Luke 1:61
What does Luke 1:61 mean?
A plain-English look at Luke 1:61 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Luke 1:61 means
The relatives point out that no one in their family bears the name John; it is unfamiliar and unexpected. Their reaction underscores cultural norms about names and lineage. The objection stems from social custom and perhaps shock at deviating from paternal naming. Luke records the communal surprise to heighten the moment when divine instructions override customary practice and to set up the miraculous confirmation by Zacharias.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000And they said unto her, There is none of thy kindred that is called by this name.
KJV
King James Version · 1611And they said unto her, There is none of thy kindred that is called by this name.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901And they said unto her, There is none of thy kindred that is called by this name.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And they said, Not one of your relations has that name.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862And they said unto her--`There is none among thy kindred who is called by this name,'
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And they said to her: There is none of thy kindred that is called by this name.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And they said to her, There is no one among thy kinsfolk who is called by this name.
Context
This verse follows Elisabeth’s insistence and shows communal resistance. It emphasizes social expectations and creates suspense about how the child’s name will be definitively set. The next verse shows the family seeking Zacharias’s input, which will bring God’s sign to completion.
Related questions readers ask
Keep reading
Want to dig deeper? Explore Luke 1
Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on Luke 1.
Topics that quote it
Topic
Bible Verses About Being Filled with the Spirit
The Bible encourages believers to be filled with the Spirit, a divine empowerment for Christian life and witness
Topic
Bible Verses About God's Omnipotence
God's omnipotence means He is all-powerful, sovereign, and able to do anything that is consistent with His perfect nature
Topic
Reincarnation in the Bible
The Bible does not teach reincarnation, but instead emphasizes the uniqueness of each life and the certainty of death and judgment
What the Bible says about…
Verses for this moment
Verses for
Bible Verses for Praying for Pregnancy
Verses for the long wait of trying to conceive.
Verses for
Bible Verses for Anxiety Before a Job Interview
Quiet your nerves and walk in with steady steps — six verses to pray on the way.
Verses for
Bible Verses for When Prayer Feels Empty
When the words won't come — scripture for the dry prayer life.