Reactions to ‘Jesus’ Birth Just Before Passover’

Quite a number of responses have already come in regarding the latest article on the timing of Jesus’ birth. Of course, I am happy with the positive ones, but the most valuable to me are the critical responses. Those are the ones I can learn from. Positive feedback usually only confirms what I already knew.

Several Greek experts (even those who do not share my strict interpretation) have pointed out to me that the most precise translation of Luke 2:42 is not:
“And He was twelve years when they went up according to the custom of the feast” (as I initially wrote),
but rather:
“And when He became twelve years old, they went up according to the custom of the feast.”

Honestly, that is a subtle but real difference. Jesus’ birthday is no longer the subject of the sentence. Despite my “crooked-Greek,” I should have known this. The nice thing about the internet is that articles can be updated immediately. I have therefore incorporated this critique straightaway into an updated version.

But… even after the first “storm,” my main statement still stands firm (namely, that Joseph, Mary, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem when Jesus turned twelve years old). That is simply what Luke 2:42 states, in black and white! That many do not wish to take it so literally is, of course, their choice. But it does surprise me that the difference between was and became escapes so many. If I say, “When I was sixteen, I got a moped,” that gives about a year of leeway. But if I say, “When I became sixteen, I got a moped,” then strictly speaking, that can only mean one day: my birthday. Since I do not believe Scripture expresses itself inaccurately, I conclude that Jesus became twelve (and was thus celebrating His birthday) just a few days before Passover.
See footnote at “Jesus’ Birth Just Before Passover.”

By the way, I want to emphasize that this subject is, of course, not a fundamental issue, and certainly no reason to quarrel over. I pass on my strict reading of Luke 2:42 for what it is worth and hope to have made clear how much typological richness is connected to it.
No less, but also no more.

Delen: