New Testament · Gospel

Luke 2:21

Born in Bethlehem

When the eight days before His circumcision had passed, He was named Jesus, the name the angel had given Him before He was conceived. Luke 2:21 · Berean Standard Bible

What It Means

Luke 2:21, in plain English

When Jesus was eight days old, He was circumcised and given the name Jesus—the very name the angel had told Mary before she was even pregnant.

Why it's here

The name Jesus means 'God saves.' From His very first week of life, His name announced exactly why He had come.

Who's speaking

Luke records this important moment in Jesus' early life.

Where it sits in the story

His name says it all. 'Jesus'—God saves. Before He can walk or talk, His name is already preaching the gospel to everyone who hears it.

A Closer Look

The scholar's commentary

On the eighth day, Jesus is circumcised and formally named (eklēthē to onoma autou Iēsous), the name given by Gabriel before conception (Luke 1:31). Circumcision incorporates Him into the covenant community.

Language and setting

Jesus' circumcision demonstrates His full participation in the Law (Galatians 4:4). The name Iēsous (Hebrew: Yehoshua, 'Yahweh saves') encapsulates His salvific mission.

Voice

Luke records the circumcision and naming of Jesus.

Significance

Like John eight days earlier, Jesus is circumcised and named according to angelic instruction. The name 'Jesus'—'God saves'—declares His mission from infancy.

In context

Luke 2:19–23

19But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.

20The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, which was just as the angel had told them.

21When the eight days before His circumcision had passed, He was named Jesus, the name the angel had given Him before He was conceived.

22And when the time of purification according to the Law of Moses was complete, His parents brought Him to Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord

23(as it is written in the Law of the Lord: “Every firstborn male shall be consecrated to the Lord”),

Read all of Luke 2 — The most powerful person in history arrives as the most vulnerable — a baby in a feeding trough. The announcement goes to shepherds.

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