King James Version

What Does Luke 1:61 Mean?

Luke 1:61 in the King James Version says “And they said unto her, There is none of thy kindred that is called by this name.” — study this verse from Luke chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And they said unto her, There is none of thy kindred that is called by this name.”

Luke 1:61 · KJV

Context

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.

62

And they made signs to his father, how he would have him called.

63

And he asked for a writing table, and wrote, saying, His name is John. And they marvelled all.

Read Luke 1 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The relatives' objection—'There is none of thy kindred that is called by this name'—reveals how tradition and precedent can blind people to God's new work. Their concern for family naming conventions demonstrates how we often value human tradition over divine direction. That no kinsman bore the name John made the choice seem strange and unprecedented, which is precisely the point—God was doing a new thing requiring a new name. This objection sets up the climactic moment when Zacharias confirms God's choice, showing that true spiritual authority rests in divine revelation, not family custom or majority opinion. The controversy highlights that God's redemptive work often breaks established patterns.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Jewish naming customs honored ancestors and maintained family identity. The relatives' objection shows genuine concern for convention but reveals how religious tradition can become obstacle to recognizing God's new work. John's unique name would mark him as set apart for unique ministry.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do traditions, even good ones, sometimes hinder recognition of God's work?
  2. What does this teach about the relationship between honoring the past and embracing God's new work?
  3. How can we discern when to maintain tradition versus when to depart from it?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 16 words
καὶ1 of 16

“And”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

εἶπον2 of 16

“they said”

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

πρὸς3 of 16

“unto”

G4314

a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,

αὐτὴν4 of 16

“her”

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

ὅτι5 of 16
G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

Οὐδείς6 of 16

“none”

G3762

not even one (man, woman or thing), i.e., none, nobody, nothing

ἐστιν7 of 16

“There is”

G2076

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

ἐν8 of 16

“of”

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

τῇ9 of 16
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

συγγενεία10 of 16

“kindred”

G4772

relationship, i.e., (concretely) relatives

σου11 of 16

“thy”

G4675

of thee, thy

ὃς12 of 16

“that”

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

καλεῖται13 of 16

“is called”

G2564

to "call" (properly, aloud, but used in a variety of applications, directly or otherwise)

τῷ14 of 16
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ὀνόματι15 of 16

“name”

G3686

a "name" (literally or figuratively) (authority, character)

τούτῳ16 of 16

“by this”

G5129

to (in, with or by) this (person or thing)

Study Guide

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 1:61 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Test Your Knowledge

Luke 1 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterLuke Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Luke 1 with CommentaryAll Luke ChaptersComplete Luke QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes