Luke 2:47
And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers.
Original Language Analysis
ἐξίσταντο
were astonished
G1839
ἐξίσταντο
were astonished
Strong's:
G1839
Word #:
1 of 13
to put (stand) out of wits, i.e., astound, or (reflexively) become astounded, insane
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
αὐτοῦ
him
G846
αὐτοῦ
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
6 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
ἐπὶ
at
G1909
ἐπὶ
at
Strong's:
G1909
Word #:
7 of 13
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
τῇ
G3588
τῇ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
συνέσει
understanding
G4907
συνέσει
understanding
Strong's:
G4907
Word #:
9 of 13
a mental putting together, i.e., intelligence or (concretely) the intellect
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
10 of 13
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Cross References
Matthew 7:28And it came to pass, when Jesus had ended these sayings, the people were astonished at his doctrine:Psalms 119:99I have more understanding than all my teachers: for thy testimonies are my meditation.Luke 4:32And they were astonished at his doctrine: for his word was with power.Mark 1:22And they were astonished at his doctrine: for he taught them as one that had authority, and not as the scribes.John 7:15And the Jews marvelled, saying, How knoweth this man letters, having never learned?
Historical Context
Rabbinic education emphasized memorization, careful reasoning, and dialectic questioning. Students advanced through mastering texts and demonstrating understanding through insightful questions and answers. That a twelve-year-old from Nazareth—not from Jerusalem's rabbinic schools—could astonish the temple's finest teachers was unprecedented. This incident foreshadows the Sanhedrin's later amazement that Jesus taught with authority without having studied under recognized rabbis (John 7:15). His wisdom came from God, not human instruction.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Jesus' supernatural wisdom at age 12 point to His unique identity as God incarnate?
- What does this account teach about the relationship between divine gift and human development in Jesus' life?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
All who heard Jesus 'were astonished at his understanding and answers.' The Greek 'existanto' (ἐξίσταντο) indicates they were amazed, overwhelmed, put out of their senses. Despite His young age, Jesus demonstrated wisdom that astonished learned scholars. This supernatural understanding fulfills Isaiah 11:2's prophecy that Messiah would be filled with the Spirit of wisdom and understanding. Jesus' questions and answers revealed not just knowledge but penetrating insight into Scripture's meaning. His wisdom was divine, not merely the product of natural brilliance.