And it came to pass that on the eighth day they came to circumcise the child: and they called him by his father's name Zachary.
και εγενετο εν τη ογδοη ημερα ηλθον περιτεμειν το παιδιον και εκαλουν αυτο επι τω ονοματι του πατρος αυτου ζαχαριαν
10 Church Fathers comment on this verse
Why was the name assigned following circumcision? This signifies that one must first obtain a divine mark before being bestowed with a human name. Otherwise, circumcision symbolizes the renunciation of carnal qualities; for no individual is deserving of being recognized as a soldier of God or having their name inscribed in the heavenly book until they have first renounced and severed their fleshly traits.
It is significant that the blessed Evangelist felt it essential to indicate in advance that the majority sought to name the child after his father, Zacharias, to clarify that the mother did not dismiss the name of a stranger by lineage. Instead, the Holy Spirit inspired her with the name already foretold to Zacharias (cf. Lk. 1:13). Zacharias, being human, was unable to inform his wife of the name for their son, whereas Elizabeth received through prophecy what her husband could not convey. Therefore, one should not be astonished that she confidently requested a name she had not previously heard; the Holy Spirit had revealed it to her and commissioned an angel to declare it. As one who foretold the coming of Christ, she was obliged to acknowledge the divine declaration.
On the eighth day, they arrived to perform the circumcision of the child. In accordance with the law, they intended to name him after his father, Zechariah, as was customary for many sons to be named after their fathers.
Circumcision accurately symbolizes the resurrection of Christ, as it takes place on the eighth day, following the Sabbath. Just as circumcision was aimed at delivering one from the charge of eternal death, it also illustrates the complete renewal of everlasting life in our Creator, instilling hope within us.
The name John signifies 'the mercy of God' or 'the One in whom there is mercy.' This name encapsulates the entirety of the merciful message of the gospel he preached, particularly highlighting the Lord Himself, through whom grace was bestowed upon the world. When John's name was subsequently proclaimed and affirmed, Zechariah's mouth was unsealed, and he spoke in praise of God. It is evident that, in light of the grace of the new covenant revealed through the apostles, many priests embraced this truth with faith.
On the eighth day, the time arrived for the child's circumcision, which was mandated by the law, marking also the moment for naming. The ceremony, known as ‘Priidosha,’ held both familial and religious significance. Circumcision was performed by individuals of skill and moral integrity, suggesting that specially chosen practitioners were usually engaged in this act. They named the child after his father, Zechariah, as it was customary among the Jewish people to name a child after a father, grandfather, or another relative. This reflects a notable shift in Israelite traditions. In earlier times, patriarchs often named their children after remarkable occurrences or significant life events, as seen with names like Benjamin and Isaac.
Similarly, prophets sometimes assigned names in reference to specific happenings or social events. However, the practice evolved into one where names primarily indicated familial connections. Although this remains a personal custom, it indicates a broader trend in the nation's mindset. The ancient practice of naming based on events or prophetic significance was rooted in the belief that the lower, earthly order is under the higher, divine authority, linking past and future through Providence. As this notion diminished, the Jewish people began to lose their trust in divine guidance, opting for names based on worldly considerations, and began to align more closely with Gentile practices. 'The name of Zacharias' resonated particularly with them. For a child born to an elderly father, it seemed fitting to bear the name of his parent, symbolizing a sort of resurrection of the father. This brings to mind the Gospel narratives surrounding the earthly existence of Jesus Christ, including the Nativity of John the Baptist and his early years.
While in Nazareth the silence surrounding Mary's secret was broken, the mute state of Zacharias was also lifted. Elizabeth gave birth to a son as had been promised by the angel, and many relatives and friends gathered to celebrate. They were amazed by this remarkable occurrence, noting its timing with the vision granted to Zacharias, recognizing a profound connection between the two events, yet they possessed no concrete understanding. Zacharias remained unable to speak, and Elizabeth, respecting her husband's wishes, kept the secret of their child’s name.
As seven days passed, the time came for the child to be circumcised and named on the eighth day, a time traditionally set for a family gathering among the Jews, where at least ten close relatives were present. The relatives convened in the home of Zacharias for this sacred rite and celebration. When it was time to name the child, they directed their inquiry to Elizabeth, since Zacharias was unable to speak. She declared the child's name to be John, a choice that surprised those present, as neither Zacharias nor Elizabeth had connections to that name. They proposed that the child could be named after his father, but Elizabeth remained firm in her decision.
In search of Zacharias's intention, they sought a sign from him. He wrote on a tablet, "John is to be his name," and at that moment, his speech was restored, with his first words being praise to God. The assembly marveled at the extraordinary circumstances surrounding John's birth. They anticipated such a son; his birth came in their advanced age, and throughout Elizabeth's pregnancy, Zacharias had been mute. By some divine inspiration, both parents chose a name that held no familial ties, and when Zacharias affirmed that name, his ability to speak was returned. A true miracle! While everyone interpreted this event as miraculous, the deeper significance and purpose behind it remained unknown to them.
Shortly after the departure of Our Lady from Elizabeth's home, Elizabeth gave birth to a son. This event was perceived as a remarkable gift and mercy from God not only by the elderly parents but also by their friends and relatives, resulting in widespread joy among them. On the eighth day following the birth, as mandated by the law (Leviticus 12:3), the child was to be circumcised. In accordance with tradition (Genesis 21:3-4), they prepared to name him. The proposal was to name him Zacharias, after his father, adhering to the custom of naming offspring after family members. However, Elizabeth, acting on the instruction of the angel (Luke 1:13), which was unknown to the attendees of the circumcision ceremony, insisted that her son be named John.
When asked to clarify the situation, Zechariah was approached, and they communicated with him using signs, likely due to their familiarity with this method, and Zechariah’s previous silence allowed him to attentively listen to the surrounding discussions. A simple gesture was enough for him to comprehend the discussion. In response, Zacharias wrote “John” on the tablet provided to him, shocking everyone present as this contradicted the long-standing tradition of naming after relatives. At that moment, fulfilling the angel’s earlier proclamation (Luke 1:20), Zechariah's once-silent mouth was opened, and he began to glorify God for the marvelous deeds He had done for him and for the people of Israel.
On the eighth day, they came to her to perform the circumcision of the newborn and intended to name him after his father. This act of circumcision, instituted with Abraham, was carried out in accordance with the Mosaic Law (Leviticus 12:3) on the eighth day after birth. Through circumcision, the infant was welcomed into the community of the chosen people, making the day of circumcision a significant and celebratory occasion for the family.
On the eighth day, in accordance with the law, the rite of circumcision took place, and they collectively chose a name for the infant. The mother, aware of her husband’s revelation, wished to name her son John, but their relatives objected, as such a name was not found within their lineage, and they insisted on a name that honored his father. Consequently, they turned to Zechariah to resolve the disagreement. When they communicated with him through gestures regarding the name he preferred for his son, Zechariah requested a writing tablet and inscribed the words, ‘John is his name.’ This alignment with Elizabeth's choice astonished everyone.
Yet this amazement soon transformed into fear when Zechariah began to speak again, sharing with the assembled crowd the vision and promise he had received in the temple, where the angel of the Lord had foretold the birth of a son and instructed that he should be named John, which means the grace of God.
They arrived for the circumcision: In accordance with the Mosaic Law (Lev. 12:3), which stems from God’s directive to Abraham (Gen. 17:9ff), every male Hebrew child is to be circumcised. This practice serves as a representation of the covenant between God and the Jewish people, illustrating their divine election and sanctification as God's chosen nation (Gen. 17:9ff). Consequently, the term uncircumcised equates to being unclean, unsanctified, and outside the fellowship of faithful Israelites. This meant that even slaves purchased from Gentiles, along with non-Jews residing in Palestine who wished to join the Jewish community and participate in their religious feasts, were required to undergo circumcision (Gen. 17:12, Ex. 12:48).
Circumcision was mandated to be performed on the eighth day after birth. Along with the act of circumcision, it was customary to bestow a name upon the newborn child (cf. Gen. 21:3-4). It is interesting to note that among many Eastern cultures that practiced no circumcision, naming the child commonly occurred on the seventh or eighth day as well. The tradition involved naming a son after his father or close relatives (Tob. 1:9); this served as the primary name, followed by an additional name of the parents' choice, often reflective of the circumstances surrounding the birth or their specific intentions. Occasionally, only the second name was given, omitting the first. Thus, not only were they keen to name the child, but they had already designated him, intending to call him Zacharias, after his father, until the intervention of his mother altered this decision.
Passages read together with this verse.
Greek text, 21 words with lemma, transliteration and Strong’s number. Tap to expand.
THEOSIS