Luke 1:18
And Zacharias said unto the angel, Whereby shall I know this? for I am an old man, and my wife well stricken in years.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 23
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Ζαχαρίας
Zacharias
G2197
Ζαχαρίας
Zacharias
Strong's:
G2197
Word #:
3 of 23
zacharias (i.e., zechariah), the name of two israelites
πρὸς
unto
G4314
πρὸς
unto
Strong's:
G4314
Word #:
4 of 23
a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἄγγελον
the angel
G32
ἄγγελον
the angel
Strong's:
G32
Word #:
6 of 23
compare g0034) (to bring tidings); a messenger; especially an "angel"; by implication, a pastor
Κατὰ
Whereby
G2596
Κατὰ
Whereby
Strong's:
G2596
Word #:
7 of 23
(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)
τί
G5101
τί
Strong's:
G5101
Word #:
8 of 23
an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)
γνώσομαι
shall I know
G1097
γνώσομαι
shall I know
Strong's:
G1097
Word #:
9 of 23
to "know" (absolutely) in a great variety of applications and with many implications (as follow, with others not thus clearly expressed)
γάρ
for
G1063
γάρ
for
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
12 of 23
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
15 of 23
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
16 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
προβεβηκυῖα
well stricken
G4260
προβεβηκυῖα
well stricken
Strong's:
G4260
Word #:
19 of 23
to walk forward, i.e., advance (literally, or in years)
ταῖς
G3588
ταῖς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
21 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Genesis 17:17Then Abraham fell upon his face, and laughed, and said in his heart, Shall a child be born unto him that is an hundred years old? and shall Sarah, that is ninety years old, bear?Genesis 15:8And he said, Lord GOD, whereby shall I know that I shall inherit it?Luke 1:34Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man?2 Kings 7:2Then a lord on whose hand the king leaned answered the man of God, and said, Behold, if the LORD would make windows in heaven, might this thing be? And he said, Behold, thou shalt see it with thine eyes, but shalt not eat thereof.Isaiah 38:22Hezekiah also had said, What is the sign that I shall go up to the house of the LORD?Genesis 18:12Therefore Sarah laughed within herself, saying, After I am waxed old shall I have pleasure, my lord being old also?Luke 1:7And they had no child, because that Elisabeth was barren, and they both were now well stricken in years.
Historical Context
Zacharias had witnessed miraculous temple service and received direct angelic revelation, yet his rational mind struggled with biological impossibility. His doubt reflects the common human tension between faith and sight, promise and present reality.
Questions for Reflection
- How can even faithful believers struggle with doubt when God's promises seem impossible?
- What is the difference between asking for understanding and demanding proof?
- How does Zacharias's doubt contrast with Mary's faith in responding to God's word?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Zacharias's question 'Whereby shall I know this?' echoes Abraham's question (Gen 15:8) but lacks Abraham's faith. Despite angelic visitation and clear promise, Zacharias demands a sign, revealing doubt where there should be trust. His appeal to natural impossibility ('I am an old man') shows reliance on human reason over divine power. This stands in stark contrast to Mary's submissive faith (v38). Zacharias's unbelief, though understandable humanly, demonstrates how even the righteous can falter in faith when confronted with God's impossible promises.