Luke 1

Parallel Chapters and Verses, Greek and Hebrew Lexicon, Commentaries, Strong's Bible Dictionary, Concordances and Cross References for Luke 1 Luke: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 Luke 1:1 New American Standard Bible: Inasmuch as many have undertaken to compile an account of the things accomplished among us, God's Word Translation: Many have attempted to write about what had taken place among us. King James Version: Forasmuch as many have taken in hand to set forth in order a declaration of those things which are most surely believed among us, Bible in Basic English: As a number of attempts have been made to put together in order an account of those events which took place among us, Weymouth New Testament: Seeing that many have attempted to draw up a narrative of the facts which are received with full assurance among us World English Bible: Since many have undertaken to set in order a narrative concerning those matters which have been fulfilled among us, Alphabetical: accomplished account among an as been compile draw fulfilled have In Many much of that the things to undertaken up us GSB: 1:1 Forasmuch as {1} many have {a} taken in hand to set forth in order a declaration of those things which are most surely believed among us, (1) Luke commends the witnesses that saw this present account. (a) Many took it in hand, but did not perform: Luke wrote his gospel before Matthew and Mark. PNT: 1:1 The Birth of John SUMMARY OF LUKE 1: Preface. The Announcement to Mary. The Visit of Mary to Elisabeth. The Prophecies of Mary and Elisabeth. The Birth of John. The Prophecy of Zacharias. The Child in the Deserts. Forasmuch as many. Lu 1:1-4 are an introduction. They explain that already many narratives of Christ had been written, that these were by eye witnesses and ministers of the word, that Luke had made a careful examination of all these sources of information, and thought it good, having traced all things accurately from the first, to write them out in order (Lu 1:3). We thus learn that at least as early as twenty-seven years after the death of Christ (see Introduction to Luke) many histories of eye witnesses and ministers had already written, of which only two, Matthew and Mark, have come down to us. WES: 1:1-2 This short, weighty, artless, candid dedication, belongs to the Acts, as well as the Gospel of St. Luke. Many have undertaken - He does not mean St. Matthew or Mark; and St. John did not write so early. For these were eye witnesses themselves and ministers of the word. MHC: 1:1-4. Luke will not write of things about which Christians may safely differ from one another, and hesitate within themselves; but the things which are, and ought to be surely believed. The doctrine of Christ is what the wisest and best of men have ventured their souls upon with confidence and satisfaction. And the great events whereon our hopes depend, have been recorded by those who were from the beginning eye-witnesses and ministers of the word, and who were perfected in their understanding of them through Divine inspiration. Luke 1:2 New American Standard Bible: just as they were handed down to us by those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and servants of the word, God's Word Translation: They received their information from those who had been eyewitnesses and servants of God's word from the beginning, and they passed it on to us. King James Version: Even as they delivered them unto us, which from the beginning were eyewitnesses, and ministers of the word; Bible in Basic English: As they were handed down to us by those who saw them from the first and were preachers of the word, Weymouth New Testament: on the authority of those who were from the beginning eye-witnesses and were devoted to the service of the divine Message, World English Bible: even as those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and servants of the word delivered them to us, Alphabetical: and as beginning by down eyewitnesses first from handed just of servants the they those to us were who word GSB: 1:2 {b} Even as they delivered them unto us, which from the beginning were eyewitnesses, and ministers of the word; (b) Luke was not any eye witness, and therefore it was not he to whom the Lord appeared when Cleopas saw him: and he was taught not only by Paul, but by others of the apostles also. WES: MHC: Luke 1:3 New American Standard Bible: it seemed fitting for me as well, having investigated everything carefully from the beginning, to write it out for you in consecutive order, most excellent Theophilus; God's Word Translation: I, too, have followed everything closely from the beginning. So I thought it would be a good idea to write an orderly account for Your Excellency, Theophilus. King James Version: It seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first, to write unto thee in order, most excellent Theophilus, Bible in Basic English: It seemed good to me, having made observation, with great care, of the direction of events in their order, to put the facts in writing for you, most noble Theophilus; Weymouth New Testament: it has seemed right to me also, after careful investigation of the facts from their commencement, to write for you, most noble Theophilus, a connected account, World English Bible: it seemed good to me also, having traced the course of all things accurately from the first, to write to you in order, most excellent Theophilus; Alphabetical: account also an as beginning carefully consecutive everything excellent fitting for from good have having I in investigated it me most myself order orderly out seemed since the Theophilus Therefore to well write you GSB: 1:3 It seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things {c} from the very first, to write unto thee in order, {d} most excellent Theophilus, (c) Luke began his gospel a great deal further in the past than the others did. (d) It is most mighty, and therefore Theophilus was a very honourable man, and in a place of great dignity. PNT: 1:3 Most excellent Theophilus. The name means A lover of God. He is named in Ac 1:1, but of him nothing more is known. WES: 1:3 To write in order - St. Luke describes in order of time; first, The Acts of Christ; his conception, birth, childhood, baptism, miracles, preaching, passion, resurrection, ascension: then, The Acts of the Apostles. But in many smaller circumstances he does not observe the order of time. Most excellent Theophilus - This was the appellation usually given to Roman governors. Theophilus (as the ancients inform us) was a person of eminent quality at Alexandria. In Acts 1:1, St. Luke does not give him that title. He was then probably a private man. After the preface St. Luke gives us the history of Christ, from his coming into the world to his ascension into heaven. MHC: Luke 1:4 New American Standard Bible: so that you may know the exact truth about the things you have been taught. God's Word Translation: In this way you will know that what you've been told is true. King James Version: That thou mightest know the certainty of those things, wherein thou hast been instructed. Bible in Basic English: So that you might have certain knowledge of those things about which you were given teaching. Weymouth New Testament: that you may fully know the truth of the things which you have been taught by word of mouth. World English Bible: that you might know the certainty concerning the things in which you were instructed. Alphabetical: about been certainty exact have know may of so taught that the things truth you GSB: 1:4 That thou mightest {e} know the certainty of those things, wherein thou hast been instructed. (e) Have fuller knowledge of those things which you know only partially. MHC: Luke 1:5 New American Standard Bible: In the days of Herod, king of Judea, there was a priest named Zacharias, of the division of Abijah; and he had a wife from the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth. God's Word Translation: When Herod was king of Judea, there was a priest named Zechariah, who belonged to the division of priests named after Abijah. Zechariah's wife Elizabeth was a descendant of Aaron. King James Version: THERE was in the days of Herod, the king of Judaea, a certain priest named Zacharias, of the course of Abia: and his wife was of the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elisabeth. Bible in Basic English: In the days of Herod, king of Judaea, there was a certain priest, by name Zacharias, of the order of Abijah; and he had a wife of the family of Aaron, and her name was Elisabeth. Weymouth New Testament: There was in the time of Herod, the king of Judaea, a priest of the name of Zechariah, belonging to the class of Abijah. He had a wife who was a descendant of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth. 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. Alphabetical: a Aaron Abijah also and belonged daughters days descendant division Elizabeth from had he her Herod his In Judea king name named of priest priestly the there time to was who wife Zacharias Zechariah GSB: 1:5 There {2} was {f} in the days of {g} Herod, the king of Judaea, a certain priest named Zacharias, of the {h} course of Abia: and his wife [was] of the daughters of Aaron, and her name [was] Elisabeth. (2) John, who was another Elias and appointed to be the herald of Christ, coming from the family of Aaron, and of two famous and blameless parents, has shown in his conception (which was against the course of nature) a double miracle, to the end that men should be more readily prepared for the hearing of his preaching, according to the forewarning of the prophets. (f) This is a Hebrew idiom which shows us how short and frail a thing the power of princes is. (g) Herod the great. (h) For the posterity of Aaron was divided into courses. PNT: 1:5 There was in the days of Herod. For Herod, see PNT Mt 2:1. A certain priest. Not a chief priest, but one belonging to the courses. The course of Abia. All the priests were divided into twenty-four courses, or classes. That of Abijah was the eighth course (1Ch 24:10); each course took charge of the temple worship in succession, for a week at the time, beginning on a Sabbath. The heads of these twenty-four courses are the chief priests so often spoken of in the New Testament. His wife [was] of the daughters of Aaron. Elizabeth also was of priestly family. WES: 1:5 The course of Abia - The priests were divided into twenty - four courses, of which that of Abia was the eighth, 1Ch 24:10. Each course ministered in its turn, for seven days, from Sabbath to Sabbath. And each priest of the course or set in waiting, had his part in the temple service assigned him by lot. MHC: 1:5-25 The father and mother of John the Baptist were sinners as all are, and were justified and saved in the same way as others; but they were eminent for piety and integrity. They had no children, and it could not be expected that Elisabeth should have any in her old age. While Zacharias was burning incense in the temple, the whole multitude of the people were praying without. All the prayers we offer up to God, are acceptable and successful only by Christ's intercession in the temple of God above. We cannot expect an interest therein if we do not pray, and pray with our spirits, and are not earnest in prayer. Nor can we expect that the best of our prayers should gain acceptance, and bring an answer of peace, but through the mediation of Christ, who ever lives, making intercession. The prayers Zacharias often made, received an answer of peace. Prayers of faith are filed in heaven, and are not forgotten. Prayers made when we were young and entering into the world, may be answered when we are old and going out of the world. Mercies are doubly sweet that are given in answer to prayer. Zacharias shall have a son in his old age, who shall be instrumental in the conversion of many souls to God, and preparing them to receive the gospel of Christ. He shall go before Him with courage, zeal, holiness, and a mind dead to earthly interests and pleasures. The disobedient and rebellious would be brought back to the wisdom of their righteous forefathers, or rather, brought to attend to the wisdom of that Just One who was coming among them. Zacharias heard all that the angel said; but his unbelief spake. In striking him dumb, God dealt justly with him, because he had objected against God's word. We may admire the patience of God towards us. God dealt kindly with him, for thus he prevented his speaking any more distrustful, unbelieving words. Thus also God confirmed his faith. If by the rebukes we are under for our sin, we are brought to give the more credit to the word of God, we have no reason to complain. Even real believers are apt to dishonour God by unbelief; and their mouths are stopped in silence and confusion, when otherwise they would have been praising God with joy and gratitude. In God's gracious dealings with us we ought to observe his gracious regards to us. He has looked on us with compassion and favour, and therefore has thus dealt with us. Luke 1:6 New American Standard Bible: They were both righteous in the sight of God, walking blamelessly in all the commandments and requirements of the Lord. God's Word Translation: Zechariah and Elizabeth had God's approval. They followed all the Lord's commands and regulations perfectly. King James Version: And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless. Bible in Basic English: They were upright in the eyes of God, keeping all the rules and orders of God, and doing no wrong. Weymouth New Testament: They were both of them upright before God, blamelessly obeying all the Lord's precepts and ordinances. World English Bible: They were both righteous before God, walking blamelessly in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord. Alphabetical: all and blamelessly Both commandments God in Lord Lord's observing of regulations requirements righteous sight the them They upright walking were GSB: 1:6 And they were both {i} righteous before God, {k} walking in all the {l} commandments and ordinances of the Lord {m} blameless. (i) The true mark of righteousness is demonstrated when one is liked and accepted in the judgment of God. (k) Lived, as the Hebrews say, for our life is as a way in which we must walk until we come to the mark. (l) In all the moral and ceremonial law. (m) Whom no man could justly reprove: now so it is that the fruits of justification are set forth here, and not the cause, which is faith only, and nothing else. PNT: 1:6 They were both righteous. Almost invariably great men of God are born of parents eminently pious. Augustine, Luther, Wesley, and Campbell are examples. WES: 1:6 Walking in all the moral commandments, and ceremonial ordinances, blameless - How admirable a character! May our behaviour be thus unblamable, and our obedience thus sincere and universal! MHC: Luke 1:7 New American Standard Bible: But they had no child, because Elizabeth was barren, and they were both advanced in years. God's Word Translation: Yet, they never had any children because Elizabeth couldn't become pregnant. Both of them were too old to have children. King James Version: And they had no child, because that Elisabeth was barren, and they both were now well stricken in years. Bible in Basic English: And they were without children, because Elisabeth had never given birth, and they were at that time very old. Weymouth New Testament: But they had no child, because Elizabeth was barren; and both of them were far advanced in life. World English Bible: But they had no child, because Elizabeth was barren, and they both were well advanced in years. Alphabetical: advanced along and barren because both But child children Elizabeth had in no they was well were years MHC: Luke 1:8 New American Standard Bible: Now it happened that while he was performing his priestly service before God in the appointed order of his division, God's Word Translation: Zechariah was on duty with his division of priests. As he served in God's presence, King James Version: And it came to pass, that while he executed the priest's office before God in the order of his course, Bible in Basic English: Now it came about that in his turn he was acting as priest before God, Weymouth New Testament: Now while he was doing priestly duty before God in the prescribed course of his class, World English Bible: Now it happened, while he executed the priest's office before God in the order of his division, Alphabetical: and appointed as before division duty God happened he his in it Now of on Once order performing priest priestly service serving that the was when while Zechariah's PNT: 1:8 While he executed the priest's office. His course came on duty once in twenty-four weeks, and then he repaired to Jerusalem to remain his week. MHC: Luke 1:9 New American Standard Bible: according to the custom of the priestly office, he was chosen by lot to enter the temple of the Lord and burn incense. God's Word Translation: he was chosen by priestly custom to go into the Lord's temple to burn incense. King James Version: According to the custom of the priest's office, his lot was to burn incense when he went into the temple of the Lord. Bible in Basic English: And as was the way of the priests, he had to go into the Temple to see to the burning of perfumes. Weymouth New Testament: it fell to his lot--according to the custom of the priesthood--to go into the Sanctuary of the Lord and burn the incense; World English Bible: according to the custom of the priest's office, his lot was to enter into the temple of the Lord and burn incense. Alphabetical: according and burn by chosen custom enter go he incense into Lord lot of office priesthood priestly temple the to was GSB: 1:9 According to the custom of the priest's office, his lot was to burn incense when he went into the {n} temple of the Lord. (n) The temple was one, and the court another, for Zacharias went out of the court (or outward room) where all the people were (and therefore they are said to be without) and into the temple. PNT: 1:9 His lot. In the service of the sanctuary nothing was left to accident or to human arrangement. The lot determined who was to perform each separate portion of the sacred service, and especially who was each morning and evening to burn incense before the Lord. To burn incense. Burned on the altar of incense in the Holy Place morning and evening. To burn the incense was an office held so honorable that no one was allowed to perform it twice, since it brought the offering priest nearer the divine presence in the Holy of Holies than any other priestly act, and carried with it the richest blessing from on high, which all ought to have a chance of thus obtaining. MHC: Luke 1:10 New American Standard Bible: And the whole multitude of the people were in prayer outside at the hour of the incense offering. God's Word Translation: All the people were praying outside while he was burning incense. King James Version: And the whole multitude of the people were praying without at the time of incense. Bible in Basic English: And all the people were offering prayers outside, at the time of the burning of perfumes. Weymouth New Testament: and the whole multitude of the people were outside praying, at the hour of incense. World English Bible: The whole multitude of the people were praying outside at the hour of incense. Alphabetical: all And assembled at burning came for hour in incense multitude of offering outside people prayer praying the time were when whole worshipers PNT: 1:10 Praying without. The incense itself was a symbol of prayer (Ps 141:2 Re 5:8), and when offered by the priest a bell was rung as a signal to the people in the courts without, who all engaged in prayer in deep silence. WES: 1:10 The people were praying without, at the time of the incense - So the pious Jews constantly did. And this was the foundation of that elegant figure, by which prayer is in Scripture so often compared to incense. Perhaps one reason of ordaining incense might be, to intimate the acceptableness of the prayer that accompanied it; as well as to remind the worshippers of that sacrifice of a sweet - smelling savour, which was once to be offered to God for them, and of that incense, which is continually offered with the prayers of the saints, upon the golden altar that is before the throne, Rev 8:3,4. MHC: Luke 1:11 New American Standard Bible: And an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing to the right of the altar of incense. God's Word Translation: Then, to the right of the incense altar, an angel of the Lord appeared to him. King James Version: And there appeared unto him an angel of the Lord standing on the right side of the altar of incense. Bible in Basic English: And he saw an angel of the Lord in his place on the right side of the altar. Weymouth New Testament: Then there appeared to him an angel of the Lord standing on the right side of the altar of incense; World English Bible: An angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing on the right side of the altar of incense. Alphabetical: altar an And angel appeared at him incense Lord of right side standing the Then to PNT: 1:11 An angel. His name was Gabriel (Lu 1:19). This is the first messenger of the New Dispensation. The altar of incense. It was of cedar, overlaid with gold (1Ki 6:20; 1Ch 28:18), was a cubit (about two feet) in length and breadth, and two cubits high; it stood in the Holy Place before the veil which separated the Holy Place from the Holy of Holies. MHC: Luke 1:12 New American Standard Bible: Zacharias was troubled when he saw the angel, and fear gripped him. God's Word Translation: Zechariah was troubled and overcome with fear. King James Version: And when Zacharias saw him, he was troubled, and fear fell upon him. Bible in Basic English: And Zacharias was troubled when he saw him, and fear came on him. Weymouth New Testament: and Zechariah on seeing him was agitated and terrified. World English Bible: Zacharias was troubled when he saw him, and fear fell upon him. Alphabetical: and angel fear gripped he him saw startled the troubled was When with Zacharias Zechariah WES: 1:12 Zacharias was troubled - Although he was accustomed to converse with God, yet we see he was thrown into a great consternation, at the appearance of his angelical messenger, nature not being able to sustain the sight. Is it not then an instance of the goodness is well as of the wisdom of God, that the services, which these heavenly spirits render us, are generally invisible? MHC: Luke 1:13 New American Standard Bible: But the angel said to him, "Do not be afraid, Zacharias, for your petition has been heard, and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you will give him the name John. God's Word Translation: The angel said to him, "Don't be afraid, Zechariah! God has heard your prayer. Your wife Elizabeth will have a son, and you will name him John. King James Version: But the angel said unto him, Fear not, Zacharias: for thy prayer is heard; and thy wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John. Bible in Basic English: But the angel said, Have no fear, Zacharias, for your prayer has come to the ears of God, and your wife Elisabeth will have a son, and his name will be John. Weymouth New Testament: But the angel said to him, "Do not be afraid, Zechariah, for your petition has been heard: and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to call his name John. World English Bible: But the angel said to him, "Don't be afraid, Zacharias, because your request has been heard, and your wife, Elizabeth, will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John. Alphabetical: a afraid and angel are be bear been But Do Elizabeth for give has heard him John name not petition prayer said son the to wife will you your Zacharias Zechariah PNT: 1:13 Fear not. This first celestial message at the dawning of the New Testament dispensation is one of cheer. Thy prayer is heard. The childless old priest had prayed for offspring. Shalt call his name John. That is, the God-given. WES: 1:13 Thy prayer is heard - Let us observe with pleasure, that the prayers of pious worshippers come up with acceptance before God; to whom no costly perfume is so sweet, as the fragrancy of an upright heart. An answer of peace was here returned, when the case seemed to be most helpless. Let us wait patiently for the Lord, and leave to his own wisdom the time and manner wherein he will appear for us. Thou shalt call his name John - John signifies the grace or favour of Jehovah. A name well suiting the person, who was afterward so highly in favour with God, and endued with abundance of grace; and who opened a way to the most glorious dispensation of grace in the Messiah's kingdom. And so Zacharias's former prayers for a child, and the prayer which he, as the representative of the people, was probably offering at this very time, for the appearing of the Messiah, were remarkably answered in the birth of his forerunner. MHC: Luke 1:14 New American Standard Bible: "You will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth. God's Word Translation: He will be your pride and joy, and many people will be glad that he was born. King James Version: And thou shalt have joy and gladness; and many shall rejoice at his birth. Bible in Basic English: And you will be glad and have great delight; and numbers of people will have joy at his birth. Weymouth New Testament: Gladness and exultant joy shall be yours, and many will rejoice over his birth. World English Bible: You will have joy and gladness; and many will rejoice at his birth. Alphabetical: a and at be because birth delight gladness have He his joy many of rejoice to will you MHC: Luke 1:15 New American Standard Bible: "For he will be great in the sight of the Lord; and he will drink no wine or liquor, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit while yet in his mother's womb. God's Word Translation: As far as the Lord is concerned, he will be a great man. He will never drink wine or any other liquor. He will be filled with the Holy Spirit even before he is born. King James Version: For 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. Bible in Basic English: For he will be great in the eyes of the Lord; he will not take wine or strong drink; and he will be full of the Spirit of God from his birth. Weymouth New Testament: For he will be great in the sight of the Lord; no wine or fermented drink shall he ever drink; but he will be filled with the Holy Spirit from the very hour of his birth. World English Bible: 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. Alphabetical: and be birth drink even fermented filled for from great he his Holy in is liquor Lord mother's never no of or other sight Spirit take the to while will wine with womb yet GSB: 1:15 For he shall be great in the {o} sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor {p} strong drink; and he shall be filled with the Holy Ghost, even from his mother's womb. (o) So the Hebrews say when a rare kind of excellency is signified: so it is said of Nimrod in Ge 10:9, He was a mighty hunter before the LORD. (p) Any drink that might make someone drunk. PNT: 1:15 Shall drink neither wine nor strong drink. No kind of intoxicant. Like the Nazarites (Nu 6:3). WES: 1:15 He shall be great before the Lord - God the Father: of the Holy Ghost and the Son of God mention is made immediately after. And shall drink neither wine nor strong drink - Shall be exemplary for abstemiousness and self - denial; and so much the more filled with the Holy Ghost. MHC: Luke 1:16 New American Standard Bible: "And he will turn many of the sons of Israel back to the Lord their God. God's Word Translation: He will bring many people in Israel back to the Lord their God. King James Version: And many of the children of Israel shall he turn to the Lord their God. Bible in Basic English: And through him great numbers of the children of Israel will be turned to the Lord their God. Weymouth New Testament: Many of the descendants of Israel will he turn to the Lord their God; World English Bible: He will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord, their God. Alphabetical: And back bring God he Israel Lord Many of people sons the their to turn will GSB: 1:16 And many of the children of Israel shall he {q} turn to the Lord their God. (q) Shall be a means to bring many to repentance, and they will turn themselves to the Lord, from whom they fell. WES: 1:16 And many of the children of Israel shall he turn - None therefore need be ashamed of preaching like John the Baptist. To the Lord their God - To Christ. MHC: Luke 1:17 New American Standard Bible: "It is he who will go as a forerunner before Him in the spirit and power of Elijah, TO TURN THE HEARTS OF THE FATHERS BACK TO THE CHILDREN, and the disobedient to the attitude of the righteous, so as to make ready a people prepared for the Lord." God's Word Translation: He will go ahead of the Lord with the spirit and power that Elijah had. He will change parents' attitudes toward their children. He will change disobedient people so that they will accept the wisdom of those who have God's approval. In this way he will prepare the people for their Lord." King James Version: And he shall go before him in the spirit and power of Elias, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to make ready a people prepared for the Lord. Bible in Basic English: And he will go before his face in the spirit and power of Elijah, turning the hearts of fathers to their children, and wrongdoers to the way of righteousness; to make ready a people whose hearts have been turned to the Lord. Weymouth New Testament: and he will be His forerunner in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn fathers' hearts to the children, and cause the rebellious to walk in the wisdom of the upright, to make a people perfectly ready for the lord." World English Bible: 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 make ready a people prepared for the Lord." Alphabetical: a And as attitude back before children disobedient Elijah fathers for forerunner go he hearts Him in is It Lord make of on people power prepared ready righteous so spirit the their to turn who will wisdom GSB: 1:17 And he shall go {r} before him {s} in the spirit and power of Elias, to turn the {t} hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the {u} wisdom of the just; to make ready a people prepared for the Lord. (r) As they used to go before kings, and when you see them, you know the king is not far off. (s) This is spoken by the figure of speech metonymy, taking the spirit for the gift of the spirit; as you would say, the cause of that which comes from the cause. (t) By the figure of speech synecdoche he shows that he will take away all types of enmities which used to breed great troubles and turmoils among men. (u) Wisdom and goodness are two of the main causes which make men revere and honour their fathers. PNT: 1:17 In the spirit and power of Elijah. The likeness of John the Baptist to Elijah strikes us not only in his outward appearance, his clothing and way of living, but in his spirit and character as a preacher of repentance. Turn the hearts of the fathers. These are the last words of the Old Testament, there uttered by a prophet, here expounded by an angel; there concluding the law, and here beginning the gospel (Mal 4:6). To make ready a people prepared for the Lord. This was his mission, but it was only partially successful. The common people, who heard him gladly, received with gladness the Messiah; the scribes and Pharisees, who rejected the forerunner, rejected also the King. WES: 1:17 He shall go before him, Christ, in the power and spirit of Elijah - With the same integrity, courage, austerity, and fervour, and the same power attending his word: to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children - To reconcile those that are at variance, to put an end to the most bitter quarrels, such as are very frequently those between the nearest relations: and the hearts of the disobedient to the wisdom of the just - And the most obstinate sinners to true wisdom, which is only found among them that are righteous before God. MHC: Luke 1:18 New American Standard Bible: Zacharias said to the angel, "How will I know this for certain? For I am an old man and my wife is advanced in years." God's Word Translation: Zechariah said to the angel, "What proof is there for this? I'm an old man, and my wife is beyond her childbearing years." King James Version: And Zacharias said unto the angel, Whereby shall I know this? for I am an old man, and my wife well stricken in years. Bible in Basic English: And Zacharias said to the angel, How may I be certain of this? For I am an old man, and my wife is far on in years. Weymouth New Testament: "By what proof," asked Zechariah, "shall I know this? For I am an old man, and my wife is far advanced in years." World English Bible: 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." Alphabetical: advanced along am an and angel asked be can certain for How I in is know man my of old said sure the this to well wife will years Zacharias Zechariah PNT: 1:18 By what shall I know this? He wanted a sign. WES: 1:18 Zacharias said, Whereby shall I know this? - In how different a spirit did he blessed virgin say, How shall this be? Zacharias disbelieved the fact: Mary had no doubt of the thing; but only inquired concerning the manner of it. MHC: Luke 1:19 New American Standard Bible: The angel answered and said to him, "I am Gabriel, who stands in the presence of God, and I have been sent to speak to you and to bring you this good news. God's Word Translation: The angel answered him, "I'm Gabriel! I stand in God's presence. God sent me to tell you this good news. King James Version: And the angel answering said unto him, I am Gabriel, that stand in the presence of God; and am sent to speak unto thee, and to shew thee these glad tidings. Bible in Basic English: And the angel, answering, said, I am Gabriel, whose place is before God; I have been sent to say these words to you and to give you this good news. Weymouth New Testament: "I am Gabriel, who stand in the presence of God," answered the angel, "and I have been sent to talk with you and tell you this good news. World English Bible: 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. Alphabetical: am and angel answered been bring Gabriel God good have him I in news of presence said sent speak stand stands tell The this to who you GSB: 1:19 And the angel answering said unto him, I am Gabriel, {x} that stand in the presence of God; and am sent to speak unto thee, and to shew thee these glad tidings. (x) That appears, for so the Hebrews use this saying to stand to mean that they are ready to do his commandment. PNT: 1:19 I am Gabriel, that stand in the presence of God. The word of such a messenger was sign enough. He is named also in Da 8:15-18. Seven angels stand before God (Re 8:2). WES: 1:19 I am Gabriel, that stand in the presence of God - Seven angels thus stand before God, Rev 7:2; who seem the highest of all. There seems to be a remarkable gradation in the words, enhancing the guilt of Zacharias's unbelief. As if he had said, I am Gabriel, a holy angel of God: yea, one of the highest order. Not only so, but am now peculiarly sent from God; and that with a message to thee in particular. Nay, and to show thee glad tidings, such as ought to be received with the greatest joy and readiness. MHC: Luke 1:20 New American Standard Bible: "And behold, you shall be silent and unable to speak until the day when these things take place, because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled in their proper time." God's Word Translation: But because you didn't believe what I said, you will be unable to talk until the day this happens. Everything will come true at the right time." King James Version: And, behold, thou shalt be dumb, and not able to speak, until the day that these things shall be performed, because thou believest not my words, which shall be fulfilled in their season. Bible in Basic English: Now, see, you will be without voice or language till the day when these things come about, because you had not faith in my words, which will have effect at the right time. Weymouth New Testament: And now you will be dumb and unable to speak until the day when this has taken place; because you did not believe my words--words which will be fulfilled at their appointed time." World English Bible: 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." Alphabetical: able And at be because behold believe come day did fulfilled happens in my not now place proper shall silent speak take the their these things this time to unable until when which will words you PNT: 1:20 Thou shalt be dumb. His power of speech taken away shall be a sign. WES: 1:20 Thou shalt be dumb - The Greek word signifies deaf, as well as dumb: and it seems plain, that he was as unable to hear, as he was to speak; for his friends were obliged to make signs to him, that he might understand them, Lu 1:62. MHC: Luke 1:21 New American Standard Bible: The people were waiting for Zacharias, and were wondering at his delay in the temple. God's Word Translation: Meanwhile, the people were waiting for Zechariah. They were amazed that he was staying in the temple so long. King James Version: And the people waited for Zacharias, and marvelled that he tarried so long in the temple. Bible in Basic English: And the people were waiting for Zacharias and were surprised because he was in the Temple for such a long time. Weymouth New Testament: Meanwhile the people were waiting for Zechariah, and were surprised that he stayed so long in the Sanctuary. World English Bible: The people were waiting for Zacharias, and they marveled that he delayed in the temple. Alphabetical: and at delay for he his in long Meanwhile people so stayed temple the waiting were why wondering Zacharias Zechariah PNT: 1:21 The people waited for Zacharias. Those who were praying without waited until the incense offering priest came out and dismissed them with a benediction. WES: 1:21 The people were waiting - For him to come and dismiss them (as usual) with the blessing. MHC: Luke 1:22 New American Standard Bible: But when he came out, he was unable to speak to them; and they realized that he had seen a vision in the temple; and he kept making signs to them, and remained mute. God's Word Translation: When he did come out, he was unable to speak to them. So they realized that he had seen a vision in the temple. He motioned to them but remained unable to talk. King James Version: And when he came out, he could not speak unto them: and they perceived that he had seen a vision in the temple: for he beckoned unto them, and remained speechless. Bible in Basic English: And when he came out he was not able to say anything, and they saw that he had seen a vision in the Temple; and he was making signs to them without words. Weymouth New Testament: When, however, he came out, he was unable to speak to them; and they knew that he must have seen a vision in the Sanctuary; but he kept making signs to them and continued dumb. World English Bible: When he came out, he could not speak to them, and they perceived that he had seen a vision in the temple. He continued making signs to them, and remained mute. Alphabetical: a and but came could for had he in kept making mute not out realized remained seen signs speak temple that the them They to unable vision was When MHC: Luke 1:23 New American Standard Bible: When the days of his priestly service were ended, he went back home. God's Word Translation: When the days of his service were over, he went home. King James Version: And it came to pass, that, as soon as the days of his ministration were accomplished, he departed to his own house. Bible in Basic English: And when the days of his work in the Temple were ended, he went back to his house. Weymouth New Testament: When his days of service were at an end, he went to his home; World English Bible: It happened, when the days of his service were fulfilled, he departed to his house. Alphabetical: back completed days ended he his home of priestly returned service the time was went were When PNT: 1:23 To his own house. To his own city and home. MHC: Luke 1:24 New American Standard Bible: After these days Elizabeth his wife became pregnant, and she kept herself in seclusion for five months, saying, God's Word Translation: Later, his wife Elizabeth became pregnant and didn't go out in public for five months. She said, King James Version: And after those days his wife Elisabeth conceived, and hid herself five months, saying, Bible in Basic English: After that time, Elisabeth, being certain that she was to become a mother, kept herself from men's eyes for five months, saying, Weymouth New Testament: and in course of time his wife Elizabeth conceived, and kept herself secluded five months. World English Bible: After these days Elizabeth, his wife, conceived, and she hid herself five months, saying, Alphabetical: After and became days Elizabeth five for herself his in kept months pregnant remained saying seclusion she these this wife PNT: 1:24 Hid herself. Did not go into society, both from delicacy and that she might have more time for devotion. WES: 1:24 Hid herself - She retired from company, that she might have the more leisure to rejoice and bless God for his wonderful mercy. MHC: Luke 1:25 New American Standard Bible: "This is the way the Lord has dealt with me in the days when He looked with favor upon me, to take away my disgrace among men." God's Word Translation: "The Lord has done this for me now. He has removed my public disgrace." King James Version: Thus hath the Lord dealt with me in the days wherein he looked on me, to take away my reproach among men. Bible in Basic English: The Lord has done this to me, for his eyes were on me, to take away my shame in the eyes of men. Weymouth New Testament: "Thus has the Lord dealt with me," she said, "now that He has graciously taken away my reproach among men." World English Bible: "Thus has the Lord done to me in the days in which he looked at me, to take away my reproach among men." Alphabetical: among and away days dealt disgrace done favor for has he his In is looked Lord me men my people said she shown take taken The these this to upon way when with PNT: 1:25 To take away my reproach. To be childless was regarded a great calamity in Israel. Compare Ge 16:1-3 30:1. WES: 1:25 He looked upon me to take away my reproach - Barrenness was a great reproach among the Jews. Because fruitfulness was promised to the righteous. MHC: Luke 1:26 New American Standard Bible: Now in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city in Galilee called Nazareth, God's Word Translation: Six months after Elizabeth had become pregnant, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a city in Galilee. King James Version: And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth, Bible in Basic English: Now in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a town in Galilee, named Nazareth, Weymouth New Testament: Now in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth, World English Bible: Now in the sixth month, the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee, named Nazareth, Alphabetical: a angel called city from Gabriel Galilee God In month Nazareth Now sent sixth the to town was GSB: 1:26 {3} And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth, (3) The angel, serving the Lord who would be born, is sent to the virgin Mary, in whom the son of the most high promised to David is conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit. PNT: 1:26 Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee. Nazareth, the home of Mary. Matthew (Mt 1:20) gives an account of this visit, but does not give the angel's name. WES: 1:26 In the sixth month - After Elisabeth had conceived. MHC: 1:26-38 We have here an account of the mother of our Lord; though we are not to pray to her, yet we ought to praise God for her. Christ must be born miraculously. The angel's address means only, Hail, thou that art the especially chosen and favoured of the Most High, to attain the honour Jewish mothers have so long desired. This wondrous salutation and appearance troubled Mary. The angel then assured her that she had found favour with God, and would become the mother of a son whose name she should call Jesus, the Son of the Highest, one in a nature and perfection with the Lord God. JESUS! the name that refreshes the fainting spirits of humbled sinners; sweet to speak and sweet to hear, Jesus, a Saviour! We know not his riches and our own poverty, therefore we run not to him; we perceive not that we are lost and perishing, therefore a Saviour is a word of little relish. Were we convinced of the huge mass of guilt that lies upon us, and the wrath that hangs over us for it, ready to fall upon us, it would be our continual thought, Is the Saviour mine? And that we might find him so, we should trample on all that hinders our way to him. Mary's reply to the angel was the language of faith and humble admiration, and she asked no sign for the confirming her faith. Without controversy, great was the mystery of godliness, God manifest in the flesh, 1Ti 3:16. Christ's human nature must be produced so, as it was fit that should be which was to be taken into union with the Divine nature. And we must, as Mary here, guide our desires by the word of God. In all conflicts, let us remember that with God nothing is impossible; and as we read and hear his promises, let us turn them into prayers, Behold the willing servant of the Lord; let it be unto me according to thy word. Luke 1:27 New American Standard Bible: to a virgin engaged to a man whose name was Joseph, of the descendants of David; and the virgin's name was Mary. God's Word Translation: The angel went to a virgin promised in marriage to a descendant of David named Joseph. The virgin's name was Mary. King James Version: To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin's name was Mary. Bible in Basic English: To a virgin who was to be married to a man named Joseph, of the family of David; and the name of the virgin was Mary. Weymouth New Testament: to a maiden betrothed to a man of the name of Joseph, a descendant of David. The maiden's name was Mary. World English Bible: to a virgin pledged to be married to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin's name was Mary. Alphabetical: a and be David descendant descendants engaged Joseph man married Mary name named of pledged The to virgin virgin's was whose GSB: 1:27 To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the {y} house of David; and the virgin's name [was] Mary. (y) The same can be said of Mary, otherwise Christ would not have been of the stock of David, nor his son. PNT: 1:27 To a virgin. She was espoused; that is, formally engaged to Joseph, but not yet married. Compare with Mt 1:18-25. WES: 1:27 Espoused - It was customary among the Jews, for persons that married to contract before witnesses some time before. And as Christ was to be born of a pure virgin, so the wisdom of God ordered it to be of one espoused, that to prevent reproach he might have a reputed father, according to the flesh. MHC: Luke 1:28 New American Standard Bible: And coming in, he said to her, "Greetings, favored one! The Lord is with you." God's Word Translation: When the angel entered her home, he greeted her and said, "You are favored by the Lord! The Lord is with you." King James Version: And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women. Bible in Basic English: And the angel came in to her and said, Peace be with you, to whom special grace has been given; the Lord is with you. Weymouth New Testament: So Gabriel went into the house and said to her, "Joy be to you, favoured one! the Lord is with you." World English Bible: Having come in, the angel said to her, "Rejoice, you highly favored one! The Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women!" Alphabetical: and angel are coming favored Greetings he her highly in is Lord one said The to went who with you GSB: 1:28 And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, [thou that art] {z} highly favoured, the Lord [is] with thee: {a} blessed [art] thou among women. (z) It might be literally rendered, full of favour and grace, and he shows immediately after, laying out plainly unto us, what that favour is in that he says, The Lord is with thee. (a) Of God. WES: 1:28 Hail, thou highly favoured; the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women - Hail is the salutation used by our Lord to the women after his resurrection: thou art highly favoured, or hast found favour with God, Lu 1:30, is no more than was said of Noah, Moses, and David. The Lord is with thee, was said to Gideon, Jud 6:12; and blessed shall she be above women, of Jael, Jud 5:24. This salutation gives no room for any pretence of paying adoration to the virgin; as having no appearance of a prayer, or of worship offered to her. MHC: Luke 1:29 New American Standard Bible: But she was very perplexed at this statement, and kept pondering what kind of salutation this was. God's Word Translation: She was startled by what the angel said and tried to figure out what this greeting meant. King James Version: And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be. Bible in Basic English: But she was greatly troubled at his words, and said to herself, What may be the purpose of these words? Weymouth New Testament: She was greatly agitated at his words, and wondered what such a greeting meant. World English Bible: But when she saw him, she was greatly troubled at the saying, and considered what kind of salutation this might be. Alphabetical: and at be But greatly greeting his kept kind Mary might of perplexed pondering salutation she statement this troubled very was what wondered words GSB: 1:29 And when she saw [him], she was {b} troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be. (b) Moved at the strangeness of the matter. MHC: Luke 1:30 New American Standard Bible: The angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary; for you have found favor with God. God's Word Translation: The angel told her, "Don't be afraid, Mary. You have found favor with God. King James Version: And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God. Bible in Basic English: And the angel said to her, Have no fear, Mary, for you have God's approval. Weymouth New Testament: But the angel said, "Do not be frightened, Mary, for you have found favour with God. World English Bible: The angel said to her, "Don't be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. Alphabetical: afraid angel be But Do favor for found God have her Mary not said the to with you GSB: 1:30 And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast {c} found favour with God. (c) So the Hebrews said, saying that those men have found favour who are in favour. PNT: 1:30-33 Fear not. In the angel's message we have, (1) An assurance, Fear not. (2) A promise, Thou shalt bring forth a son (Lu 1:31). (3) A command, Thou shalt call his name JESUS (Lu 1:31). (4) A prophecy, He shall be great, the Son of the Highest, sit on David's throne, reign forever (Lu 1:32). MHC: Luke 1:31 New American Standard Bible: "And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name Him Jesus. God's Word Translation: You will become pregnant, give birth to a son, and name him Jesus. King James Version: And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS. Bible in Basic English: And see, you will give birth to a son, and his name will be Jesus. Weymouth New Testament: You will conceive in your womb and bear a son; and you are to call His name JESUS. World English Bible: Behold, you will conceive in your womb, and bring forth a son, and will call his name'Jesus.' Alphabetical: a and are be bear behold birth child conceive give him in Jesus name shall son the to will with womb You your PNT: 1:30-33 Fear not. In the angel's message we have, (1) An assurance, Fear not. (2) A promise, Thou shalt bring forth a son (Lu 1:31). (3) A command, Thou shalt call his name JESUS (Lu 1:31). (4) A prophecy, He shall be great, the Son of the Highest, sit on David's throne, reign forever (Lu 1:32). MHC: Luke 1:32 New American Standard Bible: "He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David; God's Word Translation: He will be a great man and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his ancestor David. King James Version: He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: Bible in Basic English: He will be great, and will be named the Son of the Most High: and the Lord God will give him the kingdom of David, his father: Weymouth New Testament: He will be great and He will be called 'Son of the Most High.' And the Lord God will give Him the throne of His forefather David; World English Bible: 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, Alphabetical: and be called David father give God great He High him his Lord Most of Son the throne will GSB: 1:32 He shall be great, and shall be {d} called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: (d) He will be declared to be so, for he was the Son of God from everlasting, but was made manifest in the flesh in his time. PNT: 1:30-33 Fear not. In the angel's message we have, (1) An assurance, Fear not. (2) A promise, Thou shalt bring forth a son (Lu 1:31). (3) A command, Thou shalt call his name JESUS (Lu 1:31). (4) A prophecy, He shall be great, the Son of the Highest, sit on David's throne, reign forever (Lu 1:32). WES: 1:32 He shall be called the Son of the Highest - In this respect also: and that in a more eminent sense than any, either man or angel, can be called so. The Lord shall give him the throne of his father David - That is, the spiritual kingdom, of which David's was a type. MHC: Luke 1:33 New American Standard Bible: and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and His kingdom will have no end." God's Word Translation: Your son will be king of Jacob's people forever, and his kingdom will never end." King James Version: And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end. Bible in Basic English: He will have rule over the house of Jacob for ever, and of his kingdom there will be no end. Weymouth New Testament: and He will be King over the House of Jacob for the Ages, and of His Kingdom there will be no end." World English Bible: and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever. There will be no end to his Kingdom." Alphabetical: and end forever have he his house Jacob kingdom never no of over reign the will PNT: 1:30-33 Fear not. In the angel's message we have, (1) An assurance, Fear not. (2) A promise, Thou shalt bring forth a son (Lu 1:31). (3) A command, Thou shalt call his name JESUS (Lu 1:31). (4) A prophecy, He shall be great, the Son of the Highest, sit on David's throne, reign forever (Lu 1:32). WES: 1:33 He shall reign over the house of Jacob - In which all true believers are included. MHC: Luke 1:34 New American Standard Bible: Mary said to the angel, "How can this be, since I am a virgin?" God's Word Translation: Mary asked the angel, "How can this be? I've never had sexual intercourse." King James Version: Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man? Bible in Basic English: And Mary said to the angel, How may this be, because I have had no knowledge of a man? Weymouth New Testament: "How can this be," Mary replied, "seeing that I have no husband?" World English Bible: Mary said to the angel, "How can this be, seeing I am a virgin?" Alphabetical: a am angel asked be can How I Mary said since the this to virgin will GSB: 1:34 Then said Mary unto the angel, {e} How shall this be, seeing {f} I know not a man? (e) The greatness of the matter causes the virgin to ask this question, not that she distrusted by any means at all, for she asks only of the manner of the conceiving, so that it is plain she believed all the rest. (f) So speak the Hebrews, signifying by this modest kind of speech the company of man and wife together, and this is the meaning of it: how will this be, for as I will be Christ's mother I am very sure I will not know any man: for the godly virgin had learned by the prophets that the Messiah would be born of a virgin. PNT: 1:30-33 Fear not. In the angel's message we have, (1) An assurance, Fear not. (2) A promise, Thou shalt bring forth a son (Lu 1:31). (3) A command, Thou shalt call his name JESUS (Lu 1:31). (4) A prophecy, He shall be great, the Son of the Highest, sit on David's throne, reign forever (Lu 1:32). MHC: Luke 1:35 New American Standard Bible: The angel answered and said to her, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; and for that reason the holy Child shall be called the Son of God. God's Word Translation: The angel answered her, "The Holy Spirit will come to you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. Therefore, the holy child developing inside you will be called the Son of God. King James Version: And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God. Bible in Basic English: And the angel in answer said to her, The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will come to rest on you, and so that which will come to birth will be named holy, Son of God. Weymouth New Testament: The angel answered, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; and for this reason your holy offspring will be called 'the Son of God.' World English Bible: 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. Alphabetical: and angel answered be born called Child come for God her High Holy Most of one overshadow power reason said shall So Son Spirit that The to upon will you GSB: 1:35 And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost {g} shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that {h} holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be {i} called the Son of God. (g) That is, the Holy Spirit will cause thee to conceive by his mighty power. (h) That thing which is pure and void of all spot of uncleanliness: for he that was to take away sin must of necessity be void of sin. (i) Declared and shown to the world to be the Son of God. PNT: 1:30-33 Fear not. In the angel's message we have, (1) An assurance, Fear not. (2) A promise, Thou shalt bring forth a son (Lu 1:31). (3) A command, Thou shalt call his name JESUS (Lu 1:31). (4) A prophecy, He shall be great, the Son of the Highest, sit on David's throne, reign forever (Lu 1:32). WES: 1:35 The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee - The power of God was put forth by the Holy Ghost, as the immediate Divine agent in this work: and so he exerted the power of the Highest as his own power, who together with the Father and the Son is the most high God. Therefore also - Not only as he is God from eternity, but on this account likewise he shall be called the Son of God. MHC: Luke 1:36 New American Standard Bible: "And behold, even your relative Elizabeth has also conceived a son in her old age; and she who was called barren is now in her sixth month. God's Word Translation: "Elizabeth, your relative, is six months pregnant with a son in her old age. People said she couldn't have a child. King James Version: And, behold, thy cousin Elisabeth, she hath also conceived a son in her old age: and this is the sixth month with her, who was called barren. Bible in Basic English: Even now Elisabeth, who is of your family, is to be a mother, though she is old: and this is the sixth month with her who was without children. Weymouth New Testament: And see, your relative Elizabeth--she also has conceived a son in her old age; and this is the sixth month with her who was called barren. World English Bible: 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. Alphabetical: a age also and barren be behold called child conceived Elizabeth Even going has have her in is month now old relative said she sixth son to was who your GSB: 1:36 And, behold, thy {k} cousin Elisabeth, she hath also conceived a son in her old age: and this is the {l} sixth month with her, who was called barren. (k) Though Elisabeth was of the tribe of Levi, yet it was possible for her to be Mary's cousin: for whereas it was forbidden by the Law for maidens to be married to men of other tribes, there was an exception among the Levites, who could take for themselves wives out of any tribe: for the Levites had no portion allotted to them when the land was divided among the people. (l) This is now the sixth month from the time when she conceived. PNT: 1:30-33 Fear not. In the angel's message we have, (1) An assurance, Fear not. (2) A promise, Thou shalt bring forth a son (Lu 1:31). (3) A command, Thou shalt call his name JESUS (Lu 1:31). (4) A prophecy, He shall be great, the Son of the Highest, sit on David's throne, reign forever (Lu 1:32). WES: 1:36 And behold, thy cousin Elisabeth - Though Elisabeth was of the house of Aaron, and Mary of the house of David, by the fathers side, they might be related by their mothers. For the law only forbad heiresses marrying into another tribe. And so other persons continually intermarried; particularly the families of David and of Levi. MHC: Luke 1:37 New American Standard Bible: "For nothing will be impossible with God." God's Word Translation: But nothing is impossible for God." King James Version: For with God nothing shall be impossible. Bible in Basic English: For there is nothing which God is not able to do. Weymouth New Testament: For no promise from God will be impossible of fulfilment." World English Bible: For everything spoken by God is possible." Alphabetical: be For God impossible is nothing will with PNT: 1:30-33 Fear not. In the angel's message we have, (1) An assurance, Fear not. (2) A promise, Thou shalt bring forth a son (Lu 1:31). (3) A command, Thou shalt call his name JESUS (Lu 1:31). (4) A prophecy, He shall be great, the Son of the Highest, sit on David's throne, reign forever (Lu 1:32). MHC: Luke 1:38 New American Standard Bible: And Mary said, "Behold, the bondslave of the Lord; may it be done to me according to your word." And the angel departed from her. God's Word Translation: Mary answered, "I am the Lord's servant. Let everything you've said happen to me." Then the angel left her. King James Version: And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her. Bible in Basic English: And Mary said: I am the servant of the Lord; may it be to me as you say. And the angel went away. Weymouth New Testament: "I am the Lord's maidservant," Mary replied; "may it be with me in accordance with your words!" And then the angel left her. World English Bible: Mary said, "Behold, the handmaid of the Lord; be it to me according to your word." The angel departed from her. Alphabetical: according am And angel answered as be Behold bondslave departed done from have her I it left Lord Lord's Mary May me of said servant the Then to word you your PNT: 1:30-33 Fear not. In the angel's message we have, (1) An assurance, Fear not. (2) A promise, Thou shalt bring forth a son (Lu 1:31). (3) A command, Thou shalt call his name JESUS (Lu 1:31). (4) A prophecy, He shall be great, the Son of the Highest, sit on David's throne, reign forever (Lu 1:32). WES: 1:38 And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord - It is not improbable, that this time of the virgin's humble faith, consent, and expectation, might be the very time of her conceiving. MHC: Luke 1:39 New American Standard Bible: Now at this time Mary arose and went in a hurry to the hill country, to a city of Judah, God's Word Translation: Soon afterward, Mary hurried to a city in the mountain region of Judah. King James Version: And Mary arose in those days, and went into the hill country with haste, into a city of Juda; Bible in Basic English: Then Mary got up and went quickly into the high lands, to a town of Judah; Weymouth New Testament: Not long after this, Mary rose up and went in haste into the hill country to a town in Judah. World English Bible: Mary arose in those days and went into the hill country with haste, into a city of Judah, Alphabetical: a and arose At city country got hill hurried hurry in Judah Judea Mary Now of ready that the this time to town went GSB: 1:39 {4} And Mary arose in those days, and went into the {m} hill country with haste, into a {n} city of Juda; (4) Elisabeth being many months pregnant with John, and Mary being pregnant with Christ, do rejoice for each other by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. (m) Which is on the south side of Jerusalem. (n) That is to say, Hebron: which was in times past called Kirjatharba: which was one of the towns that were given to the Levites in the tribe of Judah, and is said to be in the mountains of Judah; Jos 14:15; 21:11. PNT: 1:39 Arose. In consequence of the angel's words. Went into the hill country. The central plateau of Judea, containing the cities of Jerusalem, Bethlehem and Hebron. Hebron was a Levitical city (Jos 21:11). Whether the city was Hebron, Juttah, or some other, is only conjecture. WES: 1:39 A city of Judah - Probably Hebron, which was situated in the hill country of Judea, and belonged to the house of Aaron. MHC: 1:39-56 It is very good for those who have the work of grace begun in their souls, to communicate one to another. On Mary's arrival, Elisabeth was conscious of the approach of her who was to be the mother of the great Redeemer. At the same time she was filled with the Holy Ghost, and under his influence declared that Mary and her expected child were most blessed and happy, as peculiarly honoured of and dear to the Most High God. Mary, animated by Elisabeth's address, and being also under the influence of the Holy Ghost, broke out into joy, admiration, and gratitude. She knew herself to be a sinner who needed a Saviour, and that she could no otherwise rejoice in God than as interested in his salvation through the promised Messiah. Those who see their need of Christ, and are desirous of righteousness and life in him, he fills with good things, with the best things; and they are abundantly satisfied with the blessings he gives. He will satisfy the desires of the poor in spirit who long for spiritual blessings, while the self-sufficient shall be sent empty away. Luke 1:40 New American Standard Bible: and entered the house of Zacharias and greeted Elizabeth. God's Word Translation: She entered Zechariah's home and greeted Elizabeth. King James Version: And entered into the house of Zacharias, and saluted Elisabeth. Bible in Basic English: And went into the house of Zacharias and took Elisabeth in her arms. Weymouth New Testament: Here she came to the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth; World English Bible: and entered into the house of Zacharias and greeted Elizabeth. Alphabetical: and Elizabeth entered greeted home house of she the where Zacharias Zechariah's MHC: Luke 1:41 New American Standard Bible: When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the baby leaped in her womb; and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. God's Word Translation: When Elizabeth heard the greeting, she felt the baby kick. Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. King James Version: And 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: Bible in Basic English: And when the voice of Mary came to the ears of Elisabeth, the baby made a sudden move inside her; then Elisabeth was full of the Holy Spirit, Weymouth New Testament: and as soon as Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the babe leapt within her. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit, World English Bible: It happened, when Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, that the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. Alphabetical: and baby Elizabeth filled greeting heard her Holy in leaped Mary's Spirit the was When with womb GSB: 1:41 And it came to pass, that, when Elisabeth heard the salutation of Mary, the babe {o} leaped in her womb; and Elisabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost: (o) This was no ordinary or usual type of moving. WES: 1:41 When Elisabeth heard the salutation of Mary - The discourse with which she saluted her, giving an account of what the angel had said, the joy of her soul so affected her body, that the very child in her womb was moved in an uncommon manner, as if it leaped for joy. MHC: Luke 1:42 New American Standard Bible: And she cried out with a loud voice and said, "Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! God's Word Translation: She said in a loud voice, "You are the most blessed of all women, and blessed is the child that you will have. King James Version: And she spake out with a loud voice, and said, Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb. Bible in Basic English: And she said with a loud voice: May blessing be on you among women, and a blessing on the child of your body. Weymouth New Testament: and uttered a loud cry of joy. "Blest among women are you," she said, "and the offspring of your body is blest! World English Bible: She called out with a loud voice, and said, "Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! Alphabetical: a among and are bear Blessed child cried exclaimed fruit In is loud of out said she the voice will with womb women you your GSB: 1:42 And she spake out with a loud voice, and said, Blessed [art] thou among women, and {p} blessed [is] the fruit of thy womb. (p) Christ is blessed with respect to his humanity. PNT: 1:42 Blessed [art] thou among women. The language of Elizabeth, Oriental poetry, is that of an inspired prophet. MHC: Luke 1:43 New American Standard Bible: "And how has it happened to me, that the mother of my Lord would come to me? God's Word Translation: I feel blessed that the mother of my Lord is visiting me. King James Version: And whence is this to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? Bible in Basic English: How is it that the mother of my Lord comes to me? Weymouth New Testament: But why is this honour done me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? World English Bible: Why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? Alphabetical: am And But come favored happened has how I it Lord me mother my of should so that the to why would PNT: 1:43 Mother of my Lord. Jesus, our Lord and Savior. MHC: Luke 1:44 New American Standard Bible: "For behold, when the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby leaped in my womb for joy. God's Word Translation: As soon as I heard your greeting, I felt the baby jump for joy. King James Version: For, lo, as soon as the voice of thy salutation sounded in mine ears, the babe leaped in my womb for joy. Bible in Basic English: For, truly, when the sound of your voice came to my ears, the baby in my body made a sudden move for joy. Weymouth New Testament: For, the moment your greeting reached my ears, the babe within me leapt for joy. World English Bible: For behold, when the voice of your greeting came into my ears, the baby leaped in my womb for joy! Alphabetical: As baby behold ears for greeting in joy leaped my of reached soon sound the when womb your MHC: Luke 1:45 New American Standard Bible: "And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what had been spoken to her by the Lord." God's Word Translation: You are blessed for believing that the Lord would keep his promise to you." King James Version: And blessed is she that believed: for there shall be a performance of those things which were told her from the Lord. Bible in Basic English: Happy will she be who had faith that the things which the Lord has said to her will be done. Weymouth New Testament: And blessed is she who has believed, for the word spoken to her from the Lord shall be fulfilled." World English Bible: Blessed is she who believed, for there will be a fulfillment of the things which have been spoken to her from the Lord!" Alphabetical: a accomplished And be been believed Blessed by fulfillment had has her is Lord of said she spoken that the there to what who will would WES: 1:45 Happy is she that believed - Probably she had in her mind the unbelief of Zacharias. MHC: Luke 1:46 New American Standard Bible: And Mary said: "My soul exalts the Lord, God's Word Translation: Mary said, "My soul praises the Lord's greatness! King James Version: And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord, Bible in Basic English: And Mary said: My soul gives glory to God; Weymouth New Testament: Then Mary said: "My soul extols the Lord, World English Bible: Mary said, "My soul magnifies the Lord. Alphabetical: And exalts glorifies Lord Mary My said soul the GSB: 1:46 {5} And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord, (5) Christ, the redeemer of the afflicted and revenger of the proud, promised long ago to the fathers, is now finally exhibited indeed. PNT: 1:46-55 Mary said. Mary also is filled with the spirit of prophecy. These two godly women are the first human prophets of the New Testament. Mary's language is in part drawn from the Psalms. This hymn is divisible into three parts: (1) recognition of God's strange grace upon her own humble person and character (Lu 1:46-49); (2) a recognition that it is ever thus that God exalts the humble, and brings low the proud (Lu 1:50-53); (3) the result is that humble Israel is now to be exalted according to God's promise to Abraham (Lu 1:54,55). WES: 1:46 And Mary said - Under a prophetic impulse, several things, which perhaps she herself did not then fully understand. MHC: Luke 1:47 New American Standard Bible: And my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior. God's Word Translation: My spirit finds its joy in God, my Savior, King James Version: And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour. Bible in Basic English: My spirit is glad in God my Saviour. Weymouth New Testament: And my spirit triumphs in God my Saviour; World English Bible: My spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior, Alphabetical: and God has in my rejoiced rejoices Savior spirit PNT: 1:47 My Saviour. Mary, by this word, reckons herself among that which was lost. She obtained salvation, not from herself, but from Jesus. (Bengel). WES: 1:47 My spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour - She seems to turn her thoughts here to Christ himself, who was to be born of her, as the angel had told her, he should be the Son of the Highest, whose name should be Jesus, the Saviour. And she rejoiced in hope of salvation through faith in him, which is a blessing common to all true believers, more than in being his mother after the flesh, which was an honour peculiar to her. And certainly she had the same reason to rejoice in God her Saviour hat we have: because he had regarded the low estate of his handmaid, in like manner as he regarded our low estate; and vouchsafed to come and save her and us, when we were reduced to the lowest estate of sin and misery. MHC: Luke 1:48 New American Standard Bible: "For He has had regard for the humble state of His bondslave; For behold, from this time on all generations will count me blessed. God's Word Translation: because he has looked favorably on me, his humble servant. "From now on, all people will call me blessed King James Version: For he hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden: for, behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed. Bible in Basic English: For he has had pity on his servant, though she is poor and lowly placed: and from this hour will all generations give witness to the blessing which has come to me. Weymouth New Testament: Because He has not turned from His maidservant in her lowly position; For from this time forward all generations will account me happy, World English Bible: for he has looked at the humble state of his handmaid. For behold, from now on, all generations will call me blessed. Alphabetical: all been behold blessed bondslave call count for From generations had has he his humble me mindful now of on regard servant state the this time will GSB: 1:48 For he hath {q} regarded the {r} low estate of his handmaiden: for, behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed. (q) Has freely and graciously loved. (r) Literally, My baseness, that is, my base estate: so that the virgin did not boast of her deserts, but the grace of God. PNT: 1:48 Call me blessed. Pronounce me highly favored, or happy in being the mother of the Messiah. Abraham was blessed in being the father of the faithful; Paul in being the apostle to the Gentiles; Peter in first preaching the gospel to them; but who would think of worshiping or praying to Abraham, Paul, or Peter? MHC: Luke 1:49 New American Standard Bible: "For the Mighty One has done great things for me; And holy is His name. God's Word Translation: because the Almighty has done great things to me. His name is holy. King James Version: For he that is mighty hath done to me great things; and holy is his name. Bible in Basic English: For he who is strong has done great things for me; and holy is his name. Weymouth New Testament: Because the mighty One has done great things for me--Holy is His name!-- World English Bible: For he who is mighty has done great things for me. Holy is his name. Alphabetical: And done for great has his holy is me Mighty name One the things MHC: Luke 1:50 New American Standard Bible: "AND HIS MERCY IS UPON GENERATION AFTER GENERATION TOWARD THOSE WHO FEAR HIM. God's Word Translation: For those who fear him, his mercy lasts throughout every generation. King James Version: And his mercy is on them that fear him from generation to generation. Bible in Basic English: His mercy is for all generations in whom is the fear of him. Weymouth New Testament: And His compassion is, generation after generation, Upon those who fear Him. World English Bible: His mercy is for generations of generations on those who fear him. Alphabetical: after and extends fear from generation him His is mercy those to Toward upon who GSB: 1:50 And his mercy [is] on them {s} that fear him from generation to generation. (s) To those that live godly and religiously, as the Hebrews say. MHC: Luke 1:51 New American Standard Bible: "He has done mighty deeds with His arm; He has scattered those who were proud in the thoughts of their heart. God's Word Translation: "He displayed his mighty power. He scattered those who think too highly of themselves. King James Version: He hath shewed strength with his arm; he hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts. Bible in Basic English: With his arm he has done acts of power; he has put to flight those who have pride in their hearts. Weymouth New Testament: He has manifested His supreme strength. He has scattered those who were haughty in the thoughts of their hearts. World English Bible: He has shown strength with his arm. He has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts. Alphabetical: are arm deeds done has He heart his in inmost mighty of performed proud scattered the their those thoughts were who with GSB: 1:51 He hath shewed strength with his {t} arm; he hath {u} scattered the proud in the {x} imagination of their hearts. (t) Here many more words than necessary are used, which the Hebrews use very much: and arm here is taken for strength. (u) Even as the wind does to the chaff. (x) He has scattered them, and the imagination of their hearts; or, by and through the imagination of their own hearts; so that their wicked counsel turned to their own destruction. WES: 1:51 He hath wrought strength with his arm - That is, he hath shown the exceeding greatness of his power. She speaks prophetically of those things as already done, which God was about to do by the Messiah. He hath scattered the proud - Visible and invisible. MHC: Luke 1:52 New American Standard Bible: "He has brought down rulers from their thrones, And has exalted those who were humble. God's Word Translation: He pulled strong rulers from their thrones. He honored humble people. King James Version: He hath put down the mighty from their seats, and exalted them of low degree. Bible in Basic English: He has put down kings from their seats, lifting up on high the men of low degree. Weymouth New Testament: He has cast monarchs down from their thrones, And exalted men of low estate. World English Bible: He has put down princes from their thrones. And has exalted the lowly. Alphabetical: And brought but down exalted from has He humble lifted rulers the their those thrones up were who GSB: 1:52 He hath {y} put down the mighty from [their] seats, and exalted them of {z} low degree. (y) The mighty and rich men. (z) Those of no account, who are vile in men's eyes, who are indeed the poor in spirit, that is, those who claim nothing of themselves in the sight of God. WES: 1:52 He hath put down the mighty - Both angels and men. MHC: Luke 1:53 New American Standard Bible: "HE HAS FILLED THE HUNGRY WITH GOOD THINGS; And sent away the rich empty-handed. God's Word Translation: He fed hungry people with good food. He sent rich people away with nothing. King James Version: He hath filled the hungry with good things; and the rich he hath sent empty away. Bible in Basic English: Those who had no food he made full of good things; the men of wealth he sent away with nothing in their hands; Weymouth New Testament: The hungry He has satisfied with choice gifts, But the rich He has sent empty-handed away. World English Bible: He has filled the hungry with good things. He has sent the rich away empty. Alphabetical: And away but empty empty-handed filled good has He hungry rich sent the things with GSB: 1:53 He hath filled the {a} hungry with good things; and the rich he hath sent empty away. (a) Those that are brought to extreme poverty. MHC: Luke 1:54 New American Standard Bible: "He has given help to Israel His servant, In remembrance of His mercy, God's Word Translation: "He remembered to help his servant Israel forever. King James Version: He hath holpen his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy; Bible in Basic English: His help he has given to Israel, his servant, so that he might keep in mind his mercy to Abraham and his seed for ever, Weymouth New Testament: His servant Israel He has helped, Remembering His compassion-- World English Bible: He has given help to Israel, his servant, that he might remember mercy, Alphabetical: be given has He help helped his In Israel merciful mercy of remembering remembrance servant to GSB: 1:54 {b} He hath holpen his servant Israel, in remembrance of [his] mercy; (b) He has helped Israel up with his arm, who had been completely cast down. WES: 1:54 He hath helped his servant Israel - By sending the Messiah. MHC: Luke 1:55 New American Standard Bible: As He spoke to our fathers, To Abraham and his descendants forever." God's Word Translation: This is the promise he made to our ancestors, to Abraham and his descendants." King James Version: As he spake to our fathers, to Abraham, and to his seed for ever. Bible in Basic English: As he gave his word to our fathers. Weymouth New Testament: In fulfillment of His promises to our forefathers--For Abraham and his posterity for ever." World English Bible: As he spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and his seed forever." Alphabetical: Abraham and as descendants even fathers forever he his our said spoke to GSB: 1:55 As he {c} spake to our fathers, to Abraham, and to his seed for ever. (c) Promised. PNT: 1:55 To Abraham. See Ge 12:1-3 13:14-17 15:5. And to his seed. The seed promised to Abraham was to be a blessing to the whole world. Compare the hymn of Hannah (1Sa 2:1). WES: 1:55 To his seed - His spiritual seed: all true believers. MHC: Luke 1:56 New American Standard Bible: And Mary stayed with her about three months, and then returned to her home. God's Word Translation: Mary stayed with Elizabeth about three months and then went back home. King James Version: And Mary abode with her about three months, and returned to her own house. Bible in Basic English: And Mary was with her for about three months and then went back to her house. Weymouth New Testament: So Mary stayed with Elizabeth about three months, and then returned home. World English Bible: Mary stayed with her about three months, and then returned to her house. Alphabetical: about and Elizabeth for her home Mary months returned stayed then three to with WES: 1:56 Mary returned to her own house - And thence soon after to Bethlehem. MHC: Luke 1:57 New American Standard Bible: Now the time had come for Elizabeth to give birth, and she gave birth to a son. God's Word Translation: When the time came for Elizabeth to have her child, she gave birth to a son. King James Version: Now Elisabeth's full time came that she should be delivered; and she brought forth a son. Bible in Basic English: Now it was time for Elisabeth to give birth, and she had a son. Weymouth New Testament: Now when Elizabeth's full time was come, she gave birth to a son; World English Bible: Now the time that Elizabeth should give birth was fulfilled, and she brought forth a son. Alphabetical: a and baby birth come Elizabeth for gave give had have her it Now she son the time to was When GSB: 1:57 {6} Now Elisabeth's full time came that she should be delivered; and she brought forth a son. (6) John's birth is accompanied by new miracles. MHC: 1:57-66 In these verses we have an account of the birth of John the Baptist, and the great joy among all the relations of the family. He shall be called Johanan, or Gracious, because he shall bring in the gospel of Christ, wherein God's grace shines most bright. Zacharias recovered his speech. Unbelief closed his mouth, and believing opened it again: he believers, therefore he speaks. When God opens our lips, our mouths must show forth his praise; and better be without speech, than not use it in praising God. It is said, The hand of the Lord was working with John. God has ways of working on children in their infancy, which we cannot account for. We should observe the dealings of God, and wait the event. Luke 1:58 New American Standard Bible: Her neighbors and her relatives heard that the Lord had displayed His great mercy toward her; and they were rejoicing with her. God's Word Translation: Her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had been very kind to her, and they shared her joy. King James Version: And her neighbours and her cousins heard how the Lord had shewed great mercy upon her; and they rejoiced with her. Bible in Basic English: And it came to the ears of her neighbours and relations that the Lord had been very good to her, and they took part in her joy. Weymouth New Testament: and her neighbours and relatives heard how the Lord had had great compassion on her; and they rejoiced with her. World English Bible: Her neighbors and her relatives heard that the Lord had magnified his mercy towards her, and they rejoiced with her. Alphabetical: and displayed great had heard Her His joy Lord mercy neighbors rejoicing relatives shared shown that the they toward were with MHC: Luke 1:59 New American Standard Bible: And it happened that on the eighth day they came to circumcise the child, and they were going to call him Zacharias, after his father. God's Word Translation: When the child was eight days old, they went to the temple to circumcise him. They were going to name him Zechariah after his father. King James Version: And it came to pass, that on the eighth day they came to circumcise the child; and they called him Zacharias, after the name of his father. Bible in Basic English: And on the eighth day they came to see to the circumcision of the child, and they would have given him the name of Zacharias, his father's name; Weymouth New Testament: And on the eighth day they came to circumcise the child, and were going to call him Zechariah, after his father. World English Bible: It happened on the eighth day, that they came to circumcise the child; and they would have called him Zacharias, after the name of the father. Alphabetical: after and call came child circumcise day eighth father going happened him his it name On that the they to were Zacharias Zechariah PNT: 1:59 On the eighth day. On the eighth day male Jewish children were circumcised and named (Ge 17:12). The kinsmen present called the child after his father's name, a common Jewish custom, but Elizabeth protested that his name should be John, that given by the angel. The matter was referred to the father. MHC: Luke 1:60 New American Standard Bible: But his mother answered and said, "No indeed; but he shall be called John." God's Word Translation: But his mother spoke up, "Absolutely not! His name will be John." King James Version: And his mother answered and said, Not so; but he shall be called John. Bible in Basic English: But his mother made answer and said, No, his name is John. Weymouth New Testament: His mother, however, said, "No, he is to be called John." World English Bible: His mother answered, "Not so; but he will be called John." Alphabetical: and answered be but called He his indeed is John mother No said shall spoke to up WES: 1:60 His mother said - Doubtless by revelation, or a particular impulse from God. MHC: Luke 1:61 New American Standard Bible: And they said to her, "There is no one among your relatives who is called by that name." God's Word Translation: Their friends said to her, "But you don't have any relatives with that name." King James Version: And they said unto her, There is none of thy kindred that is called by this name. Bible in Basic English: And they said, Not one of your relations has that name. Weymouth New Testament: "There is not one of your family," they said, "who has that name." World English Bible: They said to her, "There is no one among your relatives who is called by this name." Alphabetical: among And by called has her is name no one relatives said that There They to who your MHC: Luke 1:62 New American Standard Bible: And they made signs to his father, as to what he wanted him called. God's Word Translation: So they motioned to the baby's father to see what he wanted to name the child. King James Version: And they made signs to his father, how he would have him called. Bible in Basic English: And they made signs to his father, to say what name was to be given to him. Weymouth New Testament: They asked his father by signs what he wished him to be called. World English Bible: They made signs to his father, what he would have him called. Alphabetical: And as called child father find he him his like made name out signs the Then they to wanted what would MHC: Luke 1:63 New American Standard Bible: And he asked for a tablet and wrote as follows, "His name is John." And they were all astonished. God's Word Translation: Zechariah asked for a writing tablet and wrote, "His name is John." Everyone was amazed. King James Version: And he asked for a writing table, and wrote, saying, His name is John. And they marvelled all. Bible in Basic English: And he sent for writing materials and put down: His name is John; and they were all surprised. Weymouth New Testament: So he asked for a writing-tablet, and wrote, "His name is John." And they all wondered. World English Bible: He asked for a writing tablet, and wrote, "His name is John." They all marveled. Alphabetical: a all and as asked astonished astonishment everyone's follows for He His is John name tablet they to were writing wrote PNT: 1:63 Asked for a writing tablet. Because his tongue had not yet been loosed. MHC: Luke 1:64 New American Standard Bible: And at once his mouth was opened and his tongue loosed, and he began to speak in praise of God. God's Word Translation: Suddenly, Zechariah was able to speak, and he began to praise God. King James Version: And his mouth was opened immediately, and his tongue loosed, and he spake, and praised God. Bible in Basic English: And straight away his mouth was open and his tongue was free and he gave praise to God. Weymouth New Testament: Instantly his mouth and his tongue were set free, and he began to speak and bless God. World English Bible: His mouth was opened immediately, and his tongue freed, and he spoke, blessing God. Alphabetical: and at began God he his Immediately in loosed mouth of once opened praise praising speak to tongue was MHC: Luke 1:65 New American Standard Bible: Fear came on all those living around them; and all these matters were being talked about in all the hill country of Judea. God's Word Translation: All their neighbors were filled with awe. Throughout the mountain region of Judea, people talked about everything that had happened. King James Version: And fear came on all that dwelt round about them: and all these sayings were noised abroad throughout all the hill country of Judaea. Bible in Basic English: And fear came on all those who were living round about them: and there was much talk about all these things in all the hill-country of Judaea. Weymouth New Testament: And all who lived round about them were filled with awe, and throughout the hill country of Judaea reports of all these things were spread abroad. World English Bible: Fear came on all who lived around them, and all these sayings were talked about throughout all the hill country of Judea. Alphabetical: about all and around awe being came country Fear filled hill in Judea living matters neighbors of on people talked talking The them these things those throughout were with GSB: 1:65 And fear came on all that dwelt round about them: and all {d} these sayings were noised abroad throughout all the hill country of Judaea. (d) All this which was said and done. PNT: 1:65 Fear came on all. On account of so many marvels. MHC: Luke 1:66 New American Standard Bible: All who heard them kept them in mind, saying, "What then will this child turn out to be?" For the hand of the Lord was certainly with him. God's Word Translation: Everyone who heard about it seriously thought it over and asked, "What does the future hold for this child?" It was clear that the Lord was with him. King James Version: 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. Bible in Basic English: And all who had word of them kept them in their minds and said, What will this child be? For the hand of the Lord was with him. Weymouth New Testament: All who heard the story treasured it in their memories. "What then will this child be?" they said. For the lord's hand was indeed with him. World English Bible: All who heard them laid them up in their heart, saying, "What then will this child be?" The hand of the Lord was with him. Alphabetical: about All asking be certainly child Everyone For going hand heard him in is it kept Lord Lord's mind of out saying the them then this to turn was What who will with wondered GSB: 1:66 And all they that heard [them] {e} laid [them] up in their hearts, saying, What manner of child shall this be! And the {f} hand of the Lord was with him. (e) Thought upon them diligently and earnestly, and as it were, printed them in their hearts. (f) That is, the present favour of God, and a singular type of virtue appeared in him. WES: 1:66 The hand of the Lord - The peculiar power and blessing of God. MHC: Luke 1:67 New American Standard Bible: And his father Zacharias was filled with the Holy Spirit, and prophesied, saying: God's Word Translation: His father Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied, King James Version: And his father Zacharias was filled with the Holy Ghost, and prophesied, saying, Bible in Basic English: And his father, Zacharias, was full of the Holy Spirit, and with the voice of a prophet said these words: Weymouth New Testament: And Zechariah his father was filled with the Holy Spirit, and spoke in a rapture of praise. World English Bible: His father, Zacharias, was filled with the Holy Spirit, and prophesied, saying, Alphabetical: and father filled His Holy prophesied saying Spirit the was with Zacharias Zechariah GSB: 1:67 {7} And his father Zacharias was filled with the Holy Ghost, and prophesied, saying, (7) John, having just been born, by the authority of the Holy Spirit is appointed to his office. PNT: 1:67 Zacharias... prophesied. As soon as his tongue was loosed it was employed to praise the Lord. All inspired utterances are called prophesying, but in the present case there was clearly inspired prediction. In the Old Testament spirit the kingdom of Christ in the future is described in general terms. WES: 1:67 And Zacharias prophesied - Of things immediately to follow. But it is observable, he speaks of Christ chiefly; of John only, as it were, incidentally. MHC: 1:67-80 Zacharias uttered a prophecy concerning the kingdom and salvation of the Messiah. The gospel brings light with it; in it the day dawns. In John the Baptist it began to break, and increased apace to the perfect day. The gospel is discovering; it shows that about which we were utterly in the dark; it is to give light to those that sit in darkness, the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. It is reviving; it brings light to those that sit in the shadow of death, as condemned prisoners in the dungeon. It is directing; it is to guide our feet in the way of peace, into that way which will bring us to peace at last, Ro 3:17. John gave proofs of strong faith, vigorous and holy affections, and of being above the fear and love of the world. Thus he ripened for usefulness; but he lived a retired life, till he came forward openly as the forerunner of the Messiah. Let us follow peace with all men, as well as seek peace with God and our own consciences. And if it be the will of God that we live unknown to the world, still let us diligently seek to grow strong in the grace of Jesus Christ. Luke 1:68 New American Standard Bible: "Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, For He has visited us and accomplished redemption for His people, God's Word Translation: "Praise the Lord God of Israel! He has come to take care of his people and to set them free. King James Version: Blessed be the Lord God of Israel; for he hath visited and redeemed his people, Bible in Basic English: Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, for he has come to his people and made them free, Weymouth New Testament: "Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel," he said, "Because He has not forgotten His people but has effected redemption for them, World English Bible: "Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel, for he has visited and worked redemption for his people; Alphabetical: accomplished and be because Blessed come For God has he his Israel Lord of people Praise redeemed redemption the to us visited GSB: 1:68 Blessed [be] the Lord God of Israel; for he hath {g} visited and {h} redeemed his people, (g) That he has shown himself mindful of his people, to the extent that he came down from heaven himself to visit us in person, and to redeem us. (h) Has paid the ransom, that is to say, the price of our redemption. MHC: Luke 1:69 New American Standard Bible: And has raised up a horn of salvation for us In the house of David His servant-- God's Word Translation: He has raised up a mighty Savior for us in the family of his servant David. King James Version: And hath raised up an horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David; Bible in Basic English: Lifting up a horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David, Weymouth New Testament: And has raised up a mighty Deliverer for us In the house of David His servant-- World English Bible: and has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David Alphabetical: a And David for has He his horn house in of raised salvation servant servant- the up us GSB: 1:69 And hath raised up an {i} horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David; (i) This word horn, in the Hebrew language, signifies strength, and it is a metaphor taken from beasts that fight with their horns: And by raising up the might of Israel is meant that the kingdom of Israel was defended, and the enemies of it laid on the ground, even then when the strength of Israel seemed to be utterly gone. PNT: 1:69 An horn of salvation. An allusion to the Savior (2Sa 22:3 Ps 18:2). The horn was a symbol of power (Jer 48:25 La 2:3 Da 7:24 Zec 1:19). WES: 1:69 A horn - Signifies honour, plenty, and strength. A horn of salvation - That is, a glorious and mighty Saviour. MHC: Luke 1:70 New American Standard Bible: As He spoke by the mouth of His holy prophets from of old-- God's Word Translation: He made this promise through his holy prophets long ago. King James Version: As he spake by the mouth of his holy prophets, which have been since the world began: Bible in Basic English: (As he said, by the mouth of his holy prophets, from the earliest times,) Weymouth New Testament: As He has spoken from all time by the lips of His holy Prophets-- World English Bible: (as he spoke by the mouth of his holy prophets who have been from of old), Alphabetical: as ago As by from he his holy long mouth of old- prophets said spoke the through PNT: 1:70 As he spke by the mouth of his holy prophets. Of him have all the prophets borne witness (Ac 10:43). The testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy (Re 19:10). Bishop Brownrig says: The whole volume of Scripture did prophesy of him. He was the sum and scope of all their predictions. He was Abraham's promised seed, Abraham's Isaac, Jacob's Shiloh, Moses' Great Prophet, Esaias' Immanuel, Ezekiel's Shepherd, Daniel's Holy One, Zechariah's Branch, Malachi's Angel; all of them predictions to foretell his coming. All their types and ceremonies pointed at him. He was Abel's Sacrifice, Noah's Dove, Abraham's First Fruits, Aaron's Rod, the Israelites' Rock, the Patriarchs' Manna, David's Tabernacle, Solomon's Temple; all these prefigured his incarnation. They were the folds and swathing of the this babe Jesus.'' WES: 1:70 His prophets, who have been since the world began - For there were prophets from the very beginning. MHC: Luke 1:71 New American Standard Bible: Salvation FROM OUR ENEMIES, And FROM THE HAND OF ALL WHO HATE US; God's Word Translation: He promised to save us from our enemies and from the power of all who hate us. King James Version: That we should be sa