Luke 2:48
New International Version
When his parents saw him, they were astonished. His mother said to him, “Son, why have you treated us like this? Your father and I have been anxiously searching for you.”

New Living Translation
His parents didn’t know what to think. “Son,” his mother said to him, “why have you done this to us? Your father and I have been frantic, searching for you everywhere.”

English Standard Version
And when his parents saw him, they were astonished. And his mother said to him, “Son, why have you treated us so? Behold, your father and I have been searching for you in great distress.”

Berean Standard Bible
When His parents saw Him, they were astonished. “Child, why have You done this to us?” His mother asked. “Your father and I have been anxiously searching for You.”

Berean Literal Bible
And having seen Him, they were astonished, and His mother said to Him, "Child why have You done thus to us? Behold, Your father and I were seeking You, distressing."

King James Bible
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.

New King James Version
So when they saw Him, they were amazed; and His mother said to Him, “Son, why have You done this to us? Look, Your father and I have sought You anxiously.”

New American Standard Bible
When Joseph and Mary saw Him, they were bewildered; and His mother said to Him, “Son, why have You treated us this way? Behold, Your father and I have been anxiously looking for You!”

NASB 1995
When they saw Him, they were astonished; and His mother said to Him, “Son, why have You treated us this way? Behold, Your father and I have been anxiously looking for You.”

NASB 1977
And when they saw Him, they were astonished; and His mother said to Him, “Son, why have You treated us this way? Behold, Your father and I have been anxiously looking for You.”

Legacy Standard Bible
When they saw Him, they were astonished, and His mother said to Him, “Child, why have You treated us this way? Behold, Your father and I have been anxiously searching for You.”

Amplified Bible
When they saw Him, they were overwhelmed; and His mother said to Him, “Son, why have You treated us like this? Listen, Your father and I have been [greatly distressed and] anxiously looking for You.”

Christian Standard Bible
When his parents saw him, they were astonished, and his mother said to him, “Son, why have you treated us like this? Your father and I have been anxiously searching for you.”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
When His parents saw Him, they were astonished, and His mother said to Him, “Son, why have You treated us like this? Your father and I have been anxiously searching for You.”

American Standard Version
And when they saw him, they were astonished; and his mother said unto him, Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? behold, thy father and I sought thee sorrowing.

Contemporary English Version
When his parents found him, they were amazed. His mother said, "Son, why have you done this to us? Your father and I have been very worried, and we have been searching for you!"

English Revised Version
And when they saw him, they were astonished: and his mother said unto him, Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? behold, thy father and I sought thee sorrowing.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
When his parents saw him, they were shocked. His mother asked him, "Son, why have you done this to us? Your father and I have been worried sick looking for you!"

Good News Translation
His parents were astonished when they saw him, and his mother said to him, "Son, why have you done this to us? Your father and I have been terribly worried trying to find you."

International Standard Version
When Jesus' parents saw him, they were shocked. His mother asked him, "Son, why have you treated us like this? Your father and I have been worried sick looking for you!"

Majority Standard Bible
When His parents saw Him, they were astonished. ?Child, why have You done this to us?? His mother asked. ?Your father and I have been anxiously searching for You.?

NET Bible
When his parents saw him, they were overwhelmed. His mother said to him, "Child, why have you treated us like this? Look, your father and I have been looking for you anxiously."

New Heart English Bible
When they saw him, they were astonished, and his mother said to him, "Son, why have you treated us this way? Look, your father and I were anxiously looking for you."

Webster's Bible Translation
And when they saw him, they were amazed: and his mother said to him, Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? behold, thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing.

Weymouth New Testament
When they saw Him, they were smitten with amazement, and His mother said to Him, "My child, why have you behaved thus to us? Your father and I have been searching for you in anguish."

World English Bible
When they saw him, they were astonished; and his mother said to him, “Son, why have you treated us this way? Behold, your father and I were anxiously looking for you.”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And having seen Him, they were amazed, and His mother said to Him, “Child, why did You do this to us? Behold, Your father and I, sorrowing, were seeking You.”

Berean Literal Bible
And having seen Him, they were astonished, and His mother said to Him, "Child why have You done thus to us? Behold, Your father and I were seeking You, distressing."

Young's Literal Translation
And, having seen him, they were amazed, and his mother said unto him, 'Child, why didst thou thus to us? lo, thy father and I, sorrowing, were seeking thee.'

Smith's Literal Translation
And having seen him, they were struck with awe: and his mother said to him, Child, why didst thou so to us? behold, thy father and I, grieving, have sought thee.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And seeing him, they wondered. And his mother said to him: Son, why hast thou done so to us? behold thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And upon seeing him, they wondered. And his mother said to him: “Son, why have you acted this way toward us? Behold, your father and I were seeking you in sorrow.”

New American Bible
When his parents saw him, they were astonished, and his mother said to him, “Son, why have you done this to us? Your father and I have been looking for you with great anxiety.”

New Revised Standard Version
When his parents saw him they were astonished; and his mother said to him, “Child, why have you treated us like this? Look, your father and I have been searching for you in great anxiety.”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And when they saw him, they were astonished; and his mother said to him, My son, why have you done so to us? behold, I and your father have been looking for you with much anxiety.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
And when they saw him, they marveled, and his mother said to him, “My son, why have you done this to us? Look, your father and I were looking for you with great anxiety.”
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
And when they saw him they were amazed. And his mother said to him: Child, why have you acted thus toward us? Be hold, your father and I have sought for you in sorrow.

Godbey New Testament
And seeing Him they were astonished, and His mother said to Him; Child, why did you thus do unto us? Behold, thy father and I were seeking thee, sorrowful.

Haweis New Testament
And when they saw him, they were struck with surprise; and his mother said to him, Son, why hast thou behaved to us in this manner? lo! thy father and I have been seeking thee in anguish of heart.

Mace New Testament
when Joseph and his mother saw him, great was their surprize: and his mother said to him, son, why did you leave us thus? your father and I have been looking for you with great concern.

Weymouth New Testament
When they saw Him, they were smitten with amazement, and His mother said to Him, "My child, why have you behaved thus to us? Your father and I have been searching for you in anguish."

Worrell New Testament
And, seeing Him, they were amazed; and His mother said to Him, "Child, why didst Thou treat us thus? Behold, Thy father and I were seeking Thee, sorrowing!"

Worsley New Testament
And when they saw Him, they were amazed. And his mother said to Him, Son, why didst thou deal thus with us? behold, thy father and I with grief have been seeking for thee.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Boy Jesus at the Temple
47And all who heard Him were astounded at His understanding and His answers. 48When His parents saw Him, they were astonished. “Child, why have You done this to us?” His mother asked. Your father and I have been anxiously searching for You.” 49“Why were you looking for Me?” He asked. “Did you not know that I had to be in My Father’s house?”…

Cross References
Matthew 12:46-50
While Jesus was still speaking to the crowds, His mother and brothers stood outside, wanting to speak to Him. / Someone told Him, “Look, Your mother and brothers are standing outside, wanting to speak to You.” / But Jesus replied, “Who is My mother, and who are My brothers?” ...

Mark 3:31-35
Then Jesus’ mother and brothers came and stood outside. They sent someone in to summon Him, / and a crowd was sitting around Him. “Look,” He was told, “Your mother and brothers are outside, asking for You.” / But Jesus replied, “Who are My mother and My brothers?” ...

John 2:4
“Woman, what is that to you and to Me?” Jesus replied. “My hour has not yet come.”

John 19:25-27
Near the cross of Jesus stood His mother and her sister, as well as Mary the wife of Clopas and Mary Magdalene. / When Jesus saw His mother and the disciple whom He loved standing nearby, He said to His mother, “Woman, here is your son.” / Then He said to the disciple, “Here is your mother.” So from that hour, this disciple took her into his home.

Matthew 1:18-25
This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about: His mother Mary was pledged in marriage to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit. / Because Joseph her husband was a righteous man and was unwilling to disgrace her publicly, he resolved to divorce her quietly. / But after he had pondered these things, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to embrace Mary as your wife, for the One conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. ...

Matthew 13:55-56
“Isn’t this the carpenter’s son? Isn’t His mother’s name Mary, and aren’t His brothers James, Joseph, Simon, and Judas? / Aren’t all His sisters with us as well? Where then did this man get all these things?”

Mark 6:3
Isn’t this the carpenter, the son of Mary and the brother of James, Joses, Judas, and Simon? Aren’t His sisters here with us as well?” And they took offense at Him.

John 7:3-5
So Jesus’ brothers said to Him, “Leave here and go to Judea, so that Your disciples there may see the works You are doing. / For no one who wants to be known publicly acts in secret. Since You are doing these things, show Yourself to the world.” / For even His own brothers did not believe in Him.

Acts 1:14
With one accord they all continued in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brothers.

Galatians 4:4
But when the time had fully come, God sent His Son, born of a woman, born under the law,

Exodus 20:12
Honor your father and mother, so that your days may be long in the land that the LORD your God is giving you.

Deuteronomy 5:16
Honor your father and your mother, as the LORD your God has commanded you, so that your days may be long and that it may go well with you in the land that the LORD your God is giving you.

Proverbs 1:8
Listen, my son, to your father’s instruction, and do not forsake the teaching of your mother.

Proverbs 6:20
My son, keep your father’s commandment, and do not forsake your mother’s teaching.

Isaiah 49:15
“Can a woman forget her nursing child, or lack compassion for the son of her womb? Even if she could forget, I will not forget you!


Treasury of Scripture

And when they saw him, they were amazed: and his mother said to him, Son, why have you thus dealt with us? behold, your father and I have sought you sorrowing.

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Amazed Answers Anxiously Astonished Child Dealt Distressed Heard Intelligence Mother Parents Searching Seeking Sorrow Sorrowing Sought Surprised Treated Way
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Amazed Answers Anxiously Astonished Child Dealt Distressed Heard Intelligence Mother Parents Searching Seeking Sorrow Sorrowing Sought Surprised Treated Way
Luke 2
1. Augustus taxes all the Roman empire.
6. The nativity of Jesus.
8. An angel relates it to the shepherds, and many sing praises to God for it.
15. The shepherds glorify God.
21. Jesus is circumcised.
22. Mary purified.
25. Simeon and Anna prophesy of Jesus,
39. who increases in wisdom,
41. questions in the temple with the teachers,
51. and is obedient to his parents.














When His parents saw Him, they were astonished.
The astonishment of Mary and Joseph upon finding Jesus in the temple reflects their human emotions and the unexpected nature of the situation. Despite knowing Jesus' divine origin, they were still surprised by His actions. This moment highlights the dual nature of Christ as both fully divine and fully human. The temple, a central place of worship and learning in Jerusalem, was a fitting location for Jesus to reveal His wisdom and understanding, even at a young age. This event foreshadows His future ministry and teaching authority.

“Child, why have You done this to us?” His mother asked.
Mary's question reveals her maternal concern and the natural distress of a parent who has temporarily lost a child. It also underscores the close relationship between Jesus and His earthly parents. The use of "Child" emphasizes Jesus' youth and the familial bond. This moment can be seen as a precursor to the later misunderstandings and challenges Jesus would face in His ministry, even from those closest to Him. It also reflects the fulfillment of Simeon's prophecy in Luke 2:35, where he foretold that a sword would pierce Mary's soul, indicating the emotional trials she would endure.

“Your father and I have been anxiously searching for You.”
Mary's reference to Joseph as Jesus' father highlights the legal and social role Joseph played in Jesus' life, despite Jesus' divine paternity. The anxiety expressed by Mary and Joseph is a testament to their deep love and responsibility for Jesus. This search can be seen as symbolic of humanity's search for understanding and connection with the divine. The phrase also connects to the broader biblical theme of seeking and finding, as seen in passages like Jeremiah 29:13, where God promises that those who seek Him with all their heart will find Him.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Jesus
At this point in the Gospel of Luke, Jesus is a twelve-year-old boy who has stayed behind in the temple in Jerusalem, engaging with the teachers.

2. Mary
The mother of Jesus, who expresses her concern and astonishment upon finding Jesus in the temple after searching for Him.

3. Joseph
Referred to as Jesus' father in this context, he is also part of the anxious search for Jesus.

4. Jerusalem
The city where the temple is located, and where Jesus is found after being missing for three days.

5. The Temple
The central place of Jewish worship and learning, where Jesus is found discussing with the teachers.
Teaching Points
Understanding Jesus' Mission
Jesus' actions in the temple reveal His awareness of His divine mission even at a young age. This challenges us to consider our own understanding of God's purpose for our lives.

Parental Concern and Divine Purpose
Mary and Joseph's anxiety highlights the tension between earthly concerns and divine purposes. We must learn to trust God's plan even when it conflicts with our expectations.

Astonishment and Reflection
The astonishment of Mary and Joseph invites us to reflect on how we respond to God's work in our lives. Are we open to being surprised by God?

The Role of the Temple
The temple as a place of learning and engagement with God's Word encourages us to seek environments that foster spiritual growth and understanding.

Balancing Obedience and Calling
Jesus' response to His parents teaches us about balancing obedience to earthly authorities with obedience to God's calling.(48)Behold, thy father and I have sought.--The latter clause expresses a continuous act, We were seeking thee; and our Lord uses the same tense in His answer.

Verse 48. - Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? behold, thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing. Mary's words have in them something of reproach. Joseph, it is noticeable, stands evidently apart; but the mother, strangely as it would seem at first, associates him in "thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing." Had she, then, forgotten the past? Who but Mary could have repeated this sacred memory of her mistake, and of the Boy's far-reaching answer? What forger could have imagined such a verse?

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
When
Καὶ (Kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

[His parents] saw
ἰδόντες (idontes)
Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3708: Properly, to stare at, i.e. to discern clearly; by extension, to attend to; by Hebraism, to experience; passively, to appear.

Him,
αὐτὸν (auton)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.

they were astonished.
ἐξεπλάγησαν (exeplagēsan)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Passive - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 1605: To strike with panic or shock; I amaze, astonish. From ek and plesso; to strike with astonishment.

“Child,
Τέκνον (Teknon)
Noun - Vocative Neuter Singular
Strong's 5043: A child, descendent, inhabitant. From the base of timoria; a child.

why
τί (ti)
Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 5101: Who, which, what, why. Probably emphatic of tis; an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what.

have You done
ἐποίησας (epoiēsas)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 4160: (a) I make, manufacture, construct, (b) I do, act, cause. Apparently a prolonged form of an obsolete primary; to make or do.

this
οὕτως (houtōs)
Adverb
Strong's 3779: Thus, so, in this manner. Or (referring to what precedes or follows).

to us?”
ἡμῖν (hēmin)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 1st Person Plural
Strong's 1473: I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.

His
αὐτοῦ (autou)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.

mother
μήτηρ (mētēr)
Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3384: A mother. Apparently a primary word; a 'mother'.

asked.
εἶπεν (eipen)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 2036: Answer, bid, bring word, command. A primary verb; to speak or say.

“Your
σου (sou)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 4771: You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.

father
πατήρ (patēr)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3962: Father, (Heavenly) Father, ancestor, elder, senior. Apparently a primary word; a 'father'.

and I
κἀγὼ (kagō)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Nominative 1st Person Singular
Strong's 2504: To also, I too, but I. From kai and ego; so also the dative case kamoi, and accusative case kame and I, me.

have been anxiously searching
ἐζητοῦμέν (ezētoumen)
Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 1st Person Plural
Strong's 2212: To seek, search for, desire, require, demand. Of uncertain affinity; to seek; specially, to worship, or to plot.

for You.”
σε (se)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 4771: You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.


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NT Gospels: Luke 2:48 When they saw him they were astonished (Luke Lu Lk)
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