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Luke 1:5-44

There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judea, a certain priest named Zacharias, of the priestly division of Abijah. He had a wife of the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth. They were both righteous before God, walking blamelessly in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord. But they had no child, because Elizabeth was barren, and they both were well advanced in years.

Now while he executed the priest’s office before God in the order of his division according to the custom of the priest’s office, his lot was to enter into the temple of the Lord and burn incense. The whole multitude of the people were praying outside at the hour of incense.

An angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing on the right side of the altar of incense. Zacharias was troubled when he saw him, and fear fell upon him. But the angel said to him, “Don’t be afraid, Zacharias, because your request has been heard. Your wife, Elizabeth, will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John. You will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth. For he will be great in the sight of the Lord, and he will drink no wine nor strong drink. He will be filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mother’s womb. He will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God. He will go before him in the spirit and power of Elijah, ‘to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children,’ and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to prepare a people prepared for the Lord.”

Zacharias said to the angel, “How can I be sure of this? For I am an old man, and my wife is well advanced in years.”

The angel answered him, “I am Gabriel, who stands in the presence of God. I was sent to speak to you and to bring you this good news. Behold, you will be silent and not able to speak until the day that these things will happen, because you didn’t believe my words, which will be fulfilled in their proper time.”

The people were waiting for Zacharias, and they marveled that he delayed in the temple. When he came out, he could not speak to them. They perceived that he had seen a vision in the temple. He continued making signs to them, and remained mute. When the days of his service were fulfilled, he departed to his house. After these days Elizabeth his wife conceived, and she hid herself five months, saying, “Thus has the Lord done to me in the days in which he looked at me, to take away my reproach among men.”

Now in the sixth month, the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, to a virgin pledged to be married to a man whose name was Joseph, of David’s house. The virgin’s name was Mary. Having come in, the angel said to her, “Rejoice, you highly favored one! The Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women!”

But when she saw him, she was greatly troubled at the saying, and considered what kind of salutation this might be. The angel said to her, “Don’t be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. Behold, you will conceive in your womb and give birth to a son, and shall name him ‘Jesus.’ He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever. There will be no end to his Kingdom.”

Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, seeing I am a virgin?”

The angel answered her, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. Therefore also the holy one who is born from you will be called the Son of God. Behold, Elizabeth your relative also has conceived a son in her old age; and this is the sixth month with her who was called barren. For nothing spoken by God is impossible.”

Mary said, “Behold, the servant of the Lord; let it be done to me according to your word.” The angel departed from her.

Mary arose in those days and went into the hill country with haste, into a city of Judah, and entered into the house of Zacharias and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb; and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. She called out with a loud voice and said, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! Why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For behold, when the voice of your greeting came into my ears, the baby leaped in my womb for joy!

World English Bible · Public Domain
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Luke 1:5-44 sits inside this longer paragraph.

There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judea, a certain priest named Zacharias, of the priestly division of Abijah. He had a wife of the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth. They were both righteous before God, walking blamelessly in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord. But they had no child, because Elizabeth was barren, and they both were well advanced in years.

Now while he executed the priest’s office before God in the order of his division according to the custom of the priest’s office, his lot was to enter into the temple of the Lord and burn incense. The whole multitude of the people were praying outside at the hour of incense.

An angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing on the right side of the altar of incense. Zacharias was troubled when he saw him, and fear fell upon him. But the angel said to him, “Don’t be afraid, Zacharias, because your request has been heard. Your wife, Elizabeth, will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John. You will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth. For he will be great in the sight of the Lord, and he will drink no wine nor strong drink. He will be filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mother’s womb. He will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God. He will go before him in the spirit and power of Elijah, ‘to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children,’ and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to prepare a people prepared for the Lord.”

Zacharias said to the angel, “How can I be sure of this? For I am an old man, and my wife is well advanced in years.”

The angel answered him, “I am Gabriel, who stands in the presence of God. I was sent to speak to you and to bring you this good news. Behold, you will be silent and not able to speak until the day that these things will happen, because you didn’t believe my words, which will be fulfilled in their proper time.”

The people were waiting for Zacharias, and they marveled that he delayed in the temple. When he came out, he could not speak to them. They perceived that he had seen a vision in the temple. He continued making signs to them, and remained mute. When the days of his service were fulfilled, he departed to his house. After these days Elizabeth his wife conceived, and she hid herself five months, saying, “Thus has the Lord done to me in the days in which he looked at me, to take away my reproach among men.”

Now in the sixth month, the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, to a virgin pledged to be married to a man whose name was Joseph, of David’s house. The virgin’s name was Mary. Having come in, the angel said to her, “Rejoice, you highly favored one! The Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women!”

But when she saw him, she was greatly troubled at the saying, and considered what kind of salutation this might be. The angel said to her, “Don’t be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. Behold, you will conceive in your womb and give birth to a son, and shall name him ‘Jesus.’ He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever. There will be no end to his Kingdom.”

Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, seeing I am a virgin?”

The angel answered her, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. Therefore also the holy one who is born from you will be called the Son of God. Behold, Elizabeth your relative also has conceived a son in her old age; and this is the sixth month with her who was called barren. For nothing spoken by God is impossible.”

Mary said, “Behold, the servant of the Lord; let it be done to me according to your word.” The angel departed from her.

Mary arose in those days and went into the hill country with haste, into a city of Judah, and entered into the house of Zacharias and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb; and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. She called out with a loud voice and said, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! Why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For behold, when the voice of your greeting came into my ears, the baby leaped in my womb for joy! Blessed is she who believed, for there will be a fulfillment of the things which have been spoken to her from the Lord!”

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Parallel Translations

  • WEB World English Bible

    There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judea, a certain priest named Zacharias, of the priestly division of Abijah. He had a wife of the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth.

    They were both righteous before God, walking blamelessly in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord.

    But they had no child, because Elizabeth was barren, and they both were well advanced in years.

    Now while he executed the priest’s office before God in the order of his division

    according to the custom of the priest’s office, his lot was to enter into the temple of the Lord and burn incense.

    The whole multitude of the people were praying outside at the hour of incense.

    An angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing on the right side of the altar of incense.

    Zacharias was troubled when he saw him, and fear fell upon him.

    But the angel said to him, “Don’t be afraid, Zacharias, because your request has been heard. Your wife, Elizabeth, will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John.

    You will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth.

    For he will be great in the sight of the Lord, and he will drink no wine nor strong drink. He will be filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mother’s womb.

    He will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God.

    He will go before him in the spirit and power of Elijah, ‘to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children,’ and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to prepare a people prepared for the Lord.”

    Zacharias said to the angel, “How can I be sure of this? For I am an old man, and my wife is well advanced in years.”

    The angel answered him, “I am Gabriel, who stands in the presence of God. I was sent to speak to you and to bring you this good news.

    Behold, you will be silent and not able to speak until the day that these things will happen, because you didn’t believe my words, which will be fulfilled in their proper time.”

    The people were waiting for Zacharias, and they marveled that he delayed in the temple.

    When he came out, he could not speak to them. They perceived that he had seen a vision in the temple. He continued making signs to them, and remained mute.

    When the days of his service were fulfilled, he departed to his house.

    After these days Elizabeth his wife conceived, and she hid herself five months, saying,

    “Thus has the Lord done to me in the days in which he looked at me, to take away my reproach among men.”

    Now in the sixth month, the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth,

    to a virgin pledged to be married to a man whose name was Joseph, of David’s house. The virgin’s name was Mary.

    Having come in, the angel said to her, “Rejoice, you highly favored one! The Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women!”

    But when she saw him, she was greatly troubled at the saying, and considered what kind of salutation this might be.

    The angel said to her, “Don’t be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God.

    Behold, you will conceive in your womb and give birth to a son, and shall name him ‘Jesus.’

    He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David,

    and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever. There will be no end to his Kingdom.”

    Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, seeing I am a virgin?”

    The angel answered her, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. Therefore also the holy one who is born from you will be called the Son of God.

    Behold, Elizabeth your relative also has conceived a son in her old age; and this is the sixth month with her who was called barren.

    For nothing spoken by God is impossible.”

    Mary said, “Behold, the servant of the Lord; let it be done to me according to your word.” The angel departed from her.

    Mary arose in those days and went into the hill country with haste, into a city of Judah,

    and entered into the house of Zacharias and greeted Elizabeth.

    When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb; and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit.

    She called out with a loud voice and said, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb!

    Why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?

    For behold, when the voice of your greeting came into my ears, the baby leaped in my womb for joy!

  • TYNDALE Tyndale New Testament (1534)

    There was in the dayes of Herode kynge of Iurie a certayne prest named zacharias of the course of Abia. And his wyfe was of the doughters of Aaron: And her name was Elizabeth.

    Booth were perfect before God and walked in all the lawes and ordinaunces of the Lorde that no man coulde fynde fawte with them.

    And they had no chylde because that Elizabeth was barre and booth were well stricken in age.

    And it cam to passe as he executed the prestes office before god as his course came

    (accordinge to the custome of the prestes office) his lot was to bourne incence. And went into the temple of the Lorde

    and the whoale multitude of the people were with out in prayer whill the incense was aburnynge.

    And ther appered vnto him an angell of the lorde stondinge on the ryght syde of the altare of incense.

    And when Zacharias sawe him he was abasshed and feare came on him.

    And the angell sayde vnto him: feare not Zachary for thy prayer is hearde: And thy wyfe Elizabeth shall beare the a sonne and thou shalt call his name Iohn

    and thou shalt have ioye and gladnes and many shall reioyce at his birth.

    For he shalbe greate in the sight of the lorde and shall nether drinke wyne ner stronge drinke. And he shalbe filled with the holy goost even in his mothers wombe:

    and many of the chyldren of Israel shall he tourne to their Lorde God.

    And he shall goo before him in the sprete and power of Helyas to tourne the hertes of the fathers to the chyldren and the vnbelevers to the wysdom of the iuste men: to make the people redy for the Lorde.

    And Zacharias sayde vnto the angell: Wher by shall I knowe this? seinge that I am olde and my wyfe well stricken in yeares.

    And the angell answered and sayde vnto him: I am Gabriell that stonde in the presens of God and am sent to speake vnto the: and to shewe the these glad tydinges.

    And beholde thou shalt be domme and not able to speake vntyll the tyme that these thinges be performed because thou belevedst not my wordes which shalbe fulfilled in their season.

    And the people wayted for zacharias and mervelled that he taryed in the temple.

    And when he cam oute he could not speake vnto them. Wherby they perceaved that he had sene some vision in the temple. And he beckened vnto them and remayned speachlesse.

    And it fortuned assone as the tyme of his office was oute he departed home into his awne housse.

    And after thoose dayes his wyfe Elizabeth conceaved and hyd her sylfe.v. monethes sayinge:

    This wyse hath God dealte with me in the dayes when he loked on me to take from me the rebuke that I suffred amonge men.

    And in the.vi. moneth the angell Gabriel was sent from god vnto a cite of Galile named Nazareth

    to a virgin spoused to a man whose name was Ioseph of the housse of David and the virgins name was Mary.

    And the angell went in vnto her and sayde: Hayle full of grace the Lorde is with the: blessed arte thou amonge wemen.

    When she sawe him she was abasshed at his sayinge: and cast in her mynde what maner of salutacion that shuld be.

    And the angell sayde vnto her: feare not Mary: for thou hast founde grace with god.

    Loo: thou shalt conceave in thy wombe and shalt beare a sonne and shalt call his name Iesus.

    He shalbe greate and shalbe called the sonne of the hyest. And the lorde God shall geve vnto him the seate of his father David

    and he shall raygne over the housse of Iacob forever and of his kyngdome shalbe none ende.

    Then sayd Mary vnto the angell: How shall this be seinge I knowe not a man?

    And the angell answered and sayd vnto her: The holy goost shall come apon the and the power of the hyest shall over shaddowe the. Therfore also the holy thinge which shalbe borne shalbe called the sonne of god.

    And beholde thy cosen Elizabeth she hath also conceaved a sonne in her age. And this is hyr sixte moneth though she be called barren:

    for with god can nothinge be vnpossible.

    And Mary sayd: beholde the honde mayden of the lorde be it vnto me even as thou hast sayde. And the angell departed from her.

    And Mary arose in thoose dayes and went into the mountayns with hast into a cite of Iurie

    and entred into the housse of zachary and saluted Elizabeth.

    And it fortuned as Elizabeth hearde the salutacion of Mary the babe spronge in her belly. And Elizabeth was filled with the holy goost

    and cryed with a loude voyce and sayde: Blessed arte thou amonge wemen and blessed is the frute of thy wombe.

    And whence hapeneth this to me that the mother of my Lorde shuld come to me?

    For loo assone as the voyce of thy salutacion sownded in myne eares the babe sprange in my belly for ioye.

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  • GNV Geneva Bible (1599)

    In the time of Herod King of Iudea, there was a certaine Priest named Zacharias, of the course of Abia: and his wife was of the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elisabet.

    Both were iust before God, and walked in all the commandements and ordinances of the Lord, without reproofe.

    And they had no childe, because that Elisabet was barren: and both were well stricken in age.

    And it came to passe, as he executed the Priestes office before God, as his course came in order,

    According to the custome of the Priests office, his lot was to burne incense, when he went into the Temple of the Lord.

    And the whole multitude of the people were without in prayer, while the incense was burning.

    Then appeared vnto him an Angel of the Lord standing at the right side of the altar of incense.

    And when Zacharias sawe him, he was troubled, and feare fell vpon him.

    But the Angel saide vnto him, Feare not, Zacharias: for thy prayer is heard, and thy wise Elisabet shall beare thee a sonne, and thou shalt call his name Iohn.

    And thou shalt haue ioy and gladnes, and many shall reioyce at his birth.

    For he shalbe great in the sight of the Lord, and shall neither drinke wine, nor strong drinke: and he shalbe filled with the holy Ghost, euen from his mothers wombe.

    And many of the children of Israel shall he turne to their Lord God.

    For he shall goe before him in the spirite and power of Elias, to turne the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisedome of the iust men, to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.

    Then Zacharias said vnto ye Angel, Whereby shall I knowe this? for I am an olde man, and my wife is of a great age.

    And the Angell answered, and sayde vnto him, I am Gabriel that stand in the presence of God, and am sent to speake vnto thee, and to shew thee these good tidings.

    And beholde, thou shalt be domme, and not be able to speake, vntill the day that these things be done, because thou beleeuedst not my words, which shalbe fulfilled in their season.

    Now the people waited for Zacharias, and marueiled that he taried so long in the Temple.

    And when hee came out, hee coulde not speake vnto them: then they perceiued that hee had seene a vision in the Temple: For he made signes vnto them, and remained domme.

    And it came to passe, when the daies of his office were fulfilled, that he departed to his owne house.

    And after those daies, his wife Elisabet conceiued, and hid her selfe fiue moneths, saying,

    Thus hath the Lord dealt with me, in the daies wherein he looked on me, to take from me my rebuke among men.

    And in the sixth moneth, the Angell Gabriel was sent from God vnto a citie of Galile, named Nazareth,

    To a virgin affianced to a man whose name was Ioseph, of the house of Dauid, and the virgins name was Marie.

    And the Angel went in vnto her, and said, Haile thou that art freely beloued: the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women.

    And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and thought what maner of salutation that should be.

    Then the Angel saide vnto her, Feare not, Marie: for thou hast found fauour with God.

    For loe, thou shalt conceiue in thy wobe, and beare a sonne, and shalt call his name Iesus.

    He shall be great, and shall be called the Sonne of the most High, and the Lord God shall giue vnto him the throne of his father Dauid.

    And hee shall reigne ouer the house of Iacob for euer, and of his kingdome shall bee none ende.

    Then sayde Marie vnto the Angel, How shall this be, seeing I knowe not man?

    And the Angel answered, and said vnto her, The holy Ghost shall come vpon thee, and the power of the most High shall ouershadowe thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall bee borne of thee, shall be called the Sonne of God.

    And behold, thy cousin Elisabet, she hath also conceiued a sonne in her olde age: and this is her sixt moneth, which was called barren.

    For with God shall nothing be vnpossible.

    Then Marie said, Behold the seruant of the Lord: be it vnto me according to thy woorde. So the Angel departed from her.

    And Marie arose in those daies, and went into ye hil countrey with hast to a citie of Iuda,

    And entred into the house of Zacharias, and saluted Elisabet.

    And it came to passe, as Elisabet heard the salutation of Marie, the babe sprang in her bellie, and Elisabet was filled with the holy Ghost.

    And she cried with a loud voice, and saide, Blessed art thou among women, because the fruit of thy wombe is blessed.

    And whence commeth this to mee, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?

    For loe, assoone as the voice of thy salutation sounded in mine eares, the babe sprang in my bellie for ioye,

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Examined in Scripture Analysis

Contradictions (9)

Questions where the Bible appears to say two different things, with the passages on each side set together.

  • When was Jesus born?
  • Has there ever been a righteous person?
  • Does righteousness come from following the Law?
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  • When was the Holy Ghost given?
  • Has there ever been a just person?
  • Who is the most blessed woman?
  • Was Mary blessed?
  • What was Jesus H. Christ's real name?
  • Was Joseph the father of Jesus?

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Cross-references (427)

  • Matthew 19:26 (v37) Looking at them, Jesus said, “With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”
  • Jeremiah 32:27 (v37) “Behold, I am Yahweh, the God of all flesh. Is there anything too hard for me?
  • Mark 10:27 (v37) Jesus, looking at them, said, “With men it is impossible, but not with God, for all things are possible with God.”
  • Jeremiah 32:17 (v37) “Ah Lord Yahweh! Behold, you have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and by your outstretched arm. There is nothing too…
  • Luke 18:27 (v37) But he said, “The things which are impossible with men are possible with God.”
Show all 100 cross-references
  • Genesis 18:14 (vv13, 37) Is anything too hard for Yahweh? At the set time I will return to you, when the season comes round, and Sarah will have a son.”
  • Numbers 11:23 (v37) Yahweh said to Moses, “Has Yahweh’s hand grown short? Now you will see whether my word will happen to you or not.”
  • Philippians 3:21 (v37) who will change the body of our humiliation to be conformed to the body of his glory, according to the working by which he is able even to…
  • Malachi 4:5-6 (v17) Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the great and terrible day of Yahweh comes. He will turn the hearts of the fathers to the…
  • Zechariah 8:6 (v37) Yahweh of Armies says: “If it is marvelous in the eyes of the remnant of this people in those days, should it also be marvelous in my…
  • Job 13:2 (v37) What you know, I know also. I am not inferior to you.
  • Isaiah 9:6-7 (v32) For a child is born to us. A son is given to us; and the government will be on his shoulders. His name will be called Wonderful Counselor,…
  • Daniel 2:44 (v33) “In the days of those kings the God of heaven will set up a kingdom which will never be destroyed, nor will its sovereignty be left to…
  • Isaiah 7:14 (vv27, 31) Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin will conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.
  • Judges 6:12 (v28) Yahweh’s angel appeared to him, and said to him, “Yahweh is with you, you mighty man of valor!”
  • 1 Samuel 2:21 (v13) Yahweh visited Hannah, and she conceived and bore three sons and two daughters. The child Samuel grew before Yahweh.
  • Hebrews 1:8 (v33) But of the Son he says, “Your throne, O God, is forever and ever. The scepter of uprightness is the scepter of your Kingdom.
  • Luke 1:30 (vv13, 28) The angel said to her, “Don’t be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God.
  • Daniel 10:19 (v28) He said, “Greatly beloved man, don’t be afraid. Peace be to you. Be strong. Yes, be strong.” When he spoke to me, I was strengthened, and…
  • Acts 10:31 (v13) and said, ‘Cornelius, your prayer is heard, and your gifts to the needy are remembered in the sight of God.
  • Matthew 1:21 (vv13, 31) She shall give birth to a son. You shall name him Jesus, for it is he who shall save his people from their sins.”
  • Daniel 7:13-14 (v33) “I saw in the night visions, and behold, there came with the clouds of the sky one like a son of man, and he came even to the ancient of…
  • Psalms 113:9 (v13) He settles the barren woman in her home as a joyful mother of children. Praise Yah!
  • Ephesians 1:6 (v28) to the praise of the glory of his grace, by which he freely gave us favor in the Beloved,
  • Genesis 25:21 (vv7, 13, 25) Isaac entreated Yahweh for his wife, because she was barren. Yahweh was entreated by him, and Rebekah his wife conceived.
  • Luke 1:13 (vv25, 30, 31) But the angel said to him, “Don’t be afraid, Zacharias, because your request has been heard. Your wife, Elizabeth, will bear you a son, and…
  • Daniel 9:21-23 (vv19, 28) yes, while I was speaking in prayer, the man Gabriel, whom I had seen in the vision at the beginning, being caused to fly swiftly, touched…
  • Matthew 1:25 (v31) and didn’t know her sexually until she had given birth to her firstborn son. He named him Jesus.
  • Matthew 11:14 (v17) If you are willing to receive it, this is Elijah, who is to come.
  • Jeremiah 1:18-19 (v28) For, behold, I have made you today a fortified city, an iron pillar, and bronze walls against the whole land, against the kings of Judah,…
  • Daniel 7:27 (v33) The kingdom and the dominion, and the greatness of the kingdoms under the whole sky, will be given to the people of the saints of the Most…
  • Luke 1:42 (v28) She called out with a loud voice and said, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb!
  • Acts 18:10 (v28) for I am with you, and no one will attack you to harm you, for I have many people in this city.”
  • Matthew 1:18 (vv27, 35) Now the birth of Jesus Christ was like this: After his mother, Mary, was engaged to Joseph, before they came together, she was found…
  • Genesis 30:22-23 (v25) God remembered Rachel, and God listened to her, and opened her womb. She conceived, bore a son, and said, “God has taken away my reproach.”
  • 2 Samuel 7:16 (vv32–33) Your house and your kingdom will be made sure forever before you. Your throne will be established forever.” ’ ”
  • Genesis 7:1 (v6) Yahweh said to Noah, “Come with all of your household into the ship, for I have seen your righteousness before me in this generation.
  • Psalms 89:35-37 (v33) Once I have sworn by my holiness, I will not lie to David. His offspring will endure forever, his throne like the sun before me. It will be…
  • Psalms 127:3-5 (v13) Behold, children are a heritage of Yahweh. The fruit of the womb is his reward. As arrows in the hand of a mighty man, so are the children…
  • Isaiah 16:5 (v32) A throne will be established in loving kindness. One will sit on it in truth, in the tent of David, judging, seeking justice, and swift to…
  • Luke 11:27-28 (v28) It came to pass, as he said these things, a certain woman out of the multitude lifted up her voice, and said to him, “Blessed is the womb…
  • Luke 12:32 (v30) Don’t be afraid, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the Kingdom.
  • Romans 8:31 (v30) What then shall we say about these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?
  • Luke 1:76 (vv16, 17, 32) And you, child, will be called a prophet of the Most High; for you will go before the face of the Lord to prepare his ways,
  • Luke 2:21 (vv13, 31) When eight days were fulfilled for the circumcision of the child, his name was called Jesus, which was given by the angel before he was…
  • Isaiah 41:10 (v30) Don’t you be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you. Yes, I will help you. Yes, I will…
  • Matthew 1:23 (vv27, 31) “Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and shall give birth to a son. They shall call his name Immanuel;” which is, being interpreted,…
  • Genesis 17:1 (v6) When Abram was ninety-nine years old, Yahweh appeared to Abram and said to him, “I am God Almighty. Walk before me and be blameless.
  • Psalms 118:21 (v13) I will give thanks to you, for you have answered me, and have become my salvation.
  • Proverbs 31:29-31 (v28) “Many women do noble things, but you excel them all.” Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain; but a woman who fears Yahweh, she shall be…
  • Isaiah 4:1 (v25) Seven women shall take hold of one man in that day, saying, “We will eat our own bread, and wear our own clothing. Just let us be called by…
  • Isaiah 54:1-4 (v25) “Sing, barren, you who didn’t give birth; break out into singing, and cry aloud, you who didn’t travail with child: for more are the…
  • Romans 4:20-21 (v38) Yet, looking to the promise of God, he didn’t waver through unbelief, but grew strong through faith, giving glory to God, and being fully…
  • Genesis 21:1-2 (v25) Yahweh visited Sarah as he had said, and Yahweh did to Sarah as he had spoken. Sarah conceived, and bore Abraham a son in his old age, at…
  • 2 Samuel 7:11-13 (v32) and as from the day that I commanded judges to be over my people Israel. I will cause you to rest from all your enemies. Moreover Yahweh…
  • Isaiah 43:5 (v28) Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. I will bring your offspring from the east, and gather you from the west.
  • Jeremiah 1:5 (v15) “Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you. Before you were born, I sanctified you. I have appointed you a prophet to the nations.”
  • Ezekiel 3:26 (v20) I will make your tongue stick to the roof of your mouth, that you will be mute, and will not be able to correct them; for they are a…
  • Daniel 10:12 (v13) Then he said to me, “Don’t be afraid, Daniel; for from the first day that you set your heart to understand, and to humble yourself before…
  • Luke 1:35 (v32) The angel answered her, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. Therefore also the holy one…
  • Revelation 11:15 (v33) The seventh angel sounded, and great voices in heaven followed, saying, “The kingdom of the world has become the Kingdom of our Lord, and…
  • Judges 5:24 (vv28, 42) “Jael shall be blessed above women, the wife of Heber the Kenite; blessed shall she be above women in the tent.
  • Matthew 14:27 (vv13, 30) But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Cheer up! It is I! Don’t be afraid.”
  • Matthew 28:5 (vv13, 30) The angel answered the women, “Don’t be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus, who has been crucified.
  • Genesis 17:10 (v13) This is my covenant, which you shall keep, between me and you and your offspring after you. Every male among you shall be circumcised.
  • 1 Samuel 1:6 (v25) Her rival provoked her severely, to irritate her, because Yahweh had shut up her womb.
  • Psalms 132:11 (v32) Yahweh has sworn to David in truth. He will not turn from it: “I will set the fruit of your body on your throne.
  • Matthew 17:11-12 (v17) Jesus answered them, “Elijah indeed comes first, and will restore all things, but I tell you that Elijah has come already, and they didn’t…
  • Luke 1:67 (v41) His father Zacharias was filled with the Holy Spirit, and prophesied, saying,
  • John 1:21-30 (v17) They asked him, “What then? Are you Elijah?” He said, “I am not.” “Are you the prophet?” He answered, “No.” They said therefore to him,…
  • John 1:49 (v35) Nathanael answered him, “Rabbi, you are the Son of God! You are King of Israel!”
  • Acts 18:9-10 (v30) The Lord said to Paul in the night by a vision, “Don’t be afraid, but speak and don’t be silent; for I am with you, and no one will attack…
  • Galatians 4:4 (v31) But when the fullness of the time came, God sent out his Son, born to a woman, born under the law,
  • Matthew 28:18 (vv32–33) Jesus came to them and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth.
  • John 1:34 (vv17, 35) I have seen, and have testified that this is the Son of God.”
  • Hebrews 11:11 (vv7, 25) By faith, even Sarah herself received power to conceive, and she bore a child when she was past age, since she counted him faithful who had…
  • Judges 6:23 (v13) Yahweh said to him, “Peace be to you! Don’t be afraid. You shall not die.”
  • 1 Samuel 1:20-23 (v13) When the time had come, Hannah conceived, and bore a son; and she named him Samuel, saying, “Because I have asked him of Yahweh.” The man…
  • 2 Kings 4:16-17 (v13) He said, “At this season, when the time comes around, you will embrace a son.” She said, “No, my lord, you man of God, do not lie to your…
  • 1 Chronicles 29:18 (v17) Yahweh, the God of Abraham, of Isaac, and of Israel, our fathers, keep this desire forever in the thoughts of the heart of your people, and…
  • Psalms 78:8 (v17) and might not be as their fathers, a stubborn and rebellious generation, a generation that didn’t make their hearts loyal, whose spirit was…
  • Isaiah 44:2 (v30) This is what Yahweh who made you, and formed you from the womb, who will help you says: “Don’t be afraid, Jacob my servant; and you,…
  • Hosea 14:2 (v28) Take words with you, and return to Yahweh. Tell him, “Forgive all our sins, and accept that which is good: so we offer our lips like bulls.
  • Matthew 1:20 (v35) But when he thought about these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, don’t be…
  • Matthew 2:23 (v26) and came and lived in a city called Nazareth; that it might be fulfilled which was spoken through the prophets that he will be called a…
  • Matthew 12:48 (v28) But he answered him who spoke to him, “Who is my mother? Who are my brothers?”
  • Mark 9:11-13 (v17) They asked him, saying, “Why do the scribes say that Elijah must come first?” He said to them, “Elijah indeed comes first, and restores all…
  • Luke 1:26 (v19) Now in the sixth month, the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth,
  • Luke 1:44 (v41) For behold, when the voice of your greeting came into my ears, the baby leaped in my womb for joy!
  • Luke 1:58 (v14) Her neighbors and her relatives heard that the Lord had magnified his mercy toward her, and they rejoiced with her.
  • John 3:28 (v17) You yourselves testify that I said, ‘I am not the Christ,’ but, ‘I have been sent before him.’
  • Philippians 2:15 (v6) that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without defect in the middle of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom…
  • Ephesians 5:18 (vv15, 41) Don’t be drunken with wine, in which is dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit,
  • Genesis 17:19 (v13) God said, “No, but Sarah, your wife, will bear you a son. You shall call his name Isaac. I will establish my covenant with him for an…
  • Numbers 6:2-4 (v15) “Speak to the children of Israel, and tell them: ‘When either man or woman shall make a special vow, the vow of a Nazirite, to separate…
  • Judges 13:3-5 (v13) Yahweh’s angel appeared to the woman, and said to her, “See now, you are barren and childless; but you shall conceive and bear a son. Now…
  • 1 Samuel 1:19-20 (v25) They rose up in the morning early and worshiped Yahweh, then returned and came to their house to Ramah. Then Elkanah knew Hannah his wife;…
  • 1 Samuel 2:21-22 (v25) Yahweh visited Hannah, and she conceived and bore three sons and two daughters. The child Samuel grew before Yahweh. Now Eli was very old;…
  • 1 Kings 9:4 (v6) As for you, if you will walk before me, as David your father walked, in integrity of heart, and in uprightness, to do according to all that…
  • 1 Chronicles 24:10 (v5) the seventh to Hakkoz, the eighth to Abijah,

100 distinct cross-references across this passage (427 total citations).

Cross-references from openbible.info (CC BY 4.0)

Explain this passage (28 sources)

Historical commentary, presented as a primary source — not an endorsement.

Geneva Bible translators 1599 · Public Domain On vv5, 6, 9, 15, 16, 17, 19, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 32, 34, 35, 36, 39, 41, 42 John who was another Elijah, and appointed to be…

John who was another Elijah, and appointed to be herald of Christ, coming of the stock of Aaron, and of two famous and blameless parents, hath showed in his conception, which was against the course of nature, a double miracle, to the end that men should be more readily stirred up to the hearing of his preaching, according to the forewarning of the Prophets.

Word for word, in the days: so speak the Hebrews, giving us to understand, how short and frail a thing the power of princes is.

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Herod the great.

For the posterity of Aaron was divided into courses.

Geneva Bible (1599) marginal notes — public domain.

John Trapp 1656 · Public Domain On vv5–44 5 There was in the days of Herod, the…
Matthew Poole 1685 · Public Domain On vv5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 17, 18, 19, 21, 24, 26, 28, 29, 30, 31, 34, 35, 36, 38, 39, 41, 42, 43, 44 The Holy Ghost, for infinitely wise reasons, giveth us…
William Burkitt 1703 · Public Domain On vv5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 18, 23, 26, 34, 39 In this and the following verses, the Holy Ghost…
Matthew Henry 1710 · Public Domain On vv5, 26, 39 The two preceding evangelists had agreed to begin the…
John Gill 1763 · Public Domain On vv5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 39, 40, 42, 43, 44 There was in the days of Herod, the king…
John Wesley 1765 · Public Domain On vv5, 6, 10, 12, 13, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 32, 33, 35, 36, 38, 39, 41 The course of Abia - The priests were divided…
Adam Clarke 1810 · Public Domain On vv5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 41, 42, 43 Verse 5. In the days of Herod, the king]…
Joseph Benson 1811 · Public Domain On vv5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 13, 14, 17, 18, 21, 23, 26, 28, 29, 31, 34, 39 Luk 1:5. There was in the days of Herod,…
Albert Barnes 1834 · Public Domain On vv5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 35, 36, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43 In the days of Herod - See the notes…
Haydock's Catholic Bible Commentary 1859 · Public Domain On vv5, 6, 9, 10, 12, 13, 14, 15, 17, 18, 19, 20, 23, 27, 28, 29, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 38, 39, 41, 42, 43 The Almighty appointed Moses that there should be but…
Lange's Commentary on the Holy Scriptures 1864 · Public Domain On vv5, 26, 39 The Miraculous Birth and Normal Development of the son…
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown 1871 · Public Domain On vv5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 24, 26, 28, 31, 32, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43 ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE FORERUNNER. (Luke 1:5-25)
Daniel D. Whedon 1874 · Public Domain On vv5, 6, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 15, 17, 18, 19, 22, 23, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 39, 41, 43, 44 § 3.—ELISABETH’S CONCEPTION, Luk_1:5-25.
The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges 1878 · Public Domain On vv5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 41, 42, 43, 44 5–25. The Announcement of the Birth of the Fore-runner
Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers 1878 · Public Domain On vv5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 19, 20, 22, 23, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 38, 39, 41, 42, 43 (5) There was in the days of Herod.—The writer…
The Pulpit Commentary 1880 · Public Domain On vv5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 21, 22, 24, 26, 27, 28, 29, 31, 32, 35, 38, 39, 41, 42, 43 Luk_2:52. THE GOSPEL OF THE INFANCY. The critical reader…
The Biblical Illustrator 1887 · Public Domain On vv5, 6, 7, 8, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 17, 19, 24, 26, 31, 32, 33, 34, 37, 38, 39 A certain priest named Zacharias.
The Expositor's Bible 1887 · Public Domain On v5 Chapter 2
B. W. Johnson 1891 · Public Domain On vv5, 6, 8, 9, 10, 11, 13, 15, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 30, 39, 42 5. There was in the days of Herod. For…
The Preacher's Complete Homiletical Commentary 1892 · Public Domain On vv5, 26, 39 Luk_1:5. Herod, the king of Judæa.—He also ruled over…
William B. Godbey 1900 · Public Domain On vv5, 18, 26, 32, 34 5. John the Baptist was a bonafide Aaronic priest…
Alexander MacLaren 1905 · Public Domain On vv5, 15, 16 Luk 1:5 - Luk 1:17.
J. W. McGarvey 1914 · Public Domain On vv5, 26, 39 J. W. McGarvey's The Fourfold Gospel [V. Annunciation to…
C. I. Scofield 1917 · Public Domain On vv5, 13, 17, 19, 26, 28, 30 Herod the Great. (See Scofield "Mat 2:1")
Paul E. Kretzmann 1924 · Public Domain On vv5, 8, 11, 18, 21, 24, 26, 28, 34, 39 The Announcement of John the Baptist’s Birth.
unfoldingWord translationNotes 2017 · CC BY-SA 4.0 On vv5, 8, 11, 14, 16, 18, 21, 24, 26, 30, 34, 36, 39, 42 Connecting Statement:
Tyndale Open Study Notes 2022 · CC BY-SA 4.0 On vv5, 7, 8, 12, 15, 17, 19, 20, 24, 26, 27, 31, 32, 35, 36, 39, 41 1:5–2:52 Luke’s first two chapters give an account of…
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