King James Version
What Does Luke 1:59 Mean?
“And it came to pass, that on the eighth day they came to circumcise the child; and they called him Zacharias, after the name of his father.”
Context
57
Now Elisabeth's full time came that she should be delivered; and she brought forth a son.
58
And her neighbours and her cousins heard how the Lord had shewed great mercy upon her; and they rejoiced with her.
59
And it came to pass, that on the eighth day they came to circumcise the child; and they called him Zacharias, after the name of his father.
60
And his mother answered and said, Not so; but he shall be called John.
61
And they said unto her, There is none of thy kindred that is called by this name.
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(59) **They came to circumcise the child.**—The day of circumcision, as the admission of the child into God’s covenant with his people, was, like the day of the baptism of infants among Christians, one on which relatives were invited to be present as witnesses, and was commonly followed by a feast. It was also, as baptism has come to be, the time on which the child received the name which was to bear its witness of the prayers of his parents for him, and of his personal relation to the God of his fathers.
**They called him** **. . .**—The Greek tense is strictly imperfect—*they were calling him.* The choice of the name commonly rested with the father, but the kinsfolk seem to have assumed that, in the dumbness of the father, the duty devolved on them, and they, according to a custom not uncommon, showed their respect for the father by choosing his name.
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 1:59 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 1:59
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge