Luke 2:42
New International Version
When he was twelve years old, they went up to the festival, according to the custom.

New Living Translation
When Jesus was twelve years old, they attended the festival as usual.

English Standard Version
And when he was twelve years old, they went up according to custom.

Berean Standard Bible
And when He was twelve years old, they went up according to the custom of the Feast.

Berean Literal Bible
And when He was twelve years old, they having gone up according to the custom of the Feast,

King James Bible
And when he was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem after the custom of the feast.

New King James Version
And when He was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem according to the custom of the feast.

New American Standard Bible
And when He was twelve years old, they went up there according to the custom of the feast;

NASB 1995
And when He became twelve, they went up there according to the custom of the Feast;

NASB 1977
And when He became twelve, they went up there according to the custom of the Feast;

Legacy Standard Bible
And when He became twelve years old, they went up there according to the custom of the Feast;

Amplified Bible
And when He was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem, according to the custom of the Feast;

Christian Standard Bible
When he was twelve years old, they went up according to the custom of the festival.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
When He was 12 years old, they went up according to the custom of the festival.

American Standard Version
And when he was twelve years old, they went up after the custom of the feast;

Contemporary English Version
And when Jesus was twelve years old, they all went there as usual for the celebration.

English Revised Version
And when he was twelve years old, they went up after the custom of the feast;

GOD'S WORD® Translation
When he was 12 years old, they went as usual.

Good News Translation
When Jesus was twelve years old, they went to the festival as usual.

International Standard Version
When Jesus was twelve years old, they went up to the festival as usual.

Majority Standard Bible
And when He was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem according to the custom of the Feast.

NET Bible
When he was twelve years old, they went up according to custom.

New Heart English Bible
When he was twelve years old, they went up according to the custom of the feast,

Webster's Bible Translation
And when he was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem according to the custom of the feast.

Weymouth New Testament
And when He was twelve years old they went up as was customary at the time of the Feast, and,

World English Bible
When he was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem according to the custom of the feast;
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and when He became twelve years old, they having gone up to Jerusalem according to the custom of the celebration,

Berean Literal Bible
And when He was twelve years old, they having gone up according to the custom of the Feast,

Young's Literal Translation
and when he became twelve years old, they having gone up to Jerusalem, according to the custom of the feast,

Smith's Literal Translation
And when he was of twelve years, they having gone up to Jerusalem according to the custom of the festival:
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And when he was twelve years old, they going up into Jerusalem, according to the custom of the feast,

Catholic Public Domain Version
And when he had become twelve years old, they ascended to Jerusalem, according to the custom of the feast day.

New American Bible
and when he was twelve years old, they went up according to festival custom.

New Revised Standard Version
And when he was twelve years old, they went up as usual for the festival.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And when he was twelve years old, they went up to the feast, as they were accustomed.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
And when he was twelve years old, they went out to the feast just as they had been accustomed;
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
And when he was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem, according to the custom of the feast.

Godbey New Testament
And when He was twelve years old, they going up to Jerusalem according to the custom of the feast,

Haweis New Testament
And when he was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem, according to the custom of the feast.

Mace New Testament
when Jesus therefore was twelve years old they went thither, as was customary at the time of that festival.

Weymouth New Testament
And when He was twelve years old they went up as was customary at the time of the Feast, and,

Worrell New Testament
And, when He became twelve years old, they, going up according to the custom of the feast,

Worsley New Testament
and when He was twelve years old, going up to Jerusalem, as usual at the feast, and having finished the time,

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Boy Jesus at the Temple
41Every year His parents went to Jerusalem for the Feast of the Passover. 42And when He was twelve years old, they went up according to the custom of the Feast. 43When those days were over and they were returning home, the boy Jesus remained behind in Jerusalem, but His parents were unaware He had stayed.…

Cross References
Matthew 13:55-56
“Isn’t this the carpenter’s son? Isn’t His mother’s name Mary, and aren’t His brothers James, Joseph, Simon, and Judas? / Aren’t all His sisters with us as well? Where then did this man get all these things?”

Mark 6:3
Isn’t this the carpenter, the son of Mary and the brother of James, Joses, Judas, and Simon? Aren’t His sisters here with us as well?” And they took offense at Him.

John 7:15
The Jews were amazed and asked, “How did this man attain such learning without having studied?”

Matthew 2:23
and he went and lived in a town called Nazareth. So was fulfilled what was spoken through the prophets: “He will be called a Nazarene.”

John 2:13-17
When the Jewish Passover was near, Jesus went up to Jerusalem. / In the temple courts He found men selling cattle, sheep, and doves, and money changers seated at their tables. / So He made a whip out of cords and drove all from the temple courts, both sheep and cattle. He poured out the coins of the money changers and overturned their tables. ...

Matthew 12:46-50
While Jesus was still speaking to the crowds, His mother and brothers stood outside, wanting to speak to Him. / Someone told Him, “Look, Your mother and brothers are standing outside, wanting to speak to You.” / But Jesus replied, “Who is My mother, and who are My brothers?” ...

Mark 3:31-35
Then Jesus’ mother and brothers came and stood outside. They sent someone in to summon Him, / and a crowd was sitting around Him. “Look,” He was told, “Your mother and brothers are outside, asking for You.” / But Jesus replied, “Who are My mother and My brothers?” ...

John 19:25-27
Near the cross of Jesus stood His mother and her sister, as well as Mary the wife of Clopas and Mary Magdalene. / When Jesus saw His mother and the disciple whom He loved standing nearby, He said to His mother, “Woman, here is your son.” / Then He said to the disciple, “Here is your mother.” So from that hour, this disciple took her into his home.

Matthew 21:12-13
Then Jesus entered the temple courts and drove out all who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the seats of those selling doves. / And He declared to them, “It is written: ‘My house will be called a house of prayer.’ But you are making it ‘a den of robbers.’”

Mark 11:15-17
When they arrived in Jerusalem, Jesus entered the temple courts and began to drive out those who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the seats of those selling doves. / And He would not allow anyone to carry merchandise through the temple courts. / Then Jesus began to teach them, and He declared, “Is it not written: ‘My house will be called a house of prayer for all the nations’? But you have made it ‘a den of robbers.’”

John 2:18-22
On account of this, the Jews demanded, “What sign can You show us to prove Your authority to do these things?” / Jesus answered, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up again.” / “This temple took forty-six years to build,” the Jews replied, “and You are going to raise it up in three days?” ...

Matthew 22:41-46
While the Pharisees were assembled, Jesus questioned them: / “What do you think about the Christ? Whose son is He?” “David’s,” they answered. / Jesus said to them, “How then does David in the Spirit call Him ‘Lord’? For he says: ...

Mark 12:35-37
While Jesus was teaching in the temple courts, He asked, “How can the scribes say that the Christ is the Son of David? / Speaking by the Holy Spirit, David himself declared: ‘The Lord said to my Lord, “Sit at My right hand until I put Your enemies under Your feet.”’ / David himself calls Him ‘Lord.’ So how can He be David’s son?” And the large crowd listened to Him with delight.

John 7:14-16
About halfway through the feast, Jesus went up to the temple courts and began to teach. / The Jews were amazed and asked, “How did this man attain such learning without having studied?” / “My teaching is not My own,” Jesus replied. “It comes from Him who sent Me.

Matthew 26:55
At that time Jesus said to the crowd, “Have you come out with swords and clubs to arrest Me as you would an outlaw? Every day I sat teaching in the temple courts, and you did not arrest Me.


Treasury of Scripture

And when he was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem after the custom of the feast.

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Custom Feast Jerusalem Parents Passover Twelve Used Way
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Custom Feast Jerusalem Parents Passover Twelve Used Way
Luke 2
1. Augustus taxes all the Roman empire.
6. The nativity of Jesus.
8. An angel relates it to the shepherds, and many sing praises to God for it.
15. The shepherds glorify God.
21. Jesus is circumcised.
22. Mary purified.
25. Simeon and Anna prophesy of Jesus,
39. who increases in wisdom,
41. questions in the temple with the teachers,
51. and is obedient to his parents.














When He was twelve years old
This phrase marks a significant moment in the life of Jesus, as twelve years old was the age at which a Jewish boy was considered to be on the brink of adulthood, preparing for his Bar Mitzvah at thirteen. In Jewish tradition, this was a time when a boy began to take on the responsibilities of the law. The age of twelve signifies a period of transition and growth, both physically and spiritually. It is a reminder of Jesus' humanity, experiencing the same developmental milestones as other Jewish boys of His time. This age also foreshadows His coming role as a teacher and leader, as He begins to engage more deeply with the religious practices and teachings of His people.

they went up
The phrase "they went up" refers to the journey that Jesus and His family made to Jerusalem. The use of "went up" is significant, as it reflects the geographical and spiritual ascent to the holy city of Jerusalem, which is situated on a hill. This pilgrimage was a common practice for Jewish families, emphasizing their devotion and obedience to the religious customs. The act of going up to Jerusalem symbolizes a movement towards God, a physical and spiritual journey that reflects the heart's desire to draw nearer to the divine presence.

according to the custom
This phrase highlights the adherence of Jesus' family to Jewish traditions and laws. The word "custom" indicates a practice that is established and respected within the community. It underscores the faithfulness of Mary and Joseph in raising Jesus within the framework of Jewish law and tradition. This obedience to custom is a testament to their piety and commitment to God’s commandments. It also sets the stage for Jesus' own respect for the law, which He would later fulfill and expand upon in His teachings.

of the Feast
The "Feast" referred to here is the Feast of Passover, one of the most important Jewish festivals, commemorating the Israelites' deliverance from slavery in Egypt. This annual pilgrimage to Jerusalem was a time of remembrance and celebration of God's saving power and faithfulness. The Passover feast is rich with symbolism, pointing to themes of redemption, sacrifice, and covenant. For Jesus, attending the Feast of Passover at this age would have been an opportunity to engage with these themes, which would later be central to His own mission and ministry. The Passover not only connects Jesus to His Jewish heritage but also foreshadows His role as the ultimate Passover Lamb, whose sacrifice would bring about a new exodus from sin and death.

(42)When he was twelve years old.--The stages of Jewish childhood were marked as follows:--At three the boy was weaned, and wore for the first time the fringed or tasselled garment prescribed by Numbers 15:38-41, and Deuteronomy 22:12. His education began, at first under the mother's care. At five he was to learn the Law, at first by extracts written on scrolls of the more important passages, the Shemk or Creed of Deuteronomy 2:4, the Hallel or Festival Psalms (Psalms 114-118, 136), and by catechetical teaching in school. At twelve he became more directly responsible for his obedience to the Law, and on the day when he attained the age of thirteen, put on for the first time the phylacteries which were worn at the recital of his daily prayer. (See Note on Matthew 23:5.) It was accordingly an epoch of transition analogous to that which obtains among us at Confirmation. It was, therefore in strict accordance with usage, with perhaps a slight anticipation of the actual day, that the "child Jesus" should, at the age of twelve, have gone up with His parents to Jerusalem. If the conjecture suggested in the Notes on Luke 2:8, that the birth of our Lord coincided with the Paschal Season, be accepted, He may actually have completed His thirteenth year during the Feast; and so have become, in the fullest sense, one of the "children of the Law," bound to study it and know its meaning. This at least fits in with, and in fact explains, the narrative that follows. In the later Maxims of the Fathers (Pirke Aboth) two other stages of education were marked out. At ten, a boy was to enter on the study of the Mischna (= "comments"), or body of traditional interpretations of the Law; at eighteen, on that of the Gemara (= "completeness"), or wider collection of sayings or legends, which, with the Mischna, made up what is known as the Talmud (= "learning," or "doctrine").

Verse 42. - And when he was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem after the custom of the feast. When a Jewish boy was three years old he was given the tasselled garment directed by the Law (Numbers 15:38-41; Deuteronomy 22:12). At five he usually began to learn portions of the Law, under his mother's direction; these were passages written on scrolls, such as the shema or creed of Deuteronomy 6:4, the Hallel Psalms (Psalm 114, 118, 136). When the boy was thirteen years old he wore, for the first time, the phylacteries, which the Jew always put on at the recital of the daily prayer. In the well-known and most ancient 'Maxims of the Fathers' ('Pirke Avoth'), we read that, at the age of ten, a boy was to commence the study of the Mishna (the Mishna was a compilation of traditional interpretations of the Law); at eighteen he was to be instructed in the Gemara (the Gemara was a vast collection of interpretations of the Mishna. The Mishua and Gemara together make up the Talmud. The Mishna may roughly be termed the text, the Gemara the commentary, of the Talmud).

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
And
Καὶ (Kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

when
ὅτε (hote)
Adverb
Strong's 3753: When, at which time. From hos and te; at which too, i.e. When.

He was
ἐγένετο (egeneto)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Middle - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1096: A prolongation and middle voice form of a primary verb; to cause to be, i.e. to become, used with great latitude.

twelve
δώδεκα (dōdeka)
Adjective - Genitive Neuter Plural
Strong's 1427: Twelve; the usual way in which the Twelve apostles of Jesus are referred to. From duo and deka; two and ten, i.e. A dozen.

years [old],
ἐτῶν (etōn)
Noun - Genitive Neuter Plural
Strong's 2094: A year. Apparently a primary word; a year.

they
αὐτῶν (autōn)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.

went up
ἀναβαινόντων (anabainontōn)
Verb - Present Participle Active - Genitive Masculine Plural
Strong's 305: To go up, mount, ascend; of things: I rise, spring up, come up. From ana and the base of basis; to go up.

according to
κατὰ (kata)
Preposition
Strong's 2596: A primary particle; down, in varied relations (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined).

the
τὸ (to)
Article - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

custom
ἔθος (ethos)
Noun - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 1485: A custom, habit; an institute, rite. From etho; a usage.

of the
τῆς (tēs)
Article - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

Feast.
ἑορτῆς (heortēs)
Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 1859: A festival, feast, periodically recurring. Of uncertain affinity; a festival.


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