PER016

The circumcision of the infant Jesus

Luke 2.21 recounts the circumcision of the infant Jesus, eight days after his birth in Bethlehem. In accordance with Mosaic law, Joseph and Mary have the child circumcised and name him Jesus, as announced by the angel Gabriel. This Hebrew name (Yehoshua) means ‘the Eternal is salvation’. Luke alone recounts this episode, emphasising the Messiah's humanity and his roots in Jewish tradition.

2 min circumcision Jesus Luke Mosaic law Bethlehem 1 verse 1 book

Resources

You can consult:

Biblical texts

Matthew
Matthew (King James Version) not cited in the book

Technical details

Location: Bethlehem in Judea

Date: 19 October -2 BC

Method: We continue with Luke

Note on the method: Luke alone records this detail

The first census of Quirinius

Circumcision could be performed in the village of Bethlehem. It did not have to take place in the Temple of Jerusalem. This was also when the child's name was officially established.

The circumcision of Jesus

Circumcision of Jesus

Comments

Luke is indeed the only one to report the detail of the infant Jesus' circumcision, a rite prescribed by God and mentioned in the book of Leviticus 12.3. In accordance with Mosaic law, Joseph and Mary have the child circumcised. Since the operation did not require a journey to Jerusalem, it most probably took place in Bethlehem.

In his Gospel, Luke emphasises Jesus the Messiah's humanity and the importance he attaches to observing Jewish law, an essential component of his account.

Following the angel Gabriel's announcement, Joseph and Mary name the child Jesus, derived from the Hebrew name Yehoshua (Joshua), meaning ‘the is salvation’. The events surrounding his birth clearly confirm that the child is destined for greatness, an idea Mary ponders deeply, aware of the many meanings of these events.