Luke 2:48 Meaning and Explanation
“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.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →His amazed parents find Him, and Mary asks why He has treated them so, for they have searched for Him in sorrow.
What Does Luke 2:48 Mean?
The parents arrive and are stunned to find their boy seated among the teachers. Mary's question carries three days of fear: Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? She speaks of thy father and I, Joseph who has guarded and raised Him, seeking Him sorrowing.
The verse lets parental love speak honestly, anguish and relief in one breath. Even those who walk closest to God's purposes can pass through sorrowing search, and Scripture does not scold Mary for her ache. But her words also prepare the gentle correction to come: there is a Father whose claim on this child runs deeper still. Love must learn that truth slowly, and Luke lets us watch it learning.
Frequently Asked Questions About Luke 2:48
What does Luke 2:48 mean?
His amazed parents find Him, and Mary asks why He has treated them so, for they have searched for Him in sorrow.