Luke 1:6
And they were both righteous before God, walking blamelessly in all the commandments and statutes of the Lord.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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While they were praised for following both moral and ceremonial laws, the key insight is their righteousness was "before God"—meaning their obedience was truly aimed at pleasing Him, not just for outward show or human approval. This deeper commitment meant their actions, even the ceremonial ones, were imbued with a sincere heart, distinguishing them from those who merely followed rules.
Luke begins by introducing Zechariah and Elizabeth, a devout couple from priestly lineage who meticulously followed God's laws. Despite their righteousness and devotion, they faced the deep sorrow of childlessness, a condition considered a significant hardship and sometimes even a sign of divine displeasure in their culture. This sets the stage for a divine intervention, as their faithful lives are about to intersect with an extraordinary angelic message about to transform their future.
The Bible calls Zacharias and Elisabeth 'righteous before God.' What does it mean to be righteous in God's eyes, not just in the eyes of others?
This phrase, "before God," is key. It's not just about outward appearances or what people think. It points to an inner reality, a heart-attitude that God Himself sees and affirms.
The verse mentions they walked in 'all the commandments and ordinances.' What's the difference, and why is this distinction important for understanding their faithfulness?
The phrase "commandments and ordinances" likely encompasses the whole scope of God's law as understood by devout Jews at the time.
Understand the original words
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.
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.
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.
dikaiōma · Greek Noun
c. 167-142 BC
Maccabean Revolt
A period of Jewish rebellion against the Seleucid Empire, marked by a resurgence of strict adherence to Jewish law and identity.
c. 63 BC
Roman Conquest of Judea
Rome establishes control over Judea, ending the Hasmonean kingdom and ushering in an era of Roman governors and client kings.
c. 40-4 BC— this verse
Reign of Herod the Great
Herod, an Idumean appointed by Rome, rules Judea with a mix of building projects and political maneuvering, facing both Jewish and Roman pressures.
Early 1st Century AD
Priestly Courses Functioning
The division of priests into 24 'courses' or rotations, established by David, continues to function, assigning priests their specific duties in the Jerusalem Temple.
This passage also describes Noah as 'righteous' in God's sight, highlighting that such commendation is about obedience and integrity before God, not perfection.
Matthew 1:19Joseph is described as 'righteous' before marrying Mary, illustrating that this term in Scripture often refers to a person's moral integrity and willingness to obey God's will, even when it's difficult.
Psalm 119:1This psalm's opening declaration, 'Blessed are the blameless in the way, who walk in the law of the Lord,' directly echoes the description of Zacharias and Elizabeth, emphasizing the connection between a 'blameless' life and adherence to God's law.
Malachi 4:4This verse calls the people to 'Remember the law of Moses,' the servant, linking obedience to the commandments with remembrance of God's covenant, similar to how Zacharias and Elizabeth walked in all the Lord's commandments and statutes.
Philippians 3:6Paul's description of his past zeal for the law, 'as to the righteousness under the law, blameless,' provides a parallel to Zacharias and Elizabeth's outward observance, while also setting the stage for understanding true righteousness in Christ, which is a deeper concept than mere legalism.
cambridgeLuke 1:6: "And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless."
6 . righteous ] One of the oldest terms of high praise among the Jews ( Genesis 6:9 ; Genesis 7:1 ; Genesis 18:23-28 . See Psalm 37:37 ; Ezekiel 18:5-19 , &c.). It is used also of Joseph, Matthew 1:19 ; and is defined in the following words in the almost technical sense of strict legal observance which it had acquired since the days of the Maccabees. The true Jashar (uprigh…
calvinLuke 1:5-13: "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, king of Judea, there was a certain priest named Zacharias, of the course of Abia; and his wife was of the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elisabeth. 6. And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless. 7. And the…
While they were praised for following both moral and ceremonial laws, the key insight is their righteousness was "before God"—meaning their obedience was truly aimed at pleasing Him, not just for outward show or human approval. This deeper commitment meant their actions, even the ceremonial ones, were imbued with a sincere heart, distinguishing them from those who merely followed rules.
Luke begins by introducing Zechariah and Elizabeth, a devout couple from priestly lineage who meticulously followed God's laws. Despite their righteousness and devotion, they faced the deep sorrow of childlessness, a condition considered a significant hardship and sometimes even a sign of divine displeasure in their culture. This sets the stage for a divine intervention, as their faithful lives are about to intersect with an extraordinary angelic message about to transform their future.
Luke begins by introducing Zechariah and Elizabeth, a devout couple from priestly lineage who meticulously followed God's laws. Despite their righteousness and devotion, they faced the deep sorrow of childlessness, a condition considered a significant hardship and sometimes even a sign of divine displeasure in their culture. This sets the stage for a divine intervention, as their faithful lives are about to intersect with an extraordinary angelic message about to transform their future.
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Divine decrees or established ordinances set by God. These often refer to the specific regulatory laws governing worship and civil life within the covenant.
"And they were both righteous before God, walking blamelessly in all the commandments and statutes of the Lord." — While they were praised for following both moral and ceremonial laws, the key insight is their righteousness was "before God"—meaning their obedience was truly aimed at pleasing Him, not just for out…
