Luke Chapter 3 · Verse 23
And Jesus himself began to be about thirty years of age, being (as was supposed) the son of Joseph, which was the son of Heli,
Original Language Analysis
Καὶ
And
G2532
Καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 16
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
αὐτὸς
himself
G846
αὐτὸς
himself
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
2 of 16
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
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Ἰησοῦς
Jesus
G2424
Ἰησοῦς
Jesus
Strong's:
G2424
Word #:
5 of 16
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
ὡς
(as
G5613
ὡς
(as
Strong's:
G5613
Word #:
11 of 16
which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)
ἐνομίζετο
was supposed
G3543
ἐνομίζετο
was supposed
Strong's:
G3543
Word #:
12 of 16
properly, to do by law (usage), i.e., to accustom (passively, be usual); by extension, to deem or regard
υἱός
the son
G5207
υἱός
the son
Strong's:
G5207
Word #:
13 of 16
a "son" (sometimes of animals), used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship
Cross References
Matthew 13:55Is not this the carpenter's son? is not his mother called Mary? and his brethren, James, and Joses, and Simon, and Judas?Numbers 4:3From thirty years old and upward even until fifty years old, all that enter into the host, to do the work in the tabernacle of the congregation.Acts 1:1The former treatise have I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach,Mark 6:3Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary, the brother of James, and Joses, and of Juda, and Simon? and are not his sisters here with us? And they were offended at him.Matthew 4:17From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.Matthew 1:16And Jacob begat Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ.John 6:42And they said, Is not this Jesus, the son of Joseph, whose father and mother we know? how is it then that he saith, I came down from heaven?Genesis 41:46And Joseph was thirty years old when he stood before Pharaoh king of Egypt. And Joseph went out from the presence of Pharaoh, and went throughout all the land of Egypt.Luke 4:22And all bare him witness, and wondered at the gracious words which proceeded out of his mouth. And they said, Is not this Joseph's son?
Historical Context
Luke's genealogy (vv. 23-38) traces Jesus through Mary back to Adam, emphasizing His humanity and universal significance—Savior of all humanity, not just Jews. Matthew's genealogy traces Jesus through Joseph to Abraham, emphasizing Jewish messianic credentials. The thirty-year preparation period shows incarnation's thoroughness—Jesus genuinely lived human experience, growing in wisdom and stature (Luke 2:52). His patient waiting until the appointed time models trust in God's timing rather than premature self-promotion.
Questions for Reflection
- What does Jesus' thirty years of preparation before ministry teach about the value of patient development versus premature public service?
- How does Luke's tracing Jesus' genealogy to Adam emphasize the gospel's universal scope beyond ethnic Israel?
Analysis & Commentary
Luke records Jesus' genealogy: 'And Jesus himself began to be about thirty years of age.' The age 'about thirty' marked appropriate age for public ministry—priests began service at age 30 (Numbers 4:3), David became king at 30 (2 Samuel 5:4), and Joseph entered Pharaoh's service at 30 (Genesis 41:46). Jesus' thirty-year preparation—obscurity in Nazareth, learning carpentry, studying Scripture—preceded three years of public ministry. This pattern challenges modern emphasis on youth and quick success. Effective ministry requires patient preparation and maturity.