Luke 2:40 - The child was growing, and was becoming strong in spirit, being filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was upon him.

Generated Verse: Luke 2:40

What does "Luke 2:40" mean?


Luke 2:40 offers a concise but powerful description of Jesus' development as a child. Let's break it down:

"The child was growing...": This is a simple statement of Jesus' physical maturation. He was developing as any normal child would.

"...and was becoming strong in spirit...": This goes beyond the physical. "Strong in spirit" suggests a growing inner strength, resilience, and capacity for faith. It could also imply a deepening awareness of his unique relationship with God.

"...being filled with wisdom...": This is crucial. While still a child, Jesus possessed an unusual level of understanding and insight. This likely refers not just to intellectual ability but also to moral discernment and spiritual understanding. He wasn't just accumulating knowledge; he was processing it with remarkable wisdom.

"...and the grace of God was upon him.": This is the most significant phrase. "Grace" implies God's favor, love, and unmerited blessing. The fact that grace was "upon him" emphasizes that Jesus was uniquely blessed and favored by God. It suggests a special relationship and divine appointment. It also implies that this grace was not something he earned but a gift freely given.

In summary, Luke 2:40 paints a picture of Jesus as a child who was not only physically growing but also developing in inner strength, wisdom, and experiencing God's special favor. This verse foreshadows his future ministry and underlines his divine nature, even in his youth. It is worth noting that at this point in the narrative, Jesus is not yet recognized as the Messiah by most, this verse foreshadows that to the audience.

This verse is part of Luke's intentional portrayal of Jesus, emphasizing his humanity while also subtly revealing his divinity. Luke emphasizes that Jesus was a real human being who went through the normal stages of development, but he also wants us to see that Jesus was unlike any other child.