Luke 1:67
And his father Zacharias was filled with the Holy Ghost, and prophesied, saying,
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 11
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Ζαχαρίας
Zacharias
G2197
Ζαχαρίας
Zacharias
Strong's:
G2197
Word #:
2 of 11
zacharias (i.e., zechariah), the name of two israelites
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 11
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πατὴρ
father
G3962
πατὴρ
father
Strong's:
G3962
Word #:
4 of 11
a "father" (literally or figuratively, near or more remote)
αὐτοῦ
his
G846
αὐτοῦ
his
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
5 of 11
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
ἐπλήσθη
was filled
G4130
ἐπλήσθη
was filled
Strong's:
G4130
Word #:
6 of 11
to "fill" (literally or figuratively (imbue, influence, supply)); specially, to fulfil (time)
πνεύματος
Ghost
G4151
πνεύματος
Ghost
Strong's:
G4151
Word #:
7 of 11
a current of air, i.e., breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit, i.e., (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital prin
ἁγίου
with the Holy
G40
ἁγίου
with the Holy
Strong's:
G40
Word #:
8 of 11
sacred (physically, pure, morally blameless or religious, ceremonially, consecrated)
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
9 of 11
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Cross References
Joel 2:28And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions:Luke 1:41And it came to pass, that, when Elisabeth heard the salutation of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elisabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost:Luke 1:15For he shall be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink; and he shall be filled with the Holy Ghost, even from his mother's womb.
Historical Context
Zacharias, though a priest, now functions as prophet—the last Old Testament prophet before John. His Spirit-filled prophecy demonstrates continuity between Old Testament prophetic tradition and New Testament Spirit-baptism. The Benedictus would become part of Christian liturgy, preserving his prophetic interpretation.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the Holy Spirit enable believers to understand and interpret God's redemptive work?
- What is the relationship between Spirit-filling and prophetic insight?
- How does Zacharias's prophecy demonstrate the unity of Old and New Testament revelation?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Zacharias being 'filled with the Holy Ghost' enabled him to prophesy, demonstrating that all true prophecy comes from divine inspiration, not human insight (2 Pet 1:21). The aorist passive 'was filled' indicates God's sovereign action filling him for this specific purpose. Zacharias's prophecy (the Benedictus, vv68-79) interprets recent events through redemptive-historical lens, connecting John's birth to God's covenant promises and messianic salvation. That a priest prophesies at his son's circumcision demonstrates God bridging Old Testament priesthood and New Testament prophecy. The Spirit's filling transforms Zacharias from doubting questioner to prophetic interpreter of God's purposes. This models how the Spirit illuminates understanding of God's redemptive work.