Luke 2:21

KJV

¶ 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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} when {G3753} eight {G3638} days {G2250} were accomplished {G4130} for the circumcising {G4059} of the child {G3813},{G2532} his {G846} name {G3686} was called {G2564} JESUS {G2424}, which {G3588} was so named {G2564} of {G5259} the angel {G32} before {G4253} he {G846} was conceived {G4815} in {G1722} the womb {G2836}.

Complete Jewish Bible

On the eighth day, when it was time for his b'rit-milah, he was given the name Yeshua, which is what the angel had called him before his conception.

Berean Standard Bible

When the eight days until His circumcision had passed, He was named Jesus, the name the angel had given Him before He had been conceived.

American Standard Version

And when eight days were fulfilled for circumcising him, his name was called JESUS, which was so called by the angel before he was conceived in the womb.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 2:21 meticulously records two foundational events in the infancy of Jesus: His circumcision on the eighth day and His formal naming as "JESUS." This verse underscores His immediate submission to the Mosaic Law and the Abrahamic covenant, while simultaneously highlighting the divine pre-ordination of His identity and mission as the promised Savior, a name revealed by an angel even before His conception.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse follows the miraculous birth of Jesus in Bethlehem and the adoration of the shepherds, as recounted in [Luke 2:1-20](/luke/2-1-20 "Luke 2:1-20 - The Birth of Jesus and the Shepherds' Visit"). It marks a transition from the initial events surrounding His birth to His formal incorporation into the covenant community of Israel. The subsequent verses in [Luke 2:22-40](/luke/2-22-40 "Luke 2:22-40 - Jesus' Presentation in the Temple") describe His presentation at the Temple in Jerusalem, further demonstrating His parents' adherence to Jewish law and foreshadowing His future ministry within the Temple. Luke, known for his meticulous historical detail and theological precision, uses this event to emphasize Jesus' genuine humanity and His connection to the lineage and traditions of Israel.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** According to [Leviticus 12:3](/leviticus/12-3 "Leviticus 12:3 - The Law of Circumcision"), male infants in Israel were to be circumcised on the eighth day after birth. This practice was the physical sign of the [Abrahamic covenant](/genesis/17-9-14 "Genesis 17:9-14 - The Covenant of Circumcision") established by God with Abraham and his descendants, marking them as God's chosen people. The circumcision ceremony was also the traditional occasion for formally naming the child, often in the presence of family and community members. For Jesus, this act was not merely a cultural formality but a profound theological statement of His identification with humanity and His submission to the Law, even though He was its divine author and ultimate fulfillment.
* **Key Themes:** Luke 2:21 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Luke's Gospel and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights **Obedience to the Law**, demonstrating Jesus' perfect adherence to God's commands from the earliest days of His life, setting a precedent for His entire earthly ministry (cf. [Matthew 5:17](/matthew/5-17 "Matthew 5:17 - Jesus Fulfills the Law")). Secondly, the verse emphasizes the **Fulfillment of Prophecy** and divine pre-ordination, as Jesus' name was not chosen by His parents but divinely appointed by an angel before His conception, as revealed to Mary in [Luke 1:31](/luke/1-31 "Luke 1:31 - Angel Gabriel's Announcement to Mary") and to Joseph in [Matthew 1:21](/matthew/1-21 "Matthew 1:21 - Angel's Instruction to Joseph"). This underscores God's meticulous plan for salvation. Thirdly, it establishes **Jesus' Identity and Mission**, as His name, "JESUS," directly signifies His purpose as the Savior, a theme powerfully articulated in [Matthew 1:21](/matthew/1-21 "Matthew 1:21 - The Meaning of Jesus' Name"). Finally, the act of circumcision firmly establishes Jesus' **Connection to Israel** and His Jewish heritage, affirming His rightful place as the promised Messiah from the line of David.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **accomplished (Greek, _plḗthō'_):** This word (G4130) signifies "to fill" or "to fulfill," often used in the sense of completing a period of time or bringing something to its full measure. In this context, it denotes that the prescribed eight days had fully elapsed, marking the precise moment for the circumcision and naming ceremony according to the Law. It implies a divine punctuality in the unfolding of God's redemptive plan.
* **called (Greek, _kaléō'_):** This term (G2564) means "to call," "to name," or "to bid." Here, it refers to the formal act of bestowing a name upon the child. The passive voice ("was called") subtly emphasizes that the naming was not arbitrary but an act performed upon the child, in accordance with a prior divine directive. It highlights the authority behind the naming.
* **JESUS (Greek, _Iēsoûs'_):** This proper noun (G2424) is the Greek transliteration of the Hebrew name "Yeshua" or "Joshua," which means "The Lord saves" or "Yahweh is salvation." This name is profoundly significant, encapsulating the very essence of His mission. It is not merely an identifier but a declaration of His saving purpose, explicitly stated by the angel in [Matthew 1:21](/matthew/1-21 "Matthew 1:21 - Angel's Instruction to Joseph").

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And when eight days were accomplished for the circumcising of the child":** This clause precisely dates the event, adhering to the Mosaic Law (Leviticus 12:3). The "eighth day" was significant not only for the covenant sign but also because it allowed for the child's initial recovery from birth and was considered a day of new beginnings in Jewish thought. The act of circumcision physically marked Jesus as a descendant of Abraham and a member of the covenant community of Israel, signifying His identification with humanity and His submission to the Law.
* **"his name was called JESUS":** This simple statement records the formal naming of the child. In Jewish culture, names often carried deep meaning and could reflect a person's character, destiny, or the circumstances of their birth. For Jesus, the name itself was a prophetic declaration of His identity and purpose, "The Lord saves." The passive voice "was called" subtly points to an external authority or pre-determination in the naming.
* **"which was so named of the angel before he was conceived in the womb":** This crucial explanatory clause reveals the divine origin of Jesus' name. It was not chosen by Mary and Joseph but divinely appointed by the angel Gabriel to Mary (Luke 1:31) and later confirmed to Joseph (Matthew 1:21). The phrase "before he was conceived in the womb" emphasizes the pre-existence of God's plan and the supernatural nature of Jesus' identity, highlighting that His saving mission was part of God's eternal decree, not a human invention.

#### Literary Devices
Luke's concise narrative in this verse employs several literary devices. **Narrative Precision** is evident in the specific mention of "eight days," grounding the divine event in historical and cultural reality. The verse also utilizes **Foreshadowing**, as Jesus' submission to circumcision on the eighth day foreshadows His perfect obedience to the entire Law throughout His life, culminating in His death and resurrection. The divine pre-naming of "JESUS" serves as **Symbolism**, where the name itself is a powerful symbol of His ultimate mission as Savior. There is also an element of **Divine Irony** or **Paradox** in the Creator of the Law submitting to its requirements, demonstrating profound humility and solidarity with humanity.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 2:21 is a profound theological statement, affirming both Jesus' genuine humanity and His divine mission. His circumcision signifies His full identification with humanity, born "under the law" ([Galatians 4:4](/galatians/4-4 "Galatians 4:4 - Christ Born Under the Law")), yet without sin. This act was not for His own purification, as He was pure, but to fulfill all righteousness and to mark Him as the true Israelite, the heir of the covenant promises. The divine naming of "JESUS" (meaning "The Lord saves") underscores that His very identity is inextricably linked to His redemptive purpose. This verse sets the stage for His life of perfect obedience, culminating in His atoning sacrifice, which alone provides salvation from sin. It reveals God's meticulous, sovereign plan unfolding precisely as foretold, ensuring that the promised Deliverer would indeed be the one who saves His people.

* [Matthew 1:21](/matthew/1-21 "Matthew 1:21 - Angel's Instruction to Joseph Regarding Jesus' Name")
* [Galatians 4:4-5](/galatians/4-4-5 "Galatians 4:4-5 - Christ Born Under the Law to Redeem")
* [Philippians 2:5-8](/philippians/2-5-8 "Philippians 2:5-8 - Christ's Humiliation and Obedience")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 2:21 offers rich ground for reflection on the nature of Christ and the call to discipleship. Jesus' willingness to submit to a human ritual, even one divinely instituted, despite His divine nature, speaks volumes about His humility and His commitment to fulfilling God's plan. For us, this highlights the importance of obedience to God's revealed will, even in seemingly small acts. It reminds us that our identity in Christ is not self-chosen but divinely appointed through His saving work. The name "JESUS" itself is a powerful reminder of God's provision for our greatest need—salvation from sin. This verse encourages us to trust in God's perfect timing and sovereign plan, knowing that He meticulously orchestrates every detail for our redemption. It invites us to live lives of humble obedience, rooted in the profound truth of who Jesus is and what He accomplished for us.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Jesus' early act of obedience to the Law challenge my own understanding of submission to God's commands?**
* **What does the divine pre-naming of Jesus reveal about God's sovereign plan for salvation and His personal involvement in our lives?**
* **In what ways can I more fully embrace the meaning and power of the name "JESUS" in my daily life and witness?**

### FAQ

**Why was it necessary for Jesus to be circumcised if He was without sin?**

Answer: Jesus' circumcision was necessary for several profound theological and practical reasons. Firstly, it demonstrated His full identification with humanity and His Jewish heritage, proving He was "born under the law" as stated in [Galatians 4:4](/galatians/4-4 "Galatians 4:4 - Christ Born Under the Law"). This act formally incorporated Him into the covenant community of Israel, confirming His lineage as the promised Messiah. Secondly, it was an act of perfect obedience to God's established law, setting a precedent for His entire life of fulfilling all righteousness (cf. [Matthew 3:15](/matthew/3-15 "Matthew 3:15 - Jesus Fulfills All Righteousness")). Though He was sinless, He submitted to this ritual not for His own purification, but to stand in solidarity with sinful humanity, ultimately to redeem those who were under the law. His circumcision was a vital step in His journey to become the perfect sacrifice, fulfilling the Law rather than abolishing it (cf. [Matthew 5:17](/matthew/5-17 "Matthew 5:17 - Jesus Fulfills the Law")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 2:21, though a simple narrative detail, profoundly points to the Christ-centered fulfillment of God's redemptive plan. Jesus' circumcision on the eighth day, according to the Law, prefigures His ultimate identification with sinful humanity, even though He Himself was without sin (cf. [2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")). This act of submission to the covenant sign of the Old Testament foreshadows His perfect obedience, which would ultimately fulfill the entire Law and provide the righteousness necessary for salvation (cf. [Romans 5:19](/romans/5-19 "Romans 5:19 - Obedience of One")). The divine naming of "JESUS" (meaning "The Lord saves") is the very essence of His messianic mission. He is the true "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")), the one through whom spiritual circumcision of the heart is now made possible for all believers, a circumcision "made without hands" ([Colossians 2:11-12](/colossians/2-11-12 "Colossians 2:11-12 - Spiritual Circumcision in Christ")). Thus, this early event in Jesus' life is not merely a historical footnote but a foundational stone in the grand narrative of salvation, revealing His identity as the promised Savior who perfectly embodies and fulfills God's covenant promises.

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

Leviticus 12:3

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

Luke 1:59

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.

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.

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,

Galatians 4:5

To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.

Luke 1:31

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

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.