Luke 1:31
And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The angel's instruction to call the child "Jesus" is more than just assigning a name; it's a divine command revealing the child's core purpose: to bring salvation. This isn't just a savior, but the Savior, as the name itself, derived from Hebrew, means "the Lord saves."
The angel Gabriel has just appeared to Mary, a young virgin engaged to Joseph, and told her she has found favor with God. He then delivers the astonishing news: she will miraculously conceive and give birth to a son who will be called Jesus, and this child will be uniquely the Son of the Most High, destined to reign forever. This announcement is the pivotal moment in God's plan to bring salvation into the world through human means, setting the stage for the birth of the Messiah.
An angel delivers a divine name to Mary, not a human choice. What does this reveal about the significance of Jesus' name?
The angel Gabriel's announcement to Mary is direct and authoritative. "You shall conceive... and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus." This isn't a suggestion; it's a divine decree.
A Heavenly Mandate
The name 'Jesus' (Yeshua in Hebrew) means 'The Lord saves' or 'Yahweh is salvation.' It was not a common name chosen by parents seeking to honor a family tradition. Instead, it was revealed by God through His angel, signaling its unique importance. This immediate divine appointment underscores that Jesus’ mission was God's initiative and plan from the very beginning.
Echoes of Purpose
This name wasn't random. It directly foreshadowed Jesus' life's work. As Matthew later explains, "you shall call his name Jesus, for it is he who will save his people from their sins." The name itself was a mission statement, a constant reminder of the purpose for which the Son of God was being sent into the world.
Mary was told she would bear a son and call him Jesus. But the angel revealed this child would be far more than ordinary. What made this son so special?
The angel Gabriel's message doesn't stop with a name; it unveils the unparalleled identity of the child Mary would bear.
The Son of the Highest
Gabriel declares, "He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High." This title signifies a unique, intimate relationship with God. He isn't merely 'a son' or 'godly' like others might be called; he is the Son, sharing in God's very nature and divine authority. This sets him apart from all other beings, human or angelic.
An Eternal Kingdom
Furthermore, Gabriel connects Jesus to an everlasting reign: "The Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end." This isn't a temporary earthly rule but an eternal dominion. This points to Christ's role not just as a Savior, but as the King whose reign transcends time and space, establishing God's kingdom that will never cease.
Understand the original words
syllēpsē · Greek Verb
To become pregnant; in Scripture, this is frequently highlighted as a miraculous act of God's sovereign creative power.
Iēsoun · Greek Noun
The personal name meaning 'the Lord saves' or 'Yahweh is salvation,' given by God to the Messiah.
The name 'Jesus' is a Greek form of the Hebrew name 'Joshua,' meaning 'Yahweh is salvation.' This name was common, but in this context, it carries immense weight as a divine promise of salvation from sin, fulfilling ancient prophecies and King David's lineage.
c. 167-164 BC
Maccabean Revolt Begins
The Seleucid Empire under Antiochus IV Epiphanes persecutes Jews, leading to a revolt that eventually results in a period of Jewish independence.
c. 63 BC
Roman Conquest of Judea
Rome conquers Judea, integrating it into the Roman province of Syria and establishing a period of Roman influence and rule over the region.
c. 40-37 BC
Herodian Kingdom Established
Herod the Great is appointed King of Judea by the Roman Senate, establishing a client kingdom under Roman authority. This period sees significant building projects and political maneuvering.
c. 20 BC - AD 14
Herod the Great's Reign
Herod oversees extensive building projects, including the expansion of the Jerusalem Temple, while navigating complex political relationships with Rome and Jewish factions.
This verse is a foundational prophecy that the angel Gabriel is alluding to when announcing Jesus' conception, highlighting the miraculous nature of his birth to a virgin.
Matthew 1:21This passage directly explains the meaning of the name Jesus, as given by the angel in Luke 1:31, emphasizing His role as a Savior who delivers from sin.
Luke 2:11This verse announces the birth of a Savior, named Jesus, echoing the prophetic declaration made to Mary and showing the fulfillment of the angel's message.
Philippians 2:9-10These verses explain the significance of Jesus' name and exaltation, underscoring why He was given this name, which signifies salvation and authority.
barnesLuke 1:31: "And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS."
And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb - See the notes at Isaiah 7:14 . And shalt call his name Jesus - A Saviour. See the notes at Matthew 1:21. All this was announced. also, by an angel to Joseph, after this visitation to Mary. See the notes at Matthew 1:20-21.
cambridgeLuke 1:31: "And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS."
31 . Jesus ] The Greek form of the Hebrew name Jehoshua ( Numbers 13:8 ), Joshua, Jeshua ( Zechariah 3:1 ), which means ‘The salvation of Jehovah’ (Philo, 1:597). It was one of the commonest Jewish names. Jesus is used for Joshua (to the great confusion of English readers) in Acts 7:45 ; Hebrews 4:8 . St Matthew ( Matthew 1:21 ) explains the reason of the name—“for He Himself shall s…
The angel's instruction to call the child "Jesus" is more than just assigning a name; it's a divine command revealing the child's core purpose: to bring salvation. This isn't just a savior, but the Savior, as the name itself, derived from Hebrew, means "the Lord saves."
The angel Gabriel has just appeared to Mary, a young virgin engaged to Joseph, and told her she has found favor with God. He then delivers the astonishing news: she will miraculously conceive and give birth to a son who will be called Jesus, and this child will be uniquely the Son of the Most High, destined to reign forever. This announcement is the pivotal moment in God's plan to bring salvation into the world through human means, setting the stage for the birth of the Messiah.
The angel Gabriel has just appeared to Mary, a young virgin engaged to Joseph, and told her she has found favor with God. He then delivers the astonishing news: she will miraculously conceive and give birth to a son who will be called Jesus, and this child will be uniquely the Son of the Most High, destined to reign forever. This announcement is the pivotal moment in God's plan to bring salvation into the world through human means, setting the stage for the birth of the Messiah.
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c. 4 BC
Death of Herod the Great
Herod's death leads to the division of his kingdom among his sons, further solidifying Roman control and contributing to unrest in Judea.
c. 20-30 AD
Ministry of John the Baptist and Jesus
John the Baptist preaches repentance and prepares the way for the Messiah, while Jesus begins his public ministry, proclaiming the Kingdom of God.
c. AD 28-30— this verse
Annunciation to Mary
The angel Gabriel appears to Mary, a young virgin betrothed to Joseph, announcing that she will conceive and bear a son named Jesus, the promised Messiah and Son of God.
"And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus." — The angel's instruction to call the child "Jesus" is more than just assigning a name; it's a divine command revealing the child's core purpose: to bring salvation. This isn't just a savior, but *th…
