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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Luke 1:21 Meanwhile, the people were waiting for Zechariah and wondering why he took so long in the temple.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/luke/1-21.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/3/42_Luk_01_21.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Luke 1:21 - Gabriel Foretells John's Birth" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Meanwhile, the people were waiting for Zechariah and wondering why he took so long in the temple." /><script type="application/javascript" 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cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad1.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/luke/1-20.htm" title="Luke 1:20">◄</a> Luke 1:21 <a href="/luke/1-22.htm" title="Luke 1:22">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/luke/1.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/luke/1.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />Meanwhile, the people were waiting for Zechariah and wondering why he stayed so long in the temple.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/luke/1.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Meanwhile, the people were waiting for Zechariah to come out of the sanctuary, wondering why he was taking so long.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/luke/1.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />And the people were waiting for Zechariah, and they were wondering at his delay in the temple.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/luke/1.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Meanwhile, the people were waiting for Zechariah and wondering why he took so long in the temple.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/luke/1.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />And the people were expecting Zechariah, and they were wondering at his delaying in temple.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/luke/1.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And the people waited for Zacharias, and marvelled that he tarried so long in the temple.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/luke/1.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />And the people waited for Zacharias, and marveled that he lingered so long in the temple.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/luke/1.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />And <i>meanwhile</i> the people were waiting for Zechariah, and were wondering at his delay in the temple.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/luke/1.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />The people were waiting for Zacharias, and were wondering at his delay in the temple.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/luke/1.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />And the people were waiting for Zacharias, and were wondering at his delay in the temple.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/luke/1.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />And the people were waiting for Zechariah, and were wondering at his delay in the sanctuary.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/luke/1.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />The people [outside in the court] were waiting for Zacharias, and were wondering about his <i>long</i> delay in the temple.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/luke/1.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Meanwhile, the people were waiting for Zechariah, amazed that he stayed so long in the sanctuary.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/luke/1.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Meanwhile, the people were waiting for Zechariah, amazed that he stayed so long in the sanctuary. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/luke/1.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And the people were waiting for Zacharias, and they marvelled while he tarried in the temple.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/luke/1.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />The crowd was waiting for Zechariah and kept wondering why he was staying in the temple so long. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/luke/1.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And the people were waiting for Zacharias, and they marveled while he tarried in the temple.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/luke/1.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Meanwhile, the people were waiting for Zechariah. They were amazed that he was staying in the temple so long.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/luke/1.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />In the meantime the people were waiting for Zechariah and wondering why he was spending such a long time in the Temple. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/luke/1.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Meanwhile, the people kept waiting for Zechariah and wondering why he stayed in the sanctuary so long. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/luke/1.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Now the people were waiting for Zechariah, and they began to wonder why he was delayed in the holy place.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/luke/1.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />The people were waiting for Zechariah, and they were wondering why he was delayed in the temple.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/luke/1.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And the people waited for Zacharias, and marveled that he tarried so long in the temple.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/luke/1.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />Meanwhile the people were waiting for Zechariah, and were surprised that he stayed so long in the Sanctuary.<div class="vheading2"><b>Majority Text Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/luke/1.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Meanwhile, the people were waiting for Zechariah and wondering why he took so long in the temple.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/luke/1.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />The people were waiting for Zacharias, and they marveled that he delayed in the temple. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/luke/1.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And the people were waiting for Zacharias, and wondering at his lingering in the temple,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/luke/1.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />And the people were expecting Zechariah, and they were wondering at his delaying in temple.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/luke/1.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And the people were waiting for Zacharias, and wondering at his tarrying in the sanctuary,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/luke/1.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And the people were expecting Zacharias, and wondered at his tarrying in the temple.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/luke/1.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And the people were waiting for Zachary; and they wondered that he tarried so long in the temple. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/luke/1.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />And the people were waiting for Zechariah. And they wondered why he was being delayed in the temple.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/luke/1.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Meanwhile the people were waiting for Zechariah and were amazed that he stayed so long in the sanctuary.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/luke/1.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Meanwhile the people were waiting for Zechariah, and wondered at his delay in the sanctuary.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/luke/1.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Now the people stood waiting for Zacharias, and wondered because he remained so long in the temple.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/aramaic-plain-english/luke/1.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a></span><br />But the people were standing and waiting for Zacharia, and they were wondering at his tarrying in The Temple.<div class="vheading2"><b>NT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/anderson/luke/1.htm">Anderson New Testament</a></span><br />And the people were waiting for Zachariah, and they wondered that he stayed so long in the temple.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/godbey/luke/1.htm">Godbey New Testament</a></span><br />And the people were waiting for Zacharias, and were wondering because he tarries in the temple.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/haweis/luke/1.htm">Haweis New Testament</a></span><br />And the people were waiting for Zacharias, and marvelled that he tarried so long in the temple.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/mace/luke/1.htm">Mace New Testament</a></span><br />In the mean time the people were waiting for Zacharias, and wonder'd at his tarrying so long in the temple.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/luke/1.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />Meanwhile the people were waiting for Zechariah, and were surprised that he stayed so long in the Sanctuary.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worrell/luke/1.htm">Worrell New Testament</a></span><br />And the people were waiting for Zacharias, and they were wondering at his tarrying in the temple.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worsley/luke/1.htm">Worsley New Testament</a></span><br />And the people were waiting for Zacharias, and wondered at his staying <i>so</i> long in the temple:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/luke/1-21.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/3-5_0Jtd9Lc?start=180" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/luke/1.htm">Gabriel Foretells John's Birth</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">20</span>And now you will be silent and unable to speak until the day this comes to pass, because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled at their proper time.” <span class="reftext">21</span><span class="highl"><a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: Kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">Meanwhile,</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ho (Art-NMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">the</a> <a href="/greek/2992.htm" title="2992: laos (N-NMS) -- Apparently a primary word; a people.">people</a> <a href="/greek/1510.htm" title="1510: ēn (V-IIA-3S) -- I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.">were</a> <a href="/greek/4328.htm" title="4328: prosdokōn (V-PPA-NMS) -- To expect, wait for, await, think, anticipate. From pros and dokeuo; to anticipate; by implication, to await.">waiting for</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ton (Art-AMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/2197.htm" title="2197: Zacharian (N-AMS) -- Of Hebrew origin; Zacharias, the name of two Israelites.">Zechariah</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/2296.htm" title="2296: ethaumazon (V-IIA-3P) -- (a) intrans: I wonder, marvel, (b) trans: I wonder at, admire. From thauma; to wonder; by implication, to admire.">wondering</a> <a href="/greek/1722.htm" title="1722: en (Prep) -- In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; in, at, on, by, etc.">why</a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: auton (PPro-AM3S) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.">he</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tō (Art-DNS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/5549.htm" title="5549: chronizein (V-PNA) -- To delay, tarry, linger, spend time. From chronos; to take time, i.e. Linger.">took so long</a> <a href="/greek/1722.htm" title="1722: en (Prep) -- In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; in, at, on, by, etc.">in</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tō (Art-DMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">the</a> <a href="/greek/3485.htm" title="3485: naō (N-DMS) -- A temple, a shrine, that part of the temple where God himself resides. From a primary naio; a fane, shrine, temple.">temple.</a> </span> <span class="reftext">22</span>When he came out and was unable to speak to them, they realized he had seen a vision in the temple. He kept making signs to them but remained speechless.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/3-10.htm">Acts 3:10</a></span><br />they recognized him as the man who used to sit begging at the Beautiful Gate of the temple, and they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/1-9.htm">1 Samuel 1:9-10</a></span><br />So after they had finished eating and drinking in Shiloh, Hannah stood up. Now Eli the priest was sitting on a chair by the doorpost of the temple of the LORD. / In her bitter distress, Hannah prayed to the LORD and wept with many tears.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/8-10.htm">1 Kings 8:10-11</a></span><br />And when the priests came out of the Holy Place, the cloud filled the house of the LORD / so that the priests could not stand there to minister because of the cloud. For the glory of the LORD filled the house of the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/24-14.htm">Exodus 24:14</a></span><br />And he said to the elders, “Wait here for us until we return to you. Aaron and Hur are here with you. Whoever has a dispute can go to them.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_chronicles/5-13.htm">2 Chronicles 5:13-14</a></span><br />The trumpeters and singers joined together to praise and thank the LORD with one voice. They lifted up their voices, accompanied by trumpets, cymbals, and musical instruments, in praise to the LORD: “For He is good; His loving devotion endures forever.” And the temple, the house of the LORD, was filled with a cloud / so that the priests could not stand there to minister because of the cloud. For the glory of the LORD filled the house of God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/leviticus/16-17.htm">Leviticus 16:17</a></span><br />No one may be in the Tent of Meeting from the time Aaron goes in to make atonement in the Most Holy Place until he leaves, after he has made atonement for himself, his household, and the whole assembly of Israel.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/9-7.htm">Hebrews 9:7</a></span><br />But only the high priest entered the second room, and then only once a year, and never without blood, which he offered for himself and for the sins the people had committed in ignorance.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/1-26.htm">1 Samuel 1:26-28</a></span><br />“Please, my lord,” said Hannah, “as surely as you live, my lord, I am the woman who stood here beside you praying to the LORD. / I prayed for this boy, and since the LORD has granted me what I asked of Him, / I now dedicate the boy to the LORD. For as long as he lives, he is dedicated to the LORD.” So they worshiped the LORD there.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_chronicles/29-7.htm">2 Chronicles 29:7</a></span><br />They also shut the doors of the portico and extinguished the lamps. They did not burn incense or present burnt offerings in the Holy Place of the God of Israel.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/18-29.htm">1 Kings 18:29</a></span><br />Midday passed, and they kept on raving until the time of the evening sacrifice. But there was no response; no one answered, no one paid attention.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_kings/2-17.htm">2 Kings 2:17</a></span><br />But when they pressed him to the point of embarrassment, he said, “Send them.” And they sent fifty men, who searched for three days but did not find Elijah.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_chronicles/23-13.htm">1 Chronicles 23:13</a></span><br />The sons of Amram: Aaron and Moses. Aaron and his descendants were set apart forever to consecrate the most holy things, to burn incense before the LORD, to minister before Him, and to pronounce blessings in His name forever.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_chronicles/26-18.htm">2 Chronicles 26:18-19</a></span><br />They took their stand against King Uzziah and said, “Uzziah, you have no right to offer incense to the LORD. Only the priests, the descendants of Aaron, are consecrated to burn incense. Leave the sanctuary, for you have acted unfaithfully; you will not receive honor from the LORD God.” / Uzziah, with a censer in his hand to offer incense, was enraged. But while he raged against the priests in their presence in the house of the LORD before the altar of incense, leprosy broke out on his forehead.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/3-1.htm">1 Samuel 3:1</a></span><br />And the boy Samuel ministered to the LORD before Eli. Now in those days the word of the LORD was rare, and visions were scarce.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_kings/11-5.htm">2 Kings 11:5-7</a></span><br />and commanded them, “This is what you are to do: A third of you who come on duty on the Sabbath shall guard the royal palace, / a third shall be at the gate of Sur, and a third at the gate behind the guards. You are to take turns guarding the temple— / the two divisions that would go off duty on the Sabbath are to guard the house of the LORD for the king.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And the people waited for Zacharias, and marveled that he tarried so long in the temple.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/numbers/6-23.htm">Numbers 6:23-27</a></b></br> Speak unto Aaron and unto his sons, saying, On this wise ye shall bless the children of Israel, saying unto them, … </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/jeremiah/3-2.htm">Awaiting</a> <a href="/mark/11-3.htm">Delay</a> <a href="/matthew/25-5.htm">Delayed</a> <a href="/matthew/25-5.htm">Delaying</a> <a href="/mark/15-44.htm">Marveled</a> <a href="/mark/15-44.htm">Marvelled</a> <a href="/mark/14-55.htm">Meanwhile</a> <a href="/luke/1-9.htm">Sanctuary</a> <a href="/mark/16-8.htm">Surprised</a> <a href="/matthew/25-5.htm">Tarried</a> <a href="/matthew/25-5.htm">Tarrying</a> <a href="/luke/1-9.htm">Temple</a> <a href="/luke/1-20.htm">Time</a> <a href="/mark/15-43.htm">Waited</a> <a href="/mark/15-43.htm">Waiting</a> <a href="/mark/15-44.htm">Wondered</a> <a href="/mark/6-51.htm">Wondering</a> <a href="/luke/1-18.htm">Zacharias</a> <a href="/luke/1-18.htm">Zechariah</a> <a href="/luke/1-18.htm">Zechari'ah</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/luke/2-25.htm">Awaiting</a> <a href="/luke/12-45.htm">Delay</a> <a href="/genesis/34-19.htm">Delayed</a> <a href="/judges/3-26.htm">Delaying</a> <a href="/luke/1-63.htm">Marveled</a> <a href="/luke/1-63.htm">Marvelled</a> <a href="/luke/8-52.htm">Meanwhile</a> <a href="/luke/1-22.htm">Sanctuary</a> <a href="/luke/1-63.htm">Surprised</a> <a href="/luke/2-43.htm">Tarried</a> <a href="/acts/16-12.htm">Tarrying</a> <a href="/luke/1-22.htm">Temple</a> <a href="/luke/1-23.htm">Time</a> <a href="/luke/4-39.htm">Waited</a> <a href="/luke/2-25.htm">Waiting</a> <a href="/luke/1-29.htm">Wondered</a> <a href="/luke/2-33.htm">Wondering</a> <a href="/luke/1-40.htm">Zacharias</a> <a href="/luke/1-40.htm">Zechariah</a> <a href="/luke/1-40.htm">Zechari'ah</a><div class="vheading2">Luke 1</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/luke/1-1.htm">The preface of Luke to his whole gospel.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">5. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/luke/1-5.htm">The conception of John the Baptist;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">26. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/luke/1-26.htm">and of Jesus.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">39. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/luke/1-39.htm">The prophecy of Elisabeth and of Mary, concerning Jesus.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">57. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/luke/1-57.htm">The nativity and circumcision of John.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">67. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/luke/1-67.htm">The prophecy of Zachariah, both of Jesus,</a></span><br><span class="reftext">76. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/luke/1-76.htm">and of John.</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/luke/1.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/luke/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/luke/1.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>Meanwhile, the people were waiting for Zechariah</b><br>The people gathered outside the temple were likely devout Jews who had come to worship and offer prayers during the time of incense, a significant part of the daily temple service. This reflects the communal aspect of Jewish worship, where the priest's actions inside the temple were closely connected to the people's prayers outside. The anticipation of the people highlights the importance of the priestly role and the expectation of divine interaction during these sacred rituals.<p><b>and wondering why he took so long in the temple.</b><br>The delay of Zechariah inside the temple was unusual and would have caused concern among the people. The temple service was a well-ordered and time-sensitive ritual, and any deviation from the norm could signify an extraordinary event. This moment foreshadows the divine encounter Zechariah experienced with the angel Gabriel, which was a rare and significant occurrence. The people's wonderment sets the stage for the revelation of God's intervention in human history, as seen in other biblical instances where divine messages were delivered in unexpected ways, such as the angelic announcements to Mary and the shepherds later in Luke's Gospel.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/z/zechariah.htm">Zechariah</a></b><br>A priest serving in the temple, chosen by lot to burn incense. He is the father of John the Baptist and husband to Elizabeth.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_temple.htm">The Temple</a></b><br>The holy place in Jerusalem where Zechariah was performing his priestly duties.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_people.htm">The People</a></b><br>The congregation waiting outside the temple for Zechariah to come out and bless them after offering incense.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_angel_gabriel.htm">The Angel Gabriel</a></b><br>Although not directly mentioned in verse 21, Gabriel had appeared to Zechariah earlier in the chapter, announcing the birth of John the Baptist.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_event_of_waiting.htm">The Event of Waiting</a></b><br>The people were waiting for Zechariah to come out of the temple, wondering at his delay.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_patience_in_god's_timing.htm">The Importance of Patience in God's Timing</a></b><br>The people waiting outside the temple exemplify the need for patience when God is at work. We often need to wait for God's plans to unfold in His perfect timing.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/f/faithfulness_in_service.htm">Faithfulness in Service</a></b><br>Zechariah was faithfully performing his duties despite his personal struggles and doubts. We are called to serve faithfully, trusting God even when we don't fully understand His plans.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_prayer_and_worship.htm">The Role of Prayer and Worship</a></b><br>The burning of incense symbolizes prayer. Our prayers are a vital part of our worship and relationship with God, ascending to Him like incense.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_communication_through_unusual_means.htm">God's Communication Through Unusual Means</a></b><br>Zechariah's encounter with Gabriel reminds us that God can communicate with us in unexpected ways. We should be open to His messages, even if they come in forms we do not anticipate.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_community_of_believers.htm">The Community of Believers</a></b><br>The people waiting outside represent the community of faith, supporting and participating in worship together. Our faith is strengthened in community as we wait on the Lord.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_luke_1.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Luke 1</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_is_the_olivet_discourse_about.htm">What is the Olivet Discourse about?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_does_john_deny_being_elijah.htm">If Elijah is supposed to return (Malachi 4:5), why does the New Testament imply John the Baptist's role was that of Elijah, yet he denies being Elijah in John 1:21?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_matthew_21_4-5_a_true_prophecy.htm">How can Matthew 21:4-5 be considered a valid fulfillment of prophecy if the details differ from other Gospel accounts?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_did_zechariah,_elizabeth_have_john.htm">How did Zechariah and Elizabeth become parents of John?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/luke/1.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 21.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">And the people waited for Zacharias, and marveled that he tarried so long in the temple</span>. The Talmud tells us that even the high priest did not terry long in the holy of holies on the Day of Atonement. The same feeling of holy awe would induce the ministering priest of the day to perform his functions with no unnecessary delay, and to leave as soon as possible the holy place. The people praying in the court without were in the habit of waiting until the priest on duty came out of the sacred inner chamber, after which they were dismissed with the blessing. The unusual delay in the appearance of Zacharias puzzled and disturbed the worshippers. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/luke/1-21.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div><span class="word">Meanwhile,</span><br /><span class="grk">Καὶ</span> <span class="translit">(Kai)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> </span><span class="str2">And, even, also, namely. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">the</span><br /><span class="grk">ὁ</span> <span class="translit">(ho)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article - Nominative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">people</span><br /><span class="grk">λαὸς</span> <span class="translit">(laos)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2992.htm">Strong's 2992: </a> </span><span class="str2">Apparently a primary word; a people.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">were</span><br /><span class="grk">ἦν</span> <span class="translit">(ēn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1510.htm">Strong's 1510: </a> </span><span class="str2">I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">waiting for</span><br /><span class="grk">προσδοκῶν</span> <span class="translit">(prosdokōn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_4328.htm">Strong's 4328: </a> </span><span class="str2">To expect, wait for, await, think, anticipate. From pros and dokeuo; to anticipate; by implication, to await.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Zechariah</span><br /><span class="grk">Ζαχαρίαν</span> <span class="translit">(Zacharian)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2197.htm">Strong's 2197: </a> </span><span class="str2">Of Hebrew origin; Zacharias, the name of two Israelites.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and</span><br /><span class="grk">καὶ</span> <span class="translit">(kai)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> </span><span class="str2">And, even, also, namely. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">wondering</span><br /><span class="grk">ἐθαύμαζον</span> <span class="translit">(ethaumazon)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2296.htm">Strong's 2296: </a> </span><span class="str2">(a) intrans: I wonder, marvel, (b) trans: I wonder at, admire. From thauma; to wonder; by implication, to admire.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">why</span><br /><span class="grk">ἐν</span> <span class="translit">(en)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1722.htm">Strong's 1722: </a> </span><span class="str2">In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">he</span><br /><span class="grk">αὐτόν</span> <span class="translit">(auton)</span><br /><span class="parse">Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative Masculine 3rd Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_846.htm">Strong's 846: </a> </span><span class="str2">He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">took so long</span><br /><span class="grk">χρονίζειν</span> <span class="translit">(chronizein)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Infinitive Active<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_5549.htm">Strong's 5549: </a> </span><span class="str2">To delay, tarry, linger, spend time. From chronos; to take time, i.e. Linger.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">in</span><br /><span class="grk">ἐν</span> <span class="translit">(en)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1722.htm">Strong's 1722: </a> </span><span class="str2">In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the</span><br /><span class="grk">τῷ</span> <span class="translit">(tō)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article - Dative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">temple.</span><br /><span class="grk">ναῷ</span> <span class="translit">(naō)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Dative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3485.htm">Strong's 3485: </a> </span><span class="str2">A temple, a shrine, that part of the temple where God himself resides. From a primary naio; a fane, shrine, temple.</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/luke/1-21.htm">Luke 1:21 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/luke/1-21.htm">Luke 1:21 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/luke/1-21.htm">Luke 1:21 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/luke/1-21.htm">Luke 1:21 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/luke/1-21.htm">Luke 1:21 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/luke/1-21.htm">Luke 1:21 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/luke/1-21.htm">Luke 1:21 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/luke/1-21.htm">Luke 1:21 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/luke/1-21.htm">Luke 1:21 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/luke/1-21.htm">Luke 1:21 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/luke/1-21.htm">NT Gospels: Luke 1:21 The people were waiting for Zacharias (Luke Lu Lk) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/luke/1-20.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Luke 1:20"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Luke 1:20" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/luke/1-22.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Luke 1:22"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Luke 1:22" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>