Luke 1:31
And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 14
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
συλλήψῃ
thou shalt conceive
G4815
συλλήψῃ
thou shalt conceive
Strong's:
G4815
Word #:
3 of 14
to clasp, i.e., seize (arrest, capture); specially, to conceive (literally or figuratively); by implication, to aid
γαστρὶ
thy womb
G1064
γαστρὶ
thy womb
Strong's:
G1064
Word #:
5 of 14
the stomach; by analogy, the matrix; figuratively, a gourmand
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
6 of 14
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τέξῃ
bring forth
G5088
τέξῃ
bring forth
Strong's:
G5088
Word #:
7 of 14
to produce (from seed, as a mother, a plant, the earth, etc.), literally or figuratively
υἱόν
a son
G5207
υἱόν
a son
Strong's:
G5207
Word #:
8 of 14
a "son" (sometimes of animals), used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
9 of 14
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
καλέσεις
shalt call
G2564
καλέσεις
shalt call
Strong's:
G2564
Word #:
10 of 14
to "call" (properly, aloud, but used in a variety of applications, directly or otherwise)
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 14
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὄνομα
name
G3686
ὄνομα
name
Strong's:
G3686
Word #:
12 of 14
a "name" (literally or figuratively) (authority, character)
Cross References
Isaiah 7:14Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.Matthew 1:21And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.Matthew 1:25And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS.Luke 2:21And 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.Matthew 1:23Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.Galatians 4:4But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law,Luke 1:13But the angel said unto him, Fear not, Zacharias: for thy prayer is heard; and thy wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John.Luke 1:27To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin's name was Mary.
Historical Context
The name Yeshua/Jesus was common in first-century Judaism, often given to honor Joshua who led Israel into the Promised Land. However, Gabriel's prescribed naming indicates this child will be THE Yeshua who accomplishes ultimate salvation. The parallel with Matthew 1:21's angelic announcement to Joseph reinforces the divine mandate. In Jewish culture, names carried prophetic significance, revealing identity and destiny. By naming the child Jesus, God publicly proclaimed His intent to save His people.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the divinely prescribed name 'Jesus' (Yahweh saves) define the incarnation's purpose from its announcement?
- What does the choice of a common name like 'Jesus' teach about the incarnation's accessibility and identification with humanity?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Gabriel announces Mary will conceive and bear a son named Jesus. The name 'Jesus' (Greek 'Iēsous,' Ἰησοῦς, from Hebrew 'Yeshua,' יֵשׁוּעַ) means 'Yahweh saves' or 'the LORD is salvation.' This name explicitly identifies the child's redemptive mission—He will save His people from their sins (Matthew 1:21). The naming is divinely prescribed, not chosen by parents, indicating divine sovereignty over the incarnation. Every time the name is spoken, it proclaims the gospel message.