Luke 2:50
And they understood not the saying which he spake unto them.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 9
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
αὐτοῖς
unto them
G846
αὐτοῖς
unto them
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
2 of 9
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
συνῆκαν
they understood
G4920
συνῆκαν
they understood
Strong's:
G4920
Word #:
4 of 9
to put together, i.e., (mentally) to comprehend; by implication, to act piously
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 9
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ῥῆμα
the saying
G4487
ῥῆμα
the saying
Strong's:
G4487
Word #:
6 of 9
an utterance (individually, collectively or specially),; by implication, a matter or topic (especially of narration, command or dispute); with a negat
Cross References
Luke 18:34And they understood none of these things: and this saying was hid from them, neither knew they the things which were spoken.Mark 9:32But they understood not that saying, and were afraid to ask him.Luke 9:45But they understood not this saying, and it was hid from them, that they perceived it not: and they feared to ask him of that saying.
Historical Context
Despite Gabriel's announcement and supernatural surrounding Jesus's birth, Joseph and Mary didn't immediately understand all implications of His deity and mission. The mystery of God becoming man meant even those closest to Jesus grew gradually in understanding. This honest admission of their confusion demonstrates Scripture's historical reliability.
Questions for Reflection
- How does acknowledging confusion about God's ways demonstrate humility rather than unbelief?
- What does progressive understanding of God's purposes teach about spiritual growth?
- Why didn't earlier supernatural revelations produce immediate comprehensive understanding?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The statement 'they understood not the saying which he spake unto them' reveals that even those closest to Jesus, including His mother who received angelic revelation, didn't fully comprehend His identity and mission. Their lack of understanding wasn't sinful but demonstrates the mystery of the incarnation—God's purposes aren't always immediately clear even to the faithful. Jesus's reference to 'my Father's business' used terminology they heard but didn't fully grasp. This teaches that progressive revelation and understanding characterize spiritual growth; initial confusion doesn't indicate lack of faith. Even Mary needed time to process and understand God's purposes, as shown by her pondering (v19, v51).