Luke 2:47

Authorized King James Version

And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
ἐξίσταντο
were astonished
to put (stand) out of wits, i.e., astound, or (reflexively) become astounded, insane
#2
δὲ
And
but, and, etc
#3
πάντες
all
all, any, every, the whole
#4
οἱ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#5
ἀκούοντες
that heard
to hear (in various senses)
#6
αὐτοῦ
him
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
#7
ἐπὶ
at
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
#8
τῇ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#9
συνέσει
understanding
a mental putting together, i.e., intelligence or (concretely) the intellect
#10
καὶ
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#11
ταῖς
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#12
ἀποκρίσεσιν
answers
a response
#13
αὐτοῦ
him
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

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

Topics

People

Study Resources