Grk “Since” or “Because.” This begins a long sentence that extends through v. 4 . Because of the length and complexity of the Greek sentence and the tendency of contemporary English style to use shorter sentences, the Greek sentence has been divided up into shorter English sentences in the translation.


This is sometimes translated “narrative,” but the term itself can refer to an oral or written account. It is the verb “undertaken” which suggests a written account, since it literally is “to set one’s hand” to something (BDAG 386 s.v. ἐπιχειρέω ). “Narrative” is too specific, denoting a particular genre of work for the accounts that existed in the earlier tradition. Not all of that material would have been narrative.


Or “events.”


Or “have been accomplished.” Given Luke’s emphasis on divine design (e.g., Luke 24:43-47 ) a stronger sense (“fulfilled”) is better than a mere reference to something having taken place (“accomplished”).


Grk “even as”; this compares the recorded tradition of 1:1 with the original eyewitness tradition of 1:2 .


Or “delivered.”


Grk “like the accounts those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and servants of the word passed on to us.” The location of “in the beginning” in the Greek shows that the tradition is rooted in those who were with Jesus from the start.


The conjunction “so” is supplied here to bring out the force of the latter part of this Greek sentence, which the translation divides up because of English style. Luke, in compiling his account, is joining a tradition with good precedent.


Grk “having followed”; the participle παρηκολουθηκότι ( parhkolouqhkoti ) has been translated causally.


Or “know the truth about”; or “know the certainty of.” The issue of the context is psychological confidence; Luke’s work is trying to encourage Theophilus. So in English this is better translated as “know for certain” than “know certainty” or “know the truth,” which sounds too cognitive. “Certain” assumes the truth of the report. On this term, see Acts 2:36; 21:34; 22:30; and 25:26 . The meaning “have assurance concerning” is also possible here.


Or “you heard about.” This term can refer merely to a report of information ( Acts 21:24 ) or to instruction ( Acts 18:25 ). The scope of Luke’s Gospel as a whole, which calls for perseverance in the faith and which assumes much knowledge of the OT, suggests Theophilus had received some instruction and was probably a believer.


Grk “It happened that in the days.” The introductory phrase ἐγένετο ( egeneto , “it happened that”), common in Luke (69 times) and Acts (54 times), is redundant in contemporary English and has not been translated.


Grk “of”; but the meaning of the preposition ἐκ ( ek ) is more accurately expressed in contemporary English by the relative clause “who belonged to.”


Grk “and her name was Elizabeth.”


Grk “a wife of the daughters of Aaron.” sn It was not unusual for a priest to have a wife from a priestly family ( a descendant of Aaron ); this was regarded as a special blessing.


Grk “And they.” Because of the difference between Greek style, which often begins sentences or clauses with “and,” and English style, which generally does not, καί ( kai ) has not been translated here.


Grk “walking in” (an idiom for one’s lifestyle). sn The description of Zechariah and Elizabeth as following… blamelessly was not to say that they were sinless, but that they were faithful and pious. Thus a practical righteousness is meant here ( Gen 6:8 ; Deut 28:9 ).


The predicate adjective has the effect of an adverb here (BDF §243).


Grk “were both advanced in days” (an idiom for old age).


Grk “Now it happened that.” The introductory phrase ἐγένετο ( egeneto , “it happened that”), common in Luke (69 times) and Acts (54 times), is redundant in contemporary English and has not been translated.


Grk “he”; the referent (Zechariah) has been specified in the translation for clarity.


Grk “serving as priest in the order of his division before God.” sn Zechariah’s division would be on duty twice a year for a week at a time.


Grk “according to the custom of the priesthood it fell to him by lot.” The order of the clauses has been rearranged in the translation to make it clear that the prepositional phrase κατὰ τὸ ἔθος τῆς ἱερατείας ( kata to eqo" th" Jierateia" , “according to the custom of the priesthood”) modifies the phrase “it fell to him by lot” rather than the preceding clause.


This is an aorist participle and is temporally related to the offering of incense, not to when the lot fell.


Or “temple.” Such sacrifices, which included the burning of incense, would have occurred in the holy place according to the Mishnah ( m. Tamid 1.2; 3.1; 5-7). A priest would have given this sacrifice, which was offered for the nation, once in one’s career. It would be offered either at 9 a.m. or 3 p.m., since it was made twice a day.


Grk “And,” but “now” better represents the somewhat parenthetical nature of this statement in the flow of the narrative.


Grk “all the multitude.” While “assembly” is sometimes used here to translate πλῆθος ( plhqo" ), that term usually implies in English a specific or particular group of people. However, this was simply a large group gathered outside, which was not unusual, especially for the afternoon offering.


The “hour of the incense offering” is another way to refer to the time of sacrifice.


Grk “And an angel.” Because of the difference between Greek style, which often begins sentences or clauses with “and,” and English style, which generally does not, δέ ( de ) has not been translated here.


Or “the angel of the Lord.” Linguistically, “angel of the Lord” is the same in both testaments (and thus, he is either “an angel of the Lord” or “the angel of the Lord” in both testaments). For arguments and implications, see ExSyn 252; M. J. Davidson, “Angels,” DJG , 9; W. G. MacDonald argues for “an angel” in both testaments: “Christology and ‘The Angel of the Lord’,” Current Issues in Biblical and Patristic Interpretation , 324-35.


The words “the angel” are not in the Greek text, but are implied. Direct objects were frequently omitted in Greek when clear from the context.


Or “and he was afraid”; Grk “fear fell upon him.” Fear is common when supernatural agents appear ( 1:29-30, 65; 2:9; 5:8-10; 9:34; 24:38 ; Exod 15:16 ; Judg 6:22-23; 13:6, 22 ; 2 Sam 6:9 ).


The passive means that the prayer was heard by God. sn Your prayer has been heard. Zechariah’s prayer while offering the sacrifice would have been for the nation, but the answer to the prayer also gave them a long hoped-for child, a hope they had abandoned because of their old age.


Grk “a son, and you”; καί ( kai ) has not been translated. Instead a semicolon is used in the translation for stylistic reasons.


Grk “you will call his name John.” The future tense here functions like a command (see ExSyn 569-70). This same construction occurs in v. 31 . sn “ Do not be afraid…you must call his name John. ” This is a standard birth announcement (see Gen 16:11 ; Isa 7:14 ; Matt 1:21 ; Luke 1:31 ).


Grk “This will be joy and gladness.”


Or “because of.”


“At his birth” is more precise as the grammatical subject ( 1:58 ), though “at his coming” is a possible force, since it is his mission, as the following verses note, that will really bring joy.


Grk “before.”


Grk “and he”; because of the length and complexity of the Greek sentence, the conjunction καί ( kai ) has not been translated here. Instead a new English sentence is begun in the translation.


Grk “even from his mother’s womb.” While this idiom may be understood to refer to the point of birth (“even from his birth”), Luke 1:41 suggests that here it should be understood to refer to a time before birth. sn He will be filled with the Holy Spirit, even before his birth. This is the language of the birth of a prophet ( Judg 13:5, 7 ; Isa 49:1 ; Jer 1:5 ; Sir 49:7); see 1:41 for the first fulfillment.


Grk “And he.” Here καί ( kai ) has not been translated because of differences between Greek and English style.


Grk “sons”; but clearly this is a generic reference to people of both genders.


Grk “before him”; the referent (the Lord) has been specified in the translation for clarity.


Grk “And Zechariah.” Here καί ( kai ) has not been translated because of differences between Greek and English style.


Grk “How will I know this?”


Grk “is advanced in days” (an idiom for old age).


Grk “And the.” Here καί ( kai ) has not been translated because of differences between Greek and English style.


Grk “the one who is standing before God.”


Grk “to announce these things of good news to you.”


Grk “behold.”


Grk “And.” Here καί ( kai ) has been translated as “now” to indicate the transition to a new topic.


The imperfect verb ἐθαύμαζον ( eqaumazon ) has been translated as an ingressive imperfect.


Or “temple.” See the note on the phrase “the holy place” in v. 9 .


Grk “And when.” Here καί ( kai ) has not been translated because of differences between Greek and English style.


Grk “and they.” Here καί ( kai ) has not been translated because of differences between Greek and English style.


That is, “he had had a supernatural encounter in the holy place,” since the angel came to Zechariah by the altar. This was not just a “mental experience.”


Grk “and,” but the force is causal or explanatory in context.


Grk “dumb,” but this could be understood to mean “stupid” in contemporary English, whereas the point is that he was speechless.


Grk “And it happened that as the days of his service were ended.” The introductory phrase ἐγένετο ( egeneto , “it happened that”), common in Luke (69 times) and Acts (54 times), is redundant in contemporary English and has not been translated.


Grk “After these days.” The phrase refers to a general, unspecified period of time that passes before fulfillment comes.


Or “Elizabeth conceived.”


Grk “she kept herself in seclusion, saying.” The participle λέγουσα ( legousa ) has been translated as a finite verb due to requirements of contemporary English style.


Grk “Thus.”


Grk “in the days.”


Grk “has looked on me” (an idiom for taking favorable notice of someone).


Grk “among men”; but the context clearly indicates a generic use of ἄνθρωπος ( anqrwpo" ) here.


Grk “in the sixth month.” The phrase “of Elizabeth’s pregnancy” was supplied in the translation to clarify the exact time meant by this reference. That Elizabeth’s pregnancy is meant is clear from vv. 24-25 .


Or “from.” The account suggests God’s planned direction in these events, so “by” is better than “from,” as six months into Elizabeth’s pregnancy, God acts again.


Or “promised in marriage.”


Grk “Joseph, of the house of David.” sn The Greek word order here favors connecting Davidic descent to Joseph, not Mary, in this remark.


Grk “And coming to her.” Here καί ( kai ) has not been translated because of differences between Greek and English style.


Grk “And coming to her, he said”; the referent (the angel) has been specified in the translation for clarity.


Grk “coming to her, he said.” The participle εἰσελθών ( eiselqwn ) has been translated as a finite verb due to requirements of contemporary English style.


The address, “favored one” (a perfect participle, Grk “Oh one who is favored”) points to Mary as the recipient of God’s grace, not a bestower of it. She is a model saint in this passage, one who willingly receives God’s benefits. The Vulgate rendering “full of grace” suggests something more of Mary as a bestower of grace, but does not make sense here contextually.


565 579 700 1241 pc co), is thus preferred.


565 579 1241 sa) and on balance should probably be considered authentic.


Grk “to wonder what kind of greeting this might be.” Luke often uses the optative this way to reveal a figure’s thinking ( 3:15; 8:9; 18:36; 22:23 ).


Here καί ( kai ) has been translated as “so” to indicate that Gabriel’s statement is a response to Mary’s perplexity over the greeting.


Or “grace.” sn The expression found favor is a Semitism, common in the OT ( Gen 6:8; 18:3; 43:14 ; 2 Sam 15:25 ). God has chosen to act on this person’s behalf.


Grk “And behold.”


Grk “you will conceive in your womb.”


Or “and bear.”


Grk “you will call his name.”


See v. 13 for a similar construction. sn You will name him Jesus. This verse reflects the birth announcement of a major figure; see 1:13 ; Gen 16:7 ; Judg 13:5 ; Isa 7:14 . The Greek form of the name Ihsous , which was translated into Latin as Jesus , is the same as the Hebrew Yeshua (Joshua), which means “Yahweh saves” (Yahweh is typically rendered as “Lord” in the OT). It was a fairly common name among Jews in 1st century Palestine, as references to a number of people by this name in the LXX and Josephus indicate.


Grk “this one.”


Or “ancestor.”


Grk “And he.” Here καί ( kai ) has not been translated because of differences between Greek and English style. A new sentence is begun here in the translation because of the length of the sentence in Greek.


Or “over Israel.” sn The expression house of Jacob refers to Israel. This points to the Messiah’s relationship to the people of Israel.


Grk “And Mary.” Here καί ( kai ) has not been translated because of differences between Greek and English style.


Grk “have not known.” The expression in the Greek text is a euphemism for sexual relations. Mary seems to have sensed that the declaration had an element of immediacy to it that excluded Joseph. Many modern translations render this phrase “since I am a virgin,” but the Greek word for virgin is not used in the text, and the euphemistic expression is really more explicit, referring specifically to sexual relations.


Grk “And the angel said to her.” Here καί ( kai ) has not been translated because of differences between Greek and English style. The pronoun αὐτῇ ( auth , “to her”) has not been included in the translation since it is redundant in contemporary English.


Or “the one born holy will be called the Son of God.” The wording of this phrase depends on whether the adjective is a predicate adjective, as in the text, or is an adjective modifying the participle serving as the subject. The absence of an article with the adjective speaks for a predicate position. Other less appealing options supply a verb for “holy”; thus “the one who is born will be holy”; or argue that both “holy” and “Son of God” are predicates, so “The one who is born will be called holy, the Son of God.”


33 pc ) add “by you” here. This looks like a scribal addition to bring symmetry to the first three clauses of the angel’s message (note the second person pronoun in the previous two clauses), and is too poorly supported to be seriously considered as authentic.


Or “Therefore the holy child to be born will be called the Son of God.” There are two ways to understand the Greek phrase τὸ γεννώμενον ἅγιον ( to gennwmenon {agion ) here. First, τὸ γεννώμενον could be considered a substantival participle with ἅγιον as an adjective in the second predicate position, thus making a complete sentence; this interpretation is reflected in the translation above. Second, τὸ ἅγιον could be considered a substantival adjective with γεννώμενον acting as an adjectival participle, thus making the phrase the subject of the verb κληθήσεται ( klhqhsetai ); this interpretation is reflected in the alternative reading. Treating the participle γεννώμενον as adjectival is a bit unnatural for the very reason that it forces one to understand ἅγιον as substantival; this introduces a new idea in the text with ἅγιον when an already new topic is being introduced with γεννώμενον . Semantically this would overload the new subject introduced at this point. For this reason the first interpretation is preferred.


Grk “behold.”


Some translations render the word συγγενίς ( sungeni" ) as “cousin” (so Phillips) but the term is not necessarily this specific.


Or “has conceived.”


Grk “and this is the sixth month for her who was called barren.” Yet another note on Elizabeth’s loss of reproach also becomes a sign of the truth of the angel’s declaration.


In Greek, the phrase πᾶν ῥῆμα ( pan rJhma , “nothing”) has an emphatic position, giving it emphasis as the lesson in the entire discussion. The remark is a call for faith.


Here καί ( kai ) has been translated as “so” to indicate the transition to a new topic.


Traditionally, “handmaid”; Grk “slave woman.” Though δούλη ( doulh ) is normally translated “woman servant,” the word does not bear the connotation of a free woman serving another. BDAG notes that “‘servant’ for ‘slave’ is largely confined to Biblical transl. and early American times… in normal usage at the present time the two words are carefully distinguished” (BDAG 260 s.v. δοῦλος ). The most accurate translation is “bondservant,” sometimes found in the ASV for δοῦλος ( doulos ), in that it often indicates one who sells himself or herself into slavery to another. But as this is archaic, few today understand its force.


Grk “let this be to me.”


Here καί ( kai ) has been translated as “then” to indicate the implied sequence of events within the narrative.


Grk “And it happened that.” The introductory phrase ἐγένετο ( egeneto , “it happened that”), common in Luke (69 times) and Acts (54 times), is redundant in contemporary English and has not been translated. Because of the difference between Greek style, which often begins sentences or clauses with “and,” and English style, which generally does not, καί ( kai ) has not been translated here either.


The antecedent of “her” is Elizabeth.


Grk “and she.” Because of the length and complexity of the Greek sentence, a new sentence was begun here in the translation. Here καί ( kai ) has not been translated because of differences between Greek and English style.


Grk “and she exclaimed with a great cry and said.” The verb εἶπεν ( eipen , “said”) has not been included in the translation since it is redundant in contemporary English.


Grk “fruit,” which is figurative here for the child she would give birth to.


Grk “From where this to me?” The translation suggests the note of humility and surprise that Elizabeth feels in being a part of these events. The ἵνα ( Jina ) clause which follows explains what “this” is. A literal translation would read “From where this to me, that is, that the mother of my Lord comes to visit me?”


Grk “for behold.”


Grk “when the sound of your greeting [reached] my ears.”


This ὅτι ( Joti ) clause, technically indirect discourse after πιστεύω ( pisteuw ), explains the content of the faith, a belief in God’s promise coming to pass.


That is, “ what was said to her (by the angel) at the Lord’s command ” (BDAG 756 s.v. παρά A.2).


Grk “that there would be a fulfillment of what was said to her from the Lord.” sn This term speaks of completion of something planned ( 2 Chr 29:35 ).


mss Nic) read “Elizabeth” here, since she was just speaking, but the ms evidence overwhelmingly supports “Mary” as the speaker.


Or “lifts up the Lord in praise.”


Or “rejoices.” The translation renders this aorist, which stands in contrast to the previous line’s present tense, as ingressive, which highlights Mary’s joyous reaction to the announcement. A comprehensive aorist is also possible here.


See the note on the word “servant” in v. 38 .


Traditionally, “the Mighty One.”


Grk “and from.” Here καί ( kai ) has been translated by a semicolon to improve the English style.


That is, “who revere.” This refers to those who show God a reverential respect for his sovereignty.


Or “shown strength,” “performed powerful deeds.” The verbs here switch to aorist tense through 1:55 . This is how God will act in general for his people as they look to his ultimate deliverance.


Grk “in the imaginations of their hearts.” The psalm rebukes the arrogance of the proud, who think that power is their sovereign right. Here διανοίᾳ ( dianoia ) can be understood as a dative of sphere or reference/respect.


Or “rulers.”


Or “those of humble position” sn The contrast between the mighty and those of lowly position is fundamental for Luke. God cares for those that the powerful ignore ( Luke 4:18-19 ).


Or “because he remembered mercy,” understanding the infinitive as causal.


Or “his [God’s] loyal love.”


Grk “as he spoke.” Since this is a reference to the covenant to Abraham, ἐλάλησεν ( elalhsen ) can be translated in context “as he promised.” God keeps his word.


Grk “fathers.”


Grk “his seed” (an idiom for offspring or descendants).


Grk “And.” Here ( kai ) has been translated as “so” to indicate the conclusion of the topic.


Grk “her”; the referent (Elizabeth) has been specified in the translation for clarity.


Grk “the time was fulfilled.”


The words “her baby” are not in the Greek text, but have been supplied for clarity.


Grk “And her.” Here καί ( kai ) has not been translated because of differences between Greek and English style.


Grk “had magnified his mercy with her.”


The verb συνέχαιρον ( sunecairon ) is an imperfect and could be translated as an ingressive force, “they began to rejoice.”


Grk “And it happened that.” The introductory phrase ἐγένετο ( egeneto , “it happened that”), common in Luke (69 times) and Acts (54 times), is redundant in contemporary English and has not been translated. Here καί ( kai ) has not been translated because of differences between Greek and English style.


This could be understood as a conative imperfect, expressing an unrealized desire (“they were trying to name him”). It has been given more of a voluntative nuance in the translation.


Grk “And,” but with clearly contrastive emphasis in context.


Grk “his mother answering, said.” The combination of participle and finite verb is redundant in English and has been simplified to “replied” in the translation.


This future passive indicative verb has imperatival force and thus has been translated “he must be named.”


Grk “And they.” Here καί ( kai ) has not been translated because of differences between Greek and English style.


The word “but” is not in the Greek text but has been supplied in the translation for clarity.


Grk “There is no one from your relatives who is called by this name.”


Here καί ( kai ) has been translated as “so” to indicate the consequential nature of the action described.


Grk “his”; the referent (the baby) has been specified in the translation for clarity.


Grk “what he might wish to call him.”


Grk “And he.” Here καί ( kai ) has not been translated because of differences between Greek and English style.


Grk “and wrote, saying.” The participle λέγων ( legwn ) is redundant is English and has not been translated.


Grk “And immediately.” Here καί ( kai ) has not been translated because of differences between Greek and English style.


Grk “his”; the referent (Zechariah) has been specified in the translation for clarity.


“Released” is implied; in the Greek text both στόμα ( stoma ) and γλῶσσα ( glwssa ) are subjects of ἀνεῴχθη ( anewcqh ), but this would be somewhat redundant in English.


Grk “And all.” Here καί ( kai ) has not been translated because of differences between Greek and English style. sn Fear is the emotion that comes when one recognizes something unusual, even supernatural, has taken place.


Here καί ( kai ) has not been translated because of differences between Greek and English style. A new sentence was begun at this point in the translation because of the length and complexity of the Greek sentence.


Grk “heard them”; the referent (these things, from the previous verse) has been specified in the translation for clarity.


Grk “heart.” The term “heart” ( καρδία , kardia ) could also be translated as “mind,” or “thoughts,” and the entire phrase be rendered as “kept them in mind,” “thought about,” or the like. But the immediate context is clearly emotive, suggesting that much more is at work than merely the mental processes of thinking or reasoning about “these things.” There is a sense of joy and excitement (see the following question, “What then will this child be?”) and even fear. Further, the use of καρδία in 1:66 suggests connections with the same term in 2:19 where deep emotion is being expressed as well. Therefore, recognizing both the dramatic nature of the immediate context and the literary connections to 2:19 , the translation renders the term in 1:66 as “hearts” to capture both the cognitive and emotive aspects of the people’s response.


Or “what manner of child will this one be?”


Here καί ( kai ) has been translated as “then” to indicate the implied sequence of events within the narrative.


Grk “and he prophesied, saying.” The participle λέγων ( legwn ) is redundant and has not been translated. sn Prophesied. The reference to prophecy reflects that Zechariah is enabled by the Spirit to speak God’s will. He does so in this case through a praise psalm, which calls for praise and then gives the reason why God should be praised.


Or “has delivered”; Grk “has accomplished redemption.” sn Has redeemed is a reference to redemption, but it anticipates the total release into salvation that the full work of Messiah will bring for Israel. This involves both spiritual and material benefits eventually.


Grk “and,” but specifying the reason for the praise in the psalm.


Grk “from the ages,” “from eternity.”


Grk “from long ago, salvation.”


The words “He has done this” (referring to the raising up of the horn of salvation from David’s house) are not in the Greek text, but are supplied to allow a new sentence to be started in the translation. The Greek sentence is lengthy and complex at this point, while contemporary English uses much shorter sentences.


Or “our forefathers”; Grk “our fathers.” This begins with the promise to Abraham (vv. 55, 73 ), and thus refers to many generations of ancestors.


This is linked back grammatically by apposition to “covenant” in v. 72 , specifying which covenant is meant.


Or “forefather”; Grk “father.”


Again for reasons of English style, the infinitival clause “to grant us” has been translated “This oath grants” and made the beginning of a new sentence in the translation.


565 892 pc ) lack “our,” while most (A C D [K] Θ Ψ 0177 33 Ï pc ) supply it. Although the addition is most likely not authentic, “our” has been included in the translation due to English stylistic requirements.


This phrase in Greek is actually thrown forward to the front of the verse to give it emphasis.


Grk “all our days.”


Or “a prophet”; but since Greek nouns can be definite without the article, and since in context this is a reference to the eschatological forerunner of the Messiah (cf. John 1:17 ), the concept is better conveyed to the English reader by the use of the definite article “the.”


א B W 0177 pc ) and is thus more likely to be authentic.


This term is often translated in the singular, looking specifically to the forerunner role, but the plural suggests the many elements in that salvation. sn On the phrase prepare his ways see Isa 40:3-5 and Luke 3:1-6 .


For reasons of style, a new sentence has been started in the translation at this point. God’s mercy is ultimately seen in the deliverance John points to, so v. 78 a is placed with the reference to Jesus as the light of dawning day.


Grk “shall visit us.”


Or “the path.”


This verb is imperfect.


This verb is also imperfect.


Or “desert.”


Grk “until the day of his revealing.”