What does Luke 1:60 mean?

And his mother answered and said, Not so; but he shall be called John. Luke 1:60

Explanation

The biblical verse Luke 1:60 narrates a moment from the birth of John the Baptist, where there is a divergence between the naming expectations of the community and the will expressed by his parents, particularly his mother. The name “John” means “Jehovah has been gracious” or “Jehovah has shown favor.” In the context of the verse, Elizabeth, the mother of John, responds firmly to her relatives and neighbors, who assume the baby will be named after his father, Zechariah. Elizabeth’s declaration that her son’s name shall be John highlights the significance of the divine instruction given to her husband by the angel Gabriel, as recorded earlier in the chapter. The insistence on the name John underscores the special role that the child is to play in God’s plan, as a prophet who will prepare the way for Jesus Christ.

Historical Context

This verse is set in the Priestly division of Abijah, during the Herodian period of Jewish history. At that time, it was a common Jewish practice to name a child after a relative, as a means of preserving family heritage and memory. Zechariah and Elizabeth, who were both of the priestly lineage of Aaron, broke with tradition by choosing the name given by the angel Gabriel, despite Zechariah’s temporary muteness and the community’s expectations. This passage illustrates a significant break from traditional norms, signaling the divine intervention and the beginning of a new era that John the Baptist’s birth represents.

Theological Insights

Theologically, this verse has been interpreted in various ways across different Christian denominations. For some, it illustrates the importance of obedience to divine will over societal expectations. In Catholic theology, it speaks to the sanctity of John even from his mother’s womb, which aligns with the doctrine of the immaculate conception. Protestant interpretations might focus on the fulfillment of prophecy and the sovereignty of God in the lives of believers. The Eastern Orthodox Church sees in the figure of John the culmination of the Old Testament prophets and the bridge to the New Covenant with Christ.

Practical Applications

In practical terms, Luke 1:60 teaches the value of following divine guidance even when it contradicts cultural or societal norms. It invites individuals to consider their own choices and the extent to which they align with their faith and divine purpose. The steadfastness of Elizabeth can serve as an example of courage and conviction, encouraging believers to stand firmly in their faith-based decisions.

Cross-References

• Luke 1:13 – “But the angel said unto him, Fear not, Zacharias: for thy prayer is heard; and thy wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John.”
• Luke 1:63 – “And he asked for a writing table, and wrote, saying, His name is John. And they marvelled all.”
• John 1:6 – “There was a man sent from God, whose name was John.”

Language Study

The original Greek text for the name “John” is Ἰωάννης (Iōannēs). This name is a transliteration of the Hebrew name יוֹחָנָן (Yohanan), which comes from the roots יהוה (Yahweh, the name of God) and חָנַן (hanan, meaning “to be gracious”). Thus, the name itself embodies the notion of divine grace and favor, which is particularly significant in the light of the role John was to play.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The tradition of naming a child after a family member is a common practice in many cultures around the world. In the context of other ancient myths, divine or significant figures sometimes receive special names that signal their destiny or role, similar to how John’s naming indicated his purpose to herald the coming of Christ. Other religions also share the concept of prophetic figures who lead to a new spiritual era, akin to John the Baptist in Christianity.

Scientific Perspectives

From a modern scientific perspective, there is no empirical method to validate the divine instructions Elizabeth and Zechariah believed they received. The scientific community does study the psychological and sociological effects of breaking from tradition and the impact of believing that one is following a divine command. Such studies may provide insights into the human experience but do not comment on the theological truths of these beliefs.

Commentaries

Biblical commentaries offer a range of interpretations on Luke 1:60. Some scholars focus on the prophetic significance of John’s naming, noting that it signals the beginning of God’s redemptive plan. Others may emphasize the sociocultural impact of this event, discussing how this act of obedience disrupted societal norms and set a precedent for the ministry of Jesus, who would often challenge established traditions in favor of spiritual truth. Still, others might look at Elizabeth’s role and the empowerment given to her in a male-dominated society to name her own child, which was unusual for the times.