King James Version
What Does Luke 1:31 Mean?
“And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS.”
Context
29
And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be.
30
And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God.
31
And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS.
32
He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David:
33
And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(31) **Behold, thou shalt conceive.**—St. Luke does not refer to the prophecy of Isaiah 7:14, but it is clear from Mary’s answer that she understood the words of the angel in the sense which St. Matthew gives to those of the prophet. What perplexed her was the reference to the conception and the birth in a prediction which made no mention of her approaching marriage. The absence of the reference is at least worth noticing, as showing that men were not necessarily led by their interpretation of the prophecy to imagine its fulfilment.
**Shalt call his name JESUS.**—See Note on Matthew 1:21. The revelation of the name, with all its mysterious fulness of meaning, was made, we may note, to Joseph and Mary independently.
Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.
Historical Context
This verse is found in the book of Luke. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.
Theological Significance
Luke 1:31 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Cross-References
Verses related to Luke 1:31
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge