New Testament
Luke 1:32
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"He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his ancestor David."
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He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David:
What Luke 1:32 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, the angel Gabriel announces the significance of Jesus' birth to Mary. He emphasizes that Jesus will be 'great' and recognized as the 'Son of the Most High,' indicating His divine nature and authority. The reference to the 'throne of his ancestor David' connects Jesus to the royal lineage of King David, fulfilling Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah. This highlights Jesus' rightful place as a king in God's kingdom. The title 'Son of the Most High' signifies His unique relationship with God, affirming His divinity and role in salvation. This announcement sets the stage for the transformative impact Jesus will have on the world, establishing His identity as both a spiritual leader and a king. The verse reassures believers of God's plan and the fulfillment of His promises through Jesus, who embodies greatness and divine purpose.
How to apply Luke 1:32 to your life
This verse encourages us to recognize the significance of Jesus in our lives. Understanding His identity as the Son of God and King can inspire us to trust in His authority and guidance. We can reflect on how we honor His greatness in our daily actions and decisions.
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 1:32
Key themes
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 1:32 mean?
Luke 1:32 means that the angel Gabriel is announcing to Mary that her son, Jesus, will be recognized as great and will hold a significant position as the Son of God. It highlights His divine nature and royal lineage, connecting Him to King David.
What is the significance of 'Son of the Most High' in Luke 1:32?
The phrase 'Son of the Most High' in Luke 1:32 signifies Jesus' unique relationship with God, affirming His divinity and authority. It indicates that Jesus is not just a prophet but has a special status as God's Son.
What does the throne of David represent in Luke 1:32?
The throne of David in Luke 1:32 represents Jesus' rightful place in the royal lineage of Israel, fulfilling Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah. It emphasizes His role as a king in God's kingdom.
How does Luke 1:32 relate to the concept of the Messiah?
Luke 1:32 relates to the concept of the Messiah by declaring that Jesus will be great and linked to David's throne, fulfilling the Jewish expectation of a savior and king who would restore God's kingdom.
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