What does Luke 1:31 mean?
"And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS." - Luke 1:31
The Bible verse Luke 1:31 in the King James Version (KJV) reads, "And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name Jesus." This verse is at the heart of the story of the Annunciation, when the angel Gabriel visits the Virgin Mary to announce that she will conceive and give birth to the Son of God.
The context of this verse is important to understanding its significance. The Gospel of Luke opens with the story of the Angel Gabriel appearing to Zechariah, the husband of Elizabeth, to announce the birth of their son John the Baptist. Shortly after, Gabriel is sent by God to visit Mary in the town of Nazareth. The angel greets her, saying, "Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women" (Luke 1:28, KJV). Mary is troubled and perplexed by this greeting, but Gabriel reassures her, saying, "Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God" (Luke 1:30, KJV). It is in this context that Gabriel tells Mary she will conceive and give birth to Jesus.
The themes and symbolism in this verse are profound and rich. At the heart of this passage is the miraculous conception and birth of Jesus, the central figure in Christianity. This verse is a foundational statement of faith, affirming the belief in the Incarnation – that God became human in the person of Jesus Christ. The Gospel of Luke emphasizes the humanity of Jesus, portraying him as a compassionate and empathetic savior who identifies with the plight of the poor, the marginalized, and the outcast. The verse also underscores the unique role of Mary in this divine plan, highlighting her faith, humility, and obedience to God's will.
The name "Jesus" itself carries profound meaning and significance. In Hebrew, the name is "Yeshua," which means "Yahweh saves" or "Yahweh is salvation." This name reflects the mission and purpose of Jesus – to bring salvation and deliverance to all people. It is a name that encapsulates the hope and promise of redemption that he brings to the world.
Furthermore, the announcement of Jesus' birth to Mary carries deep eschatological and prophetic significance. It fulfills the ancient prophecies of the Old Testament, such as Isaiah 7:14, which foretold the coming of a virgin who would conceive and give birth to a son named Immanuel, meaning "God with us." This verse in Luke underscores the continuity of God's redemptive plan across the ages and the fulfillment of His promises in the birth of Jesus.
The announcement to Mary also symbolizes the intersection of the divine and the human, as the angel Gabriel proclaims the extraordinary news of a miraculous conception. It highlights the mysterious and transcendent nature of God's work in the world, as the divine enters into the realm of human existence. This intersection is symbolized in the person of Jesus, who is fully God and fully human, bridging the gap between heaven and earth.
In conclusion, Luke 1:31 in the King James Version conveys the profound message of the Annunciation, announcing the miraculous conception and birth of Jesus through the humble obedience of Mary. This verse encapsulates the themes of divine intervention, salvation, prophecy fulfillment, and the intersection of the divine and the human. It is a foundational statement of faith that proclaims the central message of Christianity – the Incarnation of God in Jesus Christ for the redemption of humanity.
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Luke 1:31 Artwork
Luke 1:31
Luke 1:31 - "And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS."
"And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS." - Luke 1:31
Luke 1:30-31 - "But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus."
Luke 22:31-32 - "Luke 22:31-32: And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren."
Luke 1:30-31 - "But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus."
Luke 23:31 - "For if they do these things in a green tree, what shall be done in the dry?"
Luke 2:31 - "Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people;"
Luke 1:30-31 - "But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus."
Luke 1:30-31 - "But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus."
Luke 24:31 - "And their eyes were opened, and they knew him; and he vanished out of their sight."
Luke 8:31 - "And they besought him that he would not command them to go out into the deep."
Luke 5:31 - "And Jesus answering said unto them, They that are whole need not a physician; but they that are sick."
Luke 4:31 - "And came down to Capernaum, a city of Galilee, and taught them on the sabbath days."
Luke 7:31 - "¶ And the Lord said, Whereunto then shall I liken the men of this generation? and to what are they like?"
Luke 20:31 - "And the third took her; and in like manner the seven also: and they left no children, and died."
Luke 6:31 - "And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise."
Luke 9:31 - "Who appeared in glory, and spake of his decease which he should accomplish at Jerusalem."
Luke 12:31 - "¶ But rather seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you."
Luke 15:31 - "And he said unto him, Son, thou art ever with me, and all that I have is thine."
Luke 10:31 - "And by chance there came down a certain priest that way: and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side."
Luke 16:31 - "And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead."
Luke 21:31 - "So likewise ye, when ye see these things come to pass, know ye that the kingdom of God is nigh at hand."
Luke 22:31 - "¶ And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat:"
Luke 3:31 - "Which was the son of Melea, which was the son of Menan, which was the son of Mattatha, which was the son of Nathan, which was the son of David,"
Luke 13:31 - "¶ The same day there came certain of the Pharisees, saying unto him, Get thee out, and depart hence: for Herod will kill thee."
Luke 5:31-32 - "Jesus answered them, "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.""
"Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people;" - Luke 2:31
"For if they do these things in a green tree, what shall be done in the dry?" - Luke 23:31
Luke 19:31 - "And if any man ask you, Why do ye loose him? thus shall ye say unto him, Because the Lord hath need of him."