Luke 2:21 describes two significant events in the early life of Jesus: his circumcision and his naming. Let's break it down:
"When eight days were fulfilled for the circumcision of the child..."
According to Jewish Law (Leviticus 12:3), male infants were to be circumcised on the eighth day after their birth. This act was a sign of the covenant God made with Abraham and his descendants (Genesis 17:9-14).
This shows that Jesus's parents, Mary and Joseph, were observant Jews and followed Jewish traditions.
"...his name was called Jesus..."
At the time of circumcision, the child was formally named.
"...which was given by the angel before he was conceived in the womb."
The name "Jesus" (Greek Iēsous, Hebrew Yeshua) means "the Lord saves" or "God is salvation."
The angel Gabriel, in his appearance to Mary (Luke 1:31), instructed her to name her son Jesus. This pre-ordained naming is important because it emphasizes the divine origin and purpose of Jesus. His name is not simply a personal identifier but signifies his mission to bring salvation.
In essence, the verse highlights:
Jesus's Jewish identity: By undergoing circumcision, Jesus was incorporated into the Jewish covenant.
God's plan for salvation: The name "Jesus," given by divine instruction, signifies his role as the savior.
The fulfillment of prophecy: This verse emphasizes that Jesus's birth and naming were not accidental but part of a preordained plan revealed through angels.
The verse is a concise statement about Jesus's identity, purpose, and the divine orchestration of his life from its very beginning.
Luke 2:21 describes two significant events in the early life of Jesus: his circumcision and his naming. Let's break it down:
"When eight days were fulfilled for the circumcision of the child..."
According to Jewish Law (Leviticus 12:3), male infants were to be circumcised on the eighth day after their birth. This act was a sign of the covenant God made with Abraham and his descendants (Genesis 17:9-14).
This shows that Jesus's parents, Mary and Joseph, were observant Jews and followed Jewish traditions.
"...his name was called Jesus..."
At the time of circumcision, the child was formally named.
"...which was given by the angel before he was conceived in the womb."
The name "Jesus" (Greek Iēsous, Hebrew Yeshua) means "the Lord saves" or "God is salvation."
The angel Gabriel, in his appearance to Mary (Luke 1:31), instructed her to name her son Jesus. This pre-ordained naming is important because it emphasizes the divine origin and purpose of Jesus. His name is not simply a personal identifier but signifies his mission to bring salvation.
In essence, the verse highlights:
Jesus's Jewish identity: By undergoing circumcision, Jesus was incorporated into the Jewish covenant.
God's plan for salvation: The name "Jesus," given by divine instruction, signifies his role as the savior.
The fulfillment of prophecy: This verse emphasizes that Jesus's birth and naming were not accidental but part of a preordained plan revealed through angels.
The verse is a concise statement about Jesus's identity, purpose, and the divine orchestration of his life from its very beginning.