Luke 1:5-17

What does Luke 1:5-17 mean?

While Luke carefully details Zechariah's lineage as a priest from the eighth division of Abia and Elizabeth's descent from Aaron, this isn't just for historical color. It emphasizes that John the Baptist, the forerunner, came from the very heart of the priestly establishment, showing that God's plan was unfolding even within the most sacred and established traditions. This highlights how God’s work often begins not outside the existing structures, but by fulfilling and transforming them from within.

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. And they were both righteous before God, walking blamelessly in all the commandments and statutes of the Lord. But they had no child, because Elizabeth was barren, and both were advanced in years. Now while he was serving as priest before God when his division was on duty, according to the custom of the priesthood, he was chosen by lot to enter the temple of the Lord and burn incense. And the whole multitude of the people were praying outside at the hour of incense. And there appeared to him an angel of the Lord standing on the right side of the altar of incense. And Zechariah was troubled when he saw him, and fear fell upon him. But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zechariah, for your prayer has been heard, and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John. And you will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth, for he will be great before the Lord. And he must not drink wine or strong drink, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mother’s womb. And he will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God, and 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 make ready for the Lord a people prepared.”

English Standard Version (ESV)

What Luke 1:5-17 means

This passage introduces Zechariah and Elizabeth, a devout, childless couple from priestly lineage living in a time when Herod the Great ruled Judea under Roman authority. Luke begins his Gospel narrative here, setting the stage for the birth of John the Baptist, who would be the forerunner of Jesus. Their righteous lives and Zechariah's service as a priest in one of the twenty-four rotating priestly divisions, the division of Abijah, are described before the miraculous announcement of John's conception.

The Divine Timing of Herod's Reign

Why does Luke start by mentioning Herod, a foreign king? It's more than just a date marker.

Luke deliberately places this story within the reign of Herod the Great. This wasn't just any king; he was an Idumean ruler imposed by Rome, marking a low point for Jewish self-governance. The commentators note that this signifies the fulfillment of prophecy: the scepter had indeed departed from Judah.

This 'fulness of time' wasn't necessarily the best human time, but the perfect divine time. The world was in a state of political and spiritual unrest, a fertile ground for a revolutionary message. The suppression of Jewish authority and the pervasive foreign influence created a spiritual vacuum, making the people ripe for the hope of a Messiah.

Priesthood and Promise: Zechariah and Elizabeth

Zechariah and Elizabeth weren't just anyone; their lineage and character were crucial to God's plan.

Zechariah, a priest from the 'course of Abijah,' and Elizabeth, a 'daughter of Aaron,' represented the very heart of Israel's religious lineage. The division of priests into 24 courses, each serving for a week, was an ancient arrangement meant to bring order and ensure participation. Zechariah's specific course, the eighth, placed him in a structured, albeit demanding, service.

What's remarkable is that both were considered 'righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless.' This wasn't mere outward observance; it speaks to a deep, inner devotion. Yet, they faced a profound personal sorrow: childlessness, especially painful given their advanced age and heritage.

Ask a follow-up

Ask Sola about this verse

This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.

What Luke 1:5-17 means

The original words in Luke 1:5-17

priestἱερεύς

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.

righteousδίκαιος

dikaios · Greek Adjective

Refers to one who is in a right relationship with God, characterized by conformity to His law and moral integrity. In a biblical context, it implies a person whose life aligns with God's character and requirements.

blamelesslyἄμεμπτος

amemptos · Greek Adjective

Relates to a lifestyle that is without recognized fault or defect in conduct before God. It describes a heart and life genuinely devoted to keeping God's commandments, though not implying sinless perfection.

commandmentsἐντολή

entolē · Greek Noun

Authoritative directives or holy requirements given by God to His people. They serve as the standard of conduct for the covenant community.

statutesδικαίωμα

dikaiōma · Greek Noun

Divine decrees or established ordinances set by God. These often refer to the specific regulatory laws governing worship and civil life within the covenant.

barrenστεῖρα

steira · Greek Adjective

Refers to the physical inability to conceive or bear children. In Scripture, this condition was often viewed as a heavy social and personal trial, yet it frequently serves as a prelude to a miraculous intervention by God.

priestἱερεύς

hiereus · Greek Noun

A mediator between God and man, specifically tasked with offering sacrifices and performing liturgical rites. In the Old Testament system, priests were essential for maintaining the holiness of the sanctuary and interceding for the people.

templeναός

naos · Greek Noun

The dwelling place of God’s presence on earth, dedicated to His worship. It was the central location for sacrifices, ritual service, and communion between God and His people.

incenseθυμίαμα

thymiama · Greek Noun

A substance burned as an offering to God, representing the prayers of the saints ascending to His throne. The act of burning it was a sacred liturgical duty performed in the presence of the Lord.

prayingπροσεύχομαι

proseuchomai · Greek Verb

The act of communicating with God through petitions, thanksgiving, or confession. It is an expression of human dependence upon God and faith in His responsiveness to His people.

angelἄγγελος

angelos · Greek Noun

A messenger from God; a spiritual being created by God to serve His purposes, often acting as an intermediary between the heavenly and earthly realms.

altarθυσιαστήριον

thysiastērion · Greek Noun

A physical structure used for offering sacrifices or burning incense to God; it symbolizes divine presence, atonement, and the intercession of the people.

troubledταράσσω

tarassō · Greek Verb

A state of agitation, perplexity, or confusion often caused by sudden or supernatural events; it reflects the human response to encountering the holiness or power of God.

fearφόβος

phobos · Greek Noun

A powerful, overwhelming reaction of dread or reverence in the presence of God or His messengers; biblically, it often leads to awe, worship, or repentance.

prayerδέησις

deēsis · Greek Noun

A formal petition, request, or conversation with God; an expression of human dependence on God's will and intervention.

joyχαρά

chara · Greek Noun

An inner sense of profound happiness and contentment that is rooted in one's relationship with God rather than external circumstances.

gladnessἀγαλλίασις

agalliasis · Greek Noun

Exuberant, outward expression of happiness; often associated with celebratory worship and the recognition of God’s redemptive work.

greatμέγας

megas · Greek Adjective

Having significance, status, or spiritual stature in the eyes of God; often marked by obedience and a unique call to service.

Holy Spiritπνεῦμα ἅγιον

pneuma hagion · Greek Noun phrase

The third person of the Trinity; the Spirit of God who indwells believers, empowers them for service, and guides them into all truth.

Israelיִשְׂרָאֵל

Yisrael · Hebrew Proper Noun

A Hebrew term referring to the descendants of Jacob/Israel; signifies the covenant people chosen by God to be a light to the nations and the recipients of His promises.

Lordיְהוָה

YHWH · Hebrew Proper Noun

The supreme being and creator; the personal name of God (Yahweh) or a title of sovereign authority (Adonai), denoting His holiness, covenant faithfulness, and rule over all creation.

Elijahאֵלִיָּהוּ

Eliyahu · Hebrew Proper Noun

A Hebrew prophet known for his bold call to repentance and his ministry to restore the covenantal faith of the people. Spiritually, it refers to the prophetic anointing and zeal required to prepare the way for the Messiah.

heartsκαρδία

kardia · Greek Noun

The inner self, including the intellect, will, and emotions; the seat of moral decisions and one's orientation toward God. Turning them represents a radical change of mind (repentance) and affections toward divine truth.

disobedientἀπειθής

apeithēs · Greek Adjective/Noun

Those who lack spiritual discernment or are rebellious against God's law; essentially, those whose lives are not aligned with divine wisdom and covenant requirements.

wisdomφρόνησις

phronēsis · Greek Noun

God's perspective and lifestyle applied to life; it is rooted in the fear of the Lord and leads to righteousness, standing in contrast to human folly and rebellion.

justδίκαιος

dikaios · Greek Adjective

Those who are in a right relationship with God; righteous individuals who adhere to His commands and walk in His ways.