And they were both righteous before God, walking blamelessly in all the commandments and statutes of the Lord.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The phrase "before God" is more than just stating their righteousness was real; it highlights that their entire walk, encompassing both moral and ceremonial duties, was lived with an awareness of God's presence and judgment. This implies a profound intimacy and accountability, not merely outward adherence to rules.
And they were both righteous before God, walking blamelessly in all the commandments and statutes of the Lord.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Luke begins his Gospel by introducing John the Baptist's parents, Zechariah and Elizabeth, a devout couple from priestly lineage living during Herod's rule. They are described as exceptionally righteous and observant of God's law, yet they suffer the deep sorrow of being childless. This righteous couple's story sets the stage for an extraordinary divine intervention that will usher in a new era.
We often hear 'righteous' and think of someone perfectly following a rulebook. But what does Scripture truly mean when it calls people 'righteous'?
The Bible uses the word 'righteous' to describe someone who is aligned with God's character and will. It's not just about outward actions, but an inner disposition.
A Deep Alignment
Zacharias and Elizabeth were "righteous before God." This isn't just a human assessment; it's God's view. It means their hearts were set on pleasing Him, a deep-seated alignment with His ways.
Living It Out
This inner alignment naturally flows into outward action. The text says they were "walking blamelessly in all the commandments and statutes of the Lord." This shows that true righteousness isn't passive; it's an active, consistent pursuit of obedience in every area of life, both moral and ceremonial.
The verse mentions both 'commandments' and 'statutes' (or ordinances). What's the big deal about including both?
When the Bible talks about obeying God's law, it often uses terms that encompass the full scope of His instructions. For Zacharias and Elizabeth, this meant embracing both the moral and ceremonial aspects of God's commands.
Moral Imperatives
'Commandments' generally refer to the moral law – the principles of how we are to love God and love our neighbor. Think of the Ten Commandments and their expansion in the Sermon on the Mount.
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Ceremonial and Civil Details
'Statutes' or 'ordinances' often point to the ceremonial laws (like sacrifices and temple rituals) and civil laws given to ancient Israel. While these specific practices have been fulfilled in Christ, they were vital for Israel in showing devotion and understanding God's holiness.
Complete Obedience
By walking in all of them, Zacharias and Elizabeth demonstrated a commitment to obeying God in every way He had instructed His people, showing a comprehensive devotion.
The verse concludes by saying they walked 'blamelessly'. Does this mean they were perfect?
Being 'blameless' before God doesn't mean sinless perfection in a human sense. It means living a life that, under God's scrutiny, demonstrates a sincere devotion and a lack of hidden, unrepentant sin.
God's Perspective is Key
Remember, they were blameless 'before God.' This isn't about appearing perfect to others, but about an integrity that stands up to divine examination. It implies transparency and honesty with God about one's life.
The Context of Grace
While the Bible commends such lives, it's crucial to remember this righteousness was lived before Christ's full work was revealed. Their blamelessness was understood within the framework of God's covenant, where ongoing forgiveness was available. They weren't earning salvation by works, but their lives testified to a heart already devoted to God, a devotion God graciously accepted and covered with His mercy.
A Life of Integrity
It points to a life where sins, when committed, were confessed and dealt with, not hidden or ignored. It's a life that intentionally seeks to honor God in all its dealings.
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
Divine decrees or established ordinances set by God. These often refer to the specific regulatory laws governing worship and civil life within the covenant.
Zacharias and Elizabeth lived during a tumultuous period in Jewish history, under foreign rule and with a politically complex king. Their strict adherence to Jewish law, described as 'walking in all the commandments and ordinances,' was a testament to their deep faith in a time when maintaining religious identity was a significant challenge.
c. 167 BC - 142 BC
Maccabean Revolt
A period of intense conflict as Jewish rebels fought against the Seleucid Empire to preserve their religious practices and autonomy. This era sharpened the distinction between strict observance of the Law and the broader community.
c. 63 BC
Roman Conquest of Judea
Rome conquered Judea, placing it under Roman rule. This event significantly altered the political landscape and introduced foreign governance, increasing the importance of religious identity.
c. 40 BC - 4 BC— this verse
Reign of Herod the Great
Herod, an Idumean client king appointed by Rome, ruled Judea. Though he undertook massive building projects, including the Temple in Jerusalem, his reign was marked by political instability and ethnic tension.
Early 1st century AD
Temple Service Reforms
Under Roman and Herodian rule, the priestly divisions, like the one Abia belonged to, continued their service in the Jerusalem Temple. This routine service was central to Jewish religious life.
This passage echoes Luke 1:6 by showing God's direct command to Abraham to 'walk before me, and be blameless,' highlighting the theme of righteous living in God's presence.
Psalm 119:1The psalmist's declaration 'Blessed are those whose way is blameless, who walk in the law of the LORD!' strongly parallels the description of Zechariah and Elizabeth as 'blameless' in following God's statutes.
Matthew 5:19Jesus' teaching that whoever 'does them and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven' connects with the idea of righteous individuals diligently fulfilling and embodying God's commandments, as Zechariah and Elizabeth did.
Philippians 3:6Paul's self-testimony of being 'blameless' regarding the righteousness based on the law before his conversion serves as a strong conceptual parallel to Zechariah and Elizabeth's commitment to meticulous obedience to God's commands.
1 Timothy 3:2The qualification for a church leader to be 'above reproach' resonates with the description of Zechariah and Elizabeth as 'righteous before God, walking blamelessly,' emphasizing the importance of godly character for those in service.
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…
The phrase "before God" is more than just stating their righteousness was real; it highlights that their entire walk, encompassing both moral and ceremonial duties, was lived with an awareness of God's presence and judgment. This implies a profound intimacy and accountability, not merely outward adherence to rules.
Luke begins his Gospel by introducing John the Baptist's parents, Zechariah and Elizabeth, a devout couple from priestly lineage living during Herod's rule. They are described as exceptionally righteous and observant of God's law, yet they suffer the deep sorrow of being childless. This righteous couple's story sets the stage for an extraordinary divine intervention that will usher in a new era.
Luke begins his Gospel by introducing John the Baptist's parents, Zechariah and Elizabeth, a devout couple from priestly lineage living during Herod's rule. They are described as exceptionally righteous and observant of God's law, yet they suffer the deep sorrow of being childless. This righteous couple's story sets the stage for an extraordinary divine intervention that will usher in a new era.
"And they were both righteous before God, walking blamelessly in all the commandments and statutes of the Lord." — The phrase "before God" is more than just stating their righteousness was real; it highlights that their entire walk, encompassing both moral and ceremonial duties, was lived with an awareness of God…
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Last reviewed October 2026