Luke 1
Dedication to Theophilus
1 Forasmuch as many have taken in hand to set forth in order a declaration of those things which are most surely believed among us, Faith: John 20:31
2 Even as they delivered them unto us, which from the beginning were eyewitnesses, and ministers of the word;
3 It seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first, to write unto thee in order, most excellent Theophilus, Good: Ecclesiastes 12:9, Acts 15:25, 15:28. Parallel theme: Luke 1:1, Acts 1:1, 11:4, 15:19, 23:26, 24:3, 26:25 +5
4 That thou mightest know the certainty of those things, wherein thou hast been instructed.
The Birth of John the Baptist Foretold
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. Kingdom: Matthew 2:1. Parallel theme: 1 Chronicles 24:10, 24:19, Nehemiah 12:4, 12:17
6 And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless. References God: Genesis 17:1, Job 1:1, 1:8, Acts 24:16, Philippians 2:15, 1 Thessalonians 3:13. Righteousness: Genesis 7:1. Parallel theme: 1 Kings 9:4 +3
7 And they had no child, because that Elisabeth was barren, and they both were now well stricken in years. Parallel theme: Genesis 17:17, 18:11, 25:21, 1 Samuel 1:2, 2 Kings 4:14, Hebrews 11:11
8 And it came to pass, that while he executed the priest's office before God in the order of his course, References God: 1 Chronicles 24:19, 2 Chronicles 8:14. Parallel theme: Luke 1:5, Exodus 28:1, 28:41, 29:1, 29:9, 29:44, 30:30, 2 Chronicles 31:2 +5
9 According to the custom of the priest's office, his lot was to burn incense when he went into the temple of the Lord. References Lord: Numbers 16:40, 1 Chronicles 23:13, 2 Chronicles 29:11. Parallel theme: 1 Samuel 2:28
10 And the whole multitude of the people were praying without at the time of incense. Prayer: Revelation 8:3. Parallel theme: Leviticus 16:17
11 And there appeared unto him an angel of the Lord standing on the right side of the altar of incense. References Lord: Judges 13:3
12 And when Zacharias saw him, he was troubled, and fear fell upon him.
13 But the angel said unto him, Fear not, Zacharias: for thy prayer is heard; and thy wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John. Prayer: Acts 10:31. Parallel theme: Luke 2:21, Genesis 17:19, 18:14, 25:21, 1 Samuel 2:21, Psalms 113:9, 118:21, Isaiah 8:3, Matthew 14:27 +5
14 And thou shalt have joy and gladness; and many shall rejoice at his birth.
15 For he shall be great in the sight of the LordLord: Κύριος (Kurios). The Greek Kurios (Κύριος) means 'lord' or 'master,' used both for human masters and divinely for God the Father and Jesus Christ. Its application to Jesus affirms His deity, as it translates YHWH in the Septuagint., and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink; and he shall be filled with the Holy Ghost, even from his mother's womb. References Lord: Joshua 3:7, 4:14. Holy: Jeremiah 1:5, Acts 2:4. Spirit: Ephesians 5:18. Parallel theme: Luke 7:33, 1 Chronicles 17:8, 29:12, Psalms 22:9, Galatians 1:15 +5
16 And many of the children of Israel shall he turn to the Lord their GodGod: Θεός (Theos). The Greek Theos (Θεός) refers to deity, used both for the one true God and false gods. Context determines whether it denotes the Father specifically or the Godhead generally..
17 And he shall go before him in the spirit and power of Elias, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to make ready a people prepared for the Lord. References Lord: Luke 1:76, 1 Chronicles 29:18, Psalms 111:10. Spirit: Psalms 78:8, Isaiah 29:24. Parallel theme: Matthew 11:14, John 3:28, Colossians 1:12, 1 Peter 2:9, Revelation 20:4 +5
18 And Zacharias said unto the angelAngel: ἄγγελος (Angelos). The Greek angelos (ἄγγελος) means angel or messenger. Angels announced Christ's birth (Luke 2:9-14), ministered to Him (Matthew 4:11), and will accompany His return (Matthew 25:31)., Whereby shall I know this? for I am an old man, and my wife well stricken in years.
19 And the angel answering said unto him, I am Gabriel, that stand in the presence of God; and am sent to speak unto thee, and to shew thee these glad tidings.
20 And, behold, thou shalt be dumb, and not able to speak, until the day that these things shall be performed, because thou believest not my words, which shall be fulfilled in their season. Parallel theme: Ezekiel 3:26, 24:27, Hebrews 6:18, Revelation 3:19
21 And the people waited for Zacharias, and marvelled that he tarried so long in the temple.
22 And when he came out, he could not speak unto them: and they perceived that he had seen a vision in the temple: for he beckoned unto them, and remained speechless. Parallel theme: Luke 1:62
23 And it came to pass, that, as soon as the days of his ministration were accomplished, he departed to his own house. Parallel theme: 1 Chronicles 9:25
24 And after those days his wife Elisabeth conceived, and hid herself five months, saying,
25 Thus hath the LordLord: Κύριος (Kurios). The Greek Kurios (Κύριος) means 'lord' or 'master,' used both for human masters and divinely for God the Father and Jesus Christ. Its application to Jesus affirms His deity, as it translates YHWH in the Septuagint. dealt with me in the days wherein he looked on me, to take away my reproach among men. References Lord: Genesis 25:21, 1 Samuel 1:6. Parallel theme: Luke 1:13, Isaiah 4:1, Hebrews 11:11
The Birth of Jesus Foretold
26 And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from GodGod: Θεός (Theos). The Greek Theos (Θεός) refers to deity, used both for the one true God and false gods. Context determines whether it denotes the Father specifically or the Godhead generally. unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth, References God: Luke 1:19. Parallel theme: Luke 2:4, Matthew 2:23, John 7:41
27 To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin's name was Mary.
28 And the angelAngel: ἄγγελος (Angelos). The Greek angelos (ἄγγελος) means angel or messenger. Angels announced Christ's birth (Luke 2:9-14), ministered to Him (Matthew 4:11), and will accompany His return (Matthew 25:31). came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women. References Lord: Judges 6:12, Daniel 10:19, Hosea 14:2. Blessing: Luke 1:42, Judges 5:24. Parallel theme: Luke 1:30, Isaiah 43:5, Matthew 12:48, Acts 18:10, Ephesians 1:6 +5
29 And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be. Parallel theme: Luke 1:12, Acts 10:4, 10:17
30 And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God. References God: Isaiah 41:10, Acts 27:24, Romans 8:31. Parallel theme: Luke 1:13, 12:32, Isaiah 41:14, 44:2, Matthew 14:27, 28:5, Hebrews 13:6 +5
31 And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS.
32 He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord GodGod: Θεός (Theos). The Greek Theos (Θεός) refers to deity, used both for the one true God and false gods. Context determines whether it denotes the Father specifically or the Godhead generally. shall give unto him the throne of his father David: References God: Luke 1:35, Mark 5:7, Acts 2:30, Romans 1:4. References Lord: Luke 1:76, Psalms 132:11. References David: Isaiah 16:5, Revelation 3:7. Parallel theme: 2 Samuel 7:16, Matthew 28:18 +5
33 And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end. Kingdom: 2 Samuel 7:16, Psalms 45:6, Daniel 2:44, 7:18, 7:27, Micah 4:7, Hebrews 1:8, Revelation 11:15. Parallel theme: Matthew 28:18, Galatians 3:29 +5
34 Then said Mary unto the angelAngel: ἄγγελος (Angelos). The Greek angelos (ἄγγελος) means angel or messenger. Angels announced Christ's birth (Luke 2:9-14), ministered to Him (Matthew 4:11), and will accompany His return (Matthew 25:31)., How shall this be, seeing I know not a man?
35 And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.
36 And, behold, thy cousin Elisabeth, she hath also conceived a son in her old age: and this is the sixth month with her, who was called barren.
37 For with GodGod: Θεός (Theos). The Greek Theos (Θεός) refers to deity, used both for the one true God and false gods. Context determines whether it denotes the Father specifically or the Godhead generally. nothing shall be impossible. References God: Luke 18:27, Jeremiah 32:17, 32:27, Matthew 19:26, Mark 10:27. Parallel theme: Genesis 18:14, Numbers 11:23, Job 13:2, Zechariah 8:6, Philippians 3:21 +5
38 And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the LordLord: Κύριος (Kurios). The Greek Kurios (Κύριος) means 'lord' or 'master,' used both for human masters and divinely for God the Father and Jesus Christ. Its application to Jesus affirms His deity, as it translates YHWH in the Septuagint.; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her. References Lord: Psalms 116:16. Word: Psalms 119:38
Mary Visits Elizabeth
39 And Mary arose in those days, and went into the hill country with haste, into a city of Juda; Parallel theme: Luke 1:65
40 And entered into the house of Zacharias, and saluted Elisabeth.
41 And it came to pass, that, when Elisabeth heard the salutation of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elisabeth was filled with the HolyHoly: ἅγιος (Hagios). The Greek hagios (ἅγιος) denotes holiness—moral purity and separation unto God. Believers are called 'saints' (hagioi), those set apart for God through Christ's sanctifying work. Ghost: Holy: Luke 1:15, 1:67, Acts 2:4, 4:8, 6:3, 7:55. Spirit: Revelation 1:10. Parallel theme: Luke 1:44, Genesis 25:22, Psalms 22:10 +5
42 And she spake out with a loud voice, and said, Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb. Blessing: Luke 1:28, 1:48, 19:38, Genesis 22:18, Judges 5:24, Psalms 21:6
43 And whence is this to me, that the mother of my LordLord: Κύριος (Kurios). The Greek Kurios (Κύριος) means 'lord' or 'master,' used both for human masters and divinely for God the Father and Jesus Christ. Its application to Jesus affirms His deity, as it translates YHWH in the Septuagint. should come to me? References Lord: Luke 2:11, 1 Samuel 25:41, Psalms 110:1, John 20:28. Parallel theme: Philippians 2:3
44 For, lo, as soon as the voice of thy salutation sounded in mine ears, the babe leaped in my womb for joy.
45 And blessed is she that believed: for there shall be a performance of those things which were told her from the Lord. Faith: Luke 1:20, 2 Chronicles 20:20, John 11:40, 20:29
46 And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord, References Lord: Psalms 35:9, Isaiah 45:25, 61:10, Romans 5:11, 1 Corinthians 1:31, Philippians 4:4. Parallel theme: 2 Corinthians 2:14, Philippians 3:3, 1 Peter 1:8 +4
47 And my spirit hath rejoiced in GodGod: Θεός (Theos). The Greek Theos (Θεός) refers to deity, used both for the one true God and false gods. Context determines whether it denotes the Father specifically or the Godhead generally. my Saviour.
48 For he hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden: for, behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed. Blessing: Luke 1:28, 1:42, 11:27, Genesis 30:13, Malachi 3:12. Parallel theme: 1 Samuel 1:11, 2:8, Psalms 136:23, 138:6, Isaiah 66:2 +5
49 For he that is mighty hath done to me great things; and holyHoly: ἅγιος (Hagios). The Greek hagios (ἅγιος) denotes holiness—moral purity and separation unto God. Believers are called 'saints' (hagioi), those set apart for God through Christ's sanctifying work. is his name. Holy: Exodus 15:11, 1 Samuel 2:2, Psalms 99:3, 99:9, 111:9, Isaiah 57:15, Revelation 15:4. Parallel theme: Genesis 17:1, Jeremiah 10:6, Ephesians 3:20 +5
50 And his mercy is on them that fear him from generation to generation. Grace: Exodus 20:6, Psalms 103:11, 118:4, 147:11. Parallel theme: Genesis 17:7, Psalms 31:19, 85:9, 115:13, 145:19, Revelation 19:5 +5
51 He hath shewed strength with his arm; he hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts. Parallel theme: Genesis 6:5, Psalms 89:10, 98:1, 118:15, Isaiah 40:10, 51:9, 52:10, 63:12, Daniel 4:37, Romans 1:21 +5
52 He hath put down the mighty from their seats, and exalted them of low degree. Parallel theme: Luke 18:14, 1 Samuel 2:4, Ecclesiastes 4:14, Ezekiel 17:24, Amos 9:11, Mark 6:3, James 4:10 +2
53 He hath filled the hungry with good things; and the rich he hath sent empty away. Good: Psalms 34:10. Parallel theme: Luke 6:21, 6:24, 1 Samuel 2:5, Psalms 146:7, Ezekiel 34:29, Matthew 5:6, John 6:35, 1 Corinthians 1:26, 4:8 +5
54 He hath holpen his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy; Grace: Psalms 98:3, Jeremiah 31:20, Micah 7:20. References Israel: Isaiah 44:21
55 As he spake to our fathers, to Abraham, and to his seed for ever. Parallel theme: Genesis 12:3, 17:19, 22:18, 26:4
56 And Mary abode with her about three months, and returned to her own house.
The Birth of John the Baptist
57 Now Elisabeth's full time came that she should be delivered; and she brought forth a son.
58 And her neighbours and her cousins heard how the LordLord: Κύριος (Kurios). The Greek Kurios (Κύριος) means 'lord' or 'master,' used both for human masters and divinely for God the Father and Jesus Christ. Its application to Jesus affirms His deity, as it translates YHWH in the Septuagint. had shewed great mercy upon her; and they rejoiced with her.
59 And it came to pass, that on the eighth day they came to circumcise the child; and they called him Zacharias, after the name of his father. Parallel theme: Luke 2:21, Genesis 17:12, Leviticus 12:3, Philippians 3:5
60 And his mother answered and said, Not so; but he shall be called John. References John: Luke 1:13. Parallel theme: 2 Samuel 12:25, Isaiah 8:3
61 And they said unto her, There is none of thy kindred that is called by this name.
62 And they made signs to his father, how he would have him called. Parallel theme: Luke 1:22
63 And he asked for a writing table, and wrote, saying, His name is John. And they marvelled all. References John: Luke 1:13, 1:60. Parallel theme: Isaiah 30:8
64 And his mouth was opened immediately, and his tongue loosed, and he spake, and praised GodGod: Θεός (Theos). The Greek Theos (Θεός) refers to deity, used both for the one true God and false gods. Context determines whether it denotes the Father specifically or the Godhead generally..
65 And fear came on all that dwelt round about them: and all these sayings were noised abroad throughout all the hill country of Judaea.
66 And all they that heard them laid them up in their hearts, saying, What manner of child shall this be! And the hand of the LordLord: Κύριος (Kurios). The Greek Kurios (Κύριος) means 'lord' or 'master,' used both for human masters and divinely for God the Father and Jesus Christ. Its application to Jesus affirms His deity, as it translates YHWH in the Septuagint. was with him. References Lord: Genesis 39:2, Acts 11:21. Parallel theme: Luke 2:19, 2:51
Zechariah's Prophecy
67 And his father Zacharias was filled with the HolyHoly: ἅγιος (Hagios). The Greek hagios (ἅγιος) denotes holiness—moral purity and separation unto God. Believers are called 'saints' (hagioi), those set apart for God through Christ's sanctifying work. Ghost, and prophesied, saying, Spirit: Joel 2:28. Holy: Luke 1:15, 1:41
68 Blessed be the Lord God of Israel; for he hath visited and redeemed his people, References God: Luke 7:16. References Lord: Exodus 4:31. Blessing: 1 Kings 1:48, 1 Chronicles 29:20, Psalms 41:13, 106:48, Ephesians 1:3. Redemption: Luke 2:38, Psalms 111:9, Ephesians 1:7 +5
69 And hath raised up an horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David; Salvation: 1 Samuel 2:1, 2 Samuel 22:3, Psalms 18:2. Resurrection: Amos 9:11. References David: Psalms 89:3, Mark 11:10, Revelation 22:16. Parallel theme: 1 Samuel 2:10, Psalms 89:17, Ezekiel 29:21 +5
70 As he spake by the mouth of his holy prophets, which have been since the world began: Holy: Acts 28:25, Romans 1:2, 2 Peter 1:21
71 That we should be saved from our enemies, and from the hand of all that hate us; Salvation: Deuteronomy 33:29, Psalms 106:10, Jeremiah 23:6. Parallel theme: Luke 1:74, Jeremiah 32:37, Ezekiel 34:25, 34:28 +2
72 To perform the mercy promised to our fathers, and to remember his holyHoly: ἅγιος (Hagios). The Greek hagios (ἅγιος) denotes holiness—moral purity and separation unto God. Believers are called 'saints' (hagioi), those set apart for God through Christ's sanctifying work. covenant; Covenant: Leviticus 26:42, Psalms 106:45, Ezekiel 16:60. Grace: Micah 7:20. Parallel theme: Genesis 26:4, 28:14, Romans 11:28 +2
73 The oath which he sware to our father Abraham, References Abraham: Psalms 105:9. Parallel theme: Deuteronomy 7:8, 7:12, Jeremiah 11:5
74 That he would grant unto us, that we being delivered out of the hand of our enemies might serve him without fear, Parallel theme: Luke 1:71, Isaiah 45:17, Romans 8:15, 2 Timothy 1:7, Hebrews 2:15, 9:14, Revelation 2:10 +2
75 In holiness and righteousness before him, all the days of our life.
76 And thou, child, shalt be called the prophet of the Highest: for thou shalt go before the face of the LordLord: Κύριος (Kurios). The Greek Kurios (Κύριος) means 'lord' or 'master,' used both for human masters and divinely for God the Father and Jesus Christ. Its application to Jesus affirms His deity, as it translates YHWH in the Septuagint. to prepare his ways; Prophecy: Matthew 3:3, 14:5, Mark 11:32, John 1:23. References Lord: Luke 1:32, Malachi 3:1. Parallel theme: Luke 1:35, Acts 16:17 +3
77 To give knowledge of salvationSalvation: σωτηρία (Soteria). The Greek soteria (σωτηρία) denotes salvation, deliverance, or preservation—rescue from sin's penalty and power. It encompasses justification, sanctification, and glorification. unto his people by the remission of their sins, Salvation: Luke 3:6, Acts 5:31. Sin: Luke 3:3, Jeremiah 31:34, John 1:29, Acts 2:38, 3:19, 10:43, Ephesians 1:7. Parallel theme: John 1:34 +5
78 Through the tender mercyMercy: ἔλεος (Eleos). The Greek eleos (ἔλεος) denotes compassionate mercy—pity for those in distress. God is 'rich in mercy' (Ephesians 2:4), withholding deserved punishment and granting undeserved kindness. of our God; whereby the dayspring from on high hath visited us, References God: Colossians 3:12, 1 John 3:17. Parallel theme: Numbers 24:17, Isaiah 11:1, Zechariah 6:12, Malachi 4:2, Ephesians 5:14, Philippians 2:1, 2 Peter 1:19, Revelation 22:16 +5
79 To give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace. Light: Isaiah 9:2, Matthew 4:16, John 8:12, 9:5, 12:46, Acts 26:18, Ephesians 5:8. Darkness: Psalms 107:10, 107:14, Isaiah 42:7 +5
80 And the child grew, and waxed strong in spiritSpirit: πνεῦμα (Pneuma). The Greek pneuma (πνεῦμα) means spirit, wind, or breath—the immaterial aspect of persons. The Holy Spirit (Pneuma Hagion) is the third person of the Trinity, dwelling in believers., and was in the deserts till the day of his shewing unto Israel. Spirit: Luke 2:40. References Israel: John 1:31. Parallel theme: Luke 2:52, Matthew 3:1