Luke 2:21 – “On the eighth day, when it was time to circumcise the child, he was named Jesus, the name the angel had given him before he was conceived.”
Extended Explanation
This verse describes two important events in the life of the newborn Jesus. First, He was circumcised on the eighth day, following Jewish custom. Second, He was officially given the name Jesus, as instructed by the angel before His birth. Both events carry significant meaning, reflecting Jesus’ connection to Jewish tradition and His unique role as the Savior of the world.
Circumcision was a sign of the covenant between God and Abraham’s descendants (Genesis 17:10-12). By undergoing circumcision, Jesus was fully identifying with His people and fulfilling the Law of Moses. The naming of Jesus at this time highlights the importance of His mission. The name Jesus (Yeshua in Hebrew) means “the Lord saves” or “God is salvation,” pointing to His role as the one who would bring salvation to humanity.
Historical Context
In Jewish tradition, circumcision was a significant religious ritual that marked a baby boy’s inclusion in the covenant community of Israel. It was performed on the eighth day after birth, following God’s command to Abraham (Genesis 17:12) and later reinforced in the Law of Moses (Leviticus 12:3). Circumcision symbolized a person’s relationship with God and commitment to His covenant.
The naming of a child was also an important event, often accompanied by religious significance. In this case, the angel Gabriel had instructed both Mary (Luke 1:31) and Joseph (Matthew 1:21) to name the child Jesus, emphasizing that His name reflected His divine mission. Names in ancient Jewish culture often carried prophetic meaning, and Jesus’ name indicated that He would be the one to save His people from their sins.
Theological Implications
This verse highlights Jesus’ full participation in human life and His obedience to God’s Law. Although He was the Son of God, He humbled Himself to become fully human and submitted to the requirements of the Law (Galatians 4:4). By doing so, Jesus fulfilled the Law perfectly, making Him the only one who could offer a perfect sacrifice for sin.
The naming of Jesus reminds us that salvation is at the heart of His mission. His name wasn’t chosen by human parents—it was given by God Himself. This shows that Jesus’ purpose was part of God’s eternal plan. His mission to save humanity wasn’t an afterthought or a reaction to human sin—it was God’s plan from the beginning.
The significance of the eighth day is also worth noting. In Scripture, the number eight often symbolizes new beginnings. Jesus’ circumcision on the eighth day hints at the new covenant and new life that He would bring through His death and resurrection.
Literary Analysis
Luke’s inclusion of this detail is significant because it ties Jesus to the promises of the Old Testament while pointing forward to the new covenant. The mention of circumcision establishes Jesus as a faithful member of Israel who fulfills the Law, but the naming of Jesus points to the new work that God is doing through Him.
Luke also uses this verse to highlight the fulfillment of prophecy. By stating that Jesus was given the name that the angel had announced before His conception, Luke emphasizes that God’s plan is being carried out exactly as He promised.
The structure of the verse moves from obedience to the Law (circumcision) to the revelation of God’s plan (the name Jesus), showing the connection between the Old Testament and the new work of salvation that Jesus would accomplish.
Biblical Cross-References
- Genesis 17:10-12 – God’s covenant with Abraham, requiring circumcision as a sign of the covenant.
- Leviticus 12:3 – The requirement for circumcision on the eighth day according to the Law of Moses.
- Matthew 1:21 – The angel’s instruction to Joseph: “You are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”
- Philippians 2:9-10 – “God exalted Him to the highest place and gave Him the name that is above every name.”
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
This verse reminds Christians that Jesus fully entered into the human experience to accomplish our salvation. By submitting to the Law and being circumcised, Jesus demonstrated His obedience to God’s will. For Christians, this is a powerful example of humility and submission, showing that even the Son of God was willing to follow the path laid out for Him by His Father.
The naming of Jesus also serves as a reminder of the power of His name. His name means salvation, and that’s exactly what He offers to everyone who believes in Him. For believers, calling on the name of Jesus means trusting in the one who can save us from sin and give us eternal life.
This verse also encourages believers to remember that God’s plan is trustworthy. Just as the angel’s instructions about Jesus’ name were fulfilled exactly, we can trust that God will fulfill His promises in our lives.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
God’s love is shown in the very act of sending His Son to be born under the Law and to fulfill its requirements. Rather than leaving humanity in its broken state, God provided a Savior who would live in perfect obedience and become the ultimate sacrifice for sin. Jesus’ circumcision foreshadows His later sacrifice, where His blood would be shed to seal the new covenant of grace.
The fact that God gave Jesus His name reflects His loving desire to save humanity. He didn’t leave the task of naming Jesus to human parents—He made it clear that Jesus’ mission was to bring salvation. This shows that from the very beginning, God’s plan was motivated by His love for us.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
This verse directly connects to Jesus’ mission and identity. His circumcision identifies Him as part of Israel and as the one who would fulfill the Law. His name, given by God, points to His role as the Savior of the world. Throughout His life, Jesus would embody the meaning of His name by healing the sick, forgiving sins, and ultimately dying on the cross to provide salvation.
The connection to circumcision also foreshadows the spiritual circumcision of the heart that would become part of the new covenant. Paul writes in Colossians 2:11-12 that believers experience a spiritual circumcision through faith in Christ, marking them as members of God’s family and participants in His salvation.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- Why do you think it was important for Jesus to be circumcised and to fulfill the requirements of the Law?
- What does the meaning of Jesus’ name (“the Lord saves”) reveal about His mission and purpose?
- How can you trust God’s plan in your life, knowing that His promises are always fulfilled?
- In what ways does Jesus’ obedience to the Law serve as an example for your own life?
- How does reflecting on the name of Jesus encourage you to call on Him for salvation and guidance?