And his mother answered and said, Not so; but he shall be called John.

LUKE 1:60KJV
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Luke 1:60 (KJV)

What does Luke 1:60 mean?

Luke 1:60 describes how Elizabeth, the mother of John the Baptist, firmly tells others that her son will be named John, even though this was not a family name. Elizabeth’s response goes against the expectations of her relatives, showing her obedience to what she had been told by God.

In this scene, Elizabeth is speaking to neighbors and relatives who assumed the baby would be named after his father, Zechariah. Instead, Elizabeth insists on the name “John,” which was given by divine instruction earlier in the chapter. This moment highlights Elizabeth’s faith and the special role her son will play in God’s plan.

The Greek behind Luke 1:60

  • οὐχί (ouchí, “Not so”): This is a strong way of saying “No,” more emphatic than a simple “no” in Greek. Elizabeth is not just disagreeing politely; she is firmly rejecting the suggestion.
  • Ἰωάννης (Iōánnēs, “John”): This name was not part of the family tradition, making its use stand out. The Greek form matches the name given by the angel, emphasizing that this is a divinely chosen name, not a family decision.

Why Luke 1:60 matters

  • Luke 1:60 clears up the idea that John’s naming was a casual or family matter; it was a deliberate act of obedience to God’s message.
  • The verse highlights Elizabeth’s courage and faith, as she stands against social expectations to follow God’s instructions.
  • This moment sets up the following verses, where Zechariah’s agreement with Elizabeth leads to his speech being restored, underlining the importance of trusting and obeying God’s word.

Where else these words appear

“Not” Greek G3780 · used in 54 verses

  • Matthew 5:46 For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same?
  • Luke 15:8 Either what woman having ten pieces of silver, if she lose one piece, doth not light a candle, and sweep the house, and seek diligently till she find it?
  • 1 Corinthians 1:20 Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world?

“mother” Greek G3384 · used in 79 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.
  • Mark 3:32 And the multitude sat about him, and they said unto him, Behold, thy mother and thy brethren without seek for thee.
  • Luke 8:21 And he answered and said unto them, My mother and my brethren are these which hear the word of God, and do it.

“John” Greek G2491 · used in 130 verses

  • Matthew 3:1 In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea,
  • Mark 9:2 And after six days Jesus taketh with him Peter, and James, and John, and leadeth them up into an high mountain apart by themselves: and he was transfigured before them.
  • John 1:32 And John bare record, saying, I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it abode upon him.

“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.