Luke 2:50

New Testament Gospel ASV (1901)

What does Luke 2:50 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “And they understood not the saying which he spake unto them.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

And they understood not the saying which he spake unto them.
Luke 2:50 — American Standard Version

Context — Luke 2

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
50And they understood not the saying which he spake unto them.

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 they understood not the saying, etc.] What he meant by his Father's house, or his Father's business, and the necessity of his being there, and about that: which he spake unto them; at that time, and as above related.”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“understood not--probably He had never expressly said as much, and so confounded them, though it was but the true interpretation of many things which they had seen and heard from Him at home. (See on Joh 14:4.) But lest it should be thought that now He threw off the filial yoke, and became His own Master henceforth, and theirs too, it is purposely added, "And He went down with them, and was subject unto them." The marvel of this condescension lies in its coming after such a scene, and such an assertion of His higher Sonship; and the words are evidently meant to convey this. "From this time we have no more mention of Joseph. The next we hear is of his "mother and brethren" (Joh 2:12); whence…”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“They understood not ... - It is remarkable that they did not understand Jesus in this, but it shows how slow persons are to believe. Even his parents, after all that had taken place, did not seem to comprehend that “he” was to be the Saviour of people, or if they did, they understood it in a very imperfect manner. return to 'Top of Page'”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“It is observable that Joseph is not mentioned after this time; whence it is probable, he did not live long after. Luke 2:52”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“Luk 9:45, Luk 18:34 Luke 2:51”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification