Luke 2:40

Luke 2:40, in plain English

Jesus grew up strong and was filled with wisdom, and God's special grace was clearly on Him.

Why it's here

This brief verse covers years of Jesus' childhood in Nazareth. He grew up like any other child, yet with a remarkable wisdom and grace that people could see.

Who's speaking

Luke gives us a quick summary of Jesus' early years.

Where it sits in the story

Jesus had a real childhood—He grew, learned, and got stronger. But there was something different about Him. The wisdom and grace of God shone through Him in a way that was impossible to miss.

The scholarly reading

Jesus grows (ēuxanen), becomes strong (ekrataiouto), is filled with wisdom (plēroumenon sophia), and God's grace (charis theou) rests upon Him. This growth summary parallels the one about John in 1:80.

Language and setting

Luke presents Jesus' development as fully human growth—physical, intellectual, and spiritual—while noting the distinctive divine grace that marks Him. The parallel with John (1:80) invites comparison.

Voice

Luke provides a summary of Jesus' childhood development.

Significance

In one verse, Luke spans years of Jesus' childhood. The boy grows like any child—in body and mind—yet with a unique fullness of divine wisdom and grace that sets Him apart.

38Coming forward at that moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the Child to all who were waiting for the redemption of Jerusalem.

39When Jesus’ parents had done everything required by the Law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth.

40And the Child grew and became strong. He was filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was upon Him.

41Every year His parents went to Jerusalem for the Feast of the Passover.

42And when He was twelve years old, they went up according to the custom of the Feast.

Read all of Luke 2 — The most powerful person in history arrives as the most vulnerable — a baby in a feeding trough. The announcement goes to shepherds.