Luke 1:59

KJV

And it came to pass, that on the eighth day they came to circumcise the child; and they called him Zacharias, after the name of his father.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} it came to pass {G1096}, that on {G1722} the eighth {G3590} day {G2250} they came {G2064} to circumcise {G4059} the child {G3813}; and {G2532} they called {G2564} him {G846} Zacharias {G2197}, after {G1909} the name {G3686} of his {G846} father {G3962}.

Complete Jewish Bible

On the eighth day, they came to do the child's b'rit-milah. They were about to name him Z'kharyah, after his father,

Berean Standard Bible

On the eighth day, when they came to circumcise the child, they were going to name him after his father Zechariah.

American Standard Version

And it came to pass on the eighth day, that they came to circumcise the child; and they would have called him Zacharias, after the name of his father.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 1:59 describes the customary circumcision ceremony of John the Baptist on the eighth day after his birth, a significant event in Jewish tradition where male infants were formally named. The community, adhering to social norms and familial honor, fully expected the child to be named Zacharias, after his father, setting the stage for the divine intervention that would soon reveal the child's true, God-given name and unique identity.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows the joyous account of John's birth in [Luke 1:57-58](/luke/1-57-58 "Luke 1:57-58 - The Birth of John"). The narrative then shifts to the traditional Jewish ceremony of circumcision and naming, which was typically performed on the eighth day. The community's expectation that the child would be named Zacharias, as detailed in this verse, creates a dramatic tension that is resolved in the subsequent verses ([Luke 1:60-63](/luke/1-60-63 "Luke 1:60-63 - The Naming of John")) when Elizabeth and Zacharias reveal the divinely appointed name, John, leading to Zacharias's miraculous recovery of speech. This sequence underscores the divine orchestration of John's life from its very beginning.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Circumcision on the eighth day was a foundational covenant sign for Jewish males, instituted by God with Abraham in [Genesis 17:12](/genesis/17-12 "Genesis 17:12 - Covenant of Circumcision") and later codified in the Mosaic Law ([Leviticus 12:3](/leviticus/12-3 "Leviticus 12:3 - Law of Circumcision")). This ritual marked a male child's inclusion into the covenant community of Israel. It was also a common practice at this ceremony to formally name the child, often after a respected family member, particularly the father or grandfather, to honor lineage and ensure continuity. The community's strong suggestion to name the child "Zacharias" reflects this deep-seated cultural norm of honoring the paternal line.
* **Key Themes:** [Luke chapter 1](/luke/1 "Luke 1 - The Births of John and Jesus") is rich with themes of divine promise and fulfillment. This verse specifically highlights the theme of **obedience to God's covenant** through the family's adherence to the circumcision law. It also powerfully introduces the theme of **divine will superseding human expectation**. The community's assumption about the child's name directly contrasts with the angelic annunciation to Zacharias, where Gabriel explicitly states the child's name will be John ([Luke 1:13](/luke/1-13 "Luke 1:13 - Gabriel's Annunciation to Zacharias")). This tension sets the stage for the revelation that John's identity and future role as the forerunner of the Messiah are not of human design but divinely ordained, a purpose hinted at in Zacharias's earlier prophecy ([Luke 1:16-17](/luke/1-16-17 "Luke 1:16-17 - Prophecy of John's Ministry")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **came to pass (Greek, _gínomai'_):** This verb, frequently translated as "to become" or "to come into being," signifies an event unfolding or occurring. In this context, it emphasizes the natural progression of events, yet often in Luke's narrative, it subtly points to God's sovereign hand in bringing about His purposes. Here, it marks the divinely appointed time for the circumcision and naming ceremony.
* **eighth (Greek, _ógdoos'_):** Derived from the Greek word for "eight," this term specifically denotes the prescribed day for circumcision. The "eighth day" held symbolic significance in Jewish thought, often representing a new beginning, a fresh start beyond the completed cycle of seven. This timing underscored the child's entry into a new covenant relationship with God.
* **called (Greek, _kaléō'_):** This verb means "to call" or "to name." While seemingly straightforward, its use here highlights the act of formal naming within the community. The fact that the community "called him Zacharias" indicates their strong expectation and attempt to impose a traditional name, setting up the dramatic contrast with the divinely appointed name "John" that is revealed in the subsequent verses.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And it came to pass, that on the eighth day":** This phrase establishes the precise timing of the event, adhering to the Mosaic Law's requirement for circumcision on the eighth day after birth. The term "came to pass" often signals a significant unfolding of events within Luke's narrative, hinting at God's hand in the timing.
* **"they came to circumcise the child;":** This describes the community's participation in the ritual. "They" refers to the relatives and neighbors who gathered for this important religious and social ceremony, demonstrating their adherence to the Abrahamic covenant and their support for Elizabeth and Zacharias.
* **"and they called him Zacharias, after the name of his father.":** This clause reveals the community's immediate assumption regarding the child's name. It was customary to name a child after a parent or esteemed ancestor, honoring the family lineage. Their suggestion to name him Zacharias reflected a natural, culturally ingrained desire to continue the family name, unaware of the divine decree concerning the child's unique identity.

#### Literary Devices
Luke employs several **Literary Devices** in this concise verse. The most prominent is **Foreshadowing**, as the community's insistence on the name "Zacharias" immediately foreshadows the impending conflict and divine revelation regarding the child's true name, "John." This creates narrative tension. There is also an element of **Irony**, where the human expectation for tradition and lineage (naming after the father) is about to be dramatically overturned by divine instruction, highlighting the contrast between human plans and God's sovereign will. Furthermore, the detailed mention of the "eighth day" and the act of circumcision serves as **Cultural Detail**, grounding the narrative firmly within the Jewish customs and religious law of the time, making the subsequent divine intervention even more striking against this backdrop of tradition.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 1:59 serves as a pivotal moment, connecting the fulfillment of the Abrahamic covenant through circumcision with the unfolding of God's specific, unique plan for John. It underscores the tension between human tradition and divine decree, a recurring theme in biblical narrative. While the community sought to honor lineage and custom by naming the child after his father, God had already ordained a distinct name and purpose for John, signaling that this child's life would be set apart for a singular mission. This event reminds us that God's plans often transcend human expectations and logic, requiring faith and obedience to His revealed will, even when it challenges established norms.

* [Genesis 17:12](/genesis/17-12 "The Covenant of Circumcision"): Establishes the divine command for circumcision on the eighth day as a sign of the covenant.
* [Luke 1:13](/luke/1-13 "Gabriel's Annunciation of John's Name"): Reveals the angelic instruction to Zacharias regarding the child's name, "John," predating the community's suggestion.
* [Isaiah 55:8-9](/isaiah/55-8-9 "God's Thoughts and Ways"): Emphasizes that God's thoughts and ways are higher than human thoughts and ways, a principle dramatically illustrated by the naming of John.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 1:59 invites us to ponder the interplay between tradition, community expectation, and divine purpose in our own lives. The community's well-intentioned desire to name John after his father reflects a natural human inclination to honor the past and maintain continuity. However, God's plan for John was unique, requiring a break from tradition to underscore his distinct, divinely appointed role as the forerunner of the Messiah. This narrative challenges us to discern when our traditions, though perhaps good in themselves, might inadvertently obscure or hinder God's specific, unfolding will. It encourages us to be open to God's surprising ways, recognizing that His purposes are often grander and more precise than our own. We are called to listen for His voice, even when it directs us away from the comfortable or expected path, trusting that His name for us, and His plan for our lives, is always perfect.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life do I tend to prioritize tradition or human expectation over seeking God's specific will?**
* **How can I cultivate a greater openness to God's surprising and sometimes counter-cultural plans for my life or for the church?**
* **What "names" or identities have I or others tried to place upon me, and how do they compare to the identity God has given me in Christ?**

### FAQ
**Why was it so important for the circumcision to happen on the "eighth day"?**

Answer: The "eighth day" was not an arbitrary choice but a specific divine command given to Abraham in [Genesis 17:12](/genesis/17-12 "Covenant of Circumcision") as part of the covenant of circumcision. This command was reiterated in the Mosaic Law ([Leviticus 12:3](/leviticus/12-3 "Law of Circumcision")). Beyond its theological significance as a sign of the covenant, some scholars suggest practical reasons, such as the fact that a newborn's blood clotting factors (like Vitamin K) are at optimal levels around the eighth day, minimizing the risk of bleeding. Theologically, the number eight often symbolized a new beginning or a new creation, going beyond the seven days of creation, thus signifying entry into a new relationship with God.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The events surrounding John's birth and naming, particularly the divine intervention that overrides human expectation, powerfully foreshadow the unique identity and mission of Jesus Christ. Just as John's name was not chosen by human custom but divinely ordained to signify his role as the one who would "prepare the way of the Lord" ([Luke 1:76](/luke/1-76 "John's Prophetic Role")), so too was Jesus's name, "Jesus," divinely given, signifying His ultimate purpose to "save his people from their sins" ([Matthew 1:21](/matthew/1-21 "Jesus's Name and Purpose")). John's extraordinary birth and naming set him apart as God's specially appointed messenger, but he was merely the forerunner. The true fulfillment lies in Christ, whose very conception was miraculous ([Luke 1:34-35](/luke/1-34-35 "The Annunciation to Mary")), whose life was entirely directed by God's will, and whose ultimate sacrifice established a new covenant, not merely marked by physical circumcision, but by the spiritual circumcision of the heart in Him ([Colossians 2:11-12](/colossians/2-11-12 "Circumcision of the Heart")). John's story, therefore, serves as a divine prelude, preparing the world for the One whose name and mission would bring salvation and new life to all who believe.

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

Genesis 17:12

And he that is eight days old shall be circumcised among you, every man child in your generations, he that is born in the house, or bought with money of any stranger, which [is] not of thy seed.

Leviticus 12:3

And in the eighth day the flesh of his foreskin shall be circumcised.

Philippians 3:5

Circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, [of] the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee;

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.

Genesis 21:3

And Abraham called the name of his son that was born unto him, whom Sarah bare to him, Isaac.

Genesis 21:4

And Abraham circumcised his son Isaac being eight days old, as God had commanded him.

Acts 7:8

And he gave him the covenant of circumcision: and so [Abraham] begat Isaac, and circumcised him the eighth day; and Isaac [begat] Jacob; and Jacob [begat] the twelve patriarchs.