What Does Luke 2:46 Mean in the King James?
And it came to pass, that after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions.
The analysis reads the King James wording.
King James Version The King James Version, first published in 1611. Selah Verse shows the standard text.
THE KEY
The one they are searching for is found not performing expertise, but sitting among teachers, listening and asking.
THE MEANING
You find Jesus in the middle of the temple’s teaching, hearing as well as asking. The scene gives understanding a relational shape: words are received, questions are returned, and presence is found in the midst of the exchange.
WHAT THIS UNDOES
The verse undoes the belief that wisdom must already know everything and has nothing left to ask.
THE ROOT
ἀκούοντα
akouonta
GROWS FROM
ἀκου-
akou-
To hear, listen, or give heed.
The Greek places hearing alongside asking, so it describes attention within an active exchange, not merely sound reaching the ear. The same stem appears in words for what is heard and for listening under, a sense that develops into obeying.
ALSO GROWS
akoē: Hearing; a report or what is heard.
ἀκοή
This branch shows hearing as something received and carried forward, not only a momentary sensation.
hypakouō: Listen under; obey or heed.
ὑπακούω
This related form shows how the same hearing-stem can extend toward attending to what is heard.
THE PATTERN
Understanding grows where attentive hearing makes room for a considered response.
He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him.These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:THE THREAD
And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers.The same Greek verb, ἀκούω (akouō, “hear”), first places Jesus as listener among the teachers, then places everyone else as listener to him. The one who attends is also heard.
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