But his mother repliedIn the cultural context of first-century Judea, it was customary for the father to name the child, often after a relative. However, Elizabeth, the mother of John the Baptist, takes an assertive role here, which is significant given the patriarchal society. Her response indicates her obedience to the divine message received by her husband, Zechariah, as seen earlier in
Luke 1:13, where the angel Gabriel instructs that the child should be named John.
“No!
Elizabeth's emphatic "No!" underscores her determination and faithfulness to God's command. This strong negation highlights her rejection of societal norms and expectations, as the relatives and neighbors expected the child to be named after his father, Zechariah. Her response reflects a deep conviction and trust in the divine revelation given to her family.
He shall be called John.”
The name "John" means "Yahweh is gracious" or "God is gracious," which is fitting given the miraculous nature of his birth to elderly parents and his role in preparing the way for Jesus Christ. This name was divinely appointed, as mentioned inLuke 1:13, and signifies the grace of God in the unfolding plan of salvation. John's life and ministry would indeed herald the coming of Jesus, fulfilling prophecies such asIsaiah 40:3, which speaks of a voice calling in the wilderness to prepare the way for the Lord.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
ElizabethThe mother of John the Baptist, a righteous woman from the priestly line of Aaron. She was advanced in years and considered barren before conceiving John.
2.
ZechariahElizabeth's husband, a priest who initially doubted the angel Gabriel's message about John's birth and was rendered mute until John's naming.
3.
John the BaptistThe child born to Elizabeth and Zechariah, who would grow to become a significant prophetic figure, preparing the way for Jesus Christ.
4.
The Naming EventA significant cultural and religious event where the child is officially named, often after a family member, but in this case, divinely instructed to be named John.
5.
The CommunityNeighbors and relatives who were present at the naming ceremony, expecting the child to be named after his father, Zechariah.
Teaching Points
Obedience to God's WillElizabeth's insistence on naming her son John, despite cultural expectations, demonstrates obedience to God's specific instructions. We are called to prioritize God's will over societal norms.
Faith in God's PromisesThe fulfillment of God's promise to Elizabeth and Zechariah encourages us to trust in God's timing and faithfulness, even when circumstances seem impossible.
The Importance of NamesIn biblical times, names held significant meaning and purpose. Understanding the meaning of "John" (God is gracious) can remind us of God's grace in our lives.
Community InfluenceThe community's expectation to name the child after his father reflects societal pressures. We must discern and follow God's direction, even when it contradicts popular opinion.
Role of ProphecyJohn's life and ministry were prophesied, showing the continuity of God's plan from the Old Testament to the New Testament. Recognizing God's overarching plan can give us confidence in His sovereignty.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Luke 1:60?
2.How does Luke 1:60 demonstrate obedience to God's revealed will?
3.What significance does naming have in biblical narratives, as seen in Luke 1:60?
4.How does Luke 1:60 connect to God's promises to Zechariah and Elizabeth?
5.How can we apply the example of Elizabeth's faithfulness in our own lives?
6.What lessons on trust in God's plan can we learn from Luke 1:60?
7.Why did Elizabeth insist on naming her son John in Luke 1:60?
8.How does Luke 1:60 challenge traditional family naming customs?
9.What is the significance of the name "John" in Luke 1:60?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Luke 1?
11.What is the study of Mariology?
12.Did Jesus ascend to Paradise on the crucifixion day? Yes, per Luke 23:43. No, per John 20:17.
13.Why did the women visit the tomb? To anoint Jesus with spices (Mark 16:1; Luke 23:55-24:1), to see the tomb (Matthew 28:1), or for no specified reason (John 20:1).
14.What defines someone as an ex-Christian?What Does Luke 1:60 Mean
But- The word signals a deliberate contrast with what has just happened: neighbors and relatives have gathered for the circumcision and are ready to name the child after his father, Zechariah (Luke 1:59).
- Scripture often uses a single conjunction to pivot the story toward God’s sovereign plan, overriding human custom (cf.Genesis 50:20;Acts 13:30).
- God’s purposes for this child will not be sidetracked by well-meaning community expectations.
his mother- Elizabeth is highlighted, not Zechariah, underscoring her Spirit-filled discernment (Luke 1:41–45).
- Throughout Scripture, God frequently chooses unlikely or overlooked individuals to affirm His word:
• Jochebed shielding Moses (Exodus 2:2–3)
• Hannah dedicating Samuel (1 Samuel 1:27–28)
• Mary consenting to bear Messiah (Luke 1:38)
- Elizabeth’s voice reminds believers that faithfulness in the home can have far-reaching kingdom impact (Proverbs 31:26;2 Timothy 1:5).
replied- Elizabeth answers decisively, speaking into a moment of public pressure.
- Obedience sometimes requires clear, verbal affirmation of God’s revealed will (Acts 5:29).
- Her response complements Zechariah’s forthcoming written confirmation (Luke 1:62–63), showing marital unity in submission to God.
"No!"- A single, emphatic refusal breaks with entrenched tradition—sons were commonly named after fathers or relatives.
- Following the Lord can mean a loving but firm “no” to cultural expectations (Mark 7:8–9).
- The refusal protects the unique calling God has placed on this child, much like Daniel’s resolve not to defile himself with royal food (Daniel 1:8).
He shall be called- Naming in Scripture conveys identity and destiny (Genesis 17:19;Matthew 1:21).
- Elizabeth echoes the angel’s earlier command to Zechariah: “Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to give him the name John” (Luke 1:13).
- By stating the future passive “shall be called,” she recognizes that God Himself is the ultimate Namer, and the community is to fall in line.
John- The name is not a parental brainstorm; it is heaven-assigned, marking the child as forerunner to the Messiah (Isaiah 40:3;Luke 1:76).
- His ministry will call Israel to repentance and prepare hearts for Jesus (Luke 3:3–6).
- Every believer’s identity likewise originates in God’s declaration, not in human labels (Revelation 2:17).
summaryLuke 1:60 portrays Elizabeth’s Spirit-led courage to stand against tradition and align with God’s explicit command. Her decisive “No!” secures the divinely chosen name, John, anchoring the child in his prophetic destiny. The verse reminds us that obedience sometimes requires a clear break from cultural norms, confident that God’s word defines identity and purpose.
(60)
Not so; but he shall be called John.--It is obvious from what follows that the writing-tablet had been in frequent use, and in this way the husband must have told the wife of the name which had been given by the angel.
Verse 60. -
Not so; but he shall be called John. It is clear (from verse 62) that the old priest was afflicted with deafness as well as with dumbness. At the naming ceremony, the stricken Zacharias, who was patiently awaiting the hour when his God should restore to him his lost powers, made no effort to express his will. He had already in the past months, no doubt, written down for Elisabeth the name of the boy that was to be born. She interrupts the ceremony with her wishes. The guests are surprised, and make signs to the father. He at once writes on his tablets, "His name is John." The name had been already given. The word "John" signifies "the grace of Jehovah."
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek
Butκαὶ(kai)Conjunction
Strong's 2532:And, even, also, namely.hisαὐτοῦ(autou)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846:He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.motherμήτηρ(mētēr)Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3384:A mother. Apparently a primary word; a 'mother'.replied,ἀποκριθεῖσα(apokritheisa)Verb - Aorist Participle Passive - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 611:From apo and krino; to conclude for oneself, i.e. to respond; by Hebraism to begin to speak.“No!Οὐχί(Ouchi)Adverb
Strong's 3780:By no means, not at all. Intensive of ou; not indeed.He shall be calledκληθήσεται(klēthēsetai)Verb - Future Indicative Passive - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 2564:(a) I call, summon, invite, (b) I call, name. Akin to the base of keleuo; to 'call'.John.”Ἰωάννης(Iōannēs)Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2491:Of Hebrew origin; Joannes, the name of four Israelites.
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NT Gospels: Luke 1:60 His mother answered Not so (Luke Lu Lk)