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. Luke 1:31

Explanation

This verse, found in the Gospel of Luke, is part of the annunciation narrative where the angel Gabriel tells the Virgin Mary that she will conceive a child by the Holy Spirit. The child is to be named Jesus, a name which carries significant meaning. Literally, the name Jesus (Yeshua in Hebrew) means “Yahweh is salvation” or “Yahweh saves.” The instruction to name the child Jesus signifies the child’s future role and mission as the savior in the Christian belief. This verse is pivotal as it sets the stage for the Christian narrative of God becoming incarnate in the form of Jesus Christ for the redemption of mankind.

Historical Context

The Book of Luke was likely written between AD 80 and 110. It is generally considered that Luke, a physician and companion of Paul the Apostle, wrote both the Gospel of Luke and the Acts of the Apostles. This period followed the death and reputed resurrection of Jesus Christ and the establishment of the early Christian church. At this time, the authors of the gospels were seeking to preserve the teachings and accounts of Jesus’s life. The Jewish people were awaiting a Messiah, a savior who would deliver them, and the context of Roman occupation heightened this messianic expectation. The announcement of Jesus’s conception to a virgin is framed within this socio-religious context.

Theological Insights

Christian theologians understand this verse as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies regarding the coming of a Messiah. It also introduces the theological concept of the virgin birth, a core doctrine in Christianity signifying the divine origin of Jesus Christ. From the Catholic viewpoint, this verse is one of the foundational proofs of the virginity of Mary, while Protestant interpretations may focus more on the fulfillment of prophecy and less on Marian doctrines.

Practical Applications

The verse can serve as a foundation for faith, encouraging believers to trust in divine plans that may seem incomprehensible or impossible. It invites individuals to find peace in the belief that God is actively involved in the world and has a purpose for each life. This can be applied to how one perceives unexpected or challenging circumstances, prompting an attitude of acceptance and hope. Additionally, the naming of Jesus as a savior can lead believers to seek spiritual salvation and growth in their own lives.

Cross-References

• Isaiah 7:14 – “Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.”
• Matthew 1:21 – “And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.”
• Luke 1:35 – “And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.”

Language Study

The key words in this passage are “conceive in thy womb,” “bring forth a son,” and “call his name JESUS.” In the original Greek text, “conceive” is translated from the word “συλλήμψῃ” (syllēmpsēi), which refers to the biological conception. The Greek phrase “τέξῃ υἱόν” (texē huion) means “give birth to a son,” indicating the physical process of childbirth. Lastly, “JESUS” is the English rendering of the Greek “Ἰησοῦν” (Iēsoun), which is itself derived from the Hebrew name “Yeshua” (ישוע), meaning “Yahweh is salvation.”

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

This verse can be contrasted with other ancient myths where gods interact with humans, often resulting in the birth of a hero or demigod. However, the Christian claim is unique in that it asserts a monotheistic God becoming incarnate. The virginal conception contrasts sharply with the often sexual nature of divine-human interaction in other myths. Within Judaism, the expectation of a Messiah was prevalent, though interpretations of Messiahship typically did not include divine incarnation or virgin birth.

Scientific Perspectives

The virgin birth is a point where the biblical narrative and modern scientific understanding clearly diverge. Contemporary biology asserts that human conception requires genetic material from both a male and a female. As such, a virgin birth, as described in this verse and within the Christian tradition, is not something that can be reconciled with known biological processes and is typically regarded as a matter of faith rather than historical or scientific fact.

Commentaries

Various biblical scholars and theologians have provided comments on this verse. Scott Hahn, a contemporary Catholic theologian, emphasizes the fulfillment of the Old Testament prophecy and the unique role of Mary in salvation history. Protestant theologians, like John MacArthur, stress the doctrinal importance of the virgin birth in affirming Jesus’s divinity. Many commentaries also reflect on the humility and obedience of Mary as an exemplary response to divine intervention in one’s life. Anthropologists and secular scholars often discuss the verse from a mythological perspective, comparing it to other religious narratives from different cultures.