While the name "Jesus" means "Savior," the angel's instruction emphasizes Mary's active role in naming him, highlighting that this divine plan is unfolding through her participation. This isn't just a passive announcement; it's an invitation for her to embrace her part in bringing salvation to the world.
And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And 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.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
The angel Gabriel has just appeared to Mary, a young virgin betrothed to Joseph, and greeted her as "highly favored" and "blessed among women." After assuring her not to be afraid and that her greeting was from God, Gabriel then delivers this incredible, world-altering news about her impending conception and the special name of her son. This announcement sets in motion the central event of Christian faith: the miraculous incarnation of Jesus.
The angel Gabriel’s announcement to Mary isn't just stating facts; it's unveiling a divine identity. This name, Jesus, is packed with meaning, pointing to God's ultimate plan.
The Name of Salvation
The angel Gabriel’s command to Mary, "you shall call his name Jesus," is deeply significant. This wasn't just any name; it was a divine appointment carrying immense theological weight.
Mary was a humble virgin, engaged to Joseph. The angel's message is astonishing, hinting at a profound mystery about this child's origin and destiny.
The Mystery of the Incarnation
The announcement of Jesus' conception, especially to a virgin, highlights the extraordinary nature of his arrival.
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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.
Huios · Greek Noun
The second person of the Trinity; a title signifying divine nature, messianic office, and a unique relationship to the Father.
Hypsistou · Greek Noun
A title for God (El Elyon) emphasizing His supreme sovereignty, exaltation, and authority over all other powers.
thronon · Greek Noun
The seat of authority representing sovereign rule and judicial power; in the Davidic covenant, it refers to the eternal, Messianic dominion over God's people.
Dauid · Greek Noun
A reference to the covenant promise that the Messiah would be a descendant of David and inherit the royal authority and kingdom throne promised to him.
basileias · Greek Noun
A political and spiritual realm under the governance of a King; in Scripture, it refers to God's redemptive rule.
The name 'Jesus' (Yeshua) was common, but the angel Gabriel revealed its profound significance: 'The Lord saves.' This divine appointment, rooted in ancient prophecy and announced to Mary and Joseph independently, underscores Jesus' unique role as the promised Messiah who would save His people from their sins.
c. 740 BC
Prophecy of Immanuel
The prophet Isaiah foretells that a virgin will conceive and bear a son named Immanuel, meaning 'God with us.' This prophecy is later seen as pointing to Jesus.
c. 6th Century BC
Exilic and Post-Exilic Period
During and after the Babylonian exile, many Jewish people were scattered, and the hope for a promised King from David's line was kept alive through scripture and tradition.
c. 4 BCE
Birth of Jesus
Jesus is born in Bethlehem, fulfilling prophecies about the Messiah and marking the beginning of his earthly ministry.
c. 27-30 AD
Jesus' Ministry
Jesus travels and teaches, performing miracles and gathering disciples, ultimately leading to his crucifixion and resurrection.
c. AD 60-62— this verse
Luke Writes His Gospel
The evangelist Luke, likely after extensive investigation, writes his detailed account of Jesus' life, ministry, and the events surrounding his birth, including the angelic annunciation to Mary.
This passage directly prophesies a virgin conceiving and bearing a son, echoing the announcement to Mary and highlighting the fulfillment of ancient scripture.
Matthew 1:21This verse explains the meaning of the name Jesus, 'for he will save his people from their sins,' providing the theological significance behind the angel's command to Mary.
Luke 2:11This verse announces the birth of a Savior, Jesus, in Bethlehem, reinforcing the identity and purpose of the son Mary is to bear as declared by Gabriel.
Acts 4:12This passage emphasizes that salvation is found in no one else but Jesus, underscoring the unique and critical role implied by the name given to Mary's son.
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…
While the name "Jesus" means "Savior," the angel's instruction emphasizes Mary's active role in naming him, highlighting that this divine plan is unfolding through her participation. This isn't just a passive announcement; it's an invitation for her to embrace her part in bringing salvation to the world.
The angel Gabriel has just appeared to Mary, a young virgin betrothed to Joseph, and greeted her as "highly favored" and "blessed among women." After assuring her not to be afraid and that her greeting was from God, Gabriel then delivers this incredible, world-altering news about her impending conception and the special name of her son. This announcement sets in motion the central event of Christian faith: the miraculous incarnation of Jesus.
The angel Gabriel has just appeared to Mary, a young virgin betrothed to Joseph, and greeted her as "highly favored" and "blessed among women." After assuring her not to be afraid and that her greeting was from God, Gabriel then delivers this incredible, world-altering news about her impending conception and the special name of her son. This announcement sets in motion the central event of Christian faith: the miraculous incarnation of Jesus.
"And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, and he will reign…" — While the name "Jesus" means "Savior," the angel's instruction emphasizes Mary's active role in naming him, highlighting that this divine plan is unfolding through her participation. This isn't jus…
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Last reviewed October 2026
