Breakdown of Luke 1:31-35

"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" is a common one meaning "Savior," the angel's command to Mary highlights that this isn't just any child, but the one specifically ordained by God to fulfill that role. The ange…

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Luke 1:31-35

What does Luke 1:31-35 mean?

While the name "Jesus" is a common one meaning "Savior," the angel's command to Mary highlights that this isn't just any child, but the one specifically ordained by God to fulfill that role. The angel’s use of "behold" underscores the astonishing and divinely orchestrated nature of this conception, presenting it not as a biological event but as a profound act of salvation unfolding.

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.” And Mary said to the angel, “How will this be, since I am a virgin?” And the angel answered her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy—the Son of God.

English Standard Version (ESV)

What Luke 1:31-35 means

The angel Gabriel has just appeared to Mary, a young virgin engaged to Joseph, and has declared she has found favor with God. He's told her not to be afraid because she'll conceive a son through the Holy Spirit, who will be great and called the Son of God, inheriting David's throne. This announcement is a divine promise, revealing the extraordinary nature of the child Mary will bear and directly linking him to the promised king of Israel.

A Name Meaning 'Salvation'

Gabriel brings a name to Mary that wasn't just a label, but a mission statement. What does this ancient name reveal about God's plan?

The name 'Jesus' is the Greek form of a Hebrew name, Joshua, which means 'The Lord saves' or 'Yahweh is salvation.' It's not just a common name; it's a profound declaration of purpose. The angel Gabriel announced this name to Mary, not as a suggestion, but as a divine appointment. This name points directly to Jesus' future work: to save His people from their sins, as Matthew later clarifies. It’s the core of the Gospel message – God Himself coming to bring salvation.

Divine Appointment, Not Human Choice

Mary was told the name her son would carry. This wasn't a decision made by parents, but a divine directive. What does this tell us about God's sovereignty?

The angel Gabriel, sent by God, instructed Mary to name her son Jesus. This is a critical detail: the name was given by divine authority, not chosen by Mary or Joseph. This highlights that Jesus' coming was not a spontaneous event but a planned act of God. The name 'Jesus' was specifically chosen by God to signify His salvific role, underscoring that His mission was predetermined and divinely ordained from the very beginning. It wasn't a name Mary might have chosen, but one she was commanded to give.

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The original words in Luke 1:31-35

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What Luke 1:31-35 means

What does Luke 1:31-35 mean?

What Luke 1:31-35 means

A Name Meaning 'Salvation'

Divine Appointment, Not Human Choice

The original words in Luke 1:31-35

Ask Sola about this verse

What Luke 1:31-35 means

A Name Meaning 'Salvation'

Divine Appointment, Not Human Choice

The original words in Luke 1:31-35

Ask Sola about this verse

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