But they, supposing him to have been in the company, went a day's journey; and they sought him among their kinsfolk and acquaintance.

LUKE 2:44KJV
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Luke 2:44 (KJV)

What does Luke 2:44 mean?

Luke 2:44 describes how Mary and Joseph assumed Jesus was traveling with their group as they left Jerusalem, so they journeyed for a whole day before realizing he was missing. They began searching for him among their relatives and friends, expecting he was somewhere in the larger traveling party.

In this verse, Luke is narrating the story of Jesus as a twelve-year-old boy during the family's trip to Jerusalem for Passover. The verse highlights the custom of traveling in large groups for safety and companionship, which made it easy for a child to be thought safely among relatives or acquaintances. Only after a day's journey did Mary and Joseph realize Jesus was not with them, prompting their search.

The Greek behind Luke 2:44

  • The word "company" is from the Greek συνόδία (synodia), which refers to a group traveling together, often for a journey or pilgrimage. This shows that Mary and Joseph were not being careless but were following the normal practice of trusting the group setting.
  • The word "kinsfolk" comes from συγγενεῖς (syngeneis), meaning close relatives. This emphasizes that their first assumption was that Jesus was with family members, reflecting the close-knit nature of such travel.
  • The word "acquaintance" is from γνωστοῖς (gnōstois), which means people they knew well but who were not family. This detail shows the search was thorough, covering both family and trusted friends.

Why Luke 2:44 matters

  • Luke 2:44 helps clear up any idea that Mary and Joseph were neglectful; their actions fit the normal travel customs of their time and culture.
  • This verse sets up the tension for the following story, where Jesus is found in the temple, showing his unique relationship with God and hinting at his future role.
  • The detail about searching among both relatives and acquaintances shows the size and trust within the traveling group, giving insight into daily life and social customs in first-century Jewish society.

Where else these words appear

“sought” Greek G327 · used in 2 verses

  • Acts 11:25 Then departed Barnabas to Tarsus, for to seek Saul:

“kinsfolk” Greek G4773 · used in 12 verses

  • Mark 6:4 But Jesus said unto them, A prophet is not without honour, but in his own country, and among his own kin, and in his own house.
  • Luke 14:12 Then said he also to him that bade him, When thou makest a dinner or a supper, call not thy friends, nor thy brethren, neither thy kinsmen, nor thy rich neighbours; lest they also bid thee again, and a recompence be made thee.
  • Romans 9:3 For I could wish that myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh:

“supposing” Greek G3543 · used in 15 verses

  • Matthew 5:17 Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.
  • Acts 7:25 For he supposed his brethren would have understood how that God by his hand would deliver them: but they understood not.
  • Acts 17:29 Forasmuch then as we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and man's device.

“acquaintance” Greek G1110 · used in 15 verses

  • Luke 23:49 And all his acquaintance, and the women that followed him from Galilee, stood afar off, beholding these things.
  • Acts 2:14 But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and said unto them, Ye men of Judaea, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known unto you, and hearken to my words:
  • Acts 15:18 Known unto God are all his works from the beginning of the world.