Luke 1:60
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Luke 1:60
60 And his mother answered and said, Not so; but he shall be called John.
Chapter Context
Luke 1 is a historical gospel chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of obedience, worship, creation. Written during the late first century CE (c. 80-85 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Written when Christians needed to understand their place in the Roman world.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-80: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it addresses timeless questions about faith, suffering, and divine purpose. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Luke and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Luke 1:60
60 And his mother answered and said, Not so; but he shall be called John.
Analysis
Elisabeth's decisive response—'Not so; but he shall be called John'—demonstrates submission to divine revelation over cultural expectation. Her certainty and the future tense 'shall be' indicate settled conviction based on God's word through Gabriel. That Elisabeth knew the name proves Zacharias had communicated (likely in writing) what the angel commanded. Her willingness to contradict family and community expectations shows that obedience to God transcends social pressure. The name John (Hebrew Yochanan, 'Yahweh is gracious') proclaims the theological meaning of his birth and foreshadows his message of repentance and divine grace. Elisabeth's firmness models that knowing God's will requires standing against even well-meaning opposition.
Historical Context
In patriarchal Jewish society, a mother publicly contradicting naming customs—especially without the father speaking—would have been shocking. Elisabeth's boldness demonstrated the strength of her conviction that this name came from God, not human preference.
Reflection
- How can we maintain obedience to God's revealed will despite social pressure?
- What does the name 'John' (God is gracious) teach about his ministry and message?
- When is it appropriate to firmly resist even well-meaning counsel?
Cross-References
- References John: Luke 1:13
- Parallel theme: 2 Samuel 12:25, Isaiah 8:3