Luke 1:12
And when Zacharias saw him, he was troubled, and fear fell upon him.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 9
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Ζαχαρίας
when Zacharias
G2197
Ζαχαρίας
when Zacharias
Strong's:
G2197
Word #:
3 of 9
zacharias (i.e., zechariah), the name of two israelites
ἰδών
saw
G1492
ἰδών
saw
Strong's:
G1492
Word #:
4 of 9
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
5 of 9
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἐπέπεσεν
fell
G1968
ἐπέπεσεν
fell
Strong's:
G1968
Word #:
7 of 9
to embrace (with affection) or seize (with more or less violence; literally or figuratively)
Historical Context
Angelic appearances had been rare during the intertestamental period (400 years of prophetic silence). Zacharias's reaction reflects both the unexpected nature of this visitation and the weight of centuries of waiting for God to speak again to His people.
Questions for Reflection
- What does holy fear before God's presence look like in the believer's life?
- How should we balance reverence and confidence in approaching God?
- Why is it significant that God broke His silence through an angel appearing to a faithful priest?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Zacharias's trouble and fear upon seeing the angel reveals the natural human response to divine revelation. The Greek 'etarachthe' (troubled) and 'phobos epepesen' (fear fell upon) indicate overwhelming awe before the supernatural. Even righteous men recognize their unworthiness before God's messengers. This fear differs from terror—it's reverential awe mixed with awareness of human frailty before divine holiness. The pattern appears throughout Scripture: divine visitations produce fear that must be addressed with 'Fear not.'