Luke 1:23
And it came to pass, that, as soon as the days of his ministration were accomplished, he departed to his own house.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 14
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἐγένετο
it came to pass
G1096
ἐγένετο
it came to pass
Strong's:
G1096
Word #:
2 of 14
to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)
ὡς
that as soon as
G5613
ὡς
that as soon as
Strong's:
G5613
Word #:
3 of 14
which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)
ἐπλήσθησαν
were accomplished
G4130
ἐπλήσθησαν
were accomplished
Strong's:
G4130
Word #:
4 of 14
to "fill" (literally or figuratively (imbue, influence, supply)); specially, to fulfil (time)
αἱ
G3588
αἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 14
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἡμέραι
the days
G2250
ἡμέραι
the days
Strong's:
G2250
Word #:
6 of 14
day, i.e., (literally) the time space between dawn and dark, or the whole 24 hours (but several days were usually reckoned by the jews as inclusive of
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 14
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
λειτουργίας
of his ministration
G3009
λειτουργίας
of his ministration
Strong's:
G3009
Word #:
8 of 14
public function (as priest ("liturgy") or almsgiver)
αὐτοῦ
G846
αὐτοῦ
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
9 of 14
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
ἀπῆλθεν
he departed
G565
ἀπῆλθεν
he departed
Strong's:
G565
Word #:
10 of 14
to go off (i.e., depart), aside (i.e., apart) or behind (i.e., follow), literally or figuratively
εἰς
to
G1519
εἰς
to
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
11 of 14
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
12 of 14
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Historical Context
The priestly course served for one week twice yearly. Despite his muteness preventing the pronouncement of blessings, Zacharias completed his assigned duties. His return home to the hill country of Judea began the period during which Elisabeth would conceive.
Questions for Reflection
- How does faithful completion of current duties prepare us for future blessings?
- What does Zacharias's continued service despite difficulty teach about perseverance?
- How do we balance extraordinary spiritual experiences with ordinary responsibilities?
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Analysis & Commentary
Zacharias's faithful completion of his priestly service despite his supernatural experience and physical condition demonstrates true devotion. The phrase 'as soon as the days of his ministration were accomplished' shows he didn't abandon duty for personal crisis. His return home marks the transition from temple service to domestic life where God's promise would be fulfilled. This pattern—faithful service followed by God's blessing in private life—teaches that God honors those who fulfill their callings before seeking personal benefit. Zacharias's example shows that extraordinary divine encounters don't excuse ordinary responsibilities.