He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David:

LUKE 1:32KJV
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Luke 1:32 (KJV)

What does Luke 1:32 mean?

Luke 1:32 says that the child to be born, Jesus, will be great, called the Son of the Highest, and will receive the throne of his ancestor David from God. This verse highlights Jesus’ unique status and his connection to Israel’s royal line.

In this scene, the angel Gabriel is speaking to Mary, announcing what her son will be like. Gabriel’s words show that Jesus will have a special greatness, be recognized as God’s Son, and fulfill promises made to King David about a lasting kingdom. The verse sets up Jesus as both divinely connected and the rightful heir to David’s throne, which would have been very meaningful to Mary and her people.

The Greek behind Luke 1:32

  • "great" (μέγας, megas): This word means more than just important; it often points to someone of remarkable significance or power. Here, it signals that Jesus will stand out in a way that surpasses ordinary greatness.
  • "Son of the Highest" (υἱὸς Ὑψίστου, huios Hypsistou): "Highest" is a title for God, emphasizing His supreme authority. Calling Jesus the "Son of the Highest" underlines a unique relationship with God, not just a general closeness.
  • "throne" (θρόνος, thronos): This word refers to a royal seat or kingship. Mentioning the "throne of his father David" ties Jesus directly to the promises made to David, pointing to a fulfillment of ancient hopes for a lasting king from David’s line.

Why Luke 1:32 matters

  • Luke 1:32 clarifies that Jesus is not just another important figure, but is described in terms that signal both divine connection and royal authority, which would have stood out to first-century Jewish readers.
  • By connecting Jesus to David’s throne, the verse ties the story of Jesus to the larger story of Israel and God’s promises, showing continuity between old hopes and new fulfillment.
  • The verse helps clear up any idea that Jesus’ greatness is only spiritual or symbolic; the language points to real authority and a real claim to David’s royal line.

Where else these words appear

“Highest” Greek G5310 · used in 13 verses

  • Matthew 21:9 And the multitudes that went before, and that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna to the Son of David: Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord; Hosanna in the highest.
  • Luke 1:76 And thou, child, shalt be called the prophet of the Highest: for thou shalt go before the face of the Lord to prepare his ways;
  • Luke 19:38 Saying, Blessed be the King that cometh in the name of the Lord: peace in heaven, and glory in the highest.

“throne” Greek G2362 · used in 50 verses

  • Matthew 5:34 But I say unto you, Swear not at all; neither by heaven; for it is God's throne:
  • Revelation 4:2 And immediately I was in the spirit: and, behold, a throne was set in heaven, and one sat on the throne.
  • Revelation 7:15 Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in his temple: and he that sitteth on the throne shall dwell among them.

“David” Greek G1138 · used in 54 verses

  • Matthew 1:1 The book of the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham.
  • Mark 10:48 And many charged him that he should hold his peace: but he cried the more a great deal, Thou Son of David, have mercy on me.
  • Acts 2:25 For David speaketh concerning him, I foresaw the Lord always before my face, for he is on my right hand, that I should not be moved:

“called” 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.