King James Version

What Does Luke 2:21 Mean?

Luke 2:21 in the King James Version says “And when eight days were accomplished for the circumcising of the child, his name was called JESUS, which was so named o... — study this verse from Luke chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

And when eight days were accomplished for the circumcising of the child, his name was called JESUS, which was so named of the angel before he was conceived in the womb.

Luke 2:21 · KJV


Context

19

But Mary kept all these things , and pondered them in her heart.

20

And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.

21

And when eight days were accomplished for the circumcising of the child, his name was called JESUS, which was so named of the angel before he was conceived in the womb.

22

And when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were accomplished, they brought him to Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord;

23

(As it is written in the law of the Lord, Every male that openeth the womb shall be called holy to the Lord;)


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The eighth-day circumcision demonstrates Jesus's full entrance into covenant community and submission to the Law He came to fulfill (Matt 5:17). His naming 'JESUS' ('Yeshua'—Yahweh saves) fulfills Gabriel's instruction (Luke 1:31) and declares His mission. The name's meaning—'He shall save his people from their sins' (Matt 1:21)—defines His purpose. That the name was 'so named of the angel before he was conceived' emphasizes divine determination of His identity and mission. Jesus's circumcision shows He was 'born under the law' (Gal 4:4) to redeem those under the law. His submission to covenant requirements models obedience while accomplishing what the Law foreshadowed.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Circumcision on the eighth day fulfilled Abrahamic covenant requirements (Gen 17:12) and identified Jesus with His people Israel. The naming at circumcision formalized what Gabriel had announced, publicly declaring Jesus's identity and saving purpose to all witnesses.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does Jesus's circumcision teach about His identification with His people?
  2. How does the name 'Jesus' define His mission and identity?
  3. Why was it necessary for Jesus to fulfill the Law He came to replace?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 27 words
καὶ1 of 27

And

G2532

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

ὅτε2 of 27

when

G3753

at which (thing) too, i.e., when

ἐπλήσθησαν3 of 27

were accomplished

G4130

to "fill" (literally or figuratively (imbue, influence, supply)); specially, to fulfil (time)

ἡμέραι4 of 27

days

G2250

day, i.e., (literally) the time space between dawn and dark, or the whole 24 hours (but several days were usually reckoned by the jews as inclusive of

ὀκτὼ5 of 27

eight

G3638

"eight"

τῇ6 of 27

which

G3588

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

περιτεμεῖν7 of 27

for the circumcising

G4059

to cut around, i.e., (specially) to circumcise

τῇ8 of 27

which

G3588

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

παιδίον,9 of 27

of the child

G3813

a childling (of either sex), i.e., (properly), an infant, or (by extension) a half-grown boy or girl; figuratively, an immature christian

καὶ10 of 27

And

G2532

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

κληθὲν11 of 27

was called

G2564

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

τῇ12 of 27

which

G3588

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

ὄνομα13 of 27

name

G3686

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

αὐτόν14 of 27

he

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

Ἰησοῦς15 of 27

JESUS

G2424

jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites

τῇ16 of 27

which

G3588

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

κληθὲν17 of 27

was called

G2564

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

ὑπὸ18 of 27

of

G5259

under, i.e., (with the genitive case) of place (beneath), or with verbs (the agency or means, through); (with the accusative case) of place (whither (

τῇ19 of 27

which

G3588

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

ἀγγέλου20 of 27

the angel

G32

compare g0034) (to bring tidings); a messenger; especially an "angel"; by implication, a pastor

πρὸ21 of 27

before

G4253

"fore", i.e., in front of, prior (figuratively, superior) to

τῇ22 of 27

which

G3588

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

συλληφθῆναι23 of 27

was conceived

G4815

to clasp, i.e., seize (arrest, capture); specially, to conceive (literally or figuratively); by implication, to aid

αὐτόν24 of 27

he

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

ἐν25 of 27

in

G1722

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

τῇ26 of 27

which

G3588

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

κοιλίᾳ27 of 27

the womb

G2836

a cavity, i.e., (especially) the abdomen; by implication, the matrix; figuratively, the heart


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 2:21 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 2:21 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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