Luke 2:49
And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father's business?
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 19
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 #:
3 of 19
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,
αὐτούς
them
G846
αὐτούς
them
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
4 of 19
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
How
G5101
Τί
How
Strong's:
G5101
Word #:
5 of 19
an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)
ὅτι
is it that
G3754
ὅτι
is it that
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
6 of 19
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
ἐζητεῖτέ
ye sought
G2212
ἐζητεῖτέ
ye sought
Strong's:
G2212
Word #:
7 of 19
to seek (literally or figuratively); specially, (by hebraism) to worship (god), or (in a bad sense) to plot (against life)
ᾔδειτε
wist ye
G1492
ᾔδειτε
wist ye
Strong's:
G1492
Word #:
10 of 19
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
ὅτι
is it that
G3754
ὅτι
is it that
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
11 of 19
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
τοῖς
G3588
τοῖς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
13 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
14 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πατρός
Father's business
G3962
πατρός
Father's business
Strong's:
G3962
Word #:
15 of 19
a "father" (literally or figuratively, near or more remote)
Cross References
John 6:38For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me.John 8:29And he that sent me is with me: the Father hath not left me alone; for I do always those things that please him.Malachi 3:1Behold, I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me: and the Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to his temple, even the messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in: behold, he shall come, saith the LORD of hosts.Psalms 40:8I delight to do thy will, O my God: yea, thy law is within my heart.John 4:34Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work.Luke 2:48And 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.John 5:17But Jesus answered them, My Father worketh hitherto, and I work.Matthew 21:12And Jesus went into the temple of God, and cast out all them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the moneychangers, and the seats of them that sold doves,John 9:4I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.
Historical Context
At age 12-13, Jewish boys became 'bar mitzvah' (son of the commandment), assuming adult religious responsibilities. Jesus' discussion with temple teachers during Passover week demonstrates His exceptional grasp of Scripture. That 'all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers' (v.47) indicates He was not merely learning but teaching. His presence in 'my Father's house' foreshadows His later temple ministry and ultimate cleansing (John 2:16, same possessive claim).
Questions for Reflection
- What does Jesus' early consciousness of His unique sonship teach about His self-understanding and mission?
- How should Jesus' prioritization of Father's business over family concerns inform Christian discipleship priorities?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The 12-year-old Jesus responds to Mary: 'How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father's business?' (τί ὅτι ἐζητεῖτέ με; οὐκ ᾔδειτε ὅτι ἐν τοῖς τοῦ πατρός μου δεῖ εἶναί με;). The Greek phrase 'en tois tou patros mou' (ἐν τοῖς τοῦ πατρός μου) literally means 'in the things/house of my Father'—referring both to the temple and to His Father's concerns. The verb 'dei' (δεῖ, must/it is necessary) indicates divine compulsion, not mere preference. This is Jesus' first recorded words, and they express His consciousness of unique sonship and mission. His question implies Mary and Joseph should have understood His priorities. Even at 12, Jesus recognized His identity and purpose.