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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 1:8 One day while Zechariah's division was on duty and he was serving as priest before God,</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/luke/1-8.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/9/42_Luk_01_08.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Luke 1:8 - Gabriel Foretells John's Birth" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="One day while Zechariah's division was on duty and he was serving as priest before God," /><script type="application/javascript" 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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 />Once when Zechariah&#8217s division was on duty and he was serving as priest before God,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/luke/1.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />One day Zechariah was serving God in the Temple, for his order was on duty that week.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/luke/1.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Now while he was serving as priest before God when his division was on duty,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/luke/1.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />One day while Zechariah’s division was on duty and he was serving as priest before God,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/luke/1.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />Now it came to pass, in his fulfilling the priestly service before God in the order of his division,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/luke/1.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And it came to pass, that while he executed the priest's office before God in the order of his course,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/luke/1.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />So it was, that while he was serving as priest before God in the order of his division,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/luke/1.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Now it happened <i>that</i> while he was performing his priestly service before God in the appointed order of his division,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/luke/1.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Now it happened that while he was performing his priestly service before God in the appointed order of his division,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/luke/1.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Now it came about, while he was performing his priestly service before God in the <i>appointed</i> order of his division,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/luke/1.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Now it happened that while he was performing his priestly service before God in the order of his division,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/luke/1.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Now it happened while Zacharias was serving as priest before God in the <i>appointed</i> order of his priestly division,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/luke/1.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />When his division was on duty and he was serving as priest before God,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/luke/1.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />When his division was on duty and he was serving as priest before God, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/luke/1.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Now it came to pass, while he executed the priest's office before God in the order of his course,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/luke/1.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />One day Zechariah's group of priests were on duty, and he was serving God as a priest. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/luke/1.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Now it came to pass, while he executed the priest's office before God in the order of his course,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/luke/1.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Zechariah was on duty with his division of priests. As he served in God's presence,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/luke/1.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />One day Zechariah was doing his work as a priest in the Temple, taking his turn in the daily service. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/luke/1.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />When Zechariah was serving with his division of priests in God's presence, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/luke/1.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />One day while Zechariah?s division was on duty and he was serving as priest before God,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/luke/1.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Now while Zechariah was serving as priest before God when his division was on duty,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/luke/1.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Now it happened, while he was performing the priest's office before God in the order of his division,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/luke/1.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And it came to pass, that, while he executed the priests' office before God in the order of his course,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/luke/1.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />Now while he was doing priestly duty before God in the prescribed course of his class,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/luke/1.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Now while he executed the priest’s office before God in the order of his division <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/luke/1.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And it came to pass, in his acting as priest, in the order of his division before God,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/luke/1.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />Now it came to pass, in his fulfilling the priestly service before God in the order of his division,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/luke/1.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And it came to pass, in his acting as priest, in the order of his course before God,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/luke/1.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And it was in his being priest, in the arranging of the daily order before God,<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/luke/1.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And it came to pass, when he executed the priestly function in the order of his course before God, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/luke/1.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Then it happened that, when he was exercising the priesthood before God, in the order of his section,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/luke/1.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Once when he was serving as priest in his division’s turn before God,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/luke/1.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Once when he was serving as priest before God and his section was on duty,<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/luke/1.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And it happened, while he was ministering in the order of his ministry before God,<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 />And as he was exercising his priestly function in the order of his service before God,<div class="vheading2"><b>NT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/anderson/luke/1.htm">Anderson New Testament</a></span><br />It came to pass, while he was officiating as priest before God, in the order of his class, that,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/godbey/luke/1.htm">Godbey New Testament</a></span><br />And it came to pass, while he was officiating in the order of his course before God,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/haweis/luke/1.htm">Haweis New Testament</a></span><br />And it came to pass, as he discharged his priestly office in the order of his periodical ministration before God,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/mace/luke/1.htm">Mace New Testament</a></span><br />now Zachary was to officiate in divine service, in the order of his family,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/luke/1.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />Now while he was doing priestly duty before God in the prescribed course of his class,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worrell/luke/1.htm">Worrell New Testament</a></span><br />Now it came to pass, that, while he was doing priestly service in the order of his course before God,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worsley/luke/1.htm">Worsley New Testament</a></span><br />And it came to pass, while he was in the order of his course performing the priest's office before God,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/luke/1-8.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=59" 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">7</span>But they had no children, because Elizabeth was barren, and they were both well along in years. <span class="reftext">8</span><span class="highl"><a href="/greek/1161.htm" title="1161: de (Conj) -- A primary particle; but, and, etc.">One day</a> <a href="/greek/1096.htm" title="1096: Egeneto (V-AIM-3S) -- A prolongation and middle voice form of a primary verb; to cause to be, i.e. to become, used with great latitude."></a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tēs (Art-GFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">while</a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: autou (PPro-GM3S) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.">Zechariah’s</a> <a href="/greek/2183.htm" title="2183: ephēmerias (N-GFS) -- From ephemeros; diurnality, i.e. the quotidian rotation or class of the Jewish priests' service at the Temple, as distributed by families.">division</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."></a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tē (Art-DFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/5010.htm" title="5010: taxei (N-DFS) -- From tasso; regular arrangement, i.e. fixed succession, official dignity.">was on duty</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.">and</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/2407.htm" title="2407: hierateuein (V-PNA) -- To serve as priest. Prolongation from hiereus; to be a priest, i.e. Perform his functions.">was serving as priest</a> <a href="/greek/1725.htm" title="1725: enanti (Prep) -- Before, in the presence of. From en and anti; in front of.">before</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tou (Art-GMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/2316.htm" title="2316: Theou (N-GMS) -- A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.">God,</a> </span> <span class="reftext">9</span>he was chosen by lot, according to the custom of the priesthood, to enter the temple of the Lord and burn incense.…<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="/1_chronicles/24-19.htm">1 Chronicles 24:19</a></span><br />This was their appointed order for service when they entered the house of the LORD, according to the regulations prescribed for them by their forefather Aaron, as the LORD, the God of Israel, had commanded him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_chronicles/8-14.htm">2 Chronicles 8:14</a></span><br />In keeping with the ordinances of his father David, Solomon appointed the divisions of the priests over their service, and the Levites for their duties to offer praise and to minister before the priests according to the daily requirement. He also appointed gatekeepers by their divisions at each gate, for this had been the command of David, the man of God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/2-18.htm">1 Samuel 2:18</a></span><br />Now Samuel was ministering before the LORD—a boy wearing a linen ephod.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_chronicles/31-2.htm">2 Chronicles 31:2</a></span><br />Hezekiah reestablished the divisions of the priests and Levites—each of them according to their duties as priests or Levites—for the burnt offerings and peace offerings, for ministry, for giving thanks, and for singing praises at the gates of the LORD’s dwelling.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/28-1.htm">Exodus 28:1</a></span><br />“Next, have your brother Aaron brought to you from among the Israelites, along with his sons Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar, to serve Me as priests.<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/29-11.htm">2 Chronicles 29:11</a></span><br />Now, my sons, do not be negligent, for the LORD has chosen you to stand before Him, to serve Him, to minister before Him, and to burn incense.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/5-1.htm">Hebrews 5:1</a></span><br />Every high priest is appointed from among men to represent them in matters relating to God, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/2-9.htm">1 Peter 2:9</a></span><br />But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, to proclaim the virtues of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/numbers/18-7.htm">Numbers 18:7</a></span><br />But only you and your sons shall attend to your priesthood for everything concerning the altar and what is inside the veil, and you are to perform that service. I am giving you the work of the priesthood as a gift, but any outsider who comes near the sanctuary must be put to death.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_chronicles/6-49.htm">1 Chronicles 6:49</a></span><br />But Aaron and his sons did all the work of the Most Holy Place. They presented the offerings on the altar of burnt offering and on the altar of incense to make atonement for Israel, according to all that Moses the servant of God had commanded.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_chronicles/35-4.htm">2 Chronicles 35:4</a></span><br />Prepare yourselves by families in your divisions, according to the instructions written by David king of Israel and Solomon his son.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/9-6.htm">Hebrews 9:6</a></span><br />When everything had been prepared in this way, the priests entered regularly into the first room to perform their sacred duties.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_chronicles/9-25.htm">1 Chronicles 9:25-26</a></span><br />Their relatives came from their villages at fixed times to serve with them for seven-day periods. / But the four chief gatekeepers, who were Levites, were entrusted with the rooms and the treasuries of the house of God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_chronicles/24-3.htm">1 Chronicles 24:3</a></span><br />With the help of Eleazar’s descendant Zadok and Ithamar’s descendant Ahimelech, David divided them according to the offices of their service.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And it came to pass, that while he executed the priest's office before God in the order of his course,</p><p class="hdg">he.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/exodus/28-1.htm">Exodus 28:1,41</a></b></br> And take thou unto thee Aaron thy brother, and his sons with him, from among the children of Israel, that he may minister unto me in the priest's office, <i>even</i> Aaron, Nadab and Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar, Aaron's sons… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/exodus/29-1.htm">Exodus 29:1,9,44</a></b></br> And this <i>is</i> the thing that thou shalt do unto them to hallow them, to minister unto me in the priest's office: Take one young bullock, and two rams without blemish, … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/exodus/30-30.htm">Exodus 30:30</a></b></br> And thou shalt anoint Aaron and his sons, and consecrate them, that <i>they</i> may minister unto me in the priest's office.</p><p class="hdg">in.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/luke/1-5.htm">Luke 1:5</a></b></br> There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judaea, a certain priest named Zacharias, of the course of Abia: and his wife <i>was</i> of the daughters of Aaron, and her name <i>was</i> Elisabeth.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_chronicles/24-19.htm">1 Chronicles 24:19</a></b></br> These <i>were</i> the orderings of them in their service to come into the house of the LORD, according to their manner, under Aaron their father, as the LORD God of Israel had commanded him.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_chronicles/8-14.htm">2 Chronicles 8:14</a></b></br> And he appointed, according to the order of David his father, the courses of the priests to their service, and the Levites to their charges, to praise and minister before the priests, as the duty of every day required: the porters also by their courses at every gate: for so had David the man of God commanded.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/malachi/2-14.htm">Acting</a> <a href="/mark/13-33.htm">Appointed</a> <a href="/luke/1-5.htm">Class</a> <a href="/luke/1-5.htm">Course</a> <a href="/luke/1-5.htm">Division</a> <a href="/mark/13-34.htm">Duty</a> <a href="/matthew/27-20.htm">Executed</a> <a href="/luke/1-1.htm">Fulfilled</a> <a href="/mark/2-14.htm">Office</a> <a href="/mark/15-13.htm">Once</a> <a href="/luke/1-5.htm">Order</a> <a href="/isaiah/44-26.htm">Performing</a> <a href="/hosea/8-12.htm">Prescribed</a> <a href="/luke/1-5.htm">Priest</a> <a href="/luke/1-5.htm">Priestly</a> <a href="/mark/15-31.htm">Priests</a> <a href="/mark/14-66.htm">Priest's</a> <a href="/luke/1-2.htm">Service</a> <a href="/mark/1-13.htm">Serving</a> <a href="/mark/13-16.htm">Turn</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/24-22.htm">Zechariah's</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/luke/20-20.htm">Acting</a> <a href="/luke/1-20.htm">Appointed</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/10-12.htm">Class</a> <a href="/luke/1-24.htm">Course</a> <a href="/luke/11-17.htm">Division</a> <a href="/luke/2-50.htm">Duty</a> <a href="/luke/23-32.htm">Executed</a> <a href="/luke/1-20.htm">Fulfilled</a> <a href="/luke/1-9.htm">Office</a> <a href="/luke/1-64.htm">Once</a> <a href="/luke/1-54.htm">Order</a> <a href="/luke/9-6.htm">Performing</a> <a href="/hebrews/8-4.htm">Prescribed</a> <a href="/luke/5-14.htm">Priest</a> <a href="/luke/1-9.htm">Priestly</a> <a href="/luke/1-9.htm">Priests</a> <a href="/luke/1-9.htm">Priest's</a> <a href="/luke/1-23.htm">Service</a> <a href="/luke/10-40.htm">Serving</a> <a href="/luke/1-16.htm">Turn</a> <a href="/luke/1-40.htm">Zechariah's</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>One day</b><br>This phrase sets the scene for a specific event in the life of Zechariah, emphasizing the divine timing and intervention in the narrative. It suggests a moment of significance, aligning with biblical themes where God acts at appointed times (<a href="/galatians/4-4.htm">Galatians 4:4</a>).<p><b>while Zechariah’s division was on duty</b><br>Zechariah belonged to the division of Abijah, one of the 24 priestly divisions established by King David (<a href="/1_chronicles/24-10.htm">1 Chronicles 24:10</a>). Each division served in the temple for one week, twice a year. This system ensured the orderly worship and sacrifices in the temple, highlighting the structured religious life of Israel.<p><b>and he was serving as priest before God</b><br>Zechariah's role as a priest involved performing sacred duties in the temple, such as burning incense, which was a symbol of prayers ascending to God (<a href="/revelation/8-3.htm">Revelation 8:3-4</a>). Serving "before God" underscores the holiness and reverence required in his duties, reflecting the priestly mediation between God and the people, a type of Christ's ultimate priesthood (<a href="/hebrews/7-25.htm">Hebrews 7:25</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/z/zechariah.htm">Zechariah</a></b><br>A priest from the division of Abijah, Zechariah is a central figure in this passage. He is described as righteous and blameless, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord. His role as a priest is significant in the unfolding account of the birth of John the Baptist.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/d/division_of_abijah.htm">Division of Abijah</a></b><br>This refers to one of the 24 divisions of priests established by King David. Each division served in the temple for a week, twice a year. The division of Abijah is the eighth division, as outlined in <a href="/bsb/1_chronicles/24.htm">1 Chronicles 24</a>.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/temple_service.htm">Temple Service</a></b><br>The setting is the temple in Jerusalem, where Zechariah is performing his priestly duties. This service is a sacred responsibility, involving rituals and offerings to God.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/p/priestly_duty.htm">Priestly Duty</a></b><br>Zechariah's role in the temple is part of a long-standing tradition of Levitical priesthood, which includes offering incense, sacrifices, and prayers on behalf of the people.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/g/god.htm">God</a></b><br>The ultimate focus of the priestly service is God, who is worshiped and revered in the temple. The account emphasizes the divine orchestration of events leading to the announcement of John the Baptist's birth.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/f/faithfulness_in_service.htm">Faithfulness in Service</a></b><br>Zechariah's commitment to his priestly duties, despite personal challenges, exemplifies faithfulness. Believers are encouraged to remain steadfast in their service to God, trusting in His timing and purposes.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/d/divine_timing.htm">Divine Timing</a></b><br>The account highlights God's perfect timing in orchestrating events. Christians are reminded to trust in God's timing, even when it seems delayed or unexpected.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/r/role_of_prayer.htm">Role of Prayer</a></b><br>As Zechariah performs his duties, prayer is central. Believers are encouraged to prioritize prayer in their daily lives, seeking God's guidance and intervention.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/h/heritage_and_tradition.htm">Heritage and Tradition</a></b><br>Zechariah's service is rooted in a rich tradition of priesthood. Christians are encouraged to value their spiritual heritage and the traditions that align with biblical teachings.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty.htm">God's Sovereignty</a></b><br>The passage underscores God's sovereignty in the unfolding of His redemptive plan. Believers are reminded of God's control over all circumstances and His ability to work through ordinary people.<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/how_did_zechariah,_elizabeth_have_john.htm">How did Zechariah and Elizabeth become parents of John?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_causes_the_arab-israeli_conflict.htm">What lessons do Zechariah, Gabriel, and Mary teach us?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/evidence_for_supernatural_events_in_temple.htm">Psalm 73:17 suggests divine insight in a sanctuary setting—what evidence supports or refutes the historicity of supernatural experiences in the Temple? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_does_herod's_death_fit_luke_1_5.htm">Luke 1:5: If Herod the Great died around 4 BC, how does this timeline match with the birth announcements described here?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/luke/1.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(8) <span class= "bld">In the order of his course.</span>--This was settled by rotation. Attempts have been made by reckoning back from the date of the destruction of the Temple, when it is known that the "course" of Joiarib was ministering on the ninth day of the Jewish month Ab, to fix the precise date of the events here narrated, and so of our Lord's Nativity, but all such attempts are necessarily more or less precarious.<p><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/luke/1-8.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">One day</span><br /><span class="grk">δὲ</span> <span class="translit">(de)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1161.htm">Strong's 1161: </a> </span><span class="str2">A primary particle; but, and, etc.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">while</span><br /><span class="grk">τῆς</span> <span class="translit">(tēs)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article - Genitive Feminine 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">[Zechariah’s]</span><br /><span class="grk">αὐτοῦ</span> <span class="translit">(autou)</span><br /><span class="parse">Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 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">division</span><br /><span class="grk">ἐφημερίας</span> <span class="translit">(ephēmerias)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2183.htm">Strong's 2183: </a> </span><span class="str2">From ephemeros; diurnality, i.e. the quotidian rotation or class of the Jewish priests' service at the Temple, as distributed by families.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">was on duty</span><br /><span class="grk">τάξει</span> <span class="translit">(taxei)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Dative Feminine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_5010.htm">Strong's 5010: </a> </span><span class="str2">From tasso; regular arrangement, i.e. fixed succession, official dignity.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">[and]</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">αὐτὸν</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">was serving as priest</span><br /><span class="grk">ἱερατεύειν</span> <span class="translit">(hierateuein)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Infinitive Active<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2407.htm">Strong's 2407: </a> </span><span class="str2">To serve as priest. Prolongation from hiereus; to be a priest, i.e. Perform his functions.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">before</span><br /><span class="grk">ἔναντι</span> <span class="translit">(enanti)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1725.htm">Strong's 1725: </a> </span><span class="str2">Before, in the presence of. From en and anti; in front of.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">God,</span><br /><span class="grk">Θεοῦ</span> <span class="translit">(Theou)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2316.htm">Strong's 2316: </a> </span><span class="str2">A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/luke/1-8.htm">Luke 1:8 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/luke/1-8.htm">Luke 1:8 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/luke/1-8.htm">Luke 1:8 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/luke/1-8.htm">Luke 1:8 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/luke/1-8.htm">Luke 1:8 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/luke/1-8.htm">Luke 1:8 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/luke/1-8.htm">Luke 1:8 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/luke/1-8.htm">Luke 1:8 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/luke/1-8.htm">Luke 1:8 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/luke/1-8.htm">Luke 1:8 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/luke/1-8.htm">NT Gospels: Luke 1:8 Now it happened while he executed (Luke Lu Lk) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/luke/1-7.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Luke 1:7"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Luke 1:7" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/luke/1-9.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Luke 1:9"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Luke 1:9" /></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>