Luke 1 Free Bible Version
Audio: World English Bible (WEB), read by Winfred W. Henson · About the recordings
FBV Free Bible Version
WEB World English Bible (Classic, with Deuterocanon)
PT1904 Patriarchal Text 1904 (accented, eBible edition)
1 As you know, many others have attempted to put down in writing the things that have been fulfilled that involve us.
1 Since many have undertaken to set in order a narrative concerning those matters which have been fulfilled among us,
1 Ἐπειδήπερ πολλοὶ ἐπεχείρησαν ἀνατάξασθαι διήγησιν περὶ τῶν πεπληροφορημένων ἐν ἡμῖν πραγμάτων
2 They based their accounts on evidence from the earliest eyewitnesses and ministers of the Word,
2 even as those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and servants of the word delivered them to us,
2 καθὼς παρέδοσαν ἡμῖν οἱ ἀπ᾽ ἀρχῆς αὐτόπται καὶ ὑπηρέται γενόμενοι τοῦ λόγου,
3 and so I also decided that since I have followed these things very carefully from the beginning, it would be a good idea to write out an accurate account of all that happened.
3 it seemed good to me also, having traced the course of all things accurately from the first, to write to you in order, most excellent Theophilus;
3 ἔδοξε κἀμοί, παρηκολουθηκότι ἄνωθεν πᾶσιν ἀκριβῶς, καθεξῆς σοι γράψαι, κράτιστε Θεόφιλε,
4 I have done this Theophilus, Your Excellency, so you can be certain that what you were taught is completely reliable.
4 that you might know the certainty concerning the things in which you were instructed.
4 ἵνα ἐπιγνῷς περὶ ὧν κατηχήθης λόγων τὴν ἀσφάλειαν.
5 During the time when Herod was king of Judea, there was a priest called Zechariah, who came from the Abijah priestly division. He was married to Elizabeth, who was also descended from Aaron the priest.
5 There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judea, a certain priest named Zacharias, of the priestly division of Abijah. He had a wife of the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth.
5 Ἐγένετο ἐν ταῖς ἡμέραις Ἡρῴδου τοῦ βασιλέως τῆς Ἰουδαίας ἱερεύς τις ὀνόματι Ζαχαρίας ἐξ ἐφημερίας Ἀβιά, καὶ ἡ γυνὴ αὐτοῦ ἐκ τῶν θυγατέρων Ἀαρών, καὶ τὸ ὄνομα αὐτῆς Ἐλισάβετ.
6 They both did what was right before God, being careful to follow all the Lord's commandments and regulations.
6 They were both righteous before God, walking blamelessly in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord.
6 ἦσαν δὲ δίκαιοι ἀμφότεροι ἐνώπιον τοῦ Θεοῦ, πορευόμενοι ἐν πάσαις ταῖς ἐντολαῖς καὶ δικαιώμασι τοῦ Κυρίου ἄμεμπτοι.
7 They had no children because Elizabeth wasn't able to have any, and they were both growing old.
7 But they had no child, because Elizabeth was barren, and they both were well advanced in years.
7 καὶ οὐκ ἦν αὐτοῖς τέκνον, καθότι ἡ Ἐλισάβετ ἦν στεῖρα, καὶ ἀμφότεροι προβεβηκότες ἐν ταῖς ἡμέραις αὐτῶν ἦσαν.
8 While Zechariah was serving as a priest before God, on behalf of his priestly division,
8 Now while he executed the priest’s office before God in the order of his division
8 Ἐγένετο δὲ ἐν τῷ ἱερατεύειν αὐτὸν ἐν τῇ τάξει τῆς ἐφημερίας αὐτοῦ ἔναντι τοῦ Θεοῦ,
9 he was chosen by lot according to priestly custom to enter the Temple of the Lord and burn incense.
9 according to the custom of the priest’s office, his lot was to enter into the temple of the Lord and burn incense.
9 κατὰ τὸ ἔθος τῆς ἱερατείας ἔλαχε τοῦ θυμιᾶσαι εἰσελθὼν εἰς τὸν ναὸν τοῦ Κυρίου·
10 During the time of offering incense a large crowd of people were praying outside.
10 The whole multitude of the people were praying outside at the hour of incense.
10 καὶ πᾶν τὸ πλῆθος ἦν τοῦ λαοῦ προσευχόμενον ἔξω τῇ ὥρᾳ τοῦ θυμιάματος.
11 An angel of the Lord appeared to Zechariah, standing to the right of the altar of incense.
11 An angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing on the right side of the altar of incense.
11 ὤφθη δὲ αὐτῷ ἄγγελος Κυρίου ἑστὼς ἐκ δεξιῶν τοῦ θυσιαστηρίου τοῦ θυμιάματος.
12 When Zechariah saw the angel, he was startled and became terrified.
12 Zacharias was troubled when he saw him, and fear fell upon him.
12 καὶ ἐταράχθη Ζαχαρίας ἰδών, καὶ φόβος ἐπέπεσεν ἐπ᾽ αὐτόν.
13 But the angel told him, “Don't be afraid, Zechariah. Your prayer has been heard, and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall call him John.
13 But the angel said to him, “Don’t be afraid, Zacharias, because your request has been heard. Your wife, Elizabeth, will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John.
13 εἶπε δὲ πρὸς αὐτὸν ὁ ἄγγελος· μὴ φοβοῦ, Ζαχαρία· διότι εἰσηκούσθη ἡ δέησίς σου, καὶ ἡ γυνή σου Ἐλισάβετ γεννήσει υἱόν σοι, καὶ καλέσεις τὸ ὄνομα αὐτοῦ Ἰωάννην·
14 He will bring you joy and gladness, and many will celebrate his birth.
14 You will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth.
14 καὶ ἔσται χαρά σοι καὶ ἀγαλλίασις, καὶ πολλοὶ ἐπὶ τῇ γεννήσει αὐτοῦ χαρήσονται.
15 He will be great in the sight of the Lord. He will refuse to drink wine or other alcoholic drink. He will be filled with the Holy Spirit even before he's born.
15 For he will be great in the sight of the Lord, and he will drink no wine nor strong drink. He will be filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mother’s womb.
15 ἔσται γὰρ μέγας ἐνώπιον τοῦ Κυρίου, καὶ οἶνον καὶ σίκερα οὐ μὴ πίῃ, καὶ Πνεύματος Ἁγίου πλησθήσεται ἔτι ἐκ κοιλίας μητρὸς αὐτοῦ,
16 He will turn many Israelites back to the Lord their God.
16 He will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God.
16 καὶ πολλοὺς τῶν υἱῶν Ἰσραὴλ ἐπιστρέψει ἐπὶ Κύριον τὸν Θεὸν αὐτῶν·
17 He will go ahead of the Lord in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the fathers back to thinking about their children, and to turn those who are rebellious back to a right understanding—to prepare a people ready for the Lord.”
17 He will go before him in the spirit and power of Elijah, ‘to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children,’ and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to prepare a people prepared for the Lord.”
17 καὶ αὐτὸς προελεύσεται ἐνώπιον αὐτοῦ ἐν πνεύματι καὶ δυνάμει Ἠλιού, ἐπιστρέψαι καρδίας πατέρων ἐπὶ τέκνα καὶ ἀπειθεῖς ἐν φρονήσει δικαίων, ἑτοιμάσαι Κυρίῳ λαὸν κατεσκευασμένον.
18 “How can I be sure about this?” Zechariah asked the angel. “I'm an old man, and my wife is getting old too.”
18 Zacharias said to the angel, “How can I be sure of this? For I am an old man, and my wife is well advanced in years.”
18 καὶ εἶπε Ζαχαρίας πρὸς τὸν ἄγγελον· κατὰ τί γνώσομαι τοῦτο; ἐγὼ γάρ εἰμι πρεσβύτης καὶ ἡ γυνή μου προβεβηκυῖα ἐν ταῖς ἡμέραις αὐτῆς.
19 “I am Gabriel,” the angel replied. “I stand in God's presence, and I was sent to speak to you and give you this good news.
19 The angel answered him, “I am Gabriel, who stands in the presence of God. I was sent to speak to you and to bring you this good news.
19 καὶ ἀποκριθεὶς ὁ ἄγγελος εἶπεν αὐτῷ· ἐγώ εἰμι Γαβριὴλ ὁ παρεστηκὼς ἐνώπιον τοῦ Θεοῦ, καὶ ἀπεστάλην λαλῆσαι πρός σε καὶ εὐαγγελίσασθαί σοι ταῦτα.
20 But since you didn't believe what I told you, you'll become dumb, unable to speak, until the appointed time when my words come true.”
20 Behold, you will be silent and not able to speak until the day that these things will happen, because you didn’t believe my words, which will be fulfilled in their proper time.”
20 καὶ ἰδοὺ ἔσῃ σιωπῶν καὶ μὴ δυνάμενος λαλῆσαι ἄχρι ἧς ἡμέρας γένηται ταῦτα, ἀνθ᾽ ὧν οὐκ ἐπίστευσας τοῖς λόγοις μου, οἵτινες πληρωθήσονται εἰς τὸν καιρὸν αὐτῶν.
21 Outside the people were waiting for Zechariah, wondering why he was taking so long in the Temple.
21 The people were waiting for Zacharias, and they marveled that he delayed in the temple.
21 καὶ ἦν ὁ λαὸς προσδοκῶν τὸν Ζαχαρίαν, καὶ ἐθαύμαζον ἐν τῷ χρονίζειν αὐτὸν ἐν τῷ ναῷ.
22 When eventually he came out, he couldn't speak to them. They realized he'd seen a vision in the Temple, for though he could make gestures, he was completely unable to speak.
22 When he came out, he could not speak to them. They perceived that he had seen a vision in the temple. He continued making signs to them, and remained mute.
22 ἐξελθὼν δὲ οὐκ ἠδύνατο λαλῆσαι αὐτοῖς, καὶ ἐπέγνωσαν ὅτι ὀπτασίαν ἑώρακεν ἐν τῷ ναῷ· καὶ αὐτὸς ἦν διανεύων αὐτοῖς, καὶ διέμενε κωφός.
23 After he'd finished his time of service, he went back home.
23 When the days of his service were fulfilled, he departed to his house.
23 καὶ ἐγένετο ὡς ἐπλήσθησαν αἱ ἡμέραι τῆς λειτουργίας αὐτοῦ, ἀπῆλθεν εἰς τὸν οἶκον αὐτοῦ.
24 Some time later his wife Elizabeth became pregnant. She stayed at home for five months.
24 After these days Elizabeth his wife conceived, and she hid herself five months, saying,
24 Μετὰ δὲ ταύτας τὰς ἡμέρας συνέλαβεν Ἐλισάβετ ἡ γυνὴ αὐτοῦ, καὶ περιέκρυβεν ἑαυτὴν μῆνας πέντε,
25 “The Lord has done this for me,” she said, “now that he's taken away my disgrace in the eyes of others.”
25 “Thus has the Lord done to me in the days in which he looked at me, to take away my reproach among men.”
25 λέγουσα ὅτι οὕτω μοι πεποίηκεν ὁ Κύριος ἐν ἡμέραις αἷς ἐπεῖδεν ἀφελεῖν τὸ ὄνειδός μου ἐν ἀνθρώποις.
26 In the sixth month of her pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to a young girl called Mary who lived in the town of Nazareth in Galilee.
26 Now in the sixth month, the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth,
26 Ἐν δὲ τῷ μηνὶ τῷ ἕκτῳ ἀπεστάλη ὁ ἄγγελος Γαβριὴλ ὑπὸ τοῦ Θεοῦ εἰς πόλιν τῆς Γαλιλαίας, ᾗ ὄνομα Ναζαρέτ,
27 She was engaged to a man named Joseph.
27 to a virgin pledged to be married to a man whose name was Joseph, of David’s house. The virgin’s name was Mary.
27 πρὸς παρθένον μεμνηστευμένην ἀνδρί, ᾧ ὄνομα Ἰωσήφ, ἐξ οἴκου Δαυΐδ, καὶ τὸ ὄνομα τῆς παρθένου Μαριάμ.
28 The angel greeted her. “You are very privileged,” he told her. “The Lord is with you.”
28 Having come in, the angel said to her, “Rejoice, you highly favored one! The Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women!”
28 καὶ εἰσελθὼν ὁ ἄγγελος πρὸς αὐτὴν εἶπε· χαῖρε, κεχαριτωμένη· ὁ Κύριος μετὰ σοῦ· εὐλογημένη σὺ ἐν γυναιξίν.
29 Mary was very puzzled at what he said, and wondered what this greeting meant.
29 But when she saw him, she was greatly troubled at the saying, and considered what kind of salutation this might be.
29 ἡ δὲ ἰδοῦσα διεταράχθη ἐπὶ τῷ λόγῳ αὐτοῦ, καὶ διελογίζετο ποταπὸς εἴη ὁ ἀσπασμὸς οὗτος.
30 “Don't worry, Mary,” the angel went on, “for God has shown his graciousness to you.
30 The angel said to her, “Don’t be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God.
30 καὶ εἶπεν ὁ ἄγγελος αὐτῇ· μὴ φοβοῦ, Μαριάμ· εὗρες γὰρ χάριν παρὰ τῷ Θεῷ.
31 You will become pregnant and give birth to a son. You shall call him Jesus.
31 Behold, you will conceive in your womb and give birth to a son, and shall name him ‘Jesus.’
31 καὶ ἰδοὺ συλλήψῃ ἐν γαστρὶ καὶ τέξῃ υἱόν, καὶ καλέσεις τὸ ὄνομα αὐτοῦ Ἰησοῦν.
32 He will be very great, and he will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of David his father,
32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David,
32 οὗτος ἔσται μέγας καὶ υἱὸς ὑψίστου κληθήσεται, καὶ δώσει αὐτῷ Κύριος ὁ Θεὸς τὸν θρόνον Δαυῒδ τοῦ πατρὸς αὐτοῦ,
33 and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever. His kingdom will never come to an end.”
33 and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever. There will be no end to his Kingdom.”
33 καὶ βασιλεύσει ἐπὶ τὸν οἶκον Ἰακὼβ εἰς τοὺς αἰῶνας, καὶ τῆς βασιλείας αὐτοῦ οὐκ ἔσται τέλος.
34 “How is this possible?” Mary asked. “I'm still a virgin.”
34 Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, seeing I am a virgin?”
34 εἶπε δὲ Μαριὰμ πρὸς τὸν ἄγγελον· πῶς ἔσται μοι τοῦτο, ἐπεὶ ἄνδρα οὐ γινώσκω;
35 He replied, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will cover you. The baby who is to be born is holy, and will be called the Son of God.
35 The angel answered her, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. Therefore also the holy one who is born from you will be called the Son of God.
35 καὶ ἀποκριθεὶς ὁ ἄγγελος εἶπεν αὐτῇ· Πνεῦμα Ἅγιον ἐπελεύσεται ἐπὶ σὲ καὶ δύναμις ὑψίστου ἐπισκιάσει σοι· διὸ καὶ τὸ γεννώμενον ἅγιον κληθήσεται υἱὸς Θεοῦ.
36 And Elizabeth, your relative, even she is pregnant in her old age. The woman that people said couldn't have children is already six months pregnant.
36 Behold, Elizabeth your relative also has conceived a son in her old age; and this is the sixth month with her who was called barren.
36 καὶ ἰδοὺ Ἐλισάβετ ἡ συγγενής σου καὶ αὐτὴ συνειληφυῖα υἱὸν ἐν γήρει αὐτῆς, καὶ οὗτος μὴν ἕκτος ἐστὶν αὐτῇ τῇ καλουμένῃ στείρᾳ·
37 Nothing is impossible for God.”
37 For nothing spoken by God is impossible.”
37 ὅτι οὐκ ἀδυνατήσει παρὰ τῷ Θεῷ πᾶν ῥῆμα.
38 “Here I am, ready to be the Lord's servant,” said Mary. “May it happen to me just as you said.” Then the angel left her.
38 Mary said, “Behold, the servant of the Lord; let it be done to me according to your word.” Then the angel departed from her.
38 εἶπε δὲ Μαριάμ· ἰδοὺ ἡ δούλη Κυρίου· γένοιτό μοι κατὰ τὸ ῥῆμά σου. καὶ ἀπῆλθεν ἀπ᾽ αὐτῆς ὁ ἄγγελος.
39 A little while later, Mary got herself ready and hurried up into the hills of Judea, to the town where
39 Mary arose in those days and went into the hill country with haste, into a city of Judah,
39 Ἀναστᾶσα δὲ Μαριὰμ ἐν ταῖς ἡμέραις ταύταις ἐπορεύθη εἰς τὴν ὀρεινὴν μετὰ σπουδῆς εἰς πόλιν Ἰούδα,
40 Zechariah's house was. She called out to Elizabeth as she went in.
40 and entered into the house of Zacharias and greeted Elizabeth.
40 καὶ εἰσῆλθεν εἰς τὸν οἶκον Ζαχαρίου καὶ ἠσπάσατο τὴν Ἐλισάβετ.
41 As soon as Elizabeth heard Mary's voice, the baby jumped for joy inside her. Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit,
41 When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb; and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit.
41 καὶ ἐγένετο ὡς ἤκουσεν ἡ Ἐλισάβετ τὸν ἀσπασμὸν τῆς Μαρίας, ἐσκίρτησε τὸ βρέφος ἐν τῇ κοιλίᾳ αὐτῆς· καὶ ἐπλήσθη Πνεύματος Ἁγίου ἡ Ἐλισάβετ
42 and cried out in a loud voice: “How blessed you are among women, and how blessed will be the child born to you!
42 She called out with a loud voice and said, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb!
42 καὶ ἀνεφώνησε φωνῇ μεγάλῃ καὶ εἶπεν· εὐλογημένη σὺ ἐν γυναιξὶ καὶ εὐλογημένος ὁ καρπὸς τῆς κοιλίας σου.
43 Why am I so honored that the mother of my Lord should visit me?
43 Why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?
43 καὶ πόθεν μοι τοῦτο ἵνα ἔλθῃ ἡ μήτηρ τοῦ Κυρίου μου πρός με;
44 As soon as I heard you call out in greeting, my baby jumped for joy inside me.
44 For behold, when the voice of your greeting came into my ears, the baby leaped in my womb for joy!
44 ἰδοὺ γὰρ ὡς ἐγένετο ἡ φωνὴ τοῦ ἀσπασμοῦ σου εἰς τὰ ὦτά μου, ἐσκίρτησε τὸ βρέφος ἐν ἀγαλλιάσει ἐν τῇ κοιλίᾳ μου.
45 How fortunate you are, because you are convinced that the Lord will do what he has promised you!”
45 Blessed is she who believed, for there will be a fulfillment of the things which have been spoken to her from the Lord!”
45 καὶ μακαρία ἡ πιστεύσασα ὅτι ἔσται τελείωσις τοῖς λελαλημένοις αὐτῇ παρὰ Κυρίου.
46 Mary replied, “How I praise the Lord!
46 Mary said, “My soul magnifies the Lord.
46 Καὶ εἶπε Μαριάμ· Μεγαλύνει ἡ ψυχή μου τὸν Κύριον
47 I am so happy with God my Savior,
47 My spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior,
47 καὶ ἠγαλλίασε τὸ πνεῦμά μου ἐπὶ τῷ Θεῷ τῷ σωτῆρί μου,
48 because he decided that I, his servant, was worthy of his consideration, despite my humble background. From now on every generation will say I was blessed.
48 for he has looked at the humble state of his servant. For behold, from now on, all generations will call me blessed.
48 ὅτι ἐπέβλεψεν ἐπὶ τὴν ταπείνωσιν τῆς δούλης αὐτοῦ. ἰδοὺ γὰρ ἀπὸ τοῦ νῦν μακαριοῦσί με πᾶσαι αἱ γενεαί·
49 God Almighty has done great things for me; his name is holy.
49 For he who is mighty has done great things for me. Holy is his name.
49 ὅτι ἐποίησέ μοι μεγαλεῖα ὁ δυνατὸς καὶ ἅγιον τὸ ὄνομα αὐτοῦ,
50 His mercy lasts for generation after generation to those who respect him.
50 His mercy is for generations and generations on those who fear him.
50 καὶ τὸ ἔλεος αὐτοῦ εἰς γενεὰς γενεῶν τοῖς φοβουμένοις αὐτόν.
51 With his power he has broken to pieces those who arrogantly think they're so clever.
51 He has shown strength with his arm. He has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts.
51 Ἐποίησε κράτος ἐν βραχίονι αὐτοῦ, διεσκόρπισεν ὑπερηφάνους διανοίᾳ καρδίας αὐτῶν·
52 He tears the powerful down from their thrones, and elevates those who are humble.
52 He has put down princes from their thrones, and has exalted the lowly.
52 καθεῖλε δυνάστας ἀπὸ θρόνων καὶ ὕψωσε ταπεινούς,
53 He fills the hungry with good things to eat, and he sends the rich away empty-handed.
53 He has filled the hungry with good things. He has sent the rich away empty.
53 πεινῶντας ἐνέπλησεν ἀγαθῶν καὶ πλουτοῦντας ἐξαπέστειλε κενούς.
54 He has helped his servant Israel, remembering him in mercy,
54 He has given help to Israel, his servant, that he might remember mercy,
54 ἀντελάβετο Ἰσραὴλ παιδὸς αὐτοῦ μνησθῆναι ἐλέους,
55 just as he promised our fathers, to Abraham and his descendants for ever.”
55 as he spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and his offspring forever.”
55 καθὼς ἐλάλησε πρὸς τοὺς πατέρας ἡμῶν, τῷ Ἀβραὰμ καὶ τῷ σπέρματι αὐτοῦ εἰς τὸν αἰῶνα.
56 Mary stayed with her for three months and then returned home.
56 Mary stayed with her about three months, and then returned to her house.
56 Ἔμεινε δὲ Μαριὰμ σὺν αὐτῇ ὡσεὶ μῆνας τρεῖς καὶ ὑπέστρεψεν εἰς τὸν οἶκον αὐτῆς.
57 The time came for Elizabeth to have her baby and she gave birth to a son.
57 Now the time that Elizabeth should give birth was fulfilled, and she gave birth to a son.
57 Τῇ δὲ Ἐλισάβετ ἐπλήσθη ὁ χρόνος τοῦ τεκεῖν αὐτήν, καὶ ἐγέννησεν υἱόν.
58 Her neighbors and relatives heard how the Lord had showed her great kindness, and they celebrated together with her.
58 Her neighbors and her relatives heard that the Lord had magnified his mercy toward her, and they rejoiced with her.
58 καὶ ἤκουσαν οἱ περίοικοι καὶ οἱ συγγενεῖς αὐτῆς ὅτι ἐμεγάλυνε Κύριος τὸ ἔλεος αὐτοῦ μετ᾽ αὐτῆς, καὶ συνέχαιρον αὐτῇ.
59 Eight days later they came to circumcise the boy. They planned to call him Zechariah after his father.
59 On the eighth day, they came to circumcise the child; and they would have called him Zacharias, after the name of his father.
59 Καὶ ἐγένετο ἐν τῇ ὀγδόῃ ἡμέρᾳ ἦλθον περιτεμεῖν τὸ παιδίον, καὶ ἐκάλουν αὐτὸ ἐπὶ τῷ ὀνόματι τοῦ πατρὸς αὐτοῦ Ζαχαρίαν.
60 “No,” Elizabeth said. “He shall be called John.”
60 His mother answered, “Not so; but he will be called John.”
60 καὶ ἀποκριθεῖσα ἡ μήτηρ αὐτοῦ εἶπεν· οὐχί, ἀλλὰ κληθήσεται Ἰωάννης.
61 “But there's nobody among your relatives who has this name,” they told her.
61 They said to her, “There is no one among your relatives who is called by this name.”
61 καὶ εἶπον πρὸς αὐτὴν ὅτι οὐδείς ἐστιν ἐν τῇ συγγενείᾳ σου ὃς καλεῖται τῷ ὀνόματι τούτῳ·
62 Through gestures they asked Zechariah, the boy's father, what he wanted to call his son.
62 They made signs to his father, what he would have him called.
62 ἐνένευον δὲ τῷ πατρὶ αὐτοῦ τὸ τί ἂν θέλοι καλεῖσθαι αὐτόν.
63 Zechariah motioned for something to write on. To everyone's surprise he wrote, “His name is John.”
63 He asked for a writing tablet, and wrote, “His name is John.” They all marveled.
63 καὶ αἰτήσας πινακίδιον ἔγραψε λέγων· Ἰωάννης ἐστὶ τὸ ὄνομα αὐτοῦ· καὶ ἐθαύμασαν πάντες.
64 Immediately he could speak again, and he started praising God.
64 His mouth was opened immediately and his tongue freed, and he spoke, blessing God.
64 ἀνεῴχθη δὲ τὸ στόμα αὐτοῦ παραχρῆμα καὶ ἡ γλῶσσα αὐτοῦ, καὶ ἐλάλει εὐλογῶν τὸν Θεόν.
65 All those living nearby were in awe at what had happened, and the news spread throughout the hill country of Judea.
65 Fear came on all who lived around them, and all these sayings were talked about throughout all the hill country of Judea.
65 καὶ ἐγένετο ἐπὶ πάντας φόβος τοὺς περιοικοῦντας αὐτούς, καὶ ἐν ὅλῃ τῇ ὀρεινῇ τῆς Ἰουδαίας διελαλεῖτο πάντα τὰ ῥήματα ταῦτα,
66 Everyone who heard the news wondered what it meant. “What will the little boy grow up to be?” they asked, for it was clear he was very special to God.
66 All who heard them laid them up in their heart, saying, “What then will this child be?” The hand of the Lord was with him.
66 καὶ ἔθεντο πάντες οἱ ἀκούσαντες ἐν τῇ καρδίᾳ αὐτῶν λέγοντες· τί ἄρα τὸ παιδίον τοῦτο ἔσται; καὶ χεὶρ Κυρίου ἦν μετ᾽ αὐτοῦ.
67 Zechariah, his father, filled with the Holy Spirit, spoke this prophecy:
67 His father Zacharias was filled with the Holy Spirit, and prophesied, saying,
67 Καὶ Ζαχαρίας ὁ πατὴρ αὐτοῦ ἐπλήσθη Πνεύματος Ἁγίου καὶ προεφήτευσε λέγων·
68 “The Lord, the God of Israel, he is wonderful, for he has come to his people and set them free.
68 “Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel, for he has visited and redeemed his people;
68 Εὐλογητὸς Κύριος, ὁ Θεὸς τοῦ Ἰσραήλ, ὅτι ἐπεσκέψατο καὶ ἐποίησε λύτρωσιν τῷ λαῷ αὐτοῦ,
69 He has given us a great Savior from the line of his servant David,
69 and has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David
69 καὶ ἤγειρε κέρας σωτηρίας ἡμῖν ἐν τῷ οἴκῳ Δαυῒδ τοῦ παιδὸς αὐτοῦ,
70 as he promised through his holy prophets long ago.
70 (as he spoke by the mouth of his holy prophets who have been from of old),
70 καθὼς ἐλάλησε διὰ στόματος τῶν ἁγίων, τῶν ἀπ᾽ αἰῶνος προφητῶν αὐτοῦ,
71 He promised to save us from our enemies, from those who hate us.
71 salvation from our enemies and from the hand of all who hate us;
71 σωτηρίαν ἐξ ἐχθρῶν ἡμῶν καὶ ἐκ χειρὸς πάντων τῶν μισούντων ἡμᾶς,
72 He was merciful to our fathers, remembering his holy agreement—
72 to show mercy toward our fathers, to remember his holy covenant,
72 ποιῆσαι ἔλεος μετὰ τῶν πατέρων ἡμῶν καὶ μνησθῆναι διαθήκης ἁγίας αὐτοῦ,
73 the promise that he made to our father Abraham.
73 the oath which he swore to Abraham our father,
73 ὅρκον ὃν ὤμοσε πρὸς Ἀβραὰμ τὸν πατέρα ἡμῶν, τοῦ δοῦναι ἡμῖν
74 He gives us freedom from fear and rescues us from our enemies,
74 to grant to us that we, being delivered out of the hand of our enemies, should serve him without fear,
74 ἀφόβως, ἐκ χειρὸς τῶν ἐχθρῶν ἡμῶν ῥυσθέντας, λατρεύειν αὐτῷ
75 so we can serve him by doing what is good and right for our whole lives.
75 in holiness and righteousness before him all the days of our life.
75 ἐν ὁσιότητι καὶ δικαιοσύνῃ ἐνώπιον αὐτοῦ πάσας τὰς ἡμέρας τῆς ζωῆς ἡμῶν.
76 Even though you are only a small child, you will be called the prophet of the Most High, for you will go ahead of the Lord to prepare his way,
76 And you, child, will be called a prophet of the Most High; for you will go before the face of the Lord to prepare his ways,
76 Καὶ σύ, παιδίον, προφήτης ὑψίστου κληθήσῃ· προπορεύσῃ γὰρ πρὸ προσώπου Κυρίου ἑτοιμάσαι ὁδοὺς αὐτοῦ,
77 providing knowledge of salvation to his people through the forgiveness of their sins.
77 to give knowledge of salvation to his people by the remission of their sins,
77 τοῦ δοῦναι γνῶσιν σωτηρίας τῷ λαῷ αὐτοῦ, ἐν ἀφέσει ἁμαρτιῶν αὐτῶν
78 Through God's caring kindness to us, heaven's dawn will break upon us
78 because of the tender mercy of our God, by which the dawn from on high will visit us,
78 διὰ σπλάγχνα ἐλέους Θεοῦ ἡμῶν, ἐν οἷς ἐπεσκέψατο ἡμᾶς ἀνατολὴ ἐξ ὕψους
79 to shine on those who live in darkness and under the shadow of death, and to guide us along the path of peace.”
79 to shine on those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death; to guide our feet into the way of peace.”
79 ἐπιφᾶναι τοῖς ἐν σκότει καὶ σκιᾷ θανάτου καθημένοις, τοῦ κατευθῦναι τοὺς πόδας ἡμῶν εἰς ὁδὸν εἰρήνης.
80 The boy John grew and became spiritually strong. He lived in the desert until the time came for his public ministry to Israel.
80 The child was growing and becoming strong in spirit, and was in the desert until the day of his public appearance to Israel.
80 Τὸ δὲ παιδίον ηὔξανε καὶ ἐκραταιοῦτο πνεύματι, καὶ ἦν ἐν ταῖς ἐρήμοις ἕως ἡμέρας ἀναδείξεως αὐτοῦ πρὸς τὸν Ἰσραήλ.
People & places in this chapter
From this site's family tree and Bible maps, only where those guides cite this chapter.
People
Elizabeth
A daughter of Aaron and wife of Zechariah, barren and well along in years, who conceived John; Luke 1:36 calls her a relative of Mary, and Mary stayed with her about three months.
Cited in the guide: Luke 1:5; Luke 1:36; Luke 1:41
Gabriel
The man-like heavenly figure who was told to make Daniel understand a vision and who came to him at the evening offering with insight. In Luke he announces the birth of John to…
Cited in the guide: Daniel 8:16; Daniel 9:21; Luke 1:19
Joseph
The carpenter of Nazareth, a just man who became Jesus' legal father.
Cited in the guide: Matt. 1:16-25; 2:13-23; Luke 1:27; 2:1-7
Mary
The virgin mother of Jesus, a young woman of Nazareth who trusted God's word.
Cited in the guide: Matthew 1; Luke 1-2
Theophilus
The person to whom Luke wrote his orderly account so that he would know the certainty of what he had been taught.
Cited in the guide: Luke 1:3; Acts 1:1
Zechariah
A priest of the division of Abijah in the days of Herod, struck silent when the angel Gabriel promised his aged wife Elizabeth a son, and who named the child John.
Cited in the guide: Luke 1:5; Luke 1:13; Luke 1:63
Cross references (73)
Related passages for each verse, from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge as collected and ranked by readers at OpenBible.info.
- 1 Acts 1:1–3; 2 Peter 1:16–19; John 20:31; 1 Timothy 3:16; 2 Timothy 4:17
- 2 John 15:27; Acts 26:16; Hebrews 2:3; 2 Peter 1:16; 1 John 1:1–3
- 3 Acts 1:1; Acts 26:25; Ecclesiastes 12:9; Acts 11:4; Acts 15:19
- 4 John 20:31; Acts 18:25; 1 Corinthians 14:19; Galatians 6:6; Romans 2:18
- 5 1 Chronicles 24:10; Matthew 2:1; 1 Chronicles 24:19; Nehemiah 12:4; Nehemiah 12:17
- 6 Genesis 7:1; Genesis 17:1; Philippians 2:15; 1 Kings 9:4; Job 1:1
- 7 Hebrews 11:11; Genesis 18:11; Genesis 25:21; 1 Samuel 1:2; Genesis 17:17
- 8 2 Chronicles 8:14; 1 Chronicles 24:19; 2 Chronicles 31:2; Luke 1:5; Exodus 29:1
- 9 2 Chronicles 29:11; 1 Chronicles 23:13; Exodus 30:7–8; Numbers 16:40; 1 Samuel 2:28
- 10 Leviticus 16:17; Revelation 8:3; Hebrews 4:14; Hebrews 9:24
- 11 Exodus 40:26–27; Acts 10:3–4; Judges 13:3; Revelation 9:13; Judges 13:9
- 12 Judges 6:22; Judges 13:22; Luke 2:9–10; Acts 10:4; Revelation 1:17
- 13 1 Samuel 2:21; Acts 10:31; Psalm 113:9; Genesis 25:21; Psalm 127:3–5
- 14 Luke 1:58; Proverbs 23:24; Proverbs 15:20; Genesis 21:6; Proverbs 23:15
- 15 Jeremiah 1:5; Numbers 6:2–4; Ephesians 5:18; Judges 13:4–6; Galatians 1:15
- 16 Matthew 21:32; Malachi 3:1; Isaiah 40:3–5; Matthew 3:1–6; Isaiah 49:6
- 17 Malachi 4:5–6; Matthew 11:14; Luke 1:76; John 1:21–30; Matthew 17:11–12
- 18 Genesis 17:17; Genesis 18:12; Isaiah 38:22; Luke 1:7; Luke 1:34
- 19 Luke 1:26; Matthew 18:10; Daniel 8:16; Daniel 9:21–23; Luke 2:10
- 20 Ezekiel 3:26; Ezekiel 24:27; Hebrews 6:18; 2 Timothy 2:13; Luke 1:22
- 21 Numbers 6:23–27
- 22 John 13:24; Acts 12:17; Luke 1:62; Acts 21:40; Acts 19:33
- 23 1 Chronicles 9:25; 2 Kings 11:5–7
- 25 Genesis 30:22–23; Isaiah 4:1; Isaiah 54:1–4; Genesis 21:1–2; Genesis 25:21
- 26 Matthew 2:23; Luke 1:19; John 7:41; John 1:45–46; Luke 2:4
- 27 Matthew 1:18; Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:16; Matthew 1:20–21; Matthew 1:23
- 28 Judges 6:12; Daniel 10:19; Luke 1:30; Ephesians 1:6; Daniel 9:21–23
- 29 Acts 10:17; Luke 1:12; Acts 10:4; Mark 6:49–50; Luke 2:19
- 30 Luke 1:13; Romans 8:31; Luke 12:32; Isaiah 41:10; Matthew 14:27
- 31 Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:21; Matthew 1:25; Luke 2:21; Matthew 1:23
- 32 Isaiah 9:6–7; Isaiah 16:5; 2 Samuel 7:11–13; Psalm 132:11; Luke 1:35
- 33 Daniel 2:44; Hebrews 1:8; Daniel 7:13–14; Daniel 7:27; Psalm 89:35–37
- 35 Matthew 1:18; John 1:49; Matthew 1:20; John 1:34; Luke 1:31–32
- 37 Matthew 19:26; Jeremiah 32:27; Mark 10:27; Jeremiah 32:17; Luke 18:27
- 38 Romans 4:20–21; Psalm 119:38; Psalm 116:16; 2 Samuel 7:25–29
- 39 Luke 1:65; Joshua 15:48–59; Joshua 10:40; Joshua 20:7; Joshua 21:9–11
- 41 Luke 1:67; Luke 1:44; Acts 4:8; Acts 2:4; Luke 1:15
- 42 Judges 5:24; Genesis 22:18; Luke 1:28; Luke 19:38; Luke 1:48
- 43 John 20:28; John 13:13; Luke 2:11; 1 Samuel 25:41; Luke 20:42–44
- 45 John 20:29; John 11:40; Luke 11:27–28; Luke 1:20; 2 Chronicles 20:20
- 46 1 Samuel 2:1–10; Psalm 34:2–3; Psalm 35:9; Isaiah 61:10; Psalm 103:1–2
- 47 Psalm 35:9; Habakkuk 3:18; 1 Timothy 2:3; Isaiah 45:21–22; Titus 2:10
- 48 Psalm 138:6; 1 Corinthians 1:26–28; Malachi 3:12; 1 Samuel 1:11; Psalm 136:23
- 49 Ephesians 3:20; Psalm 126:2–3; Psalm 111:9; Psalm 99:3; Jeremiah 10:6
- 50 Psalm 103:17–18; Exodus 20:6; Genesis 17:7; Psalm 118:4; Exodus 34:6–7
- 51 Psalm 98:1; Isaiah 52:10; 1 Samuel 2:3–4; Isaiah 51:9; Romans 1:21
- 52 Ezekiel 17:24; James 4:10; Psalm 107:40–41; Luke 18:14; 1 Samuel 2:6–8
- 53 Psalm 107:8–9; Luke 6:21; Psalm 34:10; Luke 6:24; Matthew 5:6
- 54 Psalm 98:3; Micah 7:20; Isaiah 44:21; Isaiah 49:14–16; Jeremiah 31:20
- 55 Genesis 17:19; Psalm 105:6–10; Galatians 3:16–17; Psalm 132:11–17; Genesis 22:18
- 57 Luke 1:13; Genesis 21:2–3; Luke 2:6–7; Numbers 23:19
- 58 Romans 12:15; Ruth 4:14–17; 1 Corinthians 12:26; Luke 1:14; Luke 1:25
- 59 Genesis 17:12; Leviticus 12:3; Luke 2:21; Philippians 3:5; Acts 7:8
- 60 Luke 1:13; 2 Samuel 12:25; Matthew 1:25; Luke 1:63; Isaiah 8:3
- 62 Luke 1:22
- 63 Luke 1:60; Isaiah 30:8; Luke 1:13; Habakkuk 2:2; Jeremiah 17:1
- 64 Luke 1:20; Exodus 4:15–16; Ezekiel 33:22; Jeremiah 1:9; Daniel 4:34–37
- 65 Luke 1:39; Acts 5:5; Acts 5:11; Acts 2:43; Luke 7:16
- 66 Acts 11:21; Luke 2:19; Luke 2:51; Genesis 39:2; Luke 9:44
- 67 Joel 2:28; Luke 1:41; Luke 1:15; 2 Peter 1:21; Numbers 11:25
- 68 Psalm 106:48; Luke 7:16; Psalm 111:9; Psalm 41:13; Exodus 4:31
- 69 Psalm 18:2; Ezekiel 29:21; 2 Samuel 22:3; 1 Samuel 2:10; Psalm 89:17
- 70 Acts 3:21–24; Romans 1:2; 2 Peter 1:21; Acts 28:25; Genesis 49:10
- 71 Psalm 106:10; Jeremiah 23:6; Deuteronomy 33:29; Zephaniah 3:15–20; Jeremiah 32:37
- 72 Leviticus 26:42; Hebrews 6:13–18; Micah 7:20; Psalm 106:45; Genesis 28:14
- 73 Genesis 22:16–18; Deuteronomy 7:8; Psalm 105:9; Jeremiah 11:5; Deuteronomy 7:12
- 74 Zephaniah 3:15–17; 2 Timothy 1:7; Isaiah 54:13–14; Romans 8:15; Hebrews 9:14
- 75 Ephesians 4:24; Ephesians 2:10; Titus 2:11–14; 2 Timothy 1:9; Jeremiah 31:33–34
- 76 Malachi 3:1; Isaiah 40:3–5; Mark 1:2–3; John 1:23; Matthew 3:3
- 77 Acts 5:31; Acts 10:43; Acts 2:38; John 1:34; Ephesians 1:7
- 78 Malachi 4:2; 2 Peter 1:19; Revelation 22:16; Numbers 24:17; Ephesians 5:14
- 79 Isaiah 9:2; Matthew 4:16; Acts 26:18; Isaiah 42:7; Ephesians 5:8
- 80 Luke 2:40; Mark 1:3–4; Luke 2:52; 1 Samuel 3:19–20; Matthew 3:1
Cross references: OpenBible.info (CC BY), drawn mainly from the public-domain Treasury of Scripture Knowledge. · Sources & licences
What the Fathers said
Passages from the Church Fathers that expound or quote this chapter, verbatim from the public-domain Schaff edition (19th-century English translations).
How these were chosen
“Commentary” is the opening of a homily or exposition on this chapter (John Chrysostom’s homilies, Augustine’s tractates, sermons and expositions of the Psalms). “Quotes” are sentences where the edition’s own footnotes identify a quotation of a verse here, kept only when the wording matches the verse. Only works whose authorship is not in doubt are used. Psalms follow the Hebrew/English numbering (Augustine numbers them as the Septuagint does: his Psalm 50 is Psalm 51 here).
… Jacob to Emmanuel, they showed, by these gifts which they offered, who it was that was worshipped; myrrh, because it was He who should die and be buried for the mortal human race; gold, because He was a King, "of whose kingdom is no end;" and frankincense, because He was God, who also "was made known in Judea," and was …
… know," meaning that some sign might be given by which he might know the manner of those things which he had believed, just as it is not for lack of faith the Virgin Mary says, "How shall this be, seeing I know not a man?" for she inquired as to the way in which that should take place which she …
Read in context · Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers, series 1, vol. 2 (1887)
Now Luke tells us also the cause wherefore he proceeds to write: "that thou mayest hold," saith he, "the certainty of the words wherein thou hast been instructed;" that is, that being continually reminded thou mayest hold to the certainty, and abide in certainty.
Read in context · Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers, series 1, vol. 10 (1888)
Gabriel too testifies plainly to Mary, saying, And the Lord God shall give unto Him the throne of His father David.
Read in context · Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers, series 2, vol. 7 (1894)
What greater destiny can befall man's humility than that he should be intermingled with God, and by this intermingling should be deified, and that we should be so visited by the Dayspring from on high, that even that Holy Thing that should be born should be called the Son of the Highest, and that there should be bestowed upon Him …
Read in context · Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers, series 2, vol. 7 (1894)