Luke Chapter 1 · Verse 80

Authorized King James Version

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And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, and was in the deserts till the day of his shewing unto Israel.

Original Language Analysis

Τὸ G3588
Τὸ
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 1 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
δὲ And G1161
δὲ And
Strong's: G1161
Word #: 2 of 19
but, and, etc
παιδίον the child G3813
παιδίον the child
Strong's: G3813
Word #: 3 of 19
a childling (of either sex), i.e., (properly), an infant, or (by extension) a half-grown boy or girl; figuratively, an immature christian
ηὔξανεν grew G837
ηὔξανεν grew
Strong's: G837
Word #: 4 of 19
to grow ("wax"), i.e., enlarge (literal or figurative, active or passive)
καὶ and G2532
καὶ and
Strong's: G2532
Word #: 5 of 19
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἐκραταιοῦτο waxed strong G2901
ἐκραταιοῦτο waxed strong
Strong's: G2901
Word #: 6 of 19
to empower, i.e., (passively) increase in vigor
πνεύματι in spirit G4151
πνεύματι in spirit
Strong's: G4151
Word #: 7 of 19
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
καὶ and G2532
καὶ and
Strong's: G2532
Word #: 8 of 19
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἦν was G2258
ἦν was
Strong's: G2258
Word #: 9 of 19
i (thou, etc.) was (wast or were)
ἐν in G1722
ἐν in
Strong's: G1722
Word #: 10 of 19
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
ταῖς G3588
ταῖς
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 11 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐρήμοις the deserts G2048
ἐρήμοις the deserts
Strong's: G2048
Word #: 12 of 19
lonesome, i.e., (by implication) waste (usually as a noun, g5561 being implied)
ἕως till G2193
ἕως till
Strong's: G2193
Word #: 13 of 19
a conjunction, preposition and adverb of continuance, until (of time and place)
ἡμέρας the day G2250
ἡμέρας the day
Strong's: G2250
Word #: 14 of 19
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
ἀναδείξεως shewing G323
ἀναδείξεως shewing
Strong's: G323
Word #: 15 of 19
(the act of) exhibition
αὐτοῦ of his G846
αὐτοῦ of his
Strong's: G846
Word #: 16 of 19
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
πρὸς unto G4314
πρὸς unto
Strong's: G4314
Word #: 17 of 19
a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,
τὸν G3588
τὸν
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 18 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Ἰσραήλ Israel G2474
Ἰσραήλ Israel
Strong's: G2474
Word #: 19 of 19
israel (i.e., jisrael), the adopted name of jacob, including his descendants (literally or figuratively)

Analysis & Commentary

Luke summarizes John's preparation: 'And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit' (τὸ δὲ παιδίον ηὔξανεν καὶ ἐκραταιοῦτο πνεύματι). The verb 'auxanō' (αὐξάνω) indicates natural physical growth, while 'krataioō' (κραταιόω) means to be strengthened or empowered, referring to spiritual development. The phrase 'was in the deserts till the day of his shewing unto Israel' (ἦν ἐν ταῖς ἐρήμοις ἕως ἡμέρας ἀναδείξεως αὐτοῦ πρὸς τὸν Ἰσραήλ) indicates John lived in wilderness areas, possibly connected to Essene communities, though Scripture does not confirm this. His 'showing' (ἀνάδειξις, public manifestation) came when God's word came to him (Luke 3:2), demonstrating that effective ministry requires both spiritual preparation and divine timing.

Historical Context

The Judean wilderness, likely near the Dead Sea, provided isolation for spiritual formation. Some scholars suggest John may have been associated with Qumran community (where Dead Sea Scrolls were found), given geographical proximity and shared emphasis on ritual purity, though significant theological differences exist. John's Nazirite lifestyle (avoiding wine, Luke 1:15) and prophetic calling required separation from normal society. His emergence at approximately age 30 (typical age for priestly service) in the 15th year of Tiberius (AD 29) was divinely orchestrated to coincide with Jesus' public ministry.

Questions for Reflection