Luke 2:33 Meaning: Marveling at What They Already Knew
Joseph and his mother were marveling at the things which were spoken concerning him.
And Joseph and his mother marvelled at those things which were spoken of him.
And his father and his mother were marvelling at the things which were spoken concerning him;
And Joseph and his mother were wondering at the things spoken concerning him,
And his father and mother wondered at the things which were said concerning him.
Meaning in one sentence
Joseph and Mary had angelic announcements, yet they marveled at Simeon’s words. Discover why this wonder still matters for your faith today.
Context
Mary and Joseph have just brought the infant Jesus to the temple in Jerusalem. It is the fortieth day after his birth, and they are obeying the law of Moses, presenting the firstborn son to the Lord and offering a sacrifice. Their days have been full of angels, shepherds, and private astonishment. Then an old man named Simeon takes the child in his arms. He blesses God and speaks of salvation prepared for all peoples, a light to the Gentiles and glory for Israel. The words are not new in content, the angels already told them the child would be great and called Son of the Most High. Yet Luke writes that Joseph and his mother were marveling. The prophecy did not replace their faith; it deepened it.
Key Words
The Greek behind this verse holds two details that warm the scene. First, the word for marveling is thaumazontes, a present participle. That means they kept on wondering. It was not a one-time gasp but a sustained amazement as Simeon kept speaking. The words washed over them and they stood there, taking it in.
Second, the manuscripts are split between calling Joseph by name or calling him “his father.” Many early copies read ho patēr autou, “his father.” That label matters. Joseph was not the biological father, but he was the father who protected, provided, and now brought Jesus to the temple. The verse includes him fully in this moment of wonder. Both parents, together, were hearing that this child would mean something for everyone, not just Israel, but the whole world. And they let themselves go on wondering.
How Christians Read This Verse
Christians across traditions have noticed how Joseph and Mary could marvel even after all they had received by revelation. John Calvin wrote that they contemplated the Spirit’s prediction with reverence, “so that they continued to make progress in the knowledge of Christ.” He took it as an example of growing in faith, not of ignorance.
Adam Clarke pointed out that they did not yet fully understand how salvation would be purchased. The marvel was real, not feigned. Matthew Henry noted that they wondered at the exact agreement between Simeon’s words and what they had already heard from angels. The shared point is this: the wonder of Jesus never becomes exhausted, even for those who know him best.
A common misunderstanding
Living This Out
You and I have heard the story of Jesus many times. We know how it ends. But knowing a story by heart is not the same as letting it land on you fresh. This week, try reading the Christmas accounts as though for the first time. Let yourself pause at the lines you have skimmed for years. The wonder God offers is not just for beginners. It is for parents who have raised children, for believers who have prayed a thousand prayers, for anyone who has ever thought, I already know this. You might find you have not yet finished marveling.
Main takeaway: God's words about Jesus never grow old; even those who knew the angels' message still stood in wonder.
For Families
For ages 5, 8
Mary and Joseph already knew Jesus was special. Angels had told them. But when Simeon held baby Jesus and praised God, they were amazed all over again. Sometimes we know something good, but hearing it again makes us happy.
For ages 9, 12
Have you ever heard a story so many times you stop really listening? Joseph and Mary had heard angel messages and seen a star, but when a stranger in the temple spoke about Jesus with such joy, they did not say, “We already know this.” They stood there and wondered. You can still wonder at truth you have known for years. That is not a weakness. It is a way of staying close to God.
Questions People Ask
Why were Joseph and Mary marveling if they already knew Jesus was the Messiah?
They had received angelic announcements, but hearing Simeon confirm those promises in the temple was a new experience. Their wonder was not doubt; it was an ongoing, deepened appreciation of who Jesus is.
What were the things spoken concerning him that made them marvel?
Simeon had declared that Jesus would be God's salvation, a light for revelation to the Gentiles and glory for Israel (Luke 2:29-32). These words revealed the global scope of Jesus' mission.
Does the verse call Joseph Jesus' father?
Many early Greek manuscripts read 'his father' (ho patēr autou). Other translations say 'Joseph' for clarity. The label affirms Joseph's legal and adoptive fatherhood without implying a biological one.
What does 'marveling' mean in the original language?
The Greek word is thaumazontes, a present participle that suggests ongoing action. They were not simply surprised for a moment; they kept on wondering as Simeon continued to speak.
Why does this verse matter for Christians today?
It shows that familiarity with Jesus does not have to kill wonder. Even those closest to the early story continued to be amazed. We can receive old truths with fresh astonishment.
For pastors & researchers
Greek interlinear, 8 commentaries & word study