What does Luke 2:21 mean?

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

Explanation

The verse Luke 2:21 refers to the Jewish tradition of male circumcision, which is completed on the eighth day after a child’s birth. This practice is rooted in the Abrahamic covenant with God, as recorded in the book of Genesis, and serves as a sign of the Jewish people’s permanent religious and social community.

In the case of Jesus, his circumcision signifies his adherence to the Jewish Law from birth, a detail that Luke, the author of the Gospel, includes to establish Jesus’ identity within Jewish tradition. Moreover, this verse marks the official naming of Jesus, in accordance with the instruction given by an angel prior to his conception as recorded in Luke 1:31. The use of the name “JESUS,” which means “Yahweh is salvation” or “the Lord saves,” holds significant meaning and foreshadows Jesus’ mission of salvation as the Messiah.

Historical Context

Written by the Evangelist Luke, this verse is part of the New Testament and belongs to the Gospel of Luke, which is believed to have been composed between AD 80 and 110. Luke’s Gospel focuses on presenting a detailed account of Jesus’ life, with special emphasis on his perfect humanity, compassion, and inclusivity. The event of Jesus’ circumcision is part of the infancy narrative which places Jesus firmly within the traditions and laws of Judaism.

At the time, circumcision was an important Jewish ritual that signified a male child’s entry into the covenant relationship with God. It was also a legal requirement for the Jewish community, as stipulated in the Mosaic Law. Jesus’ circumcision, therefore, places him under the Law, which he later fulfills through his teachings and sacrifice.

Theological Insights

Different theological viewpoints interpret this verse in distinctive ways:

• Catholic Theology: Catholic tradition holds that Jesus’ circumcision was an act of submission to the Law, despite him being the Lawgiver. It represented the first shedding of his blood, which Catholics view as a precursor to the Crucifixion.

• Protestant Theology: Many Protestant denominations focus on the fulfillment aspect, asserting that Jesus fulfilled the Law perfectly so that Christians are no longer under the Law’s requirements, but under grace.

• Judaism: Although the New Testament is not part of Jewish scripture, some Jewish scholars might see the circumcision of Jesus as consistent with the Jewish tradition of his time.

• Messianic Judaism: Believers who identify culturally as Jews but accept Jesus as the Messiah may view this verse as a bridge between Old Testament practices and the New Testament’s message of salvation.

Practical Applications

The verse exemplifies obedience to religious traditions and can inspire believers to observe their faith’s rituals and customs with respect and devotion. In a broader sense, adhering to the principle of Jesus’ obedience, individuals can be encouraged to act in accordance with their beliefs and ethical standards, even from a very young age.

Cross-References

• Genesis 17:12: “And he that is eight days old shall be circumcised among you, every man child in your generations, he that is born in the house, or bought with money of any stranger, which is not of thy seed.”
• Luke 1:31: “And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS.”
• Philippians 2:7-8: “But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.”

Language Study

In the original Greek text, the name “Jesus” is “Ἰησοῦς” (Iēsous), which is derived from the Hebrew/Aramaic name “Yeshua.” The meaning of “Yeshua” is rooted in salvation and deliverance. The phrase “which was so named of the angel” contains the Greek “ὀνομάζω” (onomazō), meaning “to name,” and indicates a direct action by the angel in naming the child, following divine guidance.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The practice of circumcision is present not only in Judaism but also in Islam, where it is seen as a sign of faith. However, it is not linked to a specific naming ceremony as in Judaism. Within ancient myths, naming is often significant and carries destiny or attributes of the character. For example, in Roman mythology, names can indicate character qualities or future roles.

Scientific Perspectives

Scientific perspectives on circumcision largely regard the practice as a medical procedure with potential benefits and risks. Modern medicine does not generally consider religious or spiritual significance in its evaluation of the practice. However, the timing of the eighth day could be seen as interesting, given that some studies suggest this is a time when vitamin K levels—which are important for blood clotting—are naturally higher in a newborn.

Commentaries

Various biblical scholars and theologians have commented on Luke 2:21:

• John Calvin: Emphasized Jesus’ submission to the Law and that his circumcision was a symbol of the “true circumcision of the heart” that he would bring about for believers.
• Matthew Henry: Pointed to the obedience of Jesus to the Law “though he had no sin,” and took note of the significance of the naming as foretold by the angel.
• William Barclay: Noted that Jesus was born into a practicing Jewish family and that the ceremony was the first shedding of blood, foreshadowing his ultimate sacrifice.

These perspectives contribute to a diversified understanding of the text, reflecting the multifaceted nature of scriptural interpretation.