Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version “Why were you searching for me?” he asked. “Didn’t you know I had to be in my Father’s house?” New Living Translation “But why did you need to search?” he asked. “Didn’t you know that I must be in my Father’s house?” English Standard Version And he said to them, “Why were you looking for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father’s house?” Berean Standard Bible “Why were you looking for Me?” He asked. “Did you not know that I had to be in My Father’s house?” Berean Literal Bible And He said to them, "Why is it that you were seeking Me? Did you not know that it behooves Me to be in the house of My Father?" King James Bible And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father's business? New King James Version And He said to them, “Why did you seek Me? Did you not know that I must be about My Father’s business?” New American Standard Bible And He said to them, “Why is it that you were looking for Me? Did you not know that I had to be in My Father’s house?” NASB 1995 And He said to them, “Why is it that you were looking for Me? Did you not know that I had to be in My Father’s house?” NASB 1977 And He said to them, “Why is it that you were looking for Me? Did you not know that I had to be in My Father’s house?” Legacy Standard Bible And He said to them, “Why is it that you were searching for Me? Did you not know that I had to be in My Father’s house?” Amplified Bible And He answered, “Why did you have to look for Me? Did you not know that I had to be in My Father’s house?” Christian Standard Bible “Why were you searching for me? ” he asked them. “Didn’t you know that it was necessary for me to be in my Father’s house? ” Holman Christian Standard Bible “Why were you searching for Me?” He asked them. “Didn’t you know that I had to be in My Father’s house?” American Standard Version And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? knew ye not that I must be in my Father's house? Contemporary English Version Jesus answered, "Why did you have to look for me? Didn't you know that I would be in my Father's house?" English Revised Version And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be in my Father's house? GOD'S WORD® Translation Jesus said to them, "Why were you looking for me? Didn't you realize that I had to be in my Father's house?" Good News Translation He answered them, "Why did you have to look for me? Didn't you know that I had to be in my Father's house?" International Standard Version He asked them, "Why were you looking for me? Didn't you know that I had to be in my Father's house?" Majority Standard Bible ?Why were you looking for Me?? He asked. ?Did you not know that I had to be in My Father?s house?? NET Bible But he replied, "Why were you looking for me? Didn't you know that I must be in my Father's house?" New Heart English Bible He said to them, "Why were you looking for me? Did you not know that I must be doing the works of my Father?" Webster's Bible Translation And he said to them, How is it that ye sought me? knew ye not that I must be about my Father's business? Weymouth New Testament "Why is it that you have been searching for me?" He replied; "did you not know that it is my duty to be engaged upon my Father's business?" World English Bible He said to them, “Why were you looking for me? Didn’t you know that I must be in my Father’s house?” Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd He said to them, “Why [is it] that you were seeking Me? Did you not know that it is necessary for Me to be in the things of My Father?” Berean Literal Bible And He said to them, "Why is it that you were seeking Me? Did you not know that it behooves Me to be in the house of My Father?" Young's Literal Translation And he said unto them, 'Why is it that ye were seeking me? did ye not know that in the things of my Father it behoveth me to be?' Smith's Literal Translation And he said to them, For what have ye sought me? knew ye not that among the things of my Father I must be? Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd he said to them: How is it that you sought me? did you not know, that I must be about my father's business? Catholic Public Domain Version And he said to them: “How is it that you were seeking me? For did you not know that it is necessary for me to be in these things which are of my Father?” New American Bible And he said to them, “Why were you looking for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father’s house?” New Revised Standard Version He said to them, “Why were you searching for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father’s house?” Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleHe said to them, Why were you looking for me? did you not know that I would be in the house of my Father? Aramaic Bible in Plain English He said to them, “Why were you looking for me? Do you not know that it was fitting for me to be in my Father's house?” NT Translations Anderson New TestamentAnd he said to them: Why did you seek for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father's house? Godbey New Testament And He said to them, Haweis New Testament And he said unto them, Wherefore did ye seek me? did you not know, that I must be occupied with my Father?s affairs? Mace New Testament Jesus replied, why were ye so sollicitous about me? don't you know that 'tis my business to be in my father's house? Weymouth New Testament "Why is it that you have been searching for me?" He replied; "did you not know that it is my duty to be engaged upon my Father's business?" Worrell New Testament And He said to them, Worsley New Testament And He said to them, Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context The Boy Jesus at the Temple…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?” 50But they did not understand the statement He was making to them.… Cross References John 2:16 To those selling doves He said, “Get these out of here! How dare you turn My Father’s house into a marketplace!” John 4:34 Jesus explained, “My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me and to finish His work. John 5:17 But Jesus answered them, “To this very day My Father is at His work, and I too am working.” John 6:38 For I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but to do the will of Him who sent Me. John 8:29 He who sent Me is with Me. He has not left Me alone, because I always do what pleases Him.” John 9:4 While it is daytime, we must do the works of Him who sent Me. Night is coming, when no one can work. John 12:49-50 I have not spoken on My own, but the Father who sent Me has commanded Me what to say and how to say it. / And I know that His command leads to eternal life. So I speak exactly what the Father has told Me to say.” John 14:10 Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in Me? The words I say to you, I do not speak on My own. Instead, it is the Father dwelling in Me, performing His works. John 17:4 I have glorified You on earth by accomplishing the work You gave Me to do. Matthew 12:50 For whoever does the will of My Father in heaven is My brother and sister and mother.” Matthew 21:12-13 Then Jesus entered the temple courts and drove out all who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the seats of those selling doves. / And He declared to them, “It is written: ‘My house will be called a house of prayer.’ But you are making it ‘a den of robbers.’” Mark 3:35 For whoever does the will of God is My brother and sister and mother.” Hebrews 10:7 Then I said, ‘Here I am, it is written about Me in the scroll: I have come to do Your will, O God.’” Acts 6:4 and will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” Romans 12:11 Do not let your zeal subside; keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Treasury of Scripture And he said to them, How is it that you sought me? knew you not that I must be about my Father's business? my. Luke 2:48 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. Psalm 40:8 I delight to do thy will, O my God: yea, thy law is within my heart. Malachi 3:1 Behold, I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me: and the Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to his temple, even the messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in: behold, he shall come, saith the LORD of hosts. Jump to Previous Amazement Anguish Behaved Behoveth Business Child Clear Father's House Mother Ought Right Searching Seeking Smitten Sought WistJump to Next Amazement Anguish Behaved Behoveth Business Child Clear Father's House Mother Ought Right Searching Seeking Smitten Sought WistLuke 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. “Why were you looking for Me?” This question posed by Jesus to His parents, Mary and Joseph, highlights His awareness of His unique identity and mission even at a young age. It reflects a moment of transition where Jesus begins to assert His divine purpose. The question implies that His parents should have understood His need to be in the temple, a place of learning and worship. This moment is significant as it marks the first recorded words of Jesus in the Gospels, emphasizing His self-awareness and the beginning of His public ministry. The question also invites reflection on the nature of seeking Jesus, a theme that resonates throughout the Gospels, where individuals are called to seek and find Him. “He asked.” “Did you not know that I had to be in My Father’s house?” Persons / Places / Events 1. JesusAt twelve years old, Jesus is found in the temple, engaging with the teachers, demonstrating His early understanding of His divine mission. 2. Mary and Joseph Jesus' earthly parents, who are initially unaware of His whereabouts and are anxious when they cannot find Him. 3. The Temple in Jerusalem The central place of Jewish worship and learning, where Jesus is found discussing with the teachers. 4. The Teachers Jewish religious leaders and scholars who are amazed by Jesus' understanding and answers. 5. Passover Festival The annual Jewish festival commemorating the Exodus, during which this event takes place. Teaching Points Understanding Jesus' MissionJesus' statement reveals His awareness of His divine mission from a young age. As believers, we should seek to understand and pursue God's purpose for our lives. Prioritizing Spiritual Commitments Jesus prioritizes His relationship with His Father over earthly concerns. We are called to prioritize our spiritual commitments and relationship with God above all else. The Role of the Family in Spiritual Growth Mary and Joseph's role in Jesus' life highlights the importance of family in nurturing spiritual growth. Families should encourage and support each member's spiritual journey. Engagement with Scripture and Community Jesus' engagement with the teachers in the temple underscores the importance of studying Scripture and being part of a faith community for spiritual development. Responding to God's Call Jesus' response to His parents shows His commitment to God's call. We should be attentive and responsive to God's direction in our lives, even when it challenges societal or familial expectations.(49) Wist ye not . . .?--This is, as it were, the holy Child's defence against the implied reproach in. His mother's question. Had they reflected, there need have been no seeking; they would have known what He was doing and where He was. About my Father's business.--Literally, in the things that are My Father's--i.e., in His work, the vague width of the words covering also, perhaps, the meaning "in My Father's house," the rendering adopted in the old Syriac version. The words are the first recorded utterance of the Son of Man, and they are a prophecy of that consciousness of direct Sonship, closer and more ineffable than that of any other of the sons of men, which is afterwards the dominant idea of which His whole life is a manifestation. We find in a Gospel in other respects very unlike St. John's, the germ of what there comes out so fully in such words as, "My Father worketh hitherto, and I also work" (John 5:17), "I and My Father are One" (John 10:30). The words are obviously emphasised as an answer to Mary's words, "Thy father." Subject unto His parents as He had been before and was afterwards, there was a higher Fatherhood for Him than that of any earthly adoption. Verse 49. - How is it that ye sought me? To the gently veiled reproach of Mary, Jesus replies, apparently with wonderment, with another question. It had come upon him so quietly and yet with such irresistible force that the temple of God was his real earthly home, that he marvelled at his mother's slowness of comprehension. Why should she have been surprised at his still lingering in the sacred courts? Did she not know who he was, and whence he came? Then he added, Wist ye not that I must be about my Father's business? There was an expression of Mary's which evidently distressed the Child Jesus. Godet even thinks that he discerns a kind of shudder in his quick reply to Mary's "thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing." "In my Father's house, where my Father's work is being done, there ought I to be busied. Didn't you know this?" But the twelve silent uneventful years of life at Nazareth, the poor home, the village carpentry, the natural development of the sacred Child, had gradually obscured for Mary and Joseph the memories of the infancy. They had not forgotten them, but time and circumstances had covered them with a veil. Now they were very gently reminded by the Boy's own quiet words of what had happened twelve years before. Scholars hesitate whether or not to adopt the rendering of the old Syriac Version, "in my Father's house," instead of the broader and vaguer "about my Father's business," as the Greek will allow either translation. It seems to us the best to retain the old rendering we love so well, "about my Father's business." The whole spirit of Jesus' after-teaching leads us irresistibly to this interpretation of the Master's first recorded saying.Parallel Commentaries ... Greek “WhyΤί (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. were you looking for ἐζητεῖτέ (ezēteite) Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 2nd Person Plural Strong's 2212: To seek, search for, desire, require, demand. Of uncertain affinity; to seek; specially, to worship, or to plot. Me?” με (me) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative 1st Person Singular Strong's 1473: I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I. He 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. “Did you not know ᾔδειτε (ēdeite) Verb - Pluperfect Indicative Active - 2nd Person Plural Strong's 1492: To know, remember, appreciate. that ὅτι (hoti) Conjunction Strong's 3754: Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because. I με (me) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative 1st Person Singular Strong's 1473: I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I. had δεῖ (dei) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular Strong's 1163: Third person singular active present of deo; also deon deh-on'; neuter active participle of the same; both used impersonally; it is Necessary. to be εἶναί (einai) Verb - Present Infinitive Active Strong's 1510: I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist. in ἐν (en) Preposition Strong's 1722: In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc. My μου (mou) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 1st Person Singular Strong's 1473: I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I. Father’s Πατρός (Patros) Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular Strong's 3962: Father, (Heavenly) Father, ancestor, elder, senior. Apparently a primary word; a 'father'. [ house ]?” τοῖς (tois) Article - Dative Neuter Plural Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. Links Luke 2:49 NIVLuke 2:49 NLT Luke 2:49 ESV Luke 2:49 NASB Luke 2:49 KJV Luke 2:49 BibleApps.com Luke 2:49 Biblia Paralela Luke 2:49 Chinese Bible Luke 2:49 French Bible Luke 2:49 Catholic Bible NT Gospels: Luke 2:49 He said to them Why were you (Luke Lu Lk) |
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