New Testament
Luke 1:31
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"You will become pregnant and give birth to a son, and you are to name him Jesus."
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And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS.
What Luke 1:31 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, the angel Gabriel delivers a significant message to Mary, announcing that she will conceive a child through the Holy Spirit. This child will be a son, and she is instructed to name him Jesus. The name 'Jesus' means 'the Lord saves,' highlighting the child's divine purpose. This moment marks the beginning of the fulfillment of God's promise to send a Savior to humanity. Mary's acceptance of this news demonstrates her faith and willingness to embrace God's plan, despite the challenges she may face as an unwed mother in her society. This announcement is pivotal in the Christian faith, as it signifies the incarnation of God in human form, bringing hope and salvation to the world. The verse emphasizes the miraculous nature of Jesus' birth and sets the stage for the events that will unfold in the Gospel, showcasing God's intervention in human history.
How to apply Luke 1:31 to your life
This verse encourages us to trust in God's plans for our lives, even when they seem impossible. Like Mary, we can respond with faith and obedience, knowing that God equips us for the tasks He calls us to. Embrace your unique purpose.
Curated for this public verse page. Luke Summary
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Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: An Angel Visits Mary (Luke 1:26–38)
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Jesus
Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002724966). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Bethlehem, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
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Bethlehem
David's hometown, and the town where Jesus was born.
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Keep studying Luke 1:31
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Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Luke
- Author
- Luke the physician
- Written
- Around AD 60-62
- Genre
- Gospel and history
- Original Audience
- Gentile Christians (addressed to Theophilus)
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Luke 1:31 mean?
Luke 1:31 means that the angel Gabriel tells Mary she will conceive a son named Jesus. This announcement signifies the miraculous nature of Jesus' birth and His role as the Savior.
What is the significance of naming Jesus in Luke 1:31?
The name 'Jesus' means 'the Lord saves,' which highlights His divine purpose to bring salvation to humanity. Naming Him is an important part of the prophecy and God's plan.
How does Luke 1:31 relate to faith and obedience?
Luke 1:31 illustrates Mary's faith and obedience in accepting the angel's message. Her willingness to embrace God's plan serves as an example of trusting in divine guidance.
What themes are present in Luke 1:31?
Key themes in Luke 1:31 include divine announcement, miraculous birth, faith, obedience, and salvation. These themes highlight the significance of Jesus' coming into the world.
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