And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS.

LUKE 1:31KJV
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Luke 1:31 (KJV)

What does Luke 1:31 mean?

Luke 1:31 records the angel Gabriel telling Mary that she will become pregnant, give birth to a son, and name him Jesus. This verse announces the coming birth of Jesus in clear, direct terms, highlighting both the miraculous conception and the specific name he is to be given.

In this scene, the angel Gabriel is speaking directly to Mary, a young woman in Nazareth. Gabriel’s message is both startling and specific: Mary, though not yet married, will conceive a child. The instruction to name the child "Jesus" signals his importance and connects to promises about a coming savior in Jewish tradition.

The Greek behind Luke 1:31

  • Ἰησοῦς (Iēsous): This is the Greek form of the name "Jesus." It reflects the Hebrew name יֵשׁוּעַ (Yeshua), meaning "The Lord saves" or "The Lord is salvation." The angel’s instruction to use this name points to the child’s future role.
  • ἰδοὺ (idou): Translated as "behold," this word is used to draw attention and signal something important or surprising. Gabriel uses it here to emphasize the significance of the message to Mary.
  • συλλήμψῃ (syllēmpsē): This word means "you will conceive." It highlights the beginning of the miraculous event, focusing on Mary’s role in bringing Jesus into the world.

Why Luke 1:31 matters

  • Luke 1:31 clarifies that the birth of Jesus is not a random event but the result of a direct message and plan from God, delivered by an angel.
  • The verse emphasizes Mary’s role and obedience, as well as the importance of the name "Jesus," which is tied to his mission.
  • This announcement sets the stage for the rest of Luke’s account, connecting to earlier promises about a coming savior and showing that Jesus’ arrival fulfills long-held hopes in Israel.

Where else these words appear

“womb” Greek G1064 · used in 9 verses

  • Matthew 1:18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost.
  • Matthew 24:19 And woe unto them that are with child, and to them that give suck in those days!
  • 1 Thessalonians 5:3 For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape.

“conceive” Greek G4815 · used in 16 verses

  • Matthew 26:55 In that same hour said Jesus to the multitudes, Are ye come out as against a thief with swords and staves for to take me? I sat daily with you teaching in the temple, and ye laid no hold on me.
  • Luke 5:7 And they beckoned unto their partners, which were in the other ship, that they should come and help them. And they came, and filled both the ships, so that they began to sink.
  • Acts 12:3 And because he saw it pleased the Jews, he proceeded further to take Peter also.(Then were the days of unleavened bread.)

“forth” Greek G5088 · used in 18 verses

  • Matthew 1:21 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.
  • Luke 2:6 And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.
  • Hebrews 11:11 Through faith also Sara herself received strength to conceive seed, and was delivered of a child when she was past age, because she judged him faithful who had promised.

“call” Greek G2564 · used in 138 verses

  • Matthew 1:21 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.
  • Luke 8:2 And certain women, which had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities, Mary called Magdalene, out of whom went seven devils,
  • Romans 9:26 And it shall come to pass, that in the place where it was said unto them, Ye are not my people; there shall they be called the children of the living God.