39And when they had completed everything according to the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own city, Nazareth. [2:40] And the child grew and was continually being strengthened in spirit, filled with wisdom; and the grace of God was upon him.
LUK 2:39-40
The Return to Nazareth
In the world it was spoken into
In 1st-century Jewish culture, adherence to the Mosaic Law was central to communal and religious identity. Joseph and Mary’s compliance with the Law by fulfilling all required rituals (such as purification and dedication) marked them as devout Jews, reinforcing their fidelity to Torah observance. Returning to Nazareth, a small, rural village in Galilee, situated them in a region often viewed with suspicion by Judean elites, highlighting Jesus’ humble origins. The description of Jesus as a (young child) underscores his vulnerability and dependence, typical of early childhood in ancient Mediterranean societies. His growth and strengthening in spirit, coupled with being filled with wisdom, would have resonated with Jewish expectations of divine favor and preparation for a significant role, akin to figures like Samuel or Solomon. The mention of God’s grace upon Him aligns with Jewish narratives of divine election and blessing, framing Jesus’ early life within a trajectory of divine purpose.
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How other translations render this
LUK 2:39
- KJV
- And when they had performed all things according to the law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own city Nazareth.
- BSB
- When Jesusʼ parents had done everything required by the Law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth.
- Koinōnos
- And when they had completed everything according to the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own city, Nazareth.
LUK 2:40
- KJV
- And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him.
- BSB
- And the Child grew and became strong. He was filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was upon Him.
- Koinōnos
- And the child grew and was continually being strengthened in spirit, filled with wisdom; and the grace of God was upon him.
Only verses where the wording diverges meaningfully are shown. Identical phrasings are suppressed.
Translator's notes
LUK 2:39
- law:The word translated 'law' here refers to the entire body of Jewish religious and moral regulations, including the Ten Commandments and other Mosaic laws, which governed daily life and worship.
LUK 2:40
- the Child:The term used here for 'the Child' emphasizes Jesus's young age, typically referring to a child up to about seven years old, highlighting his early development.
- He was being strengthened:The phrase 'He was being strengthened' implies a continuous process of growth and development, suggesting an ongoing increase in physical and inner fortitude.
- in spirit:The word translated 'in spirit' here can also carry the sense of being filled or completed, suggesting that Jesus's strengthening was also a process of being filled with spiritual wisdom or divine presence.