Luke 1:60

And his mother answered and said, Not [so]; but he shall be called John.

And {G2532} his {G846} mother {G3384} answered {G611} and said {G2036}, Not {G3780} so; but {G235} he shall be called {G2564} John {G2491}.

when his mother spoke up and said, "No, he is to be called Yochanan."

But his mother replied, “No! He shall be called John.”

And his mother answered and said, Not so; but he shall be called John.

Luke 1:60 captures a pivotal moment in the narrative surrounding the birth of John the Baptist, highlighting divine instruction overriding human tradition. This verse reveals Elizabeth's strong faith and obedience to God's revealed will concerning her son's name, setting the stage for Zechariah's miraculous recovery of speech.

Context of Luke 1:60

Following the birth of John, the family and neighbors gathered for the traditional circumcision and naming ceremony on the eighth day. According to Jewish custom, it was expected that the child would be named after his father, Zechariah, or another prominent family member. However, Zechariah himself had been struck mute by the angel Gabriel (Luke 1:20) for his initial disbelief regarding the prophecy of his son's birth. When asked what the child's name would be, the relatives naturally assumed he would be called Zechariah, but Elizabeth, with clear conviction, intervened.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Authority Over Tradition: Elizabeth's firm declaration, "Not [so]; but he shall be called John," directly challenges the family's expectation and established custom. This highlights that God's specific instructions and divine plan take precedence over human traditions or societal norms. The name "John" was not chosen by human preference but commanded by the angel Gabriel before his conception (Luke 1:13).
  • Faith and Obedience: Elizabeth's unwavering statement demonstrates her profound faith in the divine message she had received, likely through her husband or directly from God. Her obedience to this revelation, despite familial pressure, is a testament to her trust in God's word and purpose for her son. Her conviction paves the way for Zechariah's confirmation of the name (Luke 1:63) and the subsequent restoration of his speech (Luke 1:64).
  • The Significance of the Name: The name "John" carries deep theological meaning. It perfectly encapsulates the miraculous circumstances of his birth and his future role as the one who would prepare the way for the Lord, announcing God's grace through Christ.

Linguistic Insights

The name John comes from the Greek Ioannes, which is derived from the Hebrew name Yochanan. This name literally means "Yahweh is gracious" or "God has shown favor." This linguistic detail underscores the divine intervention in his birth and his ultimate purpose as the forerunner of the Messiah, bringing a message of God's grace and salvation to humanity.

Practical Application

Luke 1:60 offers valuable insights for believers today. It reminds us of the importance of prioritizing God's will and revealed truth above human expectations, long-standing traditions, or even what seems logical. Elizabeth's example encourages us to stand firm in what we know God has spoken, even when it goes against popular opinion or cultural norms. It also emphasizes that God's plans are often marked by grace and favor, unfolding in unexpected ways. We are called to recognize and obey God's specific calling for our lives, trusting that His divine purpose will ultimately prevail.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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.

  • 2 Samuel 12:25

    And he sent by the hand of Nathan the prophet; and he called his name Jedidiah, because of the LORD.

  • Isaiah 8:3

    And I went unto the prophetess; and she conceived, and bare a son. Then said the LORD to me, Call his name Mahershalalhashbaz.

  • Matthew 1:25

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

  • Luke 1:63

    And he asked for a writing table, and wrote, saying, His name is John. And they marvelled all.

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