Luke 1:14
And thou shalt have joy and gladness; and many shall rejoice at his birth.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 13
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
5 of 13
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
7 of 13
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
πολλοὶ
many
G4183
πολλοὶ
many
Strong's:
G4183
Word #:
8 of 13
(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely
ἐπὶ
at
G1909
ἐπὶ
at
Strong's:
G1909
Word #:
9 of 13
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
τῇ
G3588
τῇ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Luke 1:58And her neighbours and her cousins heard how the Lord had shewed great mercy upon her; and they rejoiced with her.Proverbs 15:20A wise son maketh a glad father: but a foolish man despiseth his mother.Proverbs 23:24The father of the righteous shall greatly rejoice: and he that begetteth a wise child shall have joy of him.Genesis 21:6And Sarah said, God hath made me to laugh, so that all that hear will laugh with me.Proverbs 23:15My son, if thine heart be wise, my heart shall rejoice, even mine.
Historical Context
After 400 years of prophetic silence, the announcement of a prophet in the spirit of Elijah brought hope that God's promises were finally being fulfilled. John would be the last and greatest Old Testament prophet, bridging the covenants.
Questions for Reflection
- How does understanding God's redemptive purposes transform personal joy into communal celebration?
- What is the difference between happiness based on circumstances and joy rooted in God's sovereignty?
- How does the birth of John the Baptist demonstrate God's faithfulness to His promises?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Gabriel promises that John's birth will bring 'joy and gladness,' not merely to his parents but to many. The Greek 'chara' (joy) and 'agalliasis' (gladness/exultation) indicate deep, abiding spiritual joy, not temporary happiness. This joy flows from God's redemptive purposes—John as forerunner prepares the way for Messiah, the ultimate source of Christian joy. Reformed theology recognizes that true joy comes not from circumstances but from God's sovereign work of salvation. The birth of one child would trigger rejoicing because of his role in redemptive history.