Luke 2:46
And it came to pass, that after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 21
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἐγένετο
it came to pass
G1096
ἐγένετο
it came to pass
Strong's:
G1096
Word #:
2 of 21
to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)
μεθ'
that after
G3326
μεθ'
that after
Strong's:
G3326
Word #:
3 of 21
properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)
ἡμέρας
days
G2250
ἡμέρας
days
Strong's:
G2250
Word #:
4 of 21
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
αὐτούς·
him
G846
αὐτούς·
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
7 of 21
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
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἱερῷ
the temple
G2411
ἱερῷ
the temple
Strong's:
G2411
Word #:
10 of 21
a sacred place, i.e., the entire precincts (whereas g3485 denotes the central sanctuary itself) of the temple (at jerusalem or elsewhere)
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
14 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
διδασκάλων
of the doctors
G1320
διδασκάλων
of the doctors
Strong's:
G1320
Word #:
15 of 21
an instructor (genitive case or specially)
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
16 of 21
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
αὐτούς·
him
G846
αὐτούς·
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
18 of 21
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
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
19 of 21
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Cross References
Luke 5:17And it came to pass on a certain day, as he was teaching, that there were Pharisees and doctors of the law sitting by, which were come out of every town of Galilee, and Judaea, and Jerusalem: and the power of the Lord was present to heal them.Isaiah 50:4The Lord GOD hath given me the tongue of the learned, that I should know how to speak a word in season to him that is weary: he wakeneth morning by morning, he wakeneth mine ear to hear as the learned.Acts 5:34Then stood there up one in the council, a Pharisee, named Gamaliel, a doctor of the law, had in reputation among all the people, and commanded to put the apostles forth a little space;Matthew 12:40For as Jonas was three days and three nights in the whale's belly; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.
Historical Context
The 'doctors' were scribes and rabbis—learned teachers of the law who gathered in temple courts to discuss Torah. Teaching occurred through question-and-answer dialogue, with advanced students asking probing questions to clarify understanding. That twelve-year-old Jesus engaged these scholars demonstrates His advanced spiritual insight. Age 12-13 marked Jewish boys' transition to religious majority (bar mitzvah), making this temple visit particularly significant. Jesus' behavior showed readiness for religious responsibility and hint of His unique identity.
Questions for Reflection
- What does twelve-year-old Jesus' engagement with teachers in the temple reveal about His developing self-awareness of His mission?
- How does Jesus' pattern of listening and asking questions model proper approach to learning spiritual truth?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
After three days searching, Jesus' parents 'found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions.' At age 12, Jesus demonstrates extraordinary wisdom and spiritual understanding. The phrase 'in the midst of the doctors' (Greek 'en mesō tōn didaskalōn,' ἐν μέσῳ τῶν διδασκάλων) shows Jesus as eager learner, yet His questions reveal depth beyond His years. This scene foreshadows His later teaching ministry where He astonishes crowds with wisdom and authority. Even as a boy, Jesus prioritizes spiritual learning and His Father's house.