Luke 2:42 net — When he was twelve years old, they went up according to custom.

NET Bible

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

— Luke 2:42, NET Bible

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Luke 2:42 in Other Translations

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Luke 2 — Context

39

So when Joseph and Mary had performed everything according to the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth.

40

And the child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom, and the favor of God was upon him.

41

Jesus in the Temple Now Jesus’ parents went to Jerusalem every year for the Feast of the Passover.

42

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

43

But when the feast was over, as they were returning home, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem. His parents did not know it,

44

but(because they assumed that he was in their group of travelers) they went a day’s journey. Then they began to look for him among their relatives and acquaintances.

45

When they did not find him, they returned to Jerusalem to look for him.

Luke 2:42 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does Luke 2:42 say?
Luke 2:42 in the NET Bible reads: “When he was twelve years old, they went up according to custom.”
Where is Luke 2:42 in the Bible?
Luke 2:42 is found in the New Testament, in the book of Luke, chapter 2, verse 42.
Who wrote Luke?
Luke is traditionally attributed to Luke the physician, companion of Paul. It was written c. AD 60–62.
What is the book of Luke about?
Luke writes "an orderly account" of Jesus' life from a careful historian's pen, with special attention to the poor, the outsider, women, prayer, and the Holy Spirit. From the angelic announcements at the beginning to the Emmaus road at the end, Luke shows Jesus as the Savior of the world.
What are the major themes of Luke?
Luke explores themes including Salvation for All, Holy Spirit, Prayer, Compassion, Joy. These themes shape the meaning and context of Luke 2:42.
What translation should I read Luke 2:42 in?
Luke 2:42 is available on GodsGoodBook in the King James Version (KJV), American Standard Version (ASV), World English Bible (WEB), NET Bible, Young's Literal Translation, Darby Bible, Douay-Rheims Bible, and the Bible in Basic English. Each translation reflects different translation philosophies — use the translation picker on this page to compare them, or browse our full translations directory.
How can I memorize Luke 2:42?
Luke 2:42 reads (NET): “When he was twelve years old, they went up according to custom.” Read it aloud, break it into short phrases, repeat each phrase three times before adding the next, then put the phrases together. Reading it in multiple translations (above) often helps the meaning settle.
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