What did Jesus study when he was 5?

Answer 1

It is very likely that Jesus would learn at the Synagogue - as any Jewish boy would do. As an adult, He clearly knows Scripture really well and can discuss it with others in depth.

A Jewish education does not diminish Jesus, as it would be part of His being a real human being.

He probably did NOT study carpentry as a 5 year old. It was a difficult and dangerous job and handling the wood would be very difficult for a child. Jewish boys usually chose a profession at the time they chose a Rabbi, i.e.; as young men.

So, if Jesus followed the pattern, He would have learned carpentry seriously from around 13-15 years old. Of course, he obviously could have spent a lot of time with Joseph and learning about the job at a younger age. But a 5 year old carpenter is unrealistic for a Jewish boy of the time. Luke tells us Jesus had to go through a real human experience of growing "in wisdom and stature" - so His experience at 5 would be similar to any little boy of that age. He would want to be with Joseph and do what Joseph was doing, but it would be more like playing than serious work. Later Jewish tradition shows that there were many creative and even playful ways to encourage children to learn. I guess Mary and Joseph were good parents and teachers.