Luke 1:61

KJV

And they said unto her, There is none of thy kindred that is called by this name.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} they said {G2036} unto {G4314} her {G846},{G3754} There is {G2076} none {G3762} of {G1722} thy {G4675} kindred {G4772} that {G3739} is called {G2564} by this {G5129} name {G3686}.

Complete Jewish Bible

They said to her, "None of your relatives has that name,"

Berean Standard Bible

They said to her, “There is no one among your relatives who bears this name.”

American Standard Version

And they said unto her, There is none of thy kindred that is called by this name.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 1:61 captures the communal surprise and traditional resistance encountered by Elizabeth's declaration of her son's name, John. At the customary circumcision ceremony, relatives and neighbors, expecting the child to be named after a family member, voice their astonishment that no one in their lineage bears this name, thereby setting the stage for Zechariah's miraculous affirmation and highlighting the tension between human custom and divine decree.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the dramatic narrative of John the Baptist's birth and naming, following the joyous communal celebration of Elizabeth's delivery, as described in [Luke 1:58](/luke/1-58 "Neighbors Rejoice with Elizabeth"). The scene unfolds on the eighth day after John's birth, the traditional time for a male child's circumcision and naming according to Jewish custom. Elizabeth's bold declaration in [Luke 1:60](/luke/1-60 "Elizabeth Declares John's Name") that the child is to be named "John"—a name not found within their family lineage—provokes the astonished reaction from her "kindred" (family) and neighbors recorded in this verse. Their collective statement underscores the prevailing expectation that names would honor ancestral lines, creating a narrative tension that foreshadows Zechariah's pivotal, divinely-guided intervention.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Jewish society, names were profoundly significant, often reflecting a child's character, destiny, or the circumstances of their birth. It was a deeply ingrained custom to name a son after his father, grandfather, or another prominent male ancestor, thereby preserving family identity and honor. The circumcision ceremony on the eighth day was not merely a ritual of covenant but also the formal occasion for bestowing the child's name, making it a public and communal event. The relatives' insistence in [Luke 1:61](/luke/1-61 "Relatives Question John's Name") that "There is none of thy kindred that is called by this name" highlights the strong adherence to this tradition and their bewilderment at Elizabeth's deviation from it, emphasizing the cultural weight placed on lineage and naming conventions.
* **Key Themes:** Luke 1:61 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in the Lucan narrative. Firstly, it accentuates the theme of **Divine Will Over Human Tradition**, demonstrating that God's specific plan for John's life and ministry superseded any human expectation or customary practice. The divine instruction regarding John's name, first revealed to [Zechariah by the angel Gabriel in Luke 1:13](/luke/1-13 "Gabriel's Prophecy to Zechariah"), underscores God's sovereign control over events and individuals. Secondly, the verse highlights the **Uniqueness and Prophetic Significance** of John. The absence of the name "John" in their family line emphasizes his singular role as the [forerunner of the Messiah](/luke/3-4 "John the Baptist Prepares the Way for the Lord"), a role that set him apart from all who came before him and marked him for a unique, divinely ordained mission.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **said (Greek, _épō'_):** This verb (G2036) denotes speaking or saying, whether by word or writing. In this context, it signifies the verbal expression of the relatives' collective surprise and objection to Elizabeth's proposed name for her son. Their "saying" is not merely a question but an assertion of the normative practice, revealing their adherence to tradition and their incredulity at Elizabeth's departure from it.
* **kindred (Greek, _syngéneia'_):** This noun (G4772) refers to relationship or, concretely, one's relatives. It emphasizes the familial lineage and the collective identity of the family unit. The relatives' statement, "There is none of thy kindred," highlights the deeply ingrained custom of naming children after family members and underscores the perceived break from tradition that John's naming represented. It points to the family's shared history and the expectation that new members would reflect that heritage in their names.
* **called (Greek, _kaléō'_): adhesion):** This verb (G2564) means "to call," often aloud, and is used in various applications, including bestowing a name or surname. Here, it refers to the act of being named or identified by a particular name. The relatives' assertion that no one in their "kindred" is "called by this name" directly challenges the legitimacy of Elizabeth's choice based on the absence of familial precedent, emphasizing the unique and unprecedented nature of the name "John" within their established lineage.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they said unto her":** This phrase introduces the collective response of the assembled relatives and neighbors to Elizabeth's declaration. It signifies a communal reaction, indicating that the surprise and objection were widespread among those present, reflecting a shared cultural expectation regarding naming customs.
* **"There is none of thy kindred":** This clause highlights the core of the relatives' objection. It directly references the family lineage ("kindred" or "relatives") and asserts that within this established family tree, the proposed name, "John," has no precedent. This underscores the cultural importance of ancestral naming and the perceived deviation from tradition.
* **"that is called by this name":** This final clause specifies the nature of their concern: the absence of the name "John" within their family. It emphasizes that Elizabeth's choice breaks with the customary practice of honoring family heritage through naming, setting the stage for the divine intervention that will validate the unique and divinely appointed name.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 1:61 employs several literary devices to enhance its narrative impact. **Irony** is evident in the relatives' assertion of tradition, which unwittingly sets the stage for a divine revelation that transcends human custom. Their insistence on "none of thy kindred" being called by this name highlights the very uniqueness that God intended for John, making their objection ironically prophetic of his distinct role. The verse also uses **Contrast** between human expectation and divine decree. The communal adherence to established naming practices stands in stark contrast to the specific, unprecedented name revealed by God. Furthermore, the scene employs **Foreshadowing**, as the relatives' surprise at John's unique name subtly hints at the extraordinary and unparalleled ministry John is destined to undertake as the forerunner of the Messiah, a role that truly has no "kindred" precedent.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 1:61 underscores a profound theological truth: God's sovereign will often transcends and even overturns human traditions and expectations. The naming of John, a name meaning "The Lord is gracious," was not a matter of human discretion or cultural custom, but a divine decree. This event serves as a powerful reminder that God's plans are often unique, specific, and designed to fulfill His purposes in ways that may initially seem unconventional or even contrary to human wisdom. It teaches us that true obedience involves yielding to God's revealed will, even when it challenges our preconceived notions or societal norms, trusting that His ways are higher and His purposes ultimately bring greater glory. This narrative sets a precedent for God's direct intervention in human affairs, demonstrating His active involvement in shaping destinies for His redemptive plan.

* [Isaiah 49:1](/isaiah/49-1 "God Calls from the Womb"): "Listen, O isles, unto me; and hearken, ye people, from far; The Lord hath called me from the womb; from the bowels of my mother hath he made mention of my name."
* [Jeremiah 1:5](/jeremiah/1-5 "Jeremiah Called Before Birth"): "Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations."
* [Galatians 1:15](/galatians/1-15 "God Set Apart Paul from Birth"): "But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother's womb, and called me by his grace,"

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 1:61 invites us to reflect on the tension between human tradition and divine calling in our own lives. Just as John's family struggled to accept a name outside their lineage, we too can find ourselves resistant to God's unique path for us, especially when it deviates from societal expectations, family norms, or even our own comfortable plans. This verse challenges us to consider if we are more committed to preserving human customs or to obeying God's specific, often unconventional, will. It encourages a posture of humble surrender, recognizing that God's "naming" or calling upon our lives is purposeful and designed for His glory, even if it sets us apart. Our identity and purpose are ultimately found not in our lineage or human expectations, but in God's sovereign design. Embracing God's call, even when it means stepping outside the familiar, is an act of faith that unlocks divine potential and positions us to participate in His grand narrative of redemption.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life might you be prioritizing human tradition or expectation over God's unique call?**
* **How does the story of John's naming encourage you to trust God's unconventional plans for your life?**
* **What "name" or identity has God given you that might set you apart from others' expectations?**
* **How can you cultivate a greater openness to God's surprising ways, even when they challenge your comfort zone?**

### FAQ

**Why were the relatives so surprised by the name "John"?**

Answer: The relatives were surprised because, according to deeply ingrained Jewish custom, a male child was typically named after his father or a prominent ancestor at the time of his circumcision on the eighth day. The name "John" (Greek: _Ioannes_, Hebrew: _Yochanan_) was not present in Zechariah and Elizabeth's family lineage. Their statement, "There is none of thy kindred that is called by this name," highlights their adherence to this tradition and their bewilderment at Elizabeth's declaration, which seemed to break with established practice, as seen in [Luke 1:59-60](/luke/1-59-60 "The Naming of John").

**What is the significance of the name "John"?**

Answer: The name "John" (Hebrew: _Yochanan_) means "The Lord is gracious" or "God has shown favor." This meaning is profoundly significant for John the Baptist's ministry. He was the one chosen by God to prepare the way for the Messiah, Jesus Christ, who would bring the ultimate demonstration of God's grace and favor to humanity. John's very name foreshadowed the message of grace he would proclaim and the gracious salvation that God was about to provide through His Son, as alluded to in [Luke 1:76-77](/luke/1-76-77 "John's Prophetic Role").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The unique and divinely appointed naming of John the Baptist in Luke 1:61, which broke with human tradition, powerfully foreshadows the even greater uniqueness and divine appointment of Jesus Christ. John's name, meaning "The Lord is gracious," serves as a prophetic echo of the one he would announce: Jesus, who is "full of grace and truth" ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "Jesus, Full of Grace and Truth")). While John was set apart from birth to prepare the way, his entire ministry pointed to the ultimate "Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!" ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John the Baptist Identifies Jesus as the Lamb of God")). Jesus, too, was given a name by divine decree, "Jesus, for he shall save his people from their sins" ([Matthew 1:21](/matthew/1-21 "Jesus to Save His People")). Unlike John, who had no family precedent for his name, Jesus's name and identity transcended all human lineage, for He was the Son of God, the "name which is above every name" ([Philippians 2:9](/philippians/2-9 "The Name Above All Names")), through whom all God's promises of grace and salvation find their perfect and ultimate fulfillment.

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.