Luke 1:31

KJV

And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532}, behold {G2400}, thou shalt conceive {G4815} in {G1722} thy womb {G1064}, and {G2532} bring forth {G5088} a son {G5207}, and {G2532} shalt call {G2564} his {G846} name {G3686} JESUS {G2424}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Look! You will become pregnant, you will give birth to a son, and you are to name him Yeshua.

Berean Standard Bible

Behold, you will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to give Him the name Jesus.

American Standard Version

And behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 1:31 records the pivotal moment of the Annunciation, where the angel Gabriel delivers a divinely orchestrated message to Mary, a virgin, announcing that she will miraculously conceive and give birth to a son. This son is to be named Jesus, a name carrying profound theological significance that encapsulates His divine identity and redemptive mission, setting the stage for the incarnation of God's Son and the unfolding of salvation history.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is central to the Annunciation narrative found in [Luke 1:26-38](/luke/1-26-38 "Luke 1:26-38 - The Annunciation"). It immediately follows Gabriel's initial greeting to Mary and her subsequent perplexity, as noted in [Luke 1:29](/luke/1-29 "Luke 1:29 - Mary's Perplexity"). The announcement of conception and naming in [Luke 1:31](/luke/1-31 "Luke 1:31 - Gabriel's Announcement to Mary") serves as the core revelation, leading directly to Mary's question about how this could be, given her virginity ([Luke 1:34](/luke/1-34 "Luke 1:34 - Mary's Question")). Gabriel's subsequent explanation in [Luke 1:35-37](/luke/1-35-37 "Luke 1:35-37 - The Holy Spirit's Role and Elizabeth's Pregnancy") clarifies the supernatural nature of the conception through the Holy Spirit's power and provides a sign through Elizabeth's pregnancy. This divine announcement parallels the earlier angelic visitation to Zechariah concerning John the Baptist's birth in [Luke 1:5-25](/luke/1-5-25 "Luke 1:5-25 - The Birth of John the Baptist Foretold"), establishing a pattern of God's direct intervention in human affairs to initiate His redemptive plan.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Jewish society, betrothal was a binding legal agreement, almost as serious as marriage itself, requiring a formal divorce for dissolution. Mary, being betrothed to Joseph, was legally committed but not yet living with him as husband and wife. The idea of a virgin conceiving was utterly contrary to natural law and societal norms, making Gabriel's announcement all the more astonishing and potentially scandalous in their cultural setting. The naming of a child was a significant act, often performed by the parents and frequently reflecting the child's character, destiny, or a significant event surrounding their birth. A name given by divine decree, as in this instance, carried immense authority and revealed God's specific purpose for the child. Nazareth, the town where Mary resided, was a small, obscure village in Galilee, often viewed with disdain, as evidenced by Nathanael's comment in [John 1:46](/john/1-46 "John 1:46 - Nathanael's Question about Nazareth"), further highlighting God's tendency to work through humble and unexpected means.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes within Luke's Gospel and the broader biblical narrative. The theme of **Divine Initiative and Sovereignty** is paramount, as the entire event is orchestrated by God, demonstrating His absolute control over human history and His ability to accomplish the impossible. The **Miraculous Conception** underscores the unique identity of Jesus, setting Him apart from all humanity as the Son of God, conceived not by human will but by divine power ([John 1:13](/john/1-13 "John 1:13 - Born of God")). This miraculous birth also points to the **Fulfillment of Prophecy**, particularly the promise of a virgin bearing a son found in [Isaiah 7:14](/isaiah/7-14 "Isaiah 7:14 - The Sign of Immanuel"). Furthermore, the instruction to "call his name JESUS" introduces the profound theme of the **Significance of the Name**, revealing His essential mission as Savior, a truth explicitly affirmed later in [Matthew 1:21](/matthew/1-21 "Matthew 1:21 - The Meaning of Jesus' Name"). Mary's humble acceptance, despite the overwhelming nature of the news, exemplifies the theme of **Faith and Obedience** to God's extraordinary call.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **behold (Greek, _idoú'_):** This interjection, often translated as "lo" or "see," serves to draw immediate and emphatic attention to the extraordinary nature of the message being delivered. It signals a divine revelation of profound significance, urging the hearer to grasp the weight and wonder of what is about to be declared.
* **conceive (Greek, _syllambánō'_):** Derived from "together" and "to take," this verb literally means "to clasp" or "to seize," but specifically in this context, it means "to conceive." For a virgin, this word highlights the utterly supernatural and miraculous nature of the pregnancy, emphasizing that this is not a natural process but a direct, divine act.
* **JESUS (Greek, _Iēsoûs'_):** This is the Greek transliteration of the Hebrew name _Yeshua_ (or Joshua), which means "Yahweh saves" or "The Lord is salvation." The divine command to name the child "Jesus" is therefore not arbitrary but intrinsically linked to His future mission as the Savior of humanity, revealing His very purpose for coming into the world.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And, behold,"**: This dramatic opening serves as a divine exclamation point, signaling to Mary—and to the reader—that what follows is not ordinary news but a momentous, divinely initiated revelation demanding full attention and awe. It sets a tone of wonder and anticipation for the miraculous.
* **"thou shalt conceive in thy womb,"**: This clause delivers the astonishing and humanly impossible news to Mary, a virgin. It directly challenges natural biological processes, emphasizing that this conception will be a supernatural act of God's power, bypassing human agency and underscoring the unique, divine origin of the child.
* **"and bring forth a son,"**: This naturally follows the conception, yet within the context of a virgin birth, it signifies the miraculous continuation of God's creative power. It confirms that the divine conception will result in a real, human birth, emphasizing the full humanity of the coming child.
* **"and shalt call his name JESUS."**: This is a direct divine command regarding the child's identity and mission. The name "Jesus" is not chosen by human preference but by divine decree, preordaining His role as the Savior of the world and revealing the core purpose of His incarnation.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 1:31 employs several potent literary devices. **Direct Address** is prominent, as the angel Gabriel speaks personally and directly to Mary, making the announcement intimate yet authoritative. The use of **Divine Command** is evident in the imperative "thou shalt conceive" and "shalt call," underscoring God's sovereignty and active involvement in orchestrating this pivotal event. The exclamation "behold" functions as a form of **Interjection**, drawing immediate and emphatic attention to the extraordinary nature of the message, signaling a profound revelation. Furthermore, the entire verse functions as **Foreshadowing**, particularly through the divinely appointed name "JESUS," which inherently points to the child's future role as the world's Savior, hinting at the redemptive work He is destined to accomplish.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 1:31 stands as a foundational statement in Christian theology, announcing the miraculous incarnation of God's Son. It underscores God's sovereign initiative in salvation history, demonstrating His power to transcend natural limitations to fulfill His redemptive purposes. The divine naming of "Jesus" is not merely an identification but a revelation of His very essence and mission: He is the one through whom God will bring salvation. This verse highlights the unique nature of Jesus as both fully human, born of a woman, and fully divine, conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit. It affirms that God's plan for humanity's redemption was meticulously designed and divinely executed, beginning with this extraordinary entry into human history.

* [Matthew 1:21](/matthew/1-21 "Matthew 1:21 - The Meaning of Jesus' Name")
* [Isaiah 7:14](/isaiah/7-14 "Isaiah 7:14 - The Virgin Birth Prophecy")
* [Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9-11 "Philippians 2:9-11 - The Exaltation of Jesus' Name")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 1:31 invites us to contemplate the profound mystery of God's ways, which often defy human logic and expectation. Mary's humble yet courageous acceptance of this impossible divine assignment serves as a powerful example of faith and obedience. Her willingness to trust God with the miraculous, despite the potential societal implications and personal bewilderment, challenges us to surrender our own understanding and plans to His sovereign will. For believers today, this verse reinforces the supreme authority and saving power inherent in the name of Jesus. It reminds us that salvation is entirely God's initiative, not dependent on human merit or ability, and that in Jesus, God has provided the ultimate deliverance from sin and its consequences. We are called to place our trust in this divinely appointed Savior, embracing His name not just as an identifier but as the very source of our hope, peace, and eternal life.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Mary's response to the angel's announcement challenge my own willingness to trust God with seemingly impossible circumstances in my life?**
* **What does the divine instruction to name the child "JESUS" reveal about God's intentionality and His saving purpose for humanity?**
* **In what areas of my life do I need to relinquish control and allow God to work in ways that defy my expectations or understanding?**

### FAQ

**Why was the name "Jesus" so significant, and why was it divinely chosen?**

Answer: The name "Jesus" (Greek: _Iēsoûs_) is the Greek form of the Hebrew name _Yeshua_ or _Yehoshua_, which means "Yahweh saves" or "The Lord is salvation." This name was divinely chosen and commanded by God through the angel Gabriel because it perfectly encapsulates the child's identity and mission. As confirmed by the angel's instruction to Joseph in [Matthew 1:21](/matthew/1-21 "Matthew 1:21 - The Meaning of Jesus' Name"), "And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins." Therefore, the name itself is a prophecy and a declaration of His ultimate purpose: to be the Savior who delivers humanity from the bondage and penalty of sin. It signifies that salvation comes through Him alone, by God's own initiative and power.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 1:31, with its announcement of a miraculous conception and the divine naming of "JESUS," stands as a foundational prophecy fulfilled in the person of Christ. This verse directly points to the incarnation, where the eternal Son of God took on human flesh, a profound mystery of God becoming man ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")). The name "JESUS" itself is a Christ-centered fulfillment, as it signifies "Yahweh saves," directly anticipating His redemptive work on the cross, where He would offer Himself as the ultimate sacrifice for the sins of the world ([Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - God Demonstrates His Love")). His miraculous conception, without a human father, fulfills ancient prophecies of a virgin birth ([Isaiah 7:14](/isaiah/7-14 "Isaiah 7:14 - The Virgin Birth Prophecy")) and underscores His unique identity as the Son of God, distinct from all humanity yet fully human ([Hebrews 4:15](/hebrews/4-15 "Hebrews 4:15 - Jesus, Our High Priest")). Thus, Luke 1:31 is not merely a historical announcement but a powerful declaration of God's saving plan, orchestrated and executed through the person of Jesus Christ, the promised Messiah and the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Isaiah 7:14

Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.

Matthew 1:21

And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.

Matthew 1:25

And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS.

Luke 2:21

¶ And when eight days were accomplished for the circumcising of the child, his name was called JESUS, which was so named of the angel before he was conceived in the womb.

Matthew 1:23

Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.

Galatians 4:4

But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law,

Luke 1:13

But the angel said unto him, Fear not, Zacharias: for thy prayer is heard; and thy wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John.