Devine Scripture

Luke 1:60

What does Luke 1:60 mean?

A plain-English look at Luke 1:60 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Luke 1:60 means

Elisabeth refuses the expected name and insists on John. Her decision shows fidelity to God’s announced plan rather than human tradition. It also reflects maternal authority and prophetic conviction, likely informed by her awareness of Gabriel’s message. Choosing the name John marks the child for his divinely appointed mission and signals that the community must accept God’s designation over customary practice.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And his mother answered and said, Not so; but he shall be called John.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And his mother answered and said, Not so; but he shall be called John.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And his mother answered and said, Not so; but he shall be called John.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

But his mother made answer and said, No, his name is John.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and his mother answering said, `No, but he shall be called John.'

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And his mother answering, said: Not so. But he shall be called John.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And his mother answering said, No; but he shall be called John.

Context

This refusal breaks with the earlier expectation of naming the child Zacharias. It heightens narrative tension within the family and community, leading to debate and the need for Zacharias’s confirmation despite his muteness. The scene prepares for the dramatic written sign that will restore speech.

v.59And it came to pass on the eighth day, that they came to circumcise the child; and they would have called him Zacharias, after the name of his father.

v.60This passage

v.61And they said unto her, There is none of thy kindred that is called by this name.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • 2 Samuel 12:25

    and he sent by the hand of Nathan the prophet; and he called his name Jedidiah, for Jehovah’s sake.

  • Luke 1:13

    But the angel said unto him, Fear not, Zacharias: because thy supplication is heard, and thy wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John.

  • Isaiah 8:3

    And I went unto the prophetess; and she conceived, and bare a son. Then said Jehovah unto me, Call his name Maher-shalal-hash-baz.

  • Matthew 1:25

    and knew her not till she had brought forth a son: and he called his name JESUS.

  • Luke 1:63

    And he asked for a writing tablet, and wrote, saying, His name is John. And they marvelled all.

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