Luke 2:21

Authorized King James Version

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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.

Original Language Analysis

καὶ And G2532
καὶ And
Strong's: G2532
Word #: 1 of 27
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ὅτε when G3753
ὅτε when
Strong's: G3753
Word #: 2 of 27
at which (thing) too, i.e., when
ἐπλήσθησαν were accomplished G4130
ἐπλήσθησαν were accomplished
Strong's: G4130
Word #: 3 of 27
to "fill" (literally or figuratively (imbue, influence, supply)); specially, to fulfil (time)
ἡμέραι days G2250
ἡμέραι days
Strong's: G2250
Word #: 4 of 27
day, i.e., (literally) the time space between dawn and dark, or the whole 24 hours (but several days were usually reckoned by the jews as inclusive of
ὀκτὼ eight G3638
ὀκτὼ eight
Strong's: G3638
Word #: 5 of 27
"eight"
τῇ which G3588
τῇ which
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 6 of 27
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
περιτεμεῖν for the circumcising G4059
περιτεμεῖν for the circumcising
Strong's: G4059
Word #: 7 of 27
to cut around, i.e., (specially) to circumcise
τῇ which G3588
τῇ which
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 8 of 27
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
παιδίον, of the child G3813
παιδίον, of the child
Strong's: G3813
Word #: 9 of 27
a childling (of either sex), i.e., (properly), an infant, or (by extension) a half-grown boy or girl; figuratively, an immature christian
καὶ And G2532
καὶ And
Strong's: G2532
Word #: 10 of 27
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
κληθὲν was called G2564
κληθὲν was called
Strong's: G2564
Word #: 11 of 27
to "call" (properly, aloud, but used in a variety of applications, directly or otherwise)
τῇ which G3588
τῇ which
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 12 of 27
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὄνομα name G3686
ὄνομα name
Strong's: G3686
Word #: 13 of 27
a "name" (literally or figuratively) (authority, character)
αὐτόν he G846
αὐτόν he
Strong's: G846
Word #: 14 of 27
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
Ἰησοῦς JESUS G2424
Ἰησοῦς JESUS
Strong's: G2424
Word #: 15 of 27
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
τῇ which G3588
τῇ which
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 16 of 27
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κληθὲν was called G2564
κληθὲν was called
Strong's: G2564
Word #: 17 of 27
to "call" (properly, aloud, but used in a variety of applications, directly or otherwise)
ὑπὸ of G5259
ὑπὸ of
Strong's: G5259
Word #: 18 of 27
under, i.e., (with the genitive case) of place (beneath), or with verbs (the agency or means, through); (with the accusative case) of place (whither (
τῇ which G3588
τῇ which
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 19 of 27
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀγγέλου the angel G32
ἀγγέλου the angel
Strong's: G32
Word #: 20 of 27
compare g0034) (to bring tidings); a messenger; especially an "angel"; by implication, a pastor
πρὸ before G4253
πρὸ before
Strong's: G4253
Word #: 21 of 27
"fore", i.e., in front of, prior (figuratively, superior) to
τῇ which G3588
τῇ which
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 22 of 27
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
συλληφθῆναι was conceived G4815
συλληφθῆναι was conceived
Strong's: G4815
Word #: 23 of 27
to clasp, i.e., seize (arrest, capture); specially, to conceive (literally or figuratively); by implication, to aid
αὐτόν he G846
αὐτόν he
Strong's: G846
Word #: 24 of 27
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
ἐν in G1722
ἐν in
Strong's: G1722
Word #: 25 of 27
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
τῇ which G3588
τῇ which
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 26 of 27
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κοιλίᾳ the womb G2836
κοιλίᾳ the womb
Strong's: G2836
Word #: 27 of 27
a cavity, i.e., (especially) the abdomen; by implication, the matrix; figuratively, the heart

Analysis & Commentary

The eighth-day circumcision demonstrates Jesus's full entrance into covenant community and submission to the Law He came to fulfill (Matt 5:17). His naming 'JESUS' ('Yeshua'—Yahweh saves) fulfills Gabriel's instruction (Luke 1:31) and declares His mission. The name's meaning—'He shall save his people from their sins' (Matt 1:21)—defines His purpose. That the name was 'so named of the angel before he was conceived' emphasizes divine determination of His identity and mission. Jesus's circumcision shows He was 'born under the law' (Gal 4:4) to redeem those under the law. His submission to covenant requirements models obedience while accomplishing what the Law foreshadowed.

Historical Context

Circumcision on the eighth day fulfilled Abrahamic covenant requirements (Gen 17:12) and identified Jesus with His people Israel. The naming at circumcision formalized what Gabriel had announced, publicly declaring Jesus's identity and saving purpose to all witnesses.

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