Luke 2:52
And Jesus increased in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and man.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
{ "hasHistoricalBackground":false }
This verse caps off a brief account of Jesus' childhood, specifically His visit to the Temple at age twelve where He amazed the teachers with His understanding. After His parents found Him, the narrative jumps ahead to His adolescence and young adulthood, describing His continued, normal growth in all aspects of His humanity over the intervening years. This period of quiet development, before His public ministry began, highlights that Jesus experienced a full human life, growing and maturing just like anyone else.
Did Jesus really grow like us? This verse reveals God's intentional design for human development.
Luke 2:52 presents Jesus's growth as a model for all humanity. It's not just about spiritual maturity, but a holistic development.
A Balanced Life
This balanced growth wasn't a one-time event but a continuous process, marked by the word 'increased,' suggesting ongoing progress.
The Greek word here isn't just 'grew,' it's a word about actively pushing forward. What does that mean for us?
The original Greek word used for 'increased' (proekopte) paints a picture of active progress. Think of pioneers clearing a path through dense woods for an advancing army.
More Than Just Existing
Jesus was favored by God and people. How did these two connect, and what does it teach us?
Luke 2:52 highlights that Jesus grew in favor with both God and humanity. This wasn't accidental; it was the result of His perfect nature and character.
The Twofold Favor:
This isn't about seeking approval, but about understanding that genuine godliness naturally fosters positive relationships. When we are rightly related to God, it often reflects in how others perceive and interact with us. The challenge is that sometimes, as holiness becomes more apparent, it can stir antagonism in those who resist it.
Understand the original words
sophia · Greek Noun
The quality of having insight, discernment, and practical understanding of God’s will and the realities of life. It is rooted in the "fear of the Lord" and involves applying divine truth to daily existence.
hēlikia · Greek Noun
Refers to the physical state or bodily development of a person. In this context, it signifies that Jesus truly experienced a human childhood and physical maturation.
chariti · Greek Noun
A broad concept referring to grace, acceptance, approval, or beauty. In the context of divine favor, it denotes God’s good pleasure and the enjoyment of His presence and blessing.
This passage describes Jesus' voluntary emptying of himself, taking on human nature and experiencing its limitations, which directly relates to his 'increase in stature' and development as a human being.
1 Samuel 2:26This verse speaks of Samuel growing older and gaining favor with God and man, mirroring Jesus' own progression in favor with both.
Hebrews 4:15This verse highlights Jesus' perfect humanity, experiencing all points of human temptation and development, which underscores the normalcy of his growth described in Luke 2:52.
Proverbs 3:3-4This passage links wisdom, faithfulness, and gaining favor with God and man, providing a wisdom principle that Jesus, as the embodiment of wisdom, would naturally fulfill.
clarkeLuke 2:52: "And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man."
Jesus increased in wisdom - See on Luke 2:40 (note). The following remarks, taken chiefly from Mr. Claude, on the foregoing subject, are well worth the reader's attention. I. The birth of Christ is announced to the shepherds. 1. God causes his grace to descend not only on the great and powerful of the world, but also upon the most simple and inconsiderable; just as the heavens diffuse their influence not onl…
pulpitLuke 2:52: "And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man."
Verse 52. - And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man. Another of these little word-paintings of St. Luke in which the work and progress of long years is depicted. The purpose of this brief statement is clear. The evangelist would teach us that, with Jesus, bodily development proceeded in the same orderly fashion as it does with other men, while wisdom - deepening with the year…
{ "hasHistoricalBackground":false }
This verse caps off a brief account of Jesus' childhood, specifically His visit to the Temple at age twelve where He amazed the teachers with His understanding. After His parents found Him, the narrative jumps ahead to His adolescence and young adulthood, describing His continued, normal growth in all aspects of His humanity over the intervening years. This period of quiet development, before His public ministry began, highlights that Jesus experienced a full human life, growing and maturing just like anyone else.
"And Jesus increased in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and man." — { "hasHistoricalBackground":false }
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Ask a follow-up
Ask Sola things like:
Live chat about Luke 2:52 is available in the Sola app.
