And at the end of eight days, when he was circumcised, he was called Jesus, the name given by the angel before he was conceived in the womb.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Though Jesus didn't inherently need circumcision due to sin, His submission to it signifies His voluntary pledge to fulfill the entire Law. This act, performed when He was named "Savior," underscores that His obedience was a redemptive mission, not for His own benefit but to fulfill God's promises and secure our salvation.
And at the end of eight days, when he was circumcised, he was called Jesus, the name given by the angel before he was conceived in the womb.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Eight days after Jesus' birth, he undergoes circumcision, an ancient Jewish rite signifying his submission to the Law and his identification with his people. This ritual, mandated by the Mosaic Law, is performed on the eighth day and is also the occasion when the child is formally given his name. The text emphasizes that this name, Jesus, meaning "Savior," was divinely revealed by the angel Gabriel to Mary before Jesus was conceived, highlighting the prophetic significance of his identity.
Why would the perfect Son of God need to undergo a ritual meant to symbolize the removal of sin? This verse holds a surprising clue.
The law of Moses required male infants to be circumcised on the eighth day. This wasn't just a physical act; it was a sign of belonging to God's covenant people and a reminder of the need for spiritual cleansing.
Even though Jesus was uniquely pure, He submitted to circumcision. This act showed His perfect obedience to the Law. He wasn't just born under the Law; He actively fulfilled its requirements, every bit of it. This sets Him apart as the one who could truly accomplish God's redemptive plan for us.
The name 'Jesus' wasn't just a common name. This verse highlights its profound origin and meaning.
The text emphasizes that Jesus was 'called Jesus, the name given by the angel before he was conceived in the womb.' This isn't a casual naming. The angel Gabriel specifically instructed Mary to name Him Jesus (Luke 1:31) because 'he will save his people from their sins' (Matthew 1:21).
The name 'Jesus' is the Greek form of the Hebrew name Joshua, meaning 'Yahweh saves' or 'the Lord is salvation.' This name perfectly captures His mission. It was ordained by God before His birth, signifying that His identity and purpose were divinely established from the very beginning.
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perietemōn · Greek Verb
The physical act mandated by God in the Old Testament as a sign of the covenant between God and the people of Israel; it symbolizes the cutting away of sin and consecration to the Lord.
Iēsous · Greek Noun
A personal name meaning 'the Lord saves,' given by divine command to the Son of God, signifying His mission to deliver His people from their sins.
Jesus, though sinless, willingly submitted to circumcision, a ritual signifying covenant and the need for purification from sin. This act shows His commitment to fulfilling the entire Law and His solidarity with humanity.
~2000 BC
Abraham's Covenant
God establishes a covenant with Abraham, promising a multitude of descendants and blessings through his line. A key sign of this covenant for all males is circumcision.
~1446 BC
The Exodus and the Law
After leading the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt, Moses receives the Law from God on Mount Sinai. This includes detailed instructions for Jewish life, ritual, and worship, reaffirming circumcision as a required sign.
c. 7 BC - 4 BC
Birth of Jesus
Jesus is born in Bethlehem during the reign of Emperor Augustus. This event marks the beginning of His earthly life and the fulfillment of ancient prophecies.
c. 7 BC - 4 BC
Angel's Announcement to Joseph
An angel appears to Joseph in a dream, confirming Mary's pregnancy is from the Holy Spirit and instructing him to name the child Jesus, meaning 'Saviour'. This divine naming precedes the child's birth.
c. 7 BC - 4 BC— this verse
Circumcision of Jesus
Eight days after His birth, Jesus undergoes the ritual of circumcision as required by the Mosaic Law. It is during this ceremony that He is formally given the name Jesus, as divinely ordained.
This passage directly links the naming of Jesus with his role as a savior, echoing the angel's instruction given before his conception, reinforcing the divine purpose behind his name and mission.
Galatians 4:4Paul explains that Jesus was 'born under the law' to redeem those under the law, which beautifully explains why Jesus, who was sinless, would undergo circumcision, a rite signifying submission to the Mosaic Law.
Philippians 2:7-8These verses describe Jesus emptying himself and taking the form of a servant, ultimately becoming obedient to death. His circumcision at eight days old is an early, tangible act of this lifelong obedience to God's law on our behalf.
Colossians 2:11Paul speaks of believers being circumcised with a circumcision not done by human hands, in the putting off of the body of flesh. This contrasts with Christ's physical circumcision, highlighting that His act was foundational to the spiritual reality He would later bring.
Matthew 3:15Jesus' response to John the Baptist about fulfilling all righteousness explains why He submitted to baptism, and similarly, His circumcision here fulfilled the same principle: to obey every aspect of God's law perfectly.
bensonLuke 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."
Luke 2:21 . And when eight days were accomplished — That is, not when the eighth day was ended, but when it was come: for the circumcising of the child — A ceremony which the law of Moses required to be performed on every male child at that age, and to which Christ was made subject, that he might wear the badge of a…
clarkeLuke 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."
When eight days were accomplished - The law had appointed that every male should be circumcised at eight days old, or on the eighth day after its birth, Genesis 17:12 ; and our blessed Lord received circumcision in token of his subjection to the law, Galatians 4:4 ; Galatians 5:3 . His name was called Jesus - See on…
Though Jesus didn't inherently need circumcision due to sin, His submission to it signifies His voluntary pledge to fulfill the entire Law. This act, performed when He was named "Savior," underscores that His obedience was a redemptive mission, not for His own benefit but to fulfill God's promises and secure our salvation.
Eight days after Jesus' birth, he undergoes circumcision, an ancient Jewish rite signifying his submission to the Law and his identification with his people. This ritual, mandated by the Mosaic Law, is performed on the eighth day and is also the occasion when the child is formally given his name. The text emphasizes that this name, Jesus, meaning "Savior," was divinely revealed by the angel Gabriel to Mary before Jesus was conceived, highlighting the prophetic significance of his identity.
Eight days after Jesus' birth, he undergoes circumcision, an ancient Jewish rite signifying his submission to the Law and his identification with his people. This ritual, mandated by the Mosaic Law, is performed on the eighth day and is also the occasion when the child is formally given his name. The text emphasizes that this name, Jesus, meaning "Savior," was divinely revealed by the angel Gabriel to Mary before Jesus was conceived, highlighting the prophetic significance of his identity.
"And at the end of eight days, when he was circumcised, he was called Jesus, the name given by the angel before he was conceived in the womb." — Though Jesus didn't inherently need circumcision due to sin, His submission to it signifies His voluntary pledge to fulfill the entire Law. This act, performed when He was named "Savior," underscor…
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Last reviewed October 2026