New Testament
Luke 1:61
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They said to her, "But no one in your family has that name."
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And they said unto her, There is none of thy kindred that is called by this name.
What Luke 1:61 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, the people around Elizabeth are surprised by the name she has chosen for her son, John. They point out that no one in her family has ever been named John, which reflects their confusion and the cultural expectation of naming children after relatives. This moment highlights the significance of names in biblical times, where names often carried deep meanings and family connections. Elizabeth's choice to name her son John, as instructed by the angel Gabriel, signifies a break from tradition and emphasizes the unique role John will play in God's plan. The community's reaction shows how they are caught up in their own expectations and traditions, which can sometimes blind them to God's workings. This verse sets the stage for the miraculous events surrounding John's birth and the fulfillment of God's promises.
How to apply Luke 1:61 to your life
This verse encourages us to be open to God's guidance, even when it challenges our traditions or expectations. It reminds us that God's plans may not always align with societal norms, and we should be willing to embrace His direction in our lives, trusting in His wisdom.
Curated for this public verse page. Luke Summary
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Illustrated scene from John the Baptist's story: “His Name Is John” (Luke 1:57–66)
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John the Baptist
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 1:61
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 1:61 mean?
In Luke 1:61, the people are surprised that Elizabeth has named her son John, as it is not a family name. This reflects their confusion and the cultural expectation to name children after relatives, highlighting the significance of names in biblical times.
What is the significance of naming in Luke 1:61?
The naming of John in Luke 1:61 signifies a break from tradition, as Elizabeth follows the angel Gabriel's instruction. This choice emphasizes John's unique role in God's plan and the importance of divine guidance over societal norms.
Why were people surprised by the name John in Luke 1:61?
The people were surprised because naming a child after a family member was a common practice. Elizabeth's choice to name her son John, as directed by the angel, defied this tradition and highlighted the special purpose of his life.
How does Luke 1:61 relate to God's plan?
Luke 1:61 relates to God's plan by showing that Elizabeth's choice to name her son John, despite community expectations, aligns with divine instruction. This moment foreshadows the important role John will play in preparing the way for Jesus.
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