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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 1:18 "How can I be sure of this?" Zechariah asked the angel. "I am an old man, and my wife is well along in years."</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/luke/1-18.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/20/42_Luk_01_18.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Luke 1:18 - Gabriel Foretells John's Birth" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="How can I be sure of this? Zechariah asked the angel. I am an old man, and my wife is well along in years." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/luke/1-18.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/luke/1-18.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/luke/">Luke</a> > <a href="/luke/1.htm">Chapter 1</a> > Verse 18</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" 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="/ad18.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/1-17.htm" title="Luke 1:17">◄</a> Luke 1:18 <a href="/luke/1-19.htm" title="Luke 1:19">►</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">Verse<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"><a href="/niv/luke/1.htm">New International Version</a> Zechariah asked the angel, &#8220How can I be sure of this? I am an old man and my wife is well along in years.&#8221 <a href="/nlt/luke/1.htm">New Living Translation</a> Zechariah said to the angel, “How can I be sure this will happen? I’m an old man now, and my wife is also well along in years.” <a href="/esv/luke/1.htm">English Standard Version</a> And Zechariah said to the angel, “How shall I know this? For I am an old man, and my wife is advanced in years.” <a href="/bsb/luke/1.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> “How can I be sure of this?” Zechariah asked the angel. “I am an old man, and my wife is well along in years.” <a href="/blb/luke/1.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> And Zechariah said to the angel, "By what will I know this? For I am an old man, and my wife is advanced in her years." <a href="/kjv/luke/1.htm">King James Bible</a> And Zacharias said unto the angel, Whereby shall I know this? for I am an old man, and my wife well stricken in years. <a href="/nkjv/luke/1.htm">New King James Version</a> And Zacharias said to the angel, “How shall I know this? For I am an old man, and my wife is well advanced in years.” <a href="/nasb_/luke/1.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> Zechariah said to the angel, “How will I know this? For I am an old man, and my wife is advanced in her years.” <a href="/nasb/luke/1.htm">NASB 1995</a> Zacharias said to the angel, &#8220How will I know this for certain? For I am an old man and my wife is advanced in years.&#8221 <a href="/nasb77/luke/1.htm">NASB 1977 </a> And Zacharias said to the angel, “How shall I know this for certain? For I am an old man, and my wife is advanced in years.” <a href="/lsb/luke/1.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> And Zechariah said to the angel, “How will I know this? For I am an old man and my wife is advanced in years.” <a href="/amp/luke/1.htm">Amplified Bible</a> And Zacharias said to the angel, “How will I be certain of this? For I am an old man and my wife is advanced in age.” <a href="/csb/luke/1.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> “How can I know this? ” Zechariah asked the angel. “For I am an old man, and my wife is well along in years.” <a href="/hcsb/luke/1.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> How can I know this?&#8221 Zechariah asked the angel. &#8220For I am an old man, and my wife is well along in years.&#8221 <a href="/asv/luke/1.htm">American Standard Version</a> And Zacharias said unto the angel, Whereby shall I know this? for I am an old man, and my wife well stricken in years. <a href="/cev/luke/1.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Zechariah said to the angel, "How will I know this is going to happen? My wife and I are both very old." <a href="/erv/luke/1.htm">English Revised Version</a> And Zacharias said unto the angel, Whereby shall I know this? for I am an old man, and my wife well stricken in years. <a href="/gwt/luke/1.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> Zechariah said to the angel, "What proof is there for this? I'm an old man, and my wife is beyond her childbearing years." <a href="/gnt/luke/1.htm">Good News Translation</a> Zechariah said to the angel, "How shall I know if this is so? I am an old man, and my wife is old also." <a href="/isv/luke/1.htm">International Standard Version</a> Then Zechariah asked the angel, "How can I be sure of this, since I am an old man, and my wife is getting older?" <a href="/msb/luke/1.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> ?How can I be sure of this?? Zechariah asked the angel. ?I am an old man, and my wife is well along in years.? <a href="/net/luke/1.htm">NET Bible</a> Zechariah said to the angel, "How can I be sure of this? For I am an old man, and my wife is old as well." <a href="/nheb/luke/1.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> Zechariah 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." <a href="/wbt/luke/1.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> And Zacharias said to the angel, By what shall I know this? for I am an old man, and my wife far advanced in years. <a href="/wey/luke/1.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> "By what proof," asked Zechariah, "shall I know this? For I am an old man, and my wife is far advanced in years." <a href="/web/luke/1.htm">World English Bible</a> 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.” <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/luke/1.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> And Zacharias said to the messenger, “Whereby will I know this? For I am aged, and my wife is advanced in her days?” <a href="/blb/luke/1.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> And Zechariah said to the angel, "By what will I know this? For I am an old man, and my wife is advanced in her years." <a href="/ylt/luke/1.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> And Zacharias said unto the messenger, 'Whereby shall I know this? for I am aged, and my wife is advanced in her days?' <a href="/slt/luke/1.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And Zacharias said to the messenger, By what shall I know this? for I am an old man, and my wife advanced in her days.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/luke/1.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> And Zachary said to the angel: Whereby shall I know this? for I am an old man, and my wife is advanced in years. <a href="/cpdv/luke/1.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> And Zechariah said to the Angel: “How may I know this? For I am elderly, and my wife is advanced in years.” <a href="/nabre/luke/1.htm">New American Bible</a> Then Zechariah said to the angel, “How shall I know this? For I am an old man, and my wife is advanced in years.” <a href="/nrsvce/luke/1.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> Zechariah said to the angel, “How will I know that this is so? For I am an old man, and my wife is getting on in years.”<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/luke/1.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> And Zacharias said to the angel, How will I understand this? for I am an old man, and my wife is well on in years. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/luke/1.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> And Zacharia said to the Angel, “How shall I know this, for I am old and my wife is advanced in her days?”<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/luke/1.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> And Zachariah said to the angel: By what sign shall I know this? for I am old, and my wife is advanced in years. <a href="/godbey/luke/1.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> And Zacharias said to the angel: According to what shall I know this? for I am old and my wife advanced in her days. <a href="/haweis/luke/1.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> And Zacharias said to the angel, By what shall I know this? for I am old, and my wife far advanced in her age. <a href="/mace/luke/1.htm">Mace New Testament</a> But Zacharias said to the angel, by what sign shall I know this? for I am old, and my wife is of a great age. <a href="/wey/luke/1.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> "By what proof," asked Zechariah, "shall I know this? For I am an old man, and my wife is far advanced in years." <a href="/worrell/luke/1.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> And Zacharias said to the angel, "By what shall I know this? for I am an old man, and my wife is far advanced in her days." <a href="/worsley/luke/1.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> And Zacharias said unto the angel, Whereby shall I know this? for I am an old man, and my wife far advanced in years. <a href="/parallel/luke/1-18.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/3-5_0Jtd9Lc?start=147" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/luke/1.htm">Gabriel Foretells John's Birth</a> …17And he will go on before the Lord in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers to their children and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous—to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.” 18<a href="/greek/2596.htm" title="2596: Kata (Prep) -- A primary particle; down, in varied relations (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined).">“</a> <a href="/greek/5101.htm" title="5101: ti (IPro-ANS) -- Who, which, what, why. Probably emphatic of tis; an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what.">How</a> <a href="/greek/1097.htm" title="1097: gnōsomai (V-FIM-1S) -- A prolonged form of a primary verb; to know in a great variety of applications and with many implications.">can I be sure of</a> <a href="/greek/3778.htm" title="3778: touto (DPro-ANS) -- This; he, she, it. ">this?”</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: Kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. "></a> <a href="/greek/2197.htm" title="2197: Zacharias (N-NMS) -- Of Hebrew origin; Zacharias, the name of two Israelites.">Zechariah</a> <a href="/greek/2036.htm" title="2036: eipen (V-AIA-3S) -- Answer, bid, bring word, command. A primary verb; to speak or say.">asked</a> <a href="/greek/4314.htm" title="4314: pros (Prep) -- To, towards, with. A strengthened form of pro; a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e. Toward."></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.">the</a> <a href="/greek/32.htm" title="32: angelon (N-AMS) -- From aggello; a messenger; especially an angel; by implication, a pastor.">angel.</a> <a href="/greek/1063.htm" title="1063: gar (Conj) -- For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason.">“</a> <a href="/greek/1473.htm" title="1473: egō (PPro-N1S) -- I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.">I</a> <a href="/greek/1510.htm" title="1510: eimi (V-PIA-1S) -- I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.">am</a> <a href="/greek/4246.htm" title="4246: presbytēs (N-NMS) -- An old man, an ambassador. From the same as presbuteros; an old man.">an old man,</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/1473.htm" title="1473: mou (PPro-G1S) -- I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.">my</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: hē (Art-NFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/1135.htm" title="1135: gynē (N-NFS) -- A woman, wife, my lady. Probably from the base of ginomai; a woman; specially, a wife.">wife</a> <a href="/greek/4260.htm" title="4260: probebēkuia (V-RPA-NFS) -- To go forward, advance. From pro and the base of basis; to walk forward, i.e. Advance.">is well along</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/846.htm" title="846: autēs (PPro-GF3S) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons."></a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tais (Art-DFP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/2250.htm" title="2250: hēmerais (N-DFP) -- A day, the period from sunrise to sunset. ">years.”</a> 19“I am Gabriel,” replied the angel. “I stand in the presence of God, and I have been sent to speak to you and to bring you this good news.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/genesis/17-17.htm">Genesis 17:17</a> Abraham fell facedown. Then he laughed and said to himself, “Can a child be born to a man who is a hundred years old? Can Sarah give birth at the age of ninety?” <a href="/genesis/18-12.htm">Genesis 18:12-14</a> So she laughed to herself, saying, “After I am worn out and my master is old, will I now have this pleasure?” / And the LORD asked Abraham, “Why did Sarah laugh and say, ‘Can I really bear a child when I am old?’ / Is anything too difficult for the LORD? At the appointed time I will return to you—in about a year—and Sarah will have a son.” <a href="/judges/6-36.htm">Judges 6:36-40</a> Then Gideon said to God, “If You are going to save Israel by my hand, as You have said, / then behold, I will place a fleece of wool on the threshing floor. If there is dew only on the fleece and all the ground is dry, then I will know that You are going to save Israel by my hand, as You have said.” / And that is what happened. When Gideon arose the next morning, he squeezed the fleece and wrung out the dew—a bowlful of water. ... <a href="/exodus/4-1.htm">Exodus 4:1</a> Then Moses answered, “What if they do not believe me or listen to my voice? For they may say, ‘The LORD has not appeared to you.’” <a href="/numbers/11-21.htm">Numbers 11:21-23</a> But Moses replied, “Here I am among 600,000 men on foot, yet You say, ‘I will give them meat, and they will eat for a month.’ / If all our flocks and herds were slaughtered for them, would they have enough? Or if all the fish in the sea were caught for them, would they have enough?” / The LORD answered Moses, “Is the LORD’s arm too short? Now you will see whether or not My word will come to pass.” <a href="/2_kings/7-2.htm">2 Kings 7:2</a> But the officer on whose arm the king leaned answered the man of God, “Look, even if the LORD were to make windows in heaven, could this really happen?” “You will see it with your own eyes,” replied Elisha, “but you will not eat any of it.” <a href="/isaiah/7-11.htm">Isaiah 7:11-14</a> “Ask for a sign from the LORD your God, whether from the depths of Sheol or the heights of heaven.” / But Ahaz replied, “I will not ask; I will not test the LORD.” / Then Isaiah said, “Hear now, O house of David! Is it not enough to try the patience of men? Will you try the patience of my God as well? ... <a href="/isaiah/38-22.htm">Isaiah 38:22</a> And Hezekiah had asked, “What will be the sign that I will go up to the house of the LORD?” <a href="/jeremiah/32-17.htm">Jeremiah 32:17</a> “Oh, Lord GOD! You have made the heavens and the earth by Your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too difficult for You! <a href="/zechariah/8-6.htm">Zechariah 8:6</a> This is what the LORD of Hosts says: “If this is impossible in the eyes of the remnant of this people in these days, should it also be impossible in My eyes?” declares the LORD of Hosts. <a href="/matthew/13-58.htm">Matthew 13:58</a> And He did not do many miracles there, because of their unbelief. <a href="/matthew/17-20.htm">Matthew 17:20</a> “Because you have so little faith,” He answered. “For truly I tell you, if you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.” <a href="/matthew/21-21.htm">Matthew 21:21</a> “Truly I tell you,” Jesus replied, “if you have faith and do not doubt, not only will you do what was done to the fig tree, but even if you say to this mountain, ‘Be lifted up and thrown into the sea,’ it will happen. <a href="/mark/9-23.htm">Mark 9:23-24</a> “If You can?” echoed Jesus. “All things are possible to him who believes!” / Immediately the boy’s father cried out, “I do believe; help my unbelief!” <a href="/mark/11-23.htm">Mark 11:23</a> “Truly I tell you that if anyone says to this mountain, ‘Be lifted up and thrown into the sea,’ and has no doubt in his heart but believes that it will happen, it will be done for him.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>And Zacharias said to the angel, Whereby shall I know this? for I am an old man, and my wife well stricken in years.Whereby.<a href="/luke/1-34.htm">Luke 1:34</a> Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man?<a href="/genesis/15-8.htm">Genesis 15:8</a> And he said, Lord GOD, whereby shall I know that I shall inherit it?<a href="/genesis/17-17.htm">Genesis 17:17</a> Then Abraham fell upon his face, and laughed, and said in his heart, Shall a child be born unto him that is an hundred years old? and shall Sarah, that is ninety years old, bear?for.<a href="/luke/1-7.htm">Luke 1:7</a> And they had no child, because that Elisabeth was barren, and they both were now well stricken in years.<a href="/numbers/11-21.htm">Numbers 11:21-23</a> And Moses said, The people, among whom I am, are six hundred thousand footmen; and thou hast said, I will give them flesh, that they may eat a whole month… <a href="/2_kings/7-2.htm">2 Kings 7:2</a> Then a lord on whose hand the king leaned answered the man of God, and said, Behold, if the LORD would make windows in heaven, might this thing be? And he said, Behold, thou shalt see it with thine eyes, but shalt not eat thereof.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/luke/1-7.htm">Advanced</a> <a href="/joel/1-2.htm">Aged</a> <a href="/luke/1-13.htm">Angel</a> <a href="/luke/1-7.htm">Far</a> <a href="/mark/1-44.htm">Proof</a> <a href="/luke/1-7.htm">Stricken</a> <a href="/mark/14-24.htm">Sure</a> <a href="/zephaniah/2-8.htm">Whereby</a> <a href="/luke/1-13.htm">Wife</a> <a href="/luke/1-13.htm">Zacharias</a> <a href="/luke/1-13.htm">Zechariah</a> <a href="/luke/1-13.htm">Zechari'ah</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/luke/2-36.htm">Advanced</a> <a href="/1_timothy/5-1.htm">Aged</a> <a href="/luke/1-19.htm">Angel</a> <a href="/luke/7-6.htm">Far</a> <a href="/luke/4-13.htm">Proof</a> <a href="/genesis/18-11.htm">Stricken</a> <a href="/luke/10-11.htm">Sure</a> <a href="/luke/1-78.htm">Whereby</a> <a href="/luke/1-24.htm">Wife</a> <a href="/luke/1-21.htm">Zacharias</a> <a href="/luke/1-21.htm">Zechariah</a> <a href="/luke/1-21.htm">Zechari'ah</a><div class="vheading2">Luke 1</div>1. <a href="/luke/1-1.htm">The preface of Luke to his whole gospel.</a> 5. <a href="/luke/1-5.htm">The conception of John the Baptist;</a> 26. <a href="/luke/1-26.htm">and of Jesus.</a> 39. <a href="/luke/1-39.htm">The prophecy of Elisabeth and of Mary, concerning Jesus.</a> 57. <a href="/luke/1-57.htm">The nativity and circumcision of John.</a> 67. <a href="/luke/1-67.htm">The prophecy of Zachariah, both of Jesus,</a> 76. <a href="/luke/1-76.htm">and of John.</a> </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>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <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> </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>How can I be sure of this? Zechariah's question reflects a moment of doubt and skepticism, which is significant given his role as a priest. This question arises during a divine encounter with the angel Gabriel, who brings a message of miraculous birth. The context is important: Zechariah and his wife Elizabeth are childless, and in Jewish culture, this was often seen as a sign of divine disfavor. His doubt contrasts with the faith of other biblical figures who received similar promises, such as Abraham and Sarah. This moment highlights human frailty and the challenge of believing in God's promises when they defy natural circumstances.Zechariah asked the angel. Zechariah's interaction with the angel occurs in the temple, a place of divine presence and revelation. The angel Gabriel is a significant figure in biblical narratives, often serving as a messenger of God's important announcements. This encounter is reminiscent of other angelic visitations in Scripture, such as those to Mary and Joseph, emphasizing the divine orchestration of events leading to the birth of Jesus. Zechariah's questioning of the angel can be seen as a lack of faith, which later results in his temporary muteness as a sign from God.I am an old man, Zechariah's acknowledgment of his age underscores the human impossibility of the situation. In biblical history, age is often highlighted in stories of miraculous births, such as that of Isaac to Abraham and Sarah. This phrase connects Zechariah to the patriarchs, suggesting a continuation of God's covenant promises. It also sets the stage for the miraculous nature of John the Baptist's birth, who will play a pivotal role in preparing the way for Jesus.and my wife is well along in years. Elizabeth's advanced age further emphasizes the miraculous nature of the promised birth. In the cultural context, barrenness was a source of shame and social stigma, yet God often chose barren women to fulfill His purposes, as seen with Sarah, Rebekah, and Hannah. This phrase highlights God's power to bring life and hope where human ability falls short. It also foreshadows the miraculous birth of Jesus to Mary, a virgin, drawing a parallel between the two birth narratives and underscoring the theme of divine intervention in human history.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/z/zechariah.htm">Zechariah</a> A priest from the division of Abijah, serving in the temple. He is the husband of Elizabeth and the father of John the Baptist. His encounter with the angel Gabriel occurs while he is performing his priestly duties. 2. <a href="/topical/e/elizabeth.htm">Elizabeth</a> Zechariah's wife, described as righteous and blameless. She is barren and advanced in years, making the promise of a child miraculous. 3. <a href="/topical/g/gabriel.htm">Gabriel</a> The angel who appears to Zechariah to announce the birth of John the Baptist. Gabriel is a messenger of God, often delivering significant news. 4. <a href="/topical/t/temple.htm">Temple</a> The setting of this encounter, specifically the Holy Place where Zechariah is burning incense. It is a place of worship and divine revelation. 5. <a href="/topical/p/promise_of_john_the_baptist.htm">Promise of John the Baptist</a> The event of Gabriel announcing the birth of John, who will prepare the way for the Lord, is a pivotal moment in salvation history.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/f/faith_in_god's_promises.htm">Faith in God's Promises</a> Zechariah's question reflects a natural human doubt, yet it serves as a reminder to trust in God's promises, regardless of our circumstances. <a href="/topical/c/consequences_of_doubt.htm">Consequences of Doubt</a> Zechariah's temporary muteness is a direct consequence of his doubt, teaching us that disbelief can hinder our ability to fully experience God's blessings. <a href="/topical/g/god's_timing.htm">God's Timing</a> The promise of a child to Zechariah and Elizabeth, despite their old age, illustrates that God's timing is perfect and often beyond human understanding. <a href="/topical/r/role_of_angels.htm">Role of Angels</a> Gabriel's role as a messenger underscores the importance of angels in delivering God's messages and the need to be attentive to divine communication. <a href="/topical/p/preparation_for_christ.htm">Preparation for Christ</a> The announcement of John the Baptist's birth is a crucial step in preparing the way for Jesus, emphasizing the importance of preparation in God's plan.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_luke_1.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Luke 1</a> <a href="/q/what_causes_the_arab-israeli_conflict.htm">What lessons do Zechariah, Gabriel, and Mary teach us?</a> <a href="/q/lessons_from_zechariah,_gabriel,_mary.htm">What lessons do Zechariah, Gabriel, and Mary teach us?</a> <a href="/q/how_is_the_fleece_miracle_explained.htm">Judges 6:36–40: How can the miracle of the fleece being wet while the ground stayed dry (and vice versa) be explained or verified? </a> <a href="/q/is_elizabeth's_conception_a_miracle.htm">Luke 1:13-20: Is the elderly Elizabeth's conception a supernatural miracle, or is it merely echoing mythological or legendary motifs?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/luke/1.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 18. - Whereby shall I know this? for I am an old man. There was something evidently blamable in this hesitation on the part of Zacharias to receive the angel's promise. It seems as though the radiant glory of the messenger, as he stood before the curtain of the silent sanctuary in his awful beauty, ought to have convinced the doubting old man of the truth of the strange message. The words of the angel, which follow, seem to imply this. What! do you doubt my message? "I am Gabriel, who stand in the presence of the Eternal." Others in Old Testament story before - for instance, Abraham (<a href="/genesis/15.htm">Genesis 15</a>) and Gideon (<a href="/judges/6.htm">Judges 6</a>) - had seen and listened to an angel, had at first doubted, but had received in consequence no rebuke, no punishment, for their want of faith. Zacharias was, however, condemned, we learn, to a long period of dumbness. <a href="/commentaries/luke/1-18.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>“How τί (ti) Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun - Accusative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5101.htm">Strong's 5101: </a> Who, which, what, why. Probably emphatic of tis; an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what. can I be sure of γνώσομαι (gnōsomai) Verb - Future Indicative Middle - 1st Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1097.htm">Strong's 1097: </a> A prolonged form of a primary verb; to 'know' in a great variety of applications and with many implications. this?” τοῦτο (touto) Demonstrative Pronoun - Accusative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3778.htm">Strong's 3778: </a> This; he, she, it. Zechariah Ζαχαρίας (Zacharias) Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2197.htm">Strong's 2197: </a> Of Hebrew origin; Zacharias, the name of two Israelites. asked εἶπεν (eipen) Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2036.htm">Strong's 2036: </a> Answer, bid, bring word, command. A primary verb; to speak or say. the τὸν (ton) Article - Accusative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. angel. ἄγγελον (angelon) Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_32.htm">Strong's 32: </a> From aggello; a messenger; especially an 'angel'; by implication, a pastor. “I ἐγὼ (egō) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Nominative 1st Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1473.htm">Strong's 1473: </a> I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I. am εἰμι (eimi) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1510.htm">Strong's 1510: </a> I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist. an old man, πρεσβύτης (presbytēs) Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4246.htm">Strong's 4246: </a> An old man, an ambassador. From the same as presbuteros; an old man. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. my μου (mou) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 1st Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1473.htm">Strong's 1473: </a> I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I. wife γυνή (gynē) Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1135.htm">Strong's 1135: </a> A woman, wife, my lady. Probably from the base of ginomai; a woman; specially, a wife. is well along προβεβηκυῖα (probebēkuia) Verb - Perfect Participle Active - Nominative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4260.htm">Strong's 4260: </a> To go forward, advance. From pro and the base of basis; to walk forward, i.e. Advance. in ἐν (en) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1722.htm">Strong's 1722: </a> In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc. years.” ἡμέραις (hēmerais) Noun - Dative Feminine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_2250.htm">Strong's 2250: </a> A day, the period from sunrise to sunset. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/luke/1-18.htm">Luke 1:18 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/luke/1-18.htm">Luke 1:18 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/luke/1-18.htm">Luke 1:18 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/luke/1-18.htm">Luke 1:18 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/luke/1-18.htm">Luke 1:18 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/luke/1-18.htm">Luke 1:18 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/luke/1-18.htm">Luke 1:18 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/luke/1-18.htm">Luke 1:18 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/luke/1-18.htm">Luke 1:18 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/luke/1-18.htm">Luke 1:18 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/luke/1-18.htm">NT Gospels: Luke 1:18 Zacharias said to the angel How can (Luke Lu Lk) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/luke/1-17.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Luke 1:17"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Luke 1:17" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/luke/1-19.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Luke 1:19"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Luke 1:19" /></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>