Luke 1:66
And all they that heard them laid them up in their hearts, saying, What manner of child shall this be! And the hand of the Lord was with him.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
! And
G2532
καὶ
! And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 22
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἔθεντο
them laid them up
G5087
ἔθεντο
them laid them up
Strong's:
G5087
Word #:
2 of 22
to place (in the widest application, literally and figuratively; properly, in a passive or horizontal posture, and thus different from g2476, which pr
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τῇ
G3588
τῇ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καρδίᾳ
hearts
G2588
καρδίᾳ
hearts
Strong's:
G2588
Word #:
8 of 22
the heart, i.e., (figuratively) the thoughts or feelings (mind); also (by analogy) the middle
αὐτοῦ
him
G846
αὐτοῦ
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
9 of 22
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
λέγοντες
saying
G3004
λέγοντες
saying
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
10 of 22
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
Τί
What
G5101
Τί
What
Strong's:
G5101
Word #:
11 of 22
an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)
ἄρα
manner
G686
ἄρα
manner
Strong's:
G686
Word #:
12 of 22
a particle denoting an inference more or less decisive (as follows)
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
13 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
παιδίον
of child
G3813
παιδίον
of child
Strong's:
G3813
Word #:
14 of 22
a childling (of either sex), i.e., (properly), an infant, or (by extension) a half-grown boy or girl; figuratively, an immature christian
καὶ
! And
G2532
καὶ
! And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
17 of 22
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
χεὶρ
the hand
G5495
χεὶρ
the hand
Strong's:
G5495
Word #:
18 of 22
the hand (literally or figuratively (power); especially (by hebraism) a means or instrument)
κυρίου
of the Lord
G2962
κυρίου
of the Lord
Strong's:
G2962
Word #:
19 of 22
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
Cross References
Acts 11:21And the hand of the Lord was with them: and a great number believed, and turned unto the Lord.Genesis 39:2And the LORD was with Joseph, and he was a prosperous man; and he was in the house of his master the Egyptian.Luke 2:51And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject unto them: but his mother kept all these sayings in her heart.Luke 2:19But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.
Historical Context
The 'hill country of Judaea' (v39) witnessed these events that marked John as special from birth. The community's expectation would later be fulfilled when John emerged from wilderness to call Israel to repentance. Their pondering kept alive awareness of God's work in their midst.
Questions for Reflection
- How does pondering God's works in our hearts differ from mere discussion?
- What does it mean to have 'the hand of the Lord' upon someone's life?
- How should we respond when we witness God's special calling on someone from birth?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The community's laying up these events 'in their hearts' shows thoughtful meditation on God's works, not mere gossip. Their question—'What manner of child shall this be?'—demonstrates expectation that one marked by such supernatural occurrences would have significant destiny. The addition 'And the hand of the Lord was with him' confirms divine favor and purpose on John's life from birth. This phrase echoes Old Testament descriptions of God's presence with those He calls (1 Sam 18:12, 14). The community's recognition and pondering created atmosphere of expectation for John's ministry. Their question would be answered as John grew and began prophetic ministry.