And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him.

LUKE 2:40KJV
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Luke 2:40 (KJV)

What does Luke 2:40 mean?

Luke 2:40 describes how Jesus, as a young child, grew up healthy and strong, becoming wise, and experiencing God’s favor. The verse emphasizes that God’s grace was present with him during his childhood.

This verse is part of Luke’s account of Jesus’ early years, summarizing his development before the story of his visit to the temple at age twelve. Luke is writing to give his readers confidence in the unique character and growth of Jesus, showing that even as a child, Jesus was marked by wisdom and the special presence of God.

The Greek behind Luke 2:40

  • παιδίον (paidion, “child”): This word refers specifically to a young child, highlighting Jesus’ early stage of life in this verse.
  • ἐκραταιοῦτο (ekrataiouto, “waxed strong”): The Greek here often means to become strong or robust, not just physically, but also in spirit or character.
  • πνεῦμα (pneuma, “spirit”): This word can mean spirit, breath, or inner life. Here, it points to Jesus’ inner strength and spiritual maturity, not just physical growth.
  • χάρις (charis, “grace”): This word carries the sense of favor, kindness, or blessing. Luke is emphasizing that God’s favor was actively present in Jesus’ life from an early age.

Why Luke 2:40 matters

  • Luke 2:40 makes clear that Jesus’ wisdom and strength were evident even in his childhood, not just in adulthood, which sets the stage for the later stories about his understanding and actions.
  • The verse highlights that Jesus’ development was both natural (he grew and became strong) and unique (filled with wisdom and God’s grace), helping readers see both his humanity and the special role God gave him.
  • By mentioning God’s grace being “upon him,” Luke connects Jesus’ early years to the larger theme of God’s active involvement and favor throughout his life.

Where else these words appear

“strong” Greek G2901 · used in 4 verses

  • Luke 1:80 And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, and was in the deserts till the day of his shewing unto Israel.
  • 1 Corinthians 16:13 Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.
  • Ephesians 3:16 That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man;

“grew” Greek G837 · used in 22 verses

  • Matthew 6:28 And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin:
  • Acts 6:7 And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly; and a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith.
  • 2 Corinthians 10:15 Not boasting of things without our measure, that is, of other men's labours; but having hope, when your faith is increased, that we shall be enlarged by you according to our rule abundantly,

“child” Greek G3813 · used in 48 verses

  • Matthew 2:8 And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also.
  • Mark 5:39 And when he was come in, he saith unto them, Why make ye this ado, and weep? the damsel is not dead, but sleepeth.
  • Luke 2:27 And he came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law,

“wisdom” Greek G4678 · used in 49 verses

  • Matthew 11:19 The Son of man came eating and drinking, and they say, Behold a man gluttonous, and a winebibber, a friend of publicans and sinners. But wisdom is justified of her children.
  • 1 Corinthians 1:20 Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world?
  • Ephesians 3:10 To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God,