Luke 1:60

Hebrew Bible Modern 1977

ותען אמו ותאמר לא כי יוחנן יקרא:

What Does This Mean?

In this verse from Luke's Gospel, Elizabeth is speaking and insisting that her son should be named John despite others suggesting a different name. This demonstrates the importance of divine guidance in their naming decision.

Explained for Children

Imagine if your parents wanted to call you something special but everyone else thought it was weird. That’s what happened here. Elizabeth knew God had told her to name her baby John, so she didn’t listen when others suggested a different name.

Historical Background

This verse is from the Gospel of Luke, written by Luke around AD 80-100 for a primarily Gentile audience. It reflects the cultural practice of naming children based on divine inspiration and contrasts with societal norms.

Living It Out Today

In today’s world, this can be applied to making decisions that follow what you believe is God's will, even if it goes against popular opinion or family tradition.

Topics

• faith
• obedience
• divine guidance
• naming traditions
• belief systems
• cultural practices

Related Verses

• Genesis 17:19
• Matthew 1:20-21
• Luke 1:13
• John 1:6
• Acts 13:25

Recommended Reading

Commentary Luke Commentaries → Get This Bible Hebrew Bible Modern Study Bible →

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the cultural significance of names in biblical times?

In biblical times, names often carried significant meaning and were chosen based on God's will or a child’s future destiny. This is reflected in Elizabeth's insistence on naming her son John.

Why did others suggest a different name for the baby boy?

Others likely suggested a different name because it was common practice to follow family tradition, but Elizabeth knew God had specifically instructed that he be named John.

How does this verse relate to the idea of divine guidance in decision-making?

This verse shows how divine guidance can lead us to make decisions that might seem unconventional or difficult, yet are ultimately for our good and God’s glory.

What can parents learn from Elizabeth's response in Luke 1:60?

Parents can learn the importance of trusting their instincts and divine guidance when making important decisions about their children, such as naming them or guiding them spiritually.