Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Luke 1:31
And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS.
31. Jesus ] The Greek form of the Hebrew name Jehoshua (Num 13:8), Joshua, Jeshua (Zec 3:1), which means ‘The salvation of Jehovah’ (Philo, 1:597). It was one of the commonest Jewish names. Jesus is used for Joshua (to the great confusion of English readers) in Act 7:45; Heb 4:8. St Matthew (Mat 1:21) explains the reason of the name “for He Himself shall save His people from their sins.” On Joshua as a type of Christ see Pearson On the Creed, Art. ii.
He shall save His people from their sins, “Summa Evangelii.” Bengel.
Fuente: The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges
And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb – See the notes at Isa 7:14.
And shalt call his name Jesus – A Saviour. See the notes at Mat 1:21. All this was announced. also, by an angel to Joseph, after this visitation to Mary. See the notes at Mat 1:20-21.
Fuente: Albert Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
Luk 1:31
Call His name Jesus
The name Jesus
Bernard has delightfully said that the name Jesus is honey in the mouth, melody in the ear, and joy in the heart.
I rejoice in that expression on my own account, for it gives me my share of the delight, and leads me to hope that, while I am speaking, the sweetness of that precious name may fill my own mouth. Here also is a portion for you who are listening: it is melody in the ear. If my voice should be harsh, and my words discordant, you will yet have music of the choicest order, for the name itself is essential melody, and my whole sermon will ring with its silver note. May both speaker and hearer join in the third word of Bernards sentence, and may we all find it to be joy in our hearts, a jubilee within our souls. Jesus is the way to God, therefore will we preach Him; He is the truth, therefore will we hear of Him; He is the life, therefore shall our hearts rejoice in Him. His transporting name is an ointment poured forth, and its scent is varied so as to contain the essence of all fragrances.
I. THE NAME OF JESUS IS A NAME DIVINELY ORDERED AND EXPOUNDED. Like Himself it came down from heaven, for an angel brought it.
1. It is the best name He could bear. To be the Saviour is His glory.
2. It is the most appropriate name He could receive. God the Father, who knows Him best, sees this to be His grand characteristic, that He is the Saviour, and is best represented by this name.
3. It is a name which must be true, since Infinite Wisdom has selected it. A Saviour He must be upon a grand scale, continually, abundantly.
II. OUR LORD WAS ACTUALLY CALLED BY THE NAME JESUS BY MAN. The God of heaven by His angel appoints the Childs name, but He leaves it to Joseph and Mary to announce it. Those who are taught of God, joyfully recognize that Christ is salvation, and without a question name Him thus.
III. THE NAME HAD BEES TYPICALLY WORN BY ANOTHER, BUT IS NOW RESERVED FOR HIM ALONE. Jesus and Joshua are the same word: Joshua the Hebrew form, Jesus the Greek. The son of Nun was a type of the son of Mary. Jesus of Nazareth alone can save fully from sin.
IV. THIS NAME IDENTIFIES OUR LORD WITH HIS PEOPLE. He declares His relation to them. It is to them that He is a Saviour (Mat 1:21).
V. THE NAME JESUS IS ONE WHICH INDICATES HIS MAIN WORK.
1. He saves by taking all the sins of His people upon Himself.
2. He saves His people by bearing the penalty due to their sins.
3. He saves by driving out the vipers of sin from the heart, and implanting in their stead fresh and holy objects, ambitions, motives.
VI. THIS NAME IS ONE WHICH IS COMPLETELY JUSTIFIED BY FACTS. Given Him before He had done anything, while yet a babe, has He not earned it? Does He not well deserve the name He bears?
VII. THIS NAME IS CHRISTS PERSONAL NAME FOR EVER.
1. It is a home name. Given Him by His own mother.
2. It is a heart name. Full of the music of love–moving our affections, and firing our souls.
3. It was His death name. Written over the cross.
4. It is His resurrection name.
5. It is His gospel name.
6. It is His heaven name.
There He is ever adored as the Saviour. Let us go and tell of this name; let us continually meditate upon it; let us love it henceforth and for ever. (C. H.Spurgeon.)
The Incarnation
The Incarnation was–
1. A fact, revealed in life, words, works.
2. An unfathomable miracle, unprecedented, intimate, voluntary union of Divinity with humanity.
3. A glorious benefit; it is the glory, the light, the life of men.
(Van Doren.)
Signification of the name Jesus
Means Saviour. Salvation is the beginning and end of revelation Substance of gospel truth.
1. Light.
2. Life.
3. Liberty.
4. Pardon.
5. Sanctification.
6. Comfort.
7. Peace.
8. Hope.
9. Triumph.
Christ was and is a Saviour such as the world needs, not as the Jews expected. (Van Doren.)
The name of Jesus
1. Jesus, the Babe of Bethlehem.
2. Jesus, the Saviour of the world
3. Jesus, the Mediator between God and man.
4. Jesus, the Judge of all man kind. (A. F. Barfield.)
The miraculous conception
Had the narrative of the miraculous conception occurred in the literature of a heathen nation, it would justly have raised doubts. But in the sober verses of the Gospels, written by Jews, it takes a far different character. The idea was altogether foreign to the Jewish mind. The Hebrew doctrine of the unity of God, and of the infinite elevation of the Divine Being above man, the profound regard of the Jews for the married state, and their abhorrence of unwedded life, make it impossible to imagine how such a thought could ever have risen among them. The improbability of its being invented by a Jew is heightened by the fact, that, though lofty thoughts of the nature of the Messiah were not wanting in some Israelites, the almost universal belief was that He was to be simply a man, who would receive miraculous endowments on His formal consecration as Messiah. (Dr. Geikie.)
The name Jesus
An old divine has somewhere said: There is majesty implied in the name God. There is independent being in Jehovah. There is power in Lord. There is unction in Christ. There is affinity in Immanuel; intercession in Mediator; and help in Advocate; but there is salvation in no other name under heaven but the name of Jesus (Act 4:12). A Freedmans teacher writes of a coloured woman who, having learned her alphabet, said, Now I want to learn to spell Jesus, for pears like the rest will come easier if I learn to spell the blessed name first. A good many things come easier when we learn that name first. (Students Handbook to Scripture Doctrine.)
Fulness of meaning in the name Jesus
So the name of Jesus, the Saviour–a word often pronounced with little estimate of its meaning–will grow in the experience of believing hearts, the hearts of the redeemed, as all the height, and depth, and length, and breadth of its unspeakable tenderness, and patience, and love, are more and more in the lapse of ages disclosed to faith; till that name shall be as much more precious than all human names of tenderness and love, as the whole material universe, if crystalized into one huge diamond, would be more precious than one atom of common dust! Do not think we exaggerate. It is impossible to exaggerate the glory of the love which passeth knowledge, the value of the riches which are unsearchable. (G. W. Heacoek.)
The lock of the heart
A lock was shown to Gotthold, constructed of rings, which were severally inscribed with certain letters, and could be turned round until the letters represented the name Jesus. It was only when the rings were disposed in this manner that the lock could be opened. The invention pleased him beyond measure; and he exclaimed, Oh that I could put such a lock as this upon my heart! Our hearts are already locked, no doubt, but generally with a lock of quite another kind. Many need only to hear the words gain, honour, pleasure, riches, revenge, and their heart opens in a moment; whereas to the Saviour and to His holy name it continues shut.
The divinity of the name Jesus
Jesus was to be the special and peculiar name of the virgins Son. It fulfilled prophecy (Isa 42:2).
1. This name was new to the Saviour, who was before called The Word of God, The Son of God, The Wisdom of the Father, &c.
2. It now gained a significance it never heretofore possessed.
3. It became the antitype. Joshua as leader of the chosen people into the Promised Land, and Josedech as high priest, are eminent types of Jesus Christ. By Divine appointment our Lord received this name, implying–
I. THE SUBORDINATION OF THE SON. A name to be imposed upon any one, implies the subordination of the recipient to the giver. God the Father alone could have any proper right or authority over Jesus Christ.
II. THE PERFECT KNOWLEDGE OF THE FATHER. He alone perfectly knew the office, end, and effects of the Son coming into this world.
III. A SIGN OF SPECIAL PRIVILEGE. A God-given name always means special favour and goodwill to the person it is bestowed on. Abraham, Jacob, Samson, Peter, Paul, &c. Conclusion: This name of Jesus being Divine must be–
1. Reverenced and honoured.
2. Loved.
3. Obeyed. Then will its salvation become our own.
(James Merchant.)
The preciousness of the name Jesus
Jesus! Name stupendous and venerable; a font of mercy; an abyss of judgment; wishing to be loved rather than feared. He took the name of Saviour rather than that of Judge. The sinner must hide as did Adam, or despair as did Cain, when he is without Jesus; but with Him he repents in hope, and rejoices in pardon and grace. This name of Jesus is–
1. Of the highest import to the faithful (Joh 1:12). The power by no work of ours; which we cannot take away; a grace given to the willing only; by the conformation of the will and love wholly to God.
2. The one refuge for the penitent.
3. The security in conflict. This name supported many martyrs in their fierce trials. It acts upon the unseen powers of sin.
4. A loving yearning in those using it. It brings before the mind all the cost, agony, and suffering by which our salvation was wrought out by Jesus.
5. An ineffable joy to those loving it. It tells of a past work, a present gain, a future glory. (P. von Hartung.)
The efficacy of this name
The name of Jesus–
1. Consoles the afflicted. Honey in the mouth; melody in the ear; joy in the heart. It speaks of love, pardon, peace.
2. Arms against dangers.
3. Quiets the soul.
4. Renders all prayer profitable. Engrave this name on thy tongue, and if that fail on thy heart, have it ever in thy hand; by it direct thy every thought, word, deed. (M Faber.)
The name of Jesus a New Year watchword
Name of Jesus a watch word for New Year. An excellent and precious treasure; a treasure-house, full of all help, guidance, and comfort.
1. To prodigals, unconverted, ungodly (Act 4:12; Act 3:16).
2. To disciples–partakers of the righteousness of God in Him–full of fightings without and fears within, the name of the Lord, &c. Pro 18:10).
3. To Christian Church-workers (Col 3:17).
4. To the bereaved and afflicted, missing this year from the family and Church well-beloved names (Heb 13:8). Take this watchword in four different applications.
I. IN CHURCH LIFE. Perilous times, owing to sinful lives and divided interests of those belonging to the Church. Ship toiling through heaving waves, storm-tossed, timbers strained, sails rent; but look at her name, Jesus, and know that she must crest every wave, and weather every storm, till the haven be reached. The name of Jesus teaches of holiness and unity; truly borne, it will rebuke sin and division; known in its saving power, it will make Christians holy in Him, and one in Him.
II. IN THE WORLD. We have to live in the world, unsympathizing, scoffing, persecuting. We must not tolerate or countenance sin. Go into the world with the name of Jesus in your heart, and let it not be tainted with evil; hallow the worlds work by it, and let the worlds habits and customs testify of it. As Columbus leaped to plant the banner of Spain upon the new-found world, plant on the unknown land of the New Year the Cross–seize the year for Jesus; carry His name everywhere; let everything bearits impress. The name of Jesus teaches of purity and resolution; truly known it will make the Christian in the world pure in heart, and resolved to stand his ground.
III. IN TIMES OF TROUBLE. That were a strange year which should bring us no trouble. As well might we look for a year of undimmed sunshine, without clouds or rain. There will be dark, dreary days, biting frosts, heavy storms and tempests and it is for our good in reaping the fruits of the earth that it is so. In like manner afflictions, trials, sicknesses, losses, disappointments, will come, and for our good, to the bringing forth of the peaceable fruits of righteousness. What does the Christian say to such prospects? He trusts in the name of Jesus and fears no evil, He knows in whom he has believed. The name of Jesus is his comfort and stay and peace. It teaches him resignation and unshaken trust.
IV. IN THE HOUR OF DEATH. This may come during the present year. The name of Jesus is the password to heaven. It teaches, in the moment when this world passes away, simple faith in His merits and mediation, by whom alone we can be saved. Other experiences may or may not be ours: death must be. How shall we meet it? Leaning on what rod or staff? The name of Jesus, and faith in His name, is the only sure refuge, and the only secure hope, (Thos. H. Barnett.)
Fuente: Biblical Illustrator Edited by Joseph S. Exell
Verse 31. Thou – shalt call his name JESUS.] See on Mt 1:20-21, and here, on Lu 2:21, and Joh 1:29.
Fuente: Adam Clarke’s Commentary and Critical Notes on the Bible
These three verses contain the substance of the angels message or errand to the virgin, to tell her she should be the mother of
a Son, by what name she should call him, and what he should be. In telling her this, who knew herself to be a virgin, one who had not known man, (as she expresses it, Luk 1:34), he plainly minds her that the prophecy, Isa 7:14, should be fulfilled in her. Thus far the angels word signifieth a promise.
And shalt call his name Jesus: the angel saith the same to Joseph, Mat 1:21, and expounds it, adding, for he shall save his people from their sins; and thus the prophet expounds it, who saith, Isa 7:14, his name should be called Immanuel. There were two of this name before, Joshua and Jeshua, both of which were great types of Christ, as being great temporal saviours to the Israelites. The one brought them into Canaan; the other led them out of Babylon, Ezr 2:2. But this was yet a more excellent Joshua, who was to save his people from their sins. The angel further goes on describing him, saying,
He shall be great. Isaiah had said, Isa 9:6, his name shall be called Wonderful, mighty both in words and deeds, Luk 24:19.
And shall be called the Son of the Highest, that is, the Son of God, who is often in Scripture made known by this name, Gen 14:19; Psa 83:18; 92:1; Mar 5:7. He shall be called the Son, that is, he shall be so, for this phrase so signifieth often, Isa 1:26; Joh 1:12; for he shall be known and declared to be so, Rom 1:4. Peter so called him; so did the centurion who attended his cross. God himself called him so, Psa 2:7, and that in a sense agreeing to none but him; no, not to the angels, Heb 1:5, much less to saints.
And the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: not the temporal kingdom, but the spiritual kingdom over the same people over whom David ruled, from whom he is descended. It appeareth from many passages in the prophets that Davids kingdom was a type of Christs, 2Sa 7:13; Psa 2:6; 132:11; Isa 9:6,7; Am 9:11. Hence we find the name of David given to Christ, Jer 30:9; Eze 34:23; Eze 37:24; Hos 3:5.
And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end. Jacob was the father of the twelve tribes of Israel; so as the house of Jacob primarily signifieth the Jews, who were the natural branches in this excellent olive. Christs kingdom extended beyond the house of Jacob, but it began there, his law went first out of Zion, and he was in the first place sent to the lost sheep of Israel; he was the minister of the circumcision, Rom 15:8. Others were to be joined to the house of Jacob, Isa 14:1. Or Jacob, and the house of Jacob, may signify the whole church, all that should believe in Christ. The rod of his strength went out of Zion, Psa 110:2, though his kingdom was not confined to Jacob. All believers who worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, are by the apostle determined the circumcision, Phi 3:3, and he is a Jew who is one inwardly, Rev 2:29.
And of his kingdom there shall be no end: this both expounds the words for ever, going just before, and also distinguishes the kingdom of Christ from all kingdoms of the world, which all shall have their periods; and also assures us of the continuance of the gospel church, which is Christs kingdom, till his kingdom of glory be revealed; and this agreeth with the prophecies of the Old Testament, concerning the kingdom of the Messiah, and the typical kingdom of David, Psa 145:13; Isa 9:7; Dan 7:14; Mic 4:7.
Fuente: English Annotations on the Holy Bible by Matthew Poole
31. The angel purposely conformshis language to Isaiah’s famous prophecy (Isa7:14) [CALVIN].
Fuente: Jamieson, Fausset and Brown’s Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
And behold thou shalt conceive in thy womb,…. Though a pure virgin, which never knew a man; and therefore, “a behold”, is prefixed to it, as being what was extraordinary and wonderful; as it is also, in the prophesy of it, in Isa 7:14 to which the angel manifestly refers, and is, by Matthew cited, as accomplished hereby;
[See comments on Mt 1:22] [See comments on Mt 1:23]
and bring forth a Son, and shalt call his name Jesus; which signifies a “Saviour”; and a Saviour Christ is of God’s appointing, providing and sending; and a very suitable one, being a spiritual Saviour, and a complete one, both able and willing to save to the uttermost all that believe in him; nor is there any other, nor salvation in any other: he is the Saviour of his people, whom the Father has given him, even of all the elect, whether of Jews or Gentiles; and of them from all their sins, and from all their enemies; and whom he saves with a spiritual and eternal salvation.
Fuente: John Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible
Conceive in thy womb ( ). Adding to the verb of 1:24. Same idiom in Isa 7:14 of Immanuel.
Jesus (). As to Joseph in Mt 1:21, but without the explanation of the meaning. See on Matthew.
Fuente: Robertson’s Word Pictures in the New Testament
Thou shalt conceive. See on verse 24.
Jesus. See on Mt 1:21.
Fuente: Vincent’s Word Studies in the New Testament
1) “And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb,” (kai idou sullempse en gastri) “And behold or note this, you will conceive in (your) womb,” as a normal woman conceives, except for the source of begettal, Gen 3:15; Gal 4:4; It was a mystery of godliness, 1Ti 3:16.
2) “And bring forth a son,” (kai tekse huion) “And you will bear a son,” give birth to a son, an heir, an heir-son, not a daughter, Isa 7:14; Isa 9:6; Mic 5:2.
3) “And shalt call his name JESUS.” (kai kaleseis to onoma autou lesoun) “And you shall call his name Jesus,” meaning Savior or deliverer, as also later told by the angel to Joseph, Mat 1:21; It was to be an “He”, a “Son”, that was virgin born, and it was, Mat 1:22-25. A wicked angel came to Eve to separate her and her offspring from God. This good angel Gabriel came to Mary to tell her how that man might be united with God, through His Son, and her son, Jesus, Mat 1:21.
Fuente: Garner-Howes Baptist Commentary
31. Behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb The angel adapts his words, first to Isaiah’s prophecy, (Isa 7:14,) and next to other passages of the Prophets, with the view of affecting more powerfully the mind of the virgin: for such prophecies were well known and highly esteemed among the godly. At the same time, it ought to be observed that the angel did not merely speak in private to the ear of the virgin, but brought glad tidings, ( εὐαγγέλιον ,) which were shortly afterwards to be published throughout the whole world. It was not without the purpose of God, that the agreement, between ancient prophecies and the present message respecting the manifestation of Christ, was so clearly pointed out. The word conceive is enough to set aside the dream of Marcion and Manichaeus: for it is easy to gather from it that Mary brought forth not an ethereal body or phantom, but the fruit which she had previously conceived in her womb.
Thou shalt call his name Jesus The reason of the name is given by Matthew: for he shall save his people from their sins, ( Mat 1:21 .) And so the name contains a promise of salvation, and points out the object for which Christ was sent by the Father into the world, as he tells us that he “came not to judge the world, but to save the world,” (Joh 12:47.) Let us remember that not by the will of men, but by the command of God, was this name given to him by the angel, that our faith may have its foundation, not in earth, but in heaven. It is derived from the Hebrew word ישע, salvation, from which comes הושיע, which signifies to save. It is a waste of ingenuity to contend that it differs from the Hebrew name יהושוע, (Jehoshua or Joshua.) The Rabbins everywhere write the word Jesu; and they do this with evident malice, that they may not bestow on Christ an honorable name, but, on the contrary, may insinuate that he is some pretended Jew. Their manner of writing it, accordingly, is of no more importance than the barking of a dog. The objection that it is far beneath the dignity of the Son of God to have a name in common with others, might equally apply to the name Christ, or Anointed But the solution of both is easy. What was exhibited in shadow under the law is fully and actually manifested in the Son of God; or, what was then a figure is in him a substance. There is another objection of as little weight. They assert that the name of Jesus is not worthy of veneration and awe, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, (Phi 2:9,) if it does not belong exclusively to the Son of God. For Paul does not attribute to him a magical name, as if in its very syllables majesty resided, but his language simply means that Christ has received from the Father the highest authority, to which the whole world ought to submit. Let us then bid adieu to such imaginations, and know, that the name Jesus was given to Christ, in order that believers may be instructed to seek in him what had formerly been shadowed out under the Law.
Fuente: Calvin’s Complete Commentary
(31) Behold, thou shalt conceive.St. Luke does not refer to the prophecy of Isa. 7:14, but it is clear from Marys answer that she understood the words of the angel in the sense which St. Matthew gives to those of the prophet. What perplexed her was the reference to the conception and the birth in a prediction which made no mention of her approaching marriage. The absence of the reference is at least worth noticing, as showing that men were not necessarily led by their interpretation of the prophecy to imagine its fulfilment.
Shalt call his name JESUS.See Note on Mat. 1:21. The revelation of the name, with all its mysterious fulness of meaning, was made, we may note, to Joseph and Mary independently.
Fuente: Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers (Old and New Testaments)
31. Jesus See note on Mat 1:21.
Fuente: Whedon’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
Luk 1:31 . See on Mat 1:21 .
Fuente: Heinrich August Wilhelm Meyer’s New Testament Commentary
31 And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS.
Ver. 31. Shalt call his name Jesus ] See Trapp on “ Mat 1:21 “ If it were such a mercy to Israel that God raised up their sons for prophets, and their young men for Nazarites, Amo 2:11 , what was it to Mary, and in her to all mankind, that she should be mother to the arch-prophet, to that famous Nazarite?
Fuente: John Trapp’s Complete Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
Luk 1:31 . : no interpretation of the name here as in Mat 1:21 ; a common Jewish name, not necessarily implying Messianic functions. There may have been ordinary family reasons for its use.
Fuente: The Expositors Greek Testament by Robertson
thou shalt conceive : i.e. forthwith conceive. The Tense marks a future action, the beginning of which in relation to future time is past, but the consequences of which still continue.
and. Note the Figure of speech Polysyndeton in verses: Luk 31:32, emphasizing each detail. Note the four statements of the angel, combining the four key = texts of the four Gospels shown in the Inter-relation of the Four Gospels:
Thou shalt . . . bring forth a Son: “Behold the Man”.
Thou shalt call His name Jesus: ” Behold My Servant”.
He shall be great . . . the Son of the Highest (Luk 1:32)
: ” Behold your God”.
He shall reign, &c. (Luk 1:33)
: ” Behold thy King”.
JESUS. See note on Mat 1:21 and App-48and App-98. X.
Fuente: Companion Bible Notes, Appendices and Graphics
Luk 1:31. , behold) In the words following is contained a summary of the Gospel, which is repeated at Luk 1:50-51; Luk 1:68-69; ch. Luk 2:10-11; Luk 14:30-31. Comp. the words, 2Sa 7:8, etc.
Fuente: Gnomon of the New Testament
thou: Luk 1:27, Isa 7:14, Mat 1:23, Gal 4:4
and shalt: Luk 1:13, Luk 2:21, Mat 1:21, Mat 1:25
Reciprocal: Gen 3:15 – her seed Gen 16:11 – shalt Jdg 13:3 – but thou 2Sa 7:13 – He shall 2Sa 22:51 – seed 1Ki 2:33 – his house 2Ki 4:16 – thou shalt 2Ch 13:5 – to David Psa 18:50 – to his Psa 71:6 – thou art Psa 72:17 – His name Pro 23:25 – and she Isa 16:5 – in the Isa 49:1 – The Lord Eze 34:24 – a prince Hos 1:4 – Call Amo 9:11 – raise Mic 5:2 – that is Mat 1:1 – the son of David Mat 1:16 – of whom Mat 25:34 – the King Mar 11:10 – the kingdom Luk 1:35 – The Holy Ghost Luk 20:44 – how Joh 1:14 – the Word Act 2:30 – he Act 13:23 – this Act 15:16 – build again the tabernacle Rom 1:3 – which
Fuente: The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
1
Womb is from GASTER, and this is the only place where it comes from that Greek word. Also, this is the only place in the Bible where a statement of conceiving is joined with the word womb; this is significant. Mat 3:9 says that God could raise up children even from the stones. To promise Mary (a single girl) a son might have been taken to mean that God would give, her a son in some miraculous way independent of her own body. Hence it was necessary to tell this virgin that she was to conceive in her womb. The name of the son also was selected for her at this time.
Fuente: Combined Bible Commentary
Luk 1:31. See on Mat 1:21.
Fuente: A Popular Commentary on the New Testament
Luk 1:31-33. Behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb Though a virgin, strange to say, thou shalt have the honour of being a mother; thou shalt bring forth a son, and that son no ordinary person, but the restorer of human nature, and Saviour of the world; and therefore thou shalt call his name Jesus Or Joshua, a Saviour. He shall be great Great indeed! greater than all others that ever partook of the human nature: great in respect of his person, his offices, and his kingdom: for he shall be called, and shall be, the Son of the Highest And that in a peculiar sense, a sense in which no man or angel is or can be Gods son, being not only unspeakably dear to him, as a son is dear to his father, but of the same nature with him, as a son is of the same nature with his father. Therefore, the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his earthly father, David Or the throne typified by that of David. And he shall reign over the house of Jacob The spiritual Israel, even over all who imitate the faith and obedience of that good patriarch; and of his kingdom there shall be no end So Isa 9:8, Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end. All other kingdoms have had, or shall have, their periods, but the gospel church, which is Christs kingdom, shall continue for ever; first on earth, in its militant state, and then in heaven, in a state triumphant. See the notes on the places referred to in the margin. The kingdom of Christ, the reader must observe, is twofold: 1st, His spiritual kingdom, or the dominion of righteousness in the minds of men. 2d, His temporal kingdom, or the outward dispensation of the gospel, together with an exercise of government over the world: by which all events are ordered, so as to promote the empire of righteousness in the hearts of men. This distinction removes the difficulty arising from 1Co 15:28, where we are told, that after the worlds are judged, Christ shall deliver up the kingdom to God the Father; compared with what Gabriel said to Mary, on this occasion, and with the other passages of Scripture, which affirm that our Lords kingdom shall be everlasting. His temporal kingdom, or the gospel dispensation, will end with the world, being of no further use. At that period, likewise, he will deliver up to God the government of the world, that was committed to him for the good of his church, after having accomplished the end of his coming by putting down all rule, and all authority, and power opposite to Gods. But his spiritual kingdom, or the dominion of righteousness in the minds of reasonable beings, which he came down to establish, will continue with them to all eternity; and Jesus will still preside as head over the redeemed society in heaven, and perform such acts of government as their condition allows and circumstances require, though still in subordination to the Father. See 1Co 15:28, and Macknight.
Fuente: Joseph Bensons Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
These words would have come as good news indeed to Mary. Not only would she bear a son, but her son would obviously be someone special in view of the angelic announcement of His birth. Only five other children had been named before their births in Old Testament times: Isaac, Ishmael, Moses, Solomon, and Josiah. The words Gabriel used are very similar to the wording of Isa 7:14 in the Septuagint (cf. Gen 16:11-12). "Jesus" was a common name that came from "Joshua" (lit. Yahweh saves [or is salvation]; cf. Mat 1:21). As with John the Baptist, God exercised His sovereign prerogative by naming Jesus. Both names were significant in the light of salvation history.