Luke 1

in orderly sequence
The word translated “orderly sequence” (καθεξῆς; kathexēs) is also used in Acts 11:4 in which context Peter provides an “orderly sequence” of the events that led to the reception of the Word of God by the Gentiles. Other translations do not render this word the same way in these two contexts. This specific word choice was done intentionally to highlight how Luke uses the same word in different contexts.

certainty
The word “certainty” here is rendered by some translations as “truth” or “exact truth.” The Greek word is ἀσφάλεια (asphaleia), which communicates the idea of stability or security. Thus, it is translated “certainty” here to bring out this nuance and to preserve the distinction for the normal word for “truth” (ἀλήθεια; alētheia).

Zechariah
This name is recorded in some versions as “Zacharias,” reflecting the Greek spelling (Ζαχαρίας; Zacharias). However, Luke is transliterating the Hebrew name “Zechariah” (זְכַרְיָה; zekharyah, meaning “Yah remembers”) using Greek letters. Since it is the same name, it is written here with the familiar English spelling “Zechariah” to preserve the continuity of the name’s spelling throughout both the Old Testament and the New Testament. This righteous man was waiting for God’s promised Messiah to be revealed, and his name is a testimony that God remembered His promises and even privileged Zechariah to be the father of the promised Messiah’s forerunner.

Now it happened
The phrase “Now it happened” translates the formulaic introductory phrase Ἐγένετο δὲ (egeneto de). Though less common than its counterpart, καὶ ἐγένετο (kai egeneto), this phrase functions in a similar fashion when occurring at the outset of a literary unit. Furthermore, it occurs more frequently in the middle of a story, drawing the reader’s attention to a point of emphasis the author makes, or operates as a pause in the flow of the story. In this context, its use within this narrative divides the introductory material (vv. 5-7) that sets the stage for the story, with the events that follow.

sanctuary
The word for “sanctuary” here is νάος (naos). It is a specific word in the New Testament referring to the innermost and most sacred part of the temple where the altar, holy place, and holy of holies were located. As such, it is more specific than the term ἱερόν (hieron; “temple”), which refers to the entire temple complex. Thus, the translation “sanctuary” accurately captures the meaning of νάος (naos) and properly differentiates it from ἱερόν (hieron). It was an immense privilege for Zechariah to have such an important priestly opportunity, and yet this moment would be even more privileged than he anticipated as the following narrative reveals.

Zechariah
Refer to the discussion on verse 5 above.

Zechariah
Refer to the discussion on verse 5 above.

prayer
While this word for “prayer” (δέησις; deēsis) generally communicates any fervent request to satisfy a need, in the New Testament it is only used in reference to requesting something of God. Thus, the translation “prayer” best captures the idea in its context. Zechariah had evidently been fervently praying to God for a child to take away the disgrace of childlessness (cf. v. 25), and that prayer was gloriously answered.

NOT DRINK ANY WINE
The use of “not…any” here is used to translate the strong Greek negative (οὐ μή; ou mē), bringing out the force behind this specific construction. Alternative translations, such as “not drink wine” or “drink no wine,” slightly underplay the intent of the quotation from Numbers 6:3 in describing John’s life.

attitude
There are other ways to translate the word φρονήσις (phronēsis) such as using “insight” (cf. Eph 1:8). Here, however, the word “attitude” more closely aligns with the emphasis on the heart in both the original quotation (cf. Mal 4:6) and the immediate context.

Zechariah
Refer to the discussion on verse 5 above.

Zechariah
Refer to the discussion on verse 5 above.

sanctuary
Refer to the discussion on verse 9 above.

sanctuary
Refer to the discussion on verse 9 above.

And it happened
The phrase “And it happened” translates the formulaic introductory phrase καὶ ἐγένετο (kai egeneto). Though often absent from modern English translations, this phrase is frequently used at the outset of a literary unit in order to draw attention to a larger episode comprised of several smaller events. When used in the middle of an episode, the phrase functions as a marker, indicating either a pause in the flow of the story, or a point of emphasis to which the author is drawing the reader’s attention. In this context, its use toward the end of the events within the sanctuary brings the previous scene to a conclusion, transitioning it to the next scene.

fulfilled
“Fulfilled” translates πίμπλημι (pimplēmi), which means “to cause to be completely full, fill, fulfill” (see BDAG on πίμπλημι). This connects this text to the broader notion of fulfillment in Luke, begun in Luke 1:1–4 (cf., “fulfilled” [πληροφορέω; plērophoreō]).

betrothed
While some translations render the word ἐμνηστευμένην (emnēsteumenēn) as “engaged,” ancient betrothal was more serious than the modern conception of engagement, yet still short of a consummated marriage. Nonetheless, it was such a serious legal commitment that sexual infidelity was counted as adultery. The fact that Mary conceived Jesus while betrothed shows the great grace and providence of God. If she would have conceived prior to the serious commitment of betrothal, she may have never found a husband because of alleged sexual immorality. On the other hand, her conception prior to the consummation of marriage helps demonstrate that the Child was conceived supernaturally through the Holy Spirit rather than naturally through a husband. Thus, the translation of ἐμνηστευμένην (emnēsteumenēn) as “betrothed” is helpful because it allows for readers to discern such cultural implications without being clouded by the modern ideas surrounding “engagement.”

greeting
The word ἀσπασμός (aspasmos) is translated as “greeting” here (rather than something like “salutation”) to maintain consistency in translation with the rest of its occurrences in the New Testament. This consistent translation allows the reader to recognize the same word everywhere it appears.

there will be no end of His kingdom
This phrase closely follows the grammatical structure of the Greek text (τῆς βασιλείας αὐτοῦ οὐκ ἔσται τέλος; tēs basileias autou ouk estai telos). The translation, “there will be no end of His kingdom,” as opposed to something like “His kingdom will have no end,” properly conveys the use of the genitive case for “His kingdom” (τῆς βασιλείας αὐτοῦ; tēs basileias autou). This construction places more emphasis on the eternity of the kingdom, which is the main point of this part of the angel’s prediction concerning Christ.

Zechariah
Refer to the discussion on verse 5 above.

And it happened
Refer to the discussion on verse 23 above. This occurrence, as found in the middle of the narrative, highlights a particular action that occurs, namely the baby leaping in the womb (cf. v. 44).

looked upon
“Look upon” literally translates the compound word ἐπιβλέπω (epiblepō). It communicates the idea of looking upon someone in a humble or helpless position with loving compassion and favor. Mary recognizes her own lowliness as she looks up gratefully to God, who has (in human terms) looked upon her and loved her with such grace and compassion, blessing her with the privilege of bearing the promised Messiah.

a mighty deed
The phrase, “He has done a mighty deed” translates the Greek phrase ἐποίησεν κράτος (epoiēsen kratos), which is an awkward and unusual expression in Greek because it references the Hebrew עֹשָׂה חָיִל (osah hayil; “does valiantly”) from Psalm 118:16. Technically, both the Hebrew word חָיִל (hayil) and the Greek word κράτος (kratos) can mean “strength” or “might.” But because the phrase “does strength” does not read clearly in English, the phrase is translated “does valiantly” in Psalm 118:16 and “has done a mighty deed” here. The idea is the accomplishment of a great salvation from death with a display of unmatched power. Mary understands that this salvation with this power will be accomplished through the Son she will bear.

fulfilled
Refer to the discussion on verse 23 above.

Zechariah
Refer to the discussion on verse 5 above.

these things…them
While these added italicized words are not strictly in the Greek, the interpretive additions here are necessary because the English verbs are transitive, necessitating an object, which is implied in the Greek. Therefore, “these things…them” is grammatically necessary in English.

Zechariah
Refer to the discussion on verse 5 above.

desolate regions
“Desolate regions” translates the plural ἐρήμοις (erēmois). It is distinct from Luke’s usage of the singular ἔρημος (erēmos), which is translated as “wilderness” rather than “desolate place” in most occurrences (excluding Luke 9:12; 15:4) because Luke often uses it to allude to the wilderness of Isaiah 40 (cf. Luke 3:2, 4; 4:1; 7:24).