And when they saw him, they were amazed: and his mother said unto him, Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? behold, thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing.

LUKE 2:48KJV
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Luke 2:48 (KJV)

What does Luke 2:48 mean?

Luke 2:48 describes the moment when Mary and Joseph finally find Jesus in the temple after searching anxiously for him. Mary, deeply relieved but also upset, asks Jesus why he has treated them this way, explaining that she and Joseph have been looking for him with great distress.

In this verse, Mary is the one speaking, addressing her son Jesus after days of searching for him in Jerusalem. The family had traveled to Jerusalem for the Passover festival, and Jesus, at twelve years old, had stayed behind in the temple without his parents’ knowledge. Mary’s words reveal both her emotional turmoil and the close, caring relationship between Jesus and his earthly parents.

The Greek behind Luke 2:48

  • The word "amazed" (ἐξεπλάγησαν, transliteration: ex-eplagēsan) carries the sense of being utterly astonished or overwhelmed. This shows just how unexpected and surprising it was for Mary and Joseph to find Jesus calmly in the temple.
  • The word "sorrowing" (ὀδυνώμενοι, transliteration: odynōmenoi) means experiencing deep pain or distress. This highlights the emotional weight Mary and Joseph felt during their search, going beyond simple worry to real anguish.

Why Luke 2:48 matters

  • Luke 2:48 helps readers see the very human side of Jesus’ family, showing Mary and Joseph’s deep concern and the emotional cost of not knowing where their child was.
  • This verse sets up Jesus’ response in the next verses, which reveals his awareness of his unique relationship with God, but here the focus is on his parents’ perspective.
  • The verse connects to the wider story by showing that even in extraordinary circumstances, Jesus’ family experienced the same fears and feelings any parent would, grounding the story in real human experience.

Where else these words appear

“sorrowing” Greek G3600 · used in 4 verses

  • Luke 16:24 And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame.
  • Luke 16:25 But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented.
  • Acts 20:38 Sorrowing most of all for the words which he spake, that they should see his face no more. And they accompanied him unto the ship.

“amazed” Greek G1605 · used in 13 verses

  • Matthew 7:28 And it came to pass, when Jesus had ended these sayings, the people were astonished at his doctrine:
  • Mark 1:22 And they were astonished at his doctrine: for he taught them as one that had authority, and not as the scribes.
  • Mark 11:18 And the scribes and chief priests heard it, and sought how they might destroy him: for they feared him, because all the people was astonished at his doctrine.

“I” Greek G2504 · used in 68 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.
  • John 10:27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:
  • 1 Corinthians 7:40 But she is happier if she so abide, after my judgment: and I think also that I have the Spirit of God.

“mother” Greek G3384 · used in 79 verses

  • Matthew 1:18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost.
  • Mark 3:32 And the multitude sat about him, and they said unto him, Behold, thy mother and thy brethren without seek for thee.
  • Luke 8:21 And he answered and said unto them, My mother and my brethren are these which hear the word of God, and do it.