King James Version

What Does Luke 2:48 Mean?

Luke 2:48 in the King James Version says “And when they saw him, they were amazed: and his mother said unto him, Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? behold, th...” — study this verse from Luke chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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.”

Luke 2:48 · KJV

Context

46

And it came to pass, that after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions.

47

And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers.

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.

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?

50

And they understood not the saying which he spake unto them.

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Commentary

KJV Study 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.

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Historical & Cultural 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.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Mary's reference to Joseph as Jesus' father contrast with Jesus' true identity, and what does this misunderstanding reveal?
  2. What does this incident teach about the tension between earthly family relationships and ultimate allegiance to God?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 24 words
καὶ1 of 24

“And”

G2532

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

ἰδόντες2 of 24

“when they saw”

G1492

used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl

αὐτοῦ3 of 24

“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

ἐξεπλάγησαν4 of 24

“they were amazed”

G1605

to strike with astonishment

καὶ5 of 24

“And”

G2532

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

πρὸς6 of 24

“unto”

G4314

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,

αὐτοῦ7 of 24

“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

ἡ8 of 24
G3588

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

μήτηρ9 of 24

“mother”

G3384

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

αὐτοῦ10 of 24

“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

εἶπεν11 of 24

“said”

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

Τέκνον12 of 24

“Son”

G5043

a child (as produced)

τί13 of 24

“why”

G5101

an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)

ἐποίησας14 of 24

“dealt”

G4160

to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)

ἡμῖν15 of 24

“with us”

G2254

to (or for, with, by) us

οὕτως16 of 24

“thus”

G3779

in this way (referring to what precedes or follows)

ἰδού,17 of 24

“behold”

G2400

used as imperative lo!

ὁ18 of 24
G3588

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

πατήρ19 of 24

“father”

G3962

a "father" (literally or figuratively, near or more remote)

σου20 of 24

“thy”

G4675

of thee, thy

κἀγὼ21 of 24

“and I”

G2504

so also the dative case ????? <pronunciation strongs="kam-oy'"/>, and accusative case ???? <pronunciation strongs="kam-eh'"/> and (or also, even, etc.

ὀδυνώμενοι22 of 24

“sorrowing”

G3600

to grieve

ἐζητοῦμέν23 of 24

“have sought”

G2212

to seek (literally or figuratively); specially, (by hebraism) to worship (god), or (in a bad sense) to plot (against life)

σε24 of 24

“thee”

G4571

thee

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 2:48 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 2:48 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Matthew 12:46Luke 2:49Luke 3:23Luke 4:22

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