And it came to pass, that after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions.

LUKE 2:46KJV
Know the Bible

Luke 2:46 (KJV)

What does Luke 2:46 mean?

Luke 2:46 describes the moment Jesus’ parents found him after searching for him for three days. They found the twelve-year-old Jesus among religious teachers in the temple, listening to their discussion and asking questions.

The picture is of a young person taking part in a conversation with learned adults. The verse follows Mary and Joseph’s return to Jerusalem to look for Jesus; Luke tells the story rather than presenting these words as someone’s speech.

The Greek behind Luke 2:46

  • “doctors” — διδάσκαλος (didaskalos): The word means “teachers.” In this setting, the KJV’s “doctors” refers to teachers of religious instruction, not medical doctors.
  • “temple” — ἱερόν (hieron): The word can refer to the temple grounds and buildings as a whole. It places the conversation within the larger temple area, rather than necessarily inside the central building.

Why Luke 2:46 matters

  • Jesus is shown as a participant in the discussion, not merely as someone who was present. Luke says he was “both hearing them, and asking them questions.”
  • The teachers’ response adds to the picture of the conversation. In the next verse, Luke says that those who heard Jesus were amazed at his understanding and answers.
  • Finding Jesus did not end his parents’ confusion. In verse 48, Mary asks why he has treated them this way, saying that she and Joseph had searched for him with sorrow.

Where else these words appear

“sitting” Greek G2516 · used in 6 verses

  • Matthew 26:55 In that same hour said Jesus to the multitudes, Are ye come out as against a thief with swords and staves for to take me? I sat daily with you teaching in the temple, and ye laid no hold on me.
  • John 4:6 Now Jacob's well was there. Jesus therefore, being wearied with his journey, sat thus on the well: and it was about the sixth hour.
  • John 20:12 And seeth two angels in white sitting, the one at the head, and the other at the feet, where the body of Jesus had lain.

“doctors” Greek G1320 · used in 57 verses

  • Matthew 8:19 And a certain scribe came, and said unto him, Master, I will follow thee whithersoever thou goest.
  • Mark 12:14 And when they were come, they say unto him, Master, we know that thou art true, and carest for no man: for thou regardest not the person of men, but teachest the way of God in truth: Is it lawful to give tribute to Caesar, or not?
  • Luke 22:11 And ye shall say unto the goodman of the house, The Master saith unto thee, Where is the guestchamber, where I shall eat the passover with my disciples?

“asking” Greek G1905 · used in 58 verses

  • Matthew 12:10 And, behold, there was a man which had his hand withered. And they asked him, saying, Is it lawful to heal on the sabbath days? that they might accuse him.
  • Mark 9:33 And he came to Capernaum: and being in the house he asked them, What was it that ye disputed among yourselves by the way?
  • Luke 9:18 And it came to pass, as he was alone praying, his disciples were with him: and he asked them, saying, Whom say the people that I am?

“midst” Greek G3319 · used in 59 verses

  • Matthew 10:16 Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.
  • Luke 17:11 And it came to pass, as he went to Jerusalem, that he passed through the midst of Samaria and Galilee.
  • Acts 23:10 And when there arose a great dissension, the chief captain, fearing lest Paul should have been pulled in pieces of them, commanded the soldiers to go down, and to take him by force from among them, and to bring him into the castle.