Luke 1:19
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.
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
ἀποκριθεὶς
answering
G611
ἀποκριθεὶς
answering
Strong's:
G611
Word #:
2 of 23
to conclude for oneself, i.e., (by implication) to respond; by hebraism (compare h6030) to begin to speak (where an address is expected)
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἄγγελος
the angel
G32
ἄγγελος
the angel
Strong's:
G32
Word #:
4 of 23
compare g0034) (to bring tidings); a messenger; especially an "angel"; by implication, a pastor
αὐτῷ
unto him
G846
αὐτῷ
unto him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
6 of 23
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
παρεστηκὼς
that stand
G3936
παρεστηκὼς
that stand
Strong's:
G3936
Word #:
11 of 23
to stand beside, i.e., (transitively) to exhibit, proffer, (specially), recommend, (figuratively) substantiate; or (intransitively) to be at hand (or
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
13 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θεοῦ
of God
G2316
θεοῦ
of God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
14 of 23
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
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
ἀπεστάλην
am sent
G649
ἀπεστάλην
am sent
Strong's:
G649
Word #:
16 of 23
set apart, i.e., (by implication) to send out (properly, on a mission) literally or figuratively
πρὸς
unto
G4314
πρὸς
unto
Strong's:
G4314
Word #:
18 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,
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
20 of 23
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Cross References
Luke 1:26And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth,Matthew 18:10Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say unto you, That in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven.Daniel 8:16And I heard a man's voice between the banks of Ulai, which called, and said, Gabriel, make this man to understand the vision.
Historical Context
Gabriel ('strength of God') appears in Daniel's prophecies (Dan 8:16; 9:21) and here announces both John and Jesus's births. His role as messenger of crucial redemptive announcements underscores the significance of these events in salvation history.
Questions for Reflection
- Why should God's word through His appointed messenger be sufficient without additional signs?
- What does Gabriel's continuous standing in God's presence teach about angelic service?
- How should we respond when God speaks clearly through His word?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Gabriel's self-identification—'I am Gabriel, that stand in the presence of God'—establishes his authority as God's messenger. The perfect tense 'parestekos' (stand) indicates continuous standing in God's immediate presence, emphasizing his role as divine spokesman. Gabriel's mission 'to shew thee these glad tidings' reveals the gracious character of divine revelation—God condescends to inform His servants of His purposes. The rebuke implicit in Gabriel's response teaches that demanding signs when God has spoken clearly dishonors His word. God's word itself should be sufficient evidence.