In the days of Herod, king of Judea, there was a priest named Zechariah, of the division of Abijah. And he had a wife from the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Luke highlights Elizabeth's lineage as a daughter of Aaron, not just to show her noble background, but to emphasize that John the Baptist, their son, would be doubly priestly in heritage, a crucial detail for his future role. This seemingly straightforward genealogical note sets up a profound contrast with Jesus' lineage, underscoring the unique destinies of the two figures.
In the days of Herod, king of Judea, there was a priest named Zechariah, of the division of Abijah. And he had a wife from the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The Gospel of Luke begins by introducing a devout Jewish priest named Zechariah and his wife Elizabeth, who are described as righteous and childless, living during the reign of Herod the Great. This sets the stage for the miraculous announcement of the birth of their son, John the Baptist, who will serve as a forerunner to Jesus. The narrative then transitions to the angel Gabriel's appearance to Zechariah in the Temple, delivering the astonishing news that their prayers for a child have been heard, despite their advanced age.
Why does Luke immediately mention King Herod in this seemingly quiet introduction? It sets a tone of political tension and divine timing.
Luke begins by placing this story in the reign of Herod the Great. This wasn't just any king; Herod was a foreigner, installed by Rome, ruling Judea with a heavy hand. His reign represented a significant departure from the Davidic line and a low point for Jewish self-rule.
This context is crucial because it highlights a period of spiritual longing and expectation among the Jewish people. They were looking for a promised deliverer, a true King, to restore their nation. The fact that this divine intervention begins under such a foreign and oppressive ruler underscores the unexpected and powerful way God often works, even in challenging times.
Zechariah and Elizabeth weren't just ordinary people; their lineage held a special significance. What does their background tell us about God's plan?
Zechariah was a priest from the division of Abijah, and Elizabeth was a descendant of Aaron. This wasn't a minor detail; it meant they belonged to the very families entrusted with serving God in the Temple. The priestly divisions, established by King David, ensured an orderly and consistent ministry, with each family serving for a set period.
Their high priestly lineage is significant for two reasons:
Ask a follow-up
Luke introduces them as 'righteous,' walking 'in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless.' This highlights that even in a time of political turmoil and personal disappointment, faithful devotion to God was still present.
Understand the original words
hiereus · Greek Noun
A mediator between God and people, tasked with performing sacrificial rites, intercession, and teaching the Law. In the New Testament, the role points toward the ultimate high priesthood of Jesus Christ.
The mention of 'Herod, king of Judea' places this event in a specific and turbulent political period. Herod the Great, an Idumean king appointed by Rome, ruled a Judea under foreign domination. This context highlights the 'fullness of time' – a time when Israel's political hopes were low, making the advent of the promised Messiah even more significant.
c. 400 BC
Malachi's Ministry Ends
The last of the Old Testament prophets, Malachi, finishes his work, ushering in a period of approximately 400 years of prophetic silence from God.
63 BC
Rome Intervenes in Judea
Roman general Pompey the Great captures Jerusalem, marking the beginning of Roman influence and eventual control over Judea. This foreign rule fundamentally changes the political landscape.
47 BC
Herod the Great Appointed
Herod, an Idumean appointed by the Romans, begins his rise to power in Judea. He would later be recognized as 'king of the Jews' by the Roman Senate.
c. 40-37 BC
Herod the Great Consolidates Power
Herod the Great faces challenges and ultimately secures his throne as the sole ruler of Judea, a period of significant political instability and foreign domination.
c. 4 BC— this verse
Death of Herod the Great
Herod the Great dies, the same king mentioned in relation to the birth of Jesus. His death leads to the division of his kingdom among his sons.
This verse directly parallels the angel's message to Zechariah, stating 'Behold, I will send my messenger, and he will prepare the way before me.' This highlights the continuity of God's plan from the Old Testament into the New.
1 Chronicles 24:10This passage outlines the division of the priests into courses, explaining that Zechariah belonged to the eighth course, the course of Abijah. This detail grounds the narrative in the specific Levitical system established for Temple service.
Genesis 17:17Similar to Abraham and Sarah in their old age, Zechariah and Elizabeth are described as righteous but childless and advanced in years. This parallel emphasizes the miraculous nature of John's conception and birth, mirroring earlier significant births in salvation history.
Isaiah 40:3The prophecy in Isaiah speaks of a voice crying in the wilderness, 'Prepare the way of the Lord.' This is echoed by the role of John the Baptist, the son of Zechariah and Elizabeth, as the forerunner of Christ, fulfilling this ancient prophetic word.
Exodus 6:23This verse mentions Elisheba, daughter of Amminadab and wife of Aaron, establishing the lineage of the priesthood. Elizabeth, being a 'daughter of Aaron,' shares this significant priestly heritage, underscoring the sacred lineage of John the Baptist.
barnesLuke 1:5: "There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judaea, a certain priest named Zacharias, of the course of Abia: and his wife was of the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elisabeth."
In the days of Herod - See the notes at Matthew 2:1 . Of the course of Abia - When the priests became so numerous that they could not at once minister at the altar, David divided them into 24 classes or courses, each one of which officiated for a week, 1 Chronicles 24. The class or course (shift) of Abia…
expositorsLuke 1:5: "There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judaea, a certain priest named Zacharias, of the course of Abia: and his wife was of the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elisabeth."
Chapter 2THE MUTE PRIEST. Luke 1:5-25 ; Luke 1:57-80 . AFTER his personal prelude, our Evangelist goes on to give in detail the pre-Advent revelations, so connecting the thread of his narrative with the broken-off thread of the Old Testament. His language, however, suddenly changes its character and accen…
Luke highlights Elizabeth's lineage as a daughter of Aaron, not just to show her noble background, but to emphasize that John the Baptist, their son, would be doubly priestly in heritage, a crucial detail for his future role. This seemingly straightforward genealogical note sets up a profound contrast with Jesus' lineage, underscoring the unique destinies of the two figures.
The Gospel of Luke begins by introducing a devout Jewish priest named Zechariah and his wife Elizabeth, who are described as righteous and childless, living during the reign of Herod the Great. This sets the stage for the miraculous announcement of the birth of their son, John the Baptist, who will serve as a forerunner to Jesus. The narrative then transitions to the angel Gabriel's appearance to Zechariah in the Temple, delivering the astonishing news that their prayers for a child have been heard, despite their advanced age.
The Gospel of Luke begins by introducing a devout Jewish priest named Zechariah and his wife Elizabeth, who are described as righteous and childless, living during the reign of Herod the Great. This sets the stage for the miraculous announcement of the birth of their son, John the Baptist, who will serve as a forerunner to Jesus. The narrative then transitions to the angel Gabriel's appearance to Zechariah in the Temple, delivering the astonishing news that their prayers for a child have been heard, despite their advanced age.
"In the days of Herod, king of Judea, there was a priest named Zechariah, of the division of Abijah. And he had a wife from the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth." — Luke highlights Elizabeth's lineage as a daughter of Aaron, not just to show her noble background, but to emphasize that John the Baptist, their son, would be doubly priestly in heritage, a crucial d…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026