Luke 1:26
And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth,
Original Language Analysis
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀπεστάλη
was sent
G649
ἀπεστάλη
was sent
Strong's:
G649
Word #:
7 of 20
set apart, i.e., (by implication) to send out (properly, on a mission) literally or figuratively
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἄγγελος
the angel
G32
ἄγγελος
the angel
Strong's:
G32
Word #:
9 of 20
compare g0034) (to bring tidings); a messenger; especially an "angel"; by implication, a pastor
ὑπὸ
from
G5259
ὑπὸ
from
Strong's:
G5259
Word #:
11 of 20
under, i.e., (with the genitive case) of place (beneath), or with verbs (the agency or means, through); (with the accusative case) of place (whither (
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
12 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θεοῦ
God
G2316
θεοῦ
God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
13 of 20
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
εἰς
unto
G1519
εἰς
unto
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
14 of 20
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
πόλιν
a city
G4172
πόλιν
a city
Strong's:
G4172
Word #:
15 of 20
a town (properly, with walls, of greater or less size)
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
16 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Γαλιλαίας
of Galilee
G1056
Γαλιλαίας
of Galilee
Strong's:
G1056
Word #:
17 of 20
galilaea (i.e., the heathen circle), a region of palestine
ᾗ
named
G3739
ᾗ
named
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
18 of 20
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
ὄνομα
G3686
Cross References
Matthew 2:23And he came and dwelt in a city called Nazareth: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophets, He shall be called a Nazarene.Luke 1:19And 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.John 7:41Others said, This is the Christ. But some said, Shall Christ come out of Galilee?Luke 2:4And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)
Historical Context
Written around 60-62 AD, Luke's Gospel emphasizes God's work among the marginalized. Nazareth was a small, insignificant village in Galilee, prompting Nathanael's later skepticism (John 1:46). Gabriel had not appeared to humans since his messages to Daniel over 500 years earlier.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's choice of Nazareth challenge your assumptions about where and how He works?
- In what ways does Gabriel's reappearance after centuries of prophetic silence speak to God's faithfulness to His promises?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The sixth month reference connects to Elizabeth's pregnancy (Luke 1:24), demonstrating God's sovereign timing in redemptive history. Gabriel, whose name means 'God is my strength,' had previously appeared to Daniel and now announces the greatest event in human history. Luke's precision in naming both the angel and the obscure village of Nazareth highlights his careful historical documentation, while the choice of this humble Galilean town fulfills prophecy and demonstrates God's pattern of exalting the lowly.