King James Version

What Does Luke 2:33 Mean?

Luke 2:33 in the King James Version says “And Joseph and his mother marvelled at those things which were spoken of him.” — study this verse from Luke chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And Joseph and his mother marvelled at those things which were spoken of him.”

Luke 2:33 · KJV

Context

31

Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people;

32

A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.

33

And Joseph and his mother marvelled at those things which were spoken of him.

34

And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against;

35

(Yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also,) that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.

Read Luke 2 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Joseph and his mother marvelled at those things which were spoken of him (καὶ ἦν ὁ πατὴρ αὐτοῦ καὶ ἡ μήτηρ θαυμάζοντες ἐπὶ τοῖς λαλουμένοις περὶ αὐτοῦ, kai ēn ho patēr autou kai hē mētēr thaumazontes epi tois laloumenois peri autou)—The Greek verb thaumazō indicates wonder mixed with amazement. Despite Gabriel's annunciation, Elizabeth's prophecy, and the shepherds' testimony, each new revelation still astonishes.

Luke's reference to 'his father' uses social convention, not biological reality—Joseph functioned as Jesus's legal father though not genetic progenitor. Their continued amazement shows that divine revelation unfolds progressively; even those closest to Jesus continually discovered deeper dimensions of His identity. Faith doesn't eliminate wonder but intensifies it as God's purposes gradually reveal themselves.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

First-century Jewish parents would normally hear standard priestly blessings at temple presentations. Simeon's prophetic oracle—delivered by a stranger yet clearly authoritative—exponentially exceeded routine blessings. His words of universal salvation through their infant would have seemed almost incomprehensible in scope.

Reflection Questions

  1. Why do Mary and Joseph continue marvelling despite previous revelations about Jesus's identity?
  2. How does their ongoing amazement model the proper posture of faith—not knowing everything but trusting progressively revealed truth?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 13 words
καὶ1 of 13

“And”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἦν2 of 13

“marvelled”

G2258

i (thou, etc.) was (wast or were)

Ἰωσὴφ3 of 13

“Joseph”

G2501

joseph, the name of seven israelites

καὶ4 of 13

“And”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἡ5 of 13
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

μήτηρ6 of 13

“mother”

G3384

a "mother" (literally or figuratively, immediate or remote)

αὐτοῦ7 of 13

“him”

G846

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

θαυμάζοντες8 of 13
G2296

to wonder; by implication, to admire

ἐπὶ9 of 13

“at”

G1909

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

τοῖς10 of 13
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

λαλουμένοις11 of 13

“those things which were spoken”

G2980

to talk, i.e., utter words

περὶ12 of 13

“of”

G4012

properly, through (all over), i.e., around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time (with the genitive cas

αὐτοῦ13 of 13

“him”

G846

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

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Luke. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Luke 2:33 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Luke 2:33 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Luke 2:48Luke 1:65-66Isaiah 8:18

Test Your Knowledge

Luke 2 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterLuke Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Luke 2 with CommentaryAll Luke ChaptersComplete Luke QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes