2:52a

Jesus grew in wisdom and stature: In some languages it may be more natural to change the order of wisdom and stature here. For example:

Jesus grew both in body and in wisdom (Good News Translation)

grew: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as grew is literally “increased.” In this context, Jesus increased in wisdom and size. This indicates that Jesus grew and developed. He was becoming mature.

wisdom: The word wisdom here means the ability to think clearly and sensibly, to understand matters, and to be able to act wisely based on that understanding. In the Bible, wisdom often refers to godly wisdom. A person who has godly wisdom understands what God says and what God wants people to do. The wise person acts on the basis of that understanding.

stature: The word stature refers here to Jesus’ body. Jesus was growing and maturing physically. He was becoming a man.

2:52b

and in favor with God and man: The phrase and in favor with God and man means that God approved of him and people also approved of him. That approval from God and man increased as Jesus grew. Other ways to say this are:

He gained favor from God and people. (God’s Word)
-or-
increased…in divine and human favor (New Revised Standard Version)

favor: In this context favor refers to an attitude that people had toward Jesus. They were pleased with him and appreciated him.

man: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as man is literally “people,” including both males and females. For example:

gained favor from…people (God’s Word)

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All Scripture quotations in this publication, unless otherwise indicated, are from The Holy Bible, Berean Standard Bible.
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