BibleWord.ai› Bible› Luke› Chapter 2› Verse 45

Luke 2:45

New Testament Gospel ASV (1901)

What does Luke 2:45 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “and when they found him not, they returned to Jerusalem, seeking for him.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

and when they found him not, they returned to Jerusalem, seeking for him.
Luke 2:45 — American Standard Version

Context — Luke 2

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
42And when he was twelve years old, they went up after the custom of the feast;
43and when they had fulfilled the days, as they were returning, the boy Jesus tarried behind in Jerusalem; and his parents knew it not;
44but supposing him to be in the company, they went a day`s journey; and they sought for him among their kinsfolk and acquaintance:
45and when they found him not, they returned to Jerusalem, seeking for him.
46And it came to pass, after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, both hearing them, and asking them questions:
47and all that heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers.
48And 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.
← Luke 2:44Luke 2:46 →
← Full Chapter 2 Luke Overview

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“And when they found him not, etc.] In the company that came from Jerusalem with them, nor among any of their relations and friends, with whom they supposed he was: they turned back again to Jerusalem, that is, the next morning, for it can hardly be thought they would set out that night, after they had travelled all day, without taking some repose: seeking him; at Jerusalem, in the streets and broad places of it; a figure of the church and ordinances, where souls look for, and inquire after their beloved, when they have lost him, (<220301>Song of Solomon 3:1-3).”
Read attributed excerpt →
Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“After three sorrowing days, they find Him still in Jerusalem, not gazing on its architecture, or surveying its forms of busy life, but in the temple--not the "sanctuary" (as in Luk 1:9), to which only the priests had access, but in some one of the enclosures around it, where the rabbins, or "doctors," taught their scholars.”
Read attributed excerpt →

Related study paths

Read Luke 2 in contextBrowse Greek word studiesOpen this verse in the study reader

Sources and verification