Luke 1:21
And the people waited for Zacharias, and marvelled that he tarried so long in the temple.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 16
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
λαὸς
the people
G2992
λαὸς
the people
Strong's:
G2992
Word #:
4 of 16
a people (in general; thus differing from g1218, which denotes one's own populace)
προσδοκῶν
G4328
προσδοκῶν
Strong's:
G4328
Word #:
5 of 16
to anticipate (in thought, hope or fear); by implication, to await
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Ζαχαρίαν
for Zacharias
G2197
Ζαχαρίαν
for Zacharias
Strong's:
G2197
Word #:
7 of 16
zacharias (i.e., zechariah), the name of two israelites
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
8 of 16
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
αὐτόν
he
G846
αὐτόν
he
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
13 of 16
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
Historical Context
The incense offering normally took brief minutes. Zacharias's extended time suggested either divine encounter, ritual complication, or worse. The people's marvel indicates their spiritual sensitivity and expectation that God might act in their worship.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God often work His greatest purposes in hidden, quiet moments?
- What does this teach about faithful waiting during unexplained delays?
- How can we cultivate expectancy for God to work even in routine religious observance?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The people's waiting and marveling at Zacharias's delay demonstrates expectation for the priestly ministry to proceed orderly. Their concern reflects the seriousness with which Israel treated temple worship—the priest's prolonged absence in God's presence caused wonder and anxiety. They couldn't know that divine history was being made in the Holy Place. This reminds us that God's most significant works often occur hidden from public view, in quiet moments of faithful service. The congregation's ignorance of the angelic visitation parallels our limited understanding of how God works behind visible circumstances.