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.

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}.

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.

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.

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

Luke 2:21 recounts a pivotal moment in the early life of Jesus: His circumcision and official naming, according to Jewish custom and divine instruction. This verse highlights Jesus' immediate submission to the Law and the prophetic significance of His identity.

Context

Following His birth in Bethlehem, this event takes place on the eighth day, as prescribed by the Mosaic Law. Circumcision was a sign of the Abrahamic covenant, marking male infants as part of God's chosen people. At this ceremony, the child was formally named. In Jesus' case, His name had been divinely appointed long before His conception, as announced by the angel Gabriel to Mary (Luke 1:31) and to Joseph (Matthew 1:21).

Key Themes

  • Obedience to the Law: Jesus, though divine, fully identified with humanity and submitted to the requirements of the Law from the earliest days of His life. This foreshadows His perfect obedience throughout His earthly ministry.
  • Fulfillment of Prophecy: The naming of "JESUS" was not arbitrary but a direct fulfillment of the angelic pronouncements, emphasizing God's meticulous plan for salvation.
  • Jesus' Identity and Mission: The name itself carries profound meaning, directly pointing to His purpose as the Savior of the world.
  • Connection to Israel: By undergoing circumcision, Jesus was formally incorporated into the covenant community of Israel, affirming His lineage and heritage as the promised Messiah.

Linguistic Insights

The name "JESUS" comes from the Greek Iēsous (Ἰησοῦς), which is the Hellenized form of the Hebrew name Yeshua (יֵשׁוּעַ) or Joshua. This name literally means "The Lord saves" or "Yahweh is salvation." This etymological meaning is crucial to understanding His mission, as highlighted in Matthew 1:21: "for he shall save his people from their sins."

Significance

This simple act of circumcision and naming holds immense theological significance. It affirms Jesus' genuine humanity and His Jewish identity, proving He was "born under the law" (Galatians 4:4). His submission to this ancient ritual underscores that He came not to abolish the Law but to fulfill it (Matthew 5:17). More importantly, the divine naming of "JESUS" declared His ultimate purpose: to be the one and only Savior of humanity, providing redemption from sin.

Practical Application

Luke 2:21 reminds us of the profound significance of Jesus' name and His divine mission. It calls us to reflect on:

  • Obedience: Jesus' early life demonstrates a pattern of obedience to God's will and established ordinances. This serves as a model for believers to live in submission to God's commands.
  • God's Plan: The precise fulfillment of prophecy, even down to the naming of the child, assures us of God's sovereign control and His faithfulness in carrying out His redemptive plan.
  • The Power of His Name: The name "Jesus" is not merely a label but a powerful declaration of salvation. It is the name by which we are saved and through which we find hope and forgiveness (Acts 4:12).
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Cross-References

  • Leviticus 12:3 (8 votes)

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

  • Luke 1:59 (7 votes)

    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 (7 votes)

    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 (7 votes)

    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 (7 votes)

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

  • Luke 1:31 (7 votes)

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

  • Matthew 1:21 (5 votes)

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