Luke Chapter 2 · Verse 48
And when they saw him, they were amazed: and his mother said unto him, Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? behold, thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 24
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἰδόντες
when they saw
G1492
ἰδόντες
when they saw
Strong's:
G1492
Word #:
2 of 24
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
αὐτοῦ
him
G846
αὐτοῦ
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
3 of 24
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 #:
5 of 24
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
πρὸς
unto
G4314
πρὸς
unto
Strong's:
G4314
Word #:
6 of 24
a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,
αὐτοῦ
him
G846
αὐτοῦ
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
7 of 24
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
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
μήτηρ
mother
G3384
μήτηρ
mother
Strong's:
G3384
Word #:
9 of 24
a "mother" (literally or figuratively, immediate or remote)
αὐτοῦ
him
G846
αὐτοῦ
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
10 of 24
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
τί
why
G5101
τί
why
Strong's:
G5101
Word #:
13 of 24
an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)
ἐποίησας
dealt
G4160
ἐποίησας
dealt
Strong's:
G4160
Word #:
14 of 24
to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
18 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πατήρ
father
G3962
πατήρ
father
Strong's:
G3962
Word #:
19 of 24
a "father" (literally or figuratively, near or more remote)
κἀγὼ
and I
G2504
κἀγὼ
and I
Strong's:
G2504
Word #:
21 of 24
so also the dative case ????? <pronunciation strongs="kam-oy'"/>, and accusative case ???? <pronunciation strongs="kam-eh'"/> and (or also, even, etc.
Historical Context
In first-century Jewish culture, a son's primary duty was obedience to parents. Mary's rebuke ('why hast thou thus dealt with us?') was legitimate by cultural standards—Jesus had caused His parents serious distress by remaining behind without informing them. The reference to 'sorrowing' (Greek 'odynōmenoi,' ὀδυνώμενοι, suffering pain/anguish) emphasizes their emotional torment. That Jesus prioritized His Father's business over His parents' wishes challenged normal filial duty, hinting that His higher allegiance to God would sometimes override earthly relationships.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Mary's reference to Joseph as Jesus' father contrast with Jesus' true identity, and what does this misunderstanding reveal?
- What does this incident teach about the tension between earthly family relationships and ultimate allegiance to God?
Analysis & Commentary
Mary's response—'Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? behold, thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing'—reveals her maternal distress but also her limited understanding. She refers to Joseph as 'thy father,' yet Jesus' response corrects this, pointing to His true Father. Mary's natural anxiety is understandable, but she hadn't yet fully grasped Jesus' unique identity and mission. This incident marks a transition—Jesus' increasing awareness of His divine sonship begins to create tension with normal family expectations.