollen with Passover pilgrims. The difficulty and danger of this search demonstrates their parental devotion. Jerusalem during Passover hosted hundreds of thousands, making finding one twelve-year-old extremely challenging.
Questions for Reflection
- What does the parents' persistent search teach about parental responsibility?
- How does the three-day period prefigure Jesus's death and resurrection?
- What does their willingness to retrace steps teach about responding to crises?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Finding Him not among acquaintances, 'they turned back again to Jerusalem, seeking him' demonstrates parental responsibility and persistence. The phrase 'turned back' indicates retracing their steps, adding another day to the journey. Their 'seeking him' shows determined search, not passive waiting. This models appropriate parental response to missing children—immediate action, retracing steps, persistent search. The three-day separation (one day travel, one day return, one day searching Jerusalem) creates dramatic tension and Mary's later anguished question. Their willingness to retrace steps and search demonstrates sacrificial parental love and responsibility. The incident prefigures Jesus's three days in the tomb before resurrection.