Luke 1:15
For he shall be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink; and he shall be filled with the Holy Ghost, even from his mother's womb.
Original Language Analysis
γὰρ
For
G1063
γὰρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
2 of 22
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
μέγας
great
G3173
μέγας
great
Strong's:
G3173
Word #:
3 of 22
big (literally or figuratively, in a very wide application)
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κυρίου
of the Lord
G2962
κυρίου
of the Lord
Strong's:
G2962
Word #:
6 of 22
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
7 of 22
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 #:
9 of 22
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
σίκερα
strong drink
G4608
σίκερα
strong drink
Strong's:
G4608
Word #:
10 of 22
an intoxicant, i.e., intensely fermented liquor
οὐ
G3756
μὴ
G3361
μὴ
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
12 of 22
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
14 of 22
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
πνεύματος
Ghost
G4151
πνεύματος
Ghost
Strong's:
G4151
Word #:
15 of 22
a current of air, i.e., breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit, i.e., (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital prin
ἁγίου
with the Holy
G40
ἁγίου
with the Holy
Strong's:
G40
Word #:
16 of 22
sacred (physically, pure, morally blameless or religious, ceremonially, consecrated)
πλησθήσεται
he shall be filled
G4130
πλησθήσεται
he shall be filled
Strong's:
G4130
Word #:
17 of 22
to "fill" (literally or figuratively (imbue, influence, supply)); specially, to fulfil (time)
ἐκ
from
G1537
ἐκ
from
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
19 of 22
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
κοιλίας
womb
G2836
κοιλίας
womb
Strong's:
G2836
Word #:
20 of 22
a cavity, i.e., (especially) the abdomen; by implication, the matrix; figuratively, the heart
Cross References
Jeremiah 1:5Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations.Acts 2:4And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.Ephesians 5:18And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;Galatians 1:15But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother's womb, and called me by his grace,Luke 7:33For John the Baptist came neither eating bread nor drinking wine; and ye say, He hath a devil.Joshua 4:14On that day the LORD magnified Joshua in the sight of all Israel; and they feared him, as they feared Moses, all the days of his life.1 Chronicles 17:8And I have been with thee whithersoever thou hast walked, and have cut off all thine enemies from before thee, and have made thee a name like the name of the great men that are in the earth.Joshua 3:7And the LORD said unto Joshua, This day will I begin to magnify thee in the sight of all Israel, that they may know that, as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee.Psalms 22:9But thou art he that took me out of the womb: thou didst make me hope when I was upon my mother's breasts.1 Chronicles 29:12Both riches and honour come of thee, and thou reignest over all; and in thine hand is power and might; and in thine hand it is to make great, and to give strength unto all.
Historical Context
Gabriel's annunciation to Zechariah (6 BC) occurred during the priestly division of Abijah's temple service. The Nazirite vow tradition extended back to Samson and Samuel, signifying complete dedication to God's purposes. John's unique prenatal filling anticipated the new covenant outpouring at Pentecost.
Questions for Reflection
- How does defining greatness 'in the sight of the Lord' rather than human standards challenge modern ambition?
- What does John's prenatal filling with the Spirit reveal about God's sovereign preparation of His servants?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
He shall be great in the sight of the Lord (μέγας ἐνώπιον τοῦ κυρίου, megas enōpion tou kyriou)—John's greatness is defined by divine estimation, not worldly acclaim. The Nazirite vow details follow: shall drink neither wine nor strong drink (οἶνον καὶ σίκερα οὐ μὴ πίῃ, oinon kai sikera ou mē piē)—total abstinence from fermented beverages, marking consecration to God (Numbers 6:3).
Filled with the Holy Ghost, even from his mother's womb (πνεύματος ἁγίου πλησθήσεται ἔτι ἐκ κοιλίας μητρὸς αὐτοῦ, pneumatos hagiou plēsthēsetai eti ek koilias mētros autou)—unprecedented prenatal sanctification, recalling Jeremiah's calling (Jeremiah 1:5). John alone among Old Testament saints received the Spirit before birth, preparing him as the final prophet bridging covenants.