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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 1:5 In the time of Herod king of Judea there was a priest named Zechariah, who belonged to the priestly division of Abijah, and whose wife Elizabeth was a daughter of Aaron.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/luke/1-5.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/6/42_Luk_01_05.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Luke 1:5 - Gabriel Foretells John's Birth" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="In the time of Herod king of Judea there was a priest named Zechariah, who belonged to the priestly division of Abijah, and whose wife Elizabeth was a daughter of Aaron." /><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/1-5.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/1-5.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 5</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="/ad5.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/1-4.htm" title="Luke 1:4">◄</a> Luke 1:5 <a href="/luke/1-6.htm" title="Luke 1:6">►</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> In the time of Herod king of Judea there was a priest named Zechariah, who belonged to the priestly division of Abijah; his wife Elizabeth was also a descendant of Aaron. <a href="/nlt/luke/1.htm">New Living Translation</a> When Herod was king of Judea, there was a Jewish priest named Zechariah. He was a member of the priestly order of Abijah, and his wife, Elizabeth, was also from the priestly line of Aaron. <a href="/esv/luke/1.htm">English Standard Version</a> In the days of Herod, king of Judea, there was a priest named Zechariah, of the division of Abijah. And he had a wife from the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth. <a href="/bsb/luke/1.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> In the time of Herod king of Judea there was a priest named Zechariah, who belonged to the priestly division of Abijah, and whose wife Elizabeth was a descendant of Aaron. <a href="/blb/luke/1.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> There was in the days of Herod king of Judea a certain priest named Zacharias, of the division of Abijah, and his wife of the daughters of Aaron, and her name Elizabeth. <a href="/kjv/luke/1.htm">King James Bible</a> There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judaea, a certain priest named Zacharias, of the course of Abia: and his wife was of the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elisabeth. <a href="/nkjv/luke/1.htm">New King James Version</a> There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judea, a certain priest named Zacharias, of the division of Abijah. His wife was of the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth. <a href="/nasb_/luke/1.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> In the days of Herod, king of Judea, there was a priest named Zechariah, of the division of Abijah; and he had a wife from the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth. <a href="/nasb/luke/1.htm">NASB 1995</a> In the days of Herod, king of Judea, there was a priest named Zacharias, of the division of Abijah; and he had a wife from the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth. <a href="/nasb77/luke/1.htm">NASB 1977 </a> In the days of Herod, king of Judea, there was a certain priest named Zacharias, of the division of Abijah; and he had a wife from the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth. <a href="/lsb/luke/1.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> In the days of Herod, king of Judea, there was a priest named Zechariah, of the division of Abijah, and he had a wife from the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth. <a href="/amp/luke/1.htm">Amplified Bible</a> In the days of Herod [the Great], king of Judea, there was a certain priest whose name was Zacharias, of the division of Abijah. His wife was a descendant of Aaron [the first high priest of Israel], and her name was Elizabeth. <a href="/csb/luke/1.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> In the days of King Herod of Judea, there was a priest of Abijah’s division named Zechariah. His wife was from the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth. <a href="/hcsb/luke/1.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> In the days of King Herod of Judea, there was a priest of Abijah&#8217s division named Zechariah. His wife was from the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth. <a href="/asv/luke/1.htm">American Standard Version</a> There was in the days of Herod, king of Jud锟絘, a certain priest named Zacharias, of the course of Abijah: and he had a wife of the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elisabeth. <a href="/cev/luke/1.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> When Herod was king of Judea, there was a priest by the name of Zechariah from the priestly group of Abijah. His wife Elizabeth was from the family of Aaron. <a href="/erv/luke/1.htm">English Revised Version</a> There was in the days of Herod, king of Judaea, a certain priest named Zacharias, of the course of Abijah: and he had a wife of the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elisabeth. <a href="/gwt/luke/1.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> When Herod was king of Judea, there was a priest named Zechariah, who belonged to the division of priests named after Abijah. Zechariah's wife Elizabeth was a descendant of Aaron. <a href="/gnt/luke/1.htm">Good News Translation</a> During the time when Herod was king of Judea, there was a priest named Zechariah, who belonged to the priestly order of Abijah. His wife's name was Elizabeth; she also belonged to a priestly family. <a href="/isv/luke/1.htm">International Standard Version</a> During the reign of King Herod of Judea, there was a priest named Zechariah, who belonged to the priestly order of Abijah. His wife was a descendant of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth. <a href="/msb/luke/1.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> In the time of Herod king of Judea there was a priest named Zechariah, who belonged to the priestly division of Abijah, and whose wife Elizabeth was a descendant of Aaron. <a href="/net/luke/1.htm">NET Bible</a> During the reign of Herod king of Judea, there lived a priest named Zechariah who belonged to the priestly division of Abijah, and he had a wife named Elizabeth, who was a descendant of Aaron. <a href="/nheb/luke/1.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judea, a certain priest named Zechariah, of the division of Abijah. He had a wife of the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth. <a href="/wbt/luke/1.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> There was in the days of Herod the king of Judea, a certain priest named Zacharias, of the course of Abia: and his wife was of the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elisabeth. <a href="/wey/luke/1.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> There was in the time of Herod, the king of Judaea, a priest of the name of Zechariah, belonging to the class of Abijah. He had a wife who was a descendant of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth. <a href="/web/luke/1.htm">World English Bible</a> There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judea, a certain priest named Zacharias, of the priestly division of Abijah. He had a wife of the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/luke/1.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judea, a certain priest, by name Zacharias, of the division of Abijah, and his wife of the daughters of Aaron, and her name Elizabeth; <a href="/blb/luke/1.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> There was in the days of Herod king of Judea a certain priest named Zacharias, of the division of Abijah, and his wife of the daughters of Aaron, and her name Elizabeth. <a href="/ylt/luke/1.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judea, a certain priest, by name Zacharias, of the course of Abijah, and his wife of the daughters of Aaron, and her name Elisabeth; <a href="/slt/luke/1.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> There was in the days of Herod, king of Judea, a certain priest named Zacharias, of the daily order of Abia: and his wife the daughter of Aaron, and her name Elizabeth.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/luke/1.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judea, a certain priest named Zachary, of the course of Abia; and his wife was of the daughters of Aaron, and her name Elizabeth. <a href="/cpdv/luke/1.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> There was, in the days of Herod, king of Judea, a certain priest named Zechariah, of the section of Abijah, and his wife was of the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth. <a href="/nabre/luke/1.htm">New American Bible</a> In the days of Herod, King of Judea, there was a priest named Zechariah of the priestly division of Abijah; his wife was from the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth. <a href="/nrsvce/luke/1.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> In the days of King Herod of Judea, there was a priest named Zechariah, who belonged to the priestly order of Abijah. His wife was a descendant of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/luke/1.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> There was in the days of Herod, king of Judaea, a priest whose name was Zacharias, of the order of ministry of the house of Abijah; and his wife was of the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/luke/1.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> In the days of Herodus, The King of Judea, there was a certain Priest whose name was Zechariah from the Ministry of the house of Abia and his wife was named Elizabeth who was of the daughters of Aaron.<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/luke/1.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> There was, in the days of Herod the king of Judea, a certain priest, named Zachariah, of the class of Abijah; and his wife was of the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth. <a href="/godbey/luke/1.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judea, a certain priest, by name Zacharias, of the course of Ahijah, and his wife of the daughters of Aaron, and her name Elizabeth. <a href="/haweis/luke/1.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judea, a certain priest named Zacharias, of the course of Abiah: and his wife of the daughters of Aaron, and her name Elisabeth. <a href="/mace/luke/1.htm">Mace New Testament</a> In the time of Herod, the king of Judea, there was a certain priest, named Zacharias, of the family of Abia, whose wife; nam'd Elizabeth, was of the race of Aaron: <a href="/wey/luke/1.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> There was in the time of Herod, the king of Judaea, a priest of the name of Zechariah, belonging to the class of Abijah. He had a wife who was a descendant of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth. <a href="/worrell/luke/1.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> There was in the days of Herod, king of Judaea, a certain priest, Zacharias by name, of the course of Abija; and he had a wife of the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth. <a href="/worsley/luke/1.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> There was in the days of Herod king of Judea, a certain priest named Zacharias, of the course of Abia; and his wife was of the family of Aaron, and her name was Elisabeth. <a href="/parallel/luke/1-5.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=30" 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> 4so that you may know the certainty of the things you have been taught. 5<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: tais (Art-DFP) -- 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/2250.htm" title="2250: hēmerais (N-DFP) -- A day, the period from sunrise to sunset. ">time</a> <a href="/greek/2264.htm" title="2264: Hērōdou (N-GMS) -- Compound of heros and eidos; heroic; Herod, the name of four Jewish kings.">of Herod</a> <a href="/greek/935.htm" title="935: basileōs (N-GMS) -- A king, ruler, but in some passages clearly to be translated: emperor. Probably from basis; a sovereign.">king</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."></a> <a href="/greek/2449.htm" title="2449: Ioudaias (N-GFS) -- Judea, a Roman province, capital Jerusalem. Feminine of Ioudaios; the Judaean land, a region of Palestine.">of Judea</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.">there was</a> <a href="/greek/5100.htm" title="5100: tis (IPro-NMS) -- Any one, some one, a certain one or thing. An enclitic indefinite pronoun; some or any person or object.">a</a> <a href="/greek/2409.htm" title="2409: hiereus (N-NMS) -- A priest, one who offers sacrifice to a god (in Jewish and pagan religions; of Christians only met.). From hieros; a priest.">priest</a> <a href="/greek/3686.htm" title="3686: onomati (N-DNS) -- Name, character, fame, reputation. From a presumed derivative of the base of ginosko; a name.">named</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/1537.htm" title="1537: ex (Prep) -- From out, out from among, from, suggesting from the interior outwards. A primary preposition denoting origin, from, out.">who belonged to</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.">the priestly division</a> <a href="/greek/7.htm" title="7: Abia (N-GMS) -- Of Hebrew origin; Abijah, the name of two Israelites.">of Abijah,</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: autō (PPro-DM3S) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.">whose</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/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. "></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: to (Art-NNS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/3686.htm" title="3686: onoma (N-NNS) -- Name, character, fame, reputation. From a presumed derivative of the base of ginosko; a name."></a> <a href="/greek/1665.htm" title="1665: Elisabet (N-NFS) -- Elizabeth, mother of John the Baptizer. Of Hebrew origin; Elisabet, an Israelitess.">Elizabeth</a> <a href="/greek/1537.htm" title="1537: ek (Prep) -- From out, out from among, from, suggesting from the interior outwards. A primary preposition denoting origin, from, out.">was</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tōn (Art-GFP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">a</a> <a href="/greek/2364.htm" title="2364: thygaterōn (N-GFP) -- Apparently a primary word; a female child, or descendant.">daughter</a> <a href="/greek/2.htm" title="2: Aarōn (N-GMS) -- Aaron, son of Amram and Jochebed, brother of Moses. Of Hebrew origin; Aaron, the brother of Moses.">of Aaron.</a> 6Both of them were righteous in the sight of God, walking blamelessly in all the commandments and decrees of the Lord.…<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="/matthew/2-1.htm">Matthew 2:1</a> After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, <a href="/1_chronicles/24-10.htm">1 Chronicles 24:10</a> the seventh to Hakkoz, the eighth to Abijah, <a href="/1_samuel/1-1.htm">1 Samuel 1:1-2</a> Now there was a man named Elkanah who was from Ramathaim-zophim in the hill country of Ephraim. He was the son of Jeroham, the son of Elihu, the son of Tohu, the son of Zuph, an Ephraimite. / He had two wives, one named Hannah and the other Peninnah. And Peninnah had children, but Hannah had none. <a href="/2_kings/11-17.htm">2 Kings 11:17-18</a> Then Jehoiada made a covenant between the LORD and the king and the people that they would be the LORD’s people. He also made a covenant between the king and the people. / So all the people of the land went to the temple of Baal and tore it down. They smashed the altars and idols to pieces, and they killed Mattan the priest of Baal in front of the altars. And Jehoiada the priest posted guards for the house of the LORD. <a href="/nehemiah/12-4.htm">Nehemiah 12:4</a> Iddo, Ginnethon, Abijah, <a href="/1_chronicles/6-3.htm">1 Chronicles 6:3-15</a> The children of Amram: Aaron, Moses, and Miriam. The sons of Aaron: Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar. / Eleazar was the father of Phinehas, Phinehas was the father of Abishua, / Abishua was the father of Bukki, Bukki was the father of Uzzi, ... <a href="/2_chronicles/8-14.htm">2 Chronicles 8:14</a> 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. <a href="/2_chronicles/23-1.htm">2 Chronicles 23:1-21</a> Then in the seventh year, Jehoiada strengthened himself and made a covenant with the commanders of hundreds—with Azariah son of Jeroham, Ishmael son of Jehohanan, Azariah son of Obed, Maaseiah son of Adaiah, and Elishaphat son of Zichri. / So they went throughout Judah and gathered the Levites from all the cities of Judah and the heads of the families of Israel. And when they came to Jerusalem, / the whole assembly made a covenant with the king in the house of God. “Behold, the king’s son!” said Jehoiada. “He must reign, just as the LORD promised concerning the descendants of David. ... <a href="/malachi/2-7.htm">Malachi 2:7</a> For the lips of a priest should preserve knowledge, and people should seek instruction from his mouth, because he is the messenger of the LORD of Hosts. <a href="/malachi/4-5.htm">Malachi 4:5-6</a> Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and awesome Day of the LORD. / And he will turn the hearts of the fathers to their children, and the hearts of the children to their fathers. Otherwise, I will come and strike the land with a curse.” <a href="/matthew/3-1.htm">Matthew 3:1-3</a> In those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the wilderness of Judea / and saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near.” / This is he who was spoken of through the prophet Isaiah: “A voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for Him.’” <a href="/matthew/11-13.htm">Matthew 11:13-14</a> For all the Prophets and the Law prophesied until John. / And if you are willing to accept it, he is the Elijah who was to come. <a href="/mark/1-2.htm">Mark 1:2-4</a> As it is written in Isaiah the prophet: “Behold, I will send My messenger ahead of You, who will prepare Your way.” / “A voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for Him.’” / John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. <a href="/mark/6-14.htm">Mark 6:14-16</a> Now King Herod heard about this, for Jesus’ name had become well known, and people were saying, “John the Baptist has risen from the dead! That is why miraculous powers are at work in him.” / Others were saying, “He is Elijah,” and still others, “He is a prophet, like one of the prophets of old.” / But when Herod heard this, he said, “John, whom I beheaded, has risen from the dead!” <a href="/john/1-6.htm">John 1:6-7</a> There came a man who was sent from God. His name was John. / He came as a witness to testify about the Light, so that through him everyone might believe.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>THERE was in the days of Herod, the king of Judaea, a certain priest named Zacharias, of the course of Abia: and his wife was of the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elisabeth.Herod.<a href="/matthew/2-1.htm">Matthew 2:1</a> Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem,of the course.<a href="/1_chronicles/24-10.htm">1 Chronicles 24:10,19</a> The seventh to Hakkoz, the eighth to Abijah, … <a href="/nehemiah/12-4.htm">Nehemiah 12:4,17</a> Iddo, Ginnetho, Abijah, … Abijah.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/micah/6-4.htm">Aaron</a> <a href="/matthew/1-7.htm">Abia</a> <a href="/matthew/1-7.htm">Abijah</a> <a href="/matthew/1-7.htm">Abi'jah</a> <a href="/obadiah/1-20.htm">Belonged</a> <a href="/mark/8-27.htm">Belonging</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/23-11.htm">Class</a> <a href="/luke/1-3.htm">Course</a> <a href="/matthew/18-25.htm">Daughters</a> <a href="/jeremiah/33-21.htm">Descendant</a> <a href="/mark/15-24.htm">Division</a> <a href="/luke/1-57.htm">Elisabeth</a> <a href="/luke/1-57.htm">Elizabeth</a> <a href="/mark/12-21.htm">Family</a> <a href="/mark/8-15.htm">Herod</a> <a href="/mark/13-14.htm">Judaea</a> <a href="/mark/13-14.htm">Judea</a> <a href="/luke/1-3.htm">Order</a> <a href="/mark/14-66.htm">Priest</a> <a href="/isaiah/61-10.htm">Priestly</a> <a href="/luke/1-3.htm">Time</a> <a href="/mark/12-23.htm">Wife</a> <a href="/matthew/23-35.htm">Zacharias</a> <a href="/matthew/23-35.htm">Zechariah</a> <a href="/matthew/23-35.htm">Zechari'ah</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/acts/7-40.htm">Aaron</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/3-10.htm">Abia</a> <a href="/1_samuel/8-2.htm">Abijah</a> <a href="/1_samuel/8-2.htm">Abi'jah</a> <a href="/luke/2-3.htm">Belonged</a> <a href="/luke/2-37.htm">Belonging</a> <a href="/luke/1-8.htm">Class</a> <a href="/luke/1-8.htm">Course</a> <a href="/luke/23-28.htm">Daughters</a> <a href="/luke/1-27.htm">Descendant</a> <a href="/luke/1-8.htm">Division</a> <a href="/luke/1-7.htm">Elisabeth</a> <a href="/luke/1-7.htm">Elizabeth</a> <a href="/luke/1-27.htm">Family</a> <a href="/luke/3-1.htm">Herod</a> <a href="/luke/1-65.htm">Judaea</a> <a href="/luke/1-39.htm">Judea</a> <a href="/luke/1-8.htm">Order</a> <a href="/luke/1-8.htm">Priest</a> <a href="/luke/1-8.htm">Priestly</a> <a href="/luke/1-7.htm">Time</a> <a href="/luke/1-13.htm">Wife</a> <a href="/luke/1-12.htm">Zacharias</a> <a href="/luke/1-12.htm">Zechariah</a> <a href="/luke/1-12.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>In the time of Herod king of Judea This phrase sets the historical context for the events described. Herod the Great ruled Judea from 37 to 4 BC. Known for his extensive building projects, including the expansion of the Second Temple in Jerusalem, Herod was also infamous for his tyrannical rule and paranoia, which led to the execution of several family members. This period was marked by political tension and Roman influence over Judea, setting the stage for the coming of the Messiah as prophesied in the Old Testament.there was a priest named Zechariah Zechariah was a common name in Jewish history, meaning "Yahweh remembers." As a priest, Zechariah served in the Temple, performing sacred duties and rituals. The priesthood was a respected position, and priests were seen as mediators between God and the people. Zechariah's role highlights the continuity of God's covenant with Israel and the importance of the Temple in Jewish worship.who belonged to the priestly division of Abijah The division of Abijah was 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 that the duties of the Temple were shared among the descendants of Aaron. The mention of Abijah connects Zechariah to a long lineage of priests, emphasizing the fulfillment of God's promises through established religious structures.and whose wife Elizabeth was a descendant of Aaron Elizabeth's lineage as a descendant of Aaron, the brother of Moses and the first high priest, underscores her own priestly heritage. This connection to Aaron highlights the purity and legitimacy of John the Baptist's lineage, as both parents were from priestly lines. Elizabeth's name, meaning "God is my oath," reflects her faithfulness and the divine purpose in her life. The union of Zechariah and Elizabeth symbolizes the merging of priestly lines, setting the stage for the birth of John the Baptist, the forerunner of Christ.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/h/herod_king_of_judea.htm">Herod King of Judea</a> Herod the Great, a Roman-appointed king known for his extensive building projects and the expansion of the Second Temple in Jerusalem. His reign was marked by political cunning and brutality. 2. <a href="/topical/z/zechariah.htm">Zechariah</a> A Jewish priest serving in the temple, belonging to the division of Abijah. His role was significant in the religious life of Israel, performing duties in the temple as part of a rotating schedule. 3. <a href="/topical/p/priestly_division_of_abijah.htm">Priestly Division of Abijah</a> One of the 24 divisions of priests established by King David (<a href="/1_chronicles/24-10.htm">1 Chronicles 24:10</a>). Each division served in the temple for a week at a time, twice a year. 4. <a href="/topical/e/elizabeth.htm">Elizabeth</a> The wife of Zechariah, also of priestly lineage as a descendant of Aaron. Her heritage underscores the couple's deep roots in the religious traditions of Israel. 5. <a href="/topical/j/judea.htm">Judea</a> A region in the ancient Near East, significant as the location of Jerusalem and the center of Jewish worship and culture during the time of Jesus.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/f/faithfulness_in_service.htm">Faithfulness in Service</a> Zechariah and Elizabeth exemplify faithfulness in their service to God despite personal challenges, such as their initial childlessness. Believers are encouraged to remain steadfast in their duties and trust in God's timing. <a href="/topical/h/heritage_and_identity.htm">Heritage and Identity</a> The priestly lineage of both Zechariah and Elizabeth highlights the importance of spiritual heritage. Christians are reminded of their identity in Christ and the spiritual legacy they are called to uphold and pass on. <a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty_in_history.htm">God's Sovereignty in History</a> The mention of Herod and the priestly divisions situates the account within a specific historical context, reminding believers of God's sovereignty over history and His ability to work through political and religious structures. <a href="/topical/p/preparation_for_god's_work.htm">Preparation for God's Work</a> The lives of Zechariah and Elizabeth set the stage for the coming of John the Baptist, illustrating how God prepares His people for significant roles in His redemptive plan. Believers are encouraged to be open to God's preparation in their own lives.<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/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 href="/q/lessons_from_zechariah,_gabriel,_mary.htm">What lessons do Zechariah, Gabriel, and Mary teach us?</a> <a href="/q/what_is_st._jean_baptiste_day.htm">What is St. Jean Baptiste Day?</a> <a href="/q/who_was_elizabeth_in_the_bible.htm">Who was Elizabeth in the Bible?</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>(5) There was in the days of Herod.--The writer begins, as he had promised, with the first facts in the divine order of events. The two chapters that follow have every appearance of having been based originally on an independent document, and that probably a Hebrew one. On its probable sources, see Introduction. On Herod and this period of his reign, see Notes on <a href="/matthew/2-1.htm" title="Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem,">Matthew 2:1</a>.Zacharias.--The name (= "he who remembers Jehovah," or, perhaps, "he whom Jehovah remembers,") had been borne by many in the history of Israel, among others by the son of Jehoiada (<a href="/2_chronicles/24-20.htm" title="And the Spirit of God came on Zechariah the son of Jehoiada the priest, which stood above the people, and said to them, Thus said God, Why transgress you the commandments of the LORD, that you cannot prosper? because you have forsaken the LORD, he has also forsaken you.">2Chronicles 24:20</a>), and by the prophet of the return from the Babylonian Captivity.Of the course of Abia.--The Greek word so translated implies a system of rotation, each "set" or "course" of the priests serving from Sabbath to Sabbath. That named after Abia, or Abijah, appears in <a href="/1_chronicles/24-10.htm" title="The seventh to Hakkoz, the eighth to Abijah,">1Chronicles 24:10</a> as the eighth of the twenty-four courses into which the houses of Eleazar and Ithamar were divided by David. On the first return from the Captivity only four of these courses are mentioned as having come back to Jerusalem (<a href="/context/ezra/2-36.htm" title="The priests: the children of Jedaiah, of the house of Jeshua, nine hundred seventy and three.">Ezra 2:36-39</a>), and the name Abijah is not one of them. It appears, however, in later lists (<a href="/nehemiah/10-7.htm" title="Meshullam, Abijah, Mijamin,">Nehemiah 10:7</a>; <a href="/nehemiah/12-4.htm" title="Iddo, Ginnetho, Abijah,">Nehemiah 12:4</a>; <a href="/nehemiah/12-17.htm" title="Of Abijah, Zichri; of Miniamin, of Moadiah, Piltai:">Nehemiah 12:17</a>), and the four-and-twenty sets were probably soon re-organised. . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/luke/1.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 5 - chapter Luke 2:52. - THE GOSPEL OF THE INFANCY. The critical reader of the Gospel in the original Greek is here startled by the abrupt change in the style of writing. The first four verses, which constitute the introduction, are written in pure classical language; the sentences are balanced, almost with a rhythmical accuracy. They are the words evidently of a highly cultured mind, well versed in Greek thought. But in the fifth verse, where the history of the eventful period really begins, all is changed. The narrative flows on clearly with a certain picturesqueness of imagery; the style is simple, easy, vivid; but at once the reader is sensible that he has passed out of the region of Greek and Western thought. The language is evidently a close translation from some Hebrew original; the imagery is exclusively Jewish, and the thoughts belong to the story of the chosen people. It is clear that this section of St. Luke's writing, which ends, however, with chapter 2, is not derived from apostolic tradition, but is the result of his own investigation into the origin of the faith of Christ, gathered probably from the lips of the virgin mother herself, or from one of the holy women belonging to her kinsfolk who had been with her from the beginning of the wondrous events. St. Luke reproduced, as faithfully as he could in a strange tongue, the revelations - some perhaps written, some no doubt oral, communicated to him, we reverently believe, by the blessed mother of Jesus herself. The story of these two chapters is what St. Luke evidently alludes to when, in his short preface (verse 3), he writes of his "perfect understanding in all things from the very first (ἄνωθεν)." Verse 5-25. - The vision of Zacharias in the temple. Verse 5. - There was in the days of Herod, the King of Judaea. The Herod here alluded to was the one surnamed "the Great." The event here related took place towards the end of his reign. His dominions, besides Judaea, included Samaria, Galilee, and a large district of Peraea. This prince played a conspicuous part in the politics of his day. He was no Hebrew by birth, but an Idumaean, and he owed his position entirely to the favor of Rome, whose vassal he really was during his whole reign. The Roman senate had, on the recommendation of Antony and Octavius, granted to this prince the title of "King of Judaea." It was a strange, sad state of things. The land of promise was ruled over by an Idumaean adventurer, a creature of the great Italian Republic; the holy and beautiful house on Mount Zion was in the custody of an Edomite usurper; the high priest of the Mighty One of Jacob was raised up or deposed as the officials of Rome thought good. Truly the scepter had departed from Judah. A certain priest named Zacharias; usually spelt among the Hebrews, Zechariah; it means "Remembered of Jehovah," and was a favorite name among the chosen people. Of the course of Abia. Ἐφημερία (course) signified originally "a daily service." It was subsequently used for a group of priests who exercised their priestly functions in the temple for a week, and then gave place to another group. From Eleazar and Ithamar, the two surviving sons of the first high priest Aaron, had descended twenty-four families. Among these King David distributed by lot the various tabernacle (subsequently temple) services, each family group, or course, officiating for eight days - from sabbath to sabbath. From the Babylonish exile, of these twenty-four families only four returned. With the idea of reproducing as nearly as possible the old state of things, these four were subdivided into twenty-four, the twenty-four bearing the original family names, and this succession of courses continued in force until the fall of Jerusalem and the burning of the temple, A.D. 70. According to Josephus, Zacharias was especially distinguished by belonging to the first of the twenty-four courses, or families. Of the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elisabeth; identical with Elisheba, "One whose oath is to God." Both the husband and wife traced their lineage back to the first high priest - a coveted distinction in Israel. <a href="/commentaries/luke/1-5.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>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. the ταῖς (tais) Article - Dative Feminine Plural <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. time ἡμέραις (hēmerais) Noun - Dative Feminine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_2250.htm">Strong's 2250: </a> A day, the period from sunrise to sunset. of Herod Ἡρῴδου (Hērōdou) Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2264.htm">Strong's 2264: </a> Compound of heros and eidos; heroic; Herod, the name of four Jewish kings. king βασιλέως (basileōs) Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_935.htm">Strong's 935: </a> A king, ruler, but in some passages clearly to be translated: emperor. Probably from basis; a sovereign. of Judea, Ἰουδαίας (Ioudaias) Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2449.htm">Strong's 2449: </a> Judea, a Roman province, capital Jerusalem. Feminine of Ioudaios; the Judaean land, a region of Palestine. there was Ἐγένετο (Egeneto) Verb - Aorist Indicative Middle - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1096.htm">Strong's 1096: </a> A prolongation and middle voice form of a primary verb; to cause to be, i.e. to become, used with great latitude. a τις (tis) Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5100.htm">Strong's 5100: </a> Any one, some one, a certain one or thing. An enclitic indefinite pronoun; some or any person or object. priest ἱερεύς (hiereus) Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2409.htm">Strong's 2409: </a> A priest, one who offers sacrifice to a god (in Jewish and pagan religions; of Christians only met.). From hieros; a priest. named ὀνόματι (onomati) Noun - Dative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3686.htm">Strong's 3686: </a> Name, character, fame, reputation. From a presumed derivative of the base of ginosko; a 'name'. 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. who belonged to ἐξ (ex) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1537.htm">Strong's 1537: </a> From out, out from among, from, suggesting from the interior outwards. A primary preposition denoting origin, from, out. [the] priestly division ἐφημερίας (ephēmerias) Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2183.htm">Strong's 2183: </a> From ephemeros; diurnality, i.e. the quotidian rotation or class of the Jewish priests' service at the Temple, as distributed by families. of Abijah, Ἀβιά (Abia) Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_7.htm">Strong's 7: </a> Of Hebrew origin; Abijah, the name of two Israelites. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. [whose] αὐτῷ (autō) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative Masculine 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_846.htm">Strong's 846: </a> He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons. wife γυνὴ (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. Elizabeth Ἐλισάβετ (Elisabet) Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1665.htm">Strong's 1665: </a> Elizabeth, mother of John the Baptizer. Of Hebrew origin; Elisabet, an Israelitess. [was] ἐκ (ek) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1537.htm">Strong's 1537: </a> From out, out from among, from, suggesting from the interior outwards. A primary preposition denoting origin, from, out. a τῶν (tōn) Article - Genitive Feminine Plural <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. daughter θυγατέρων (thygaterōn) Noun - Genitive Feminine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_2364.htm">Strong's 2364: </a> Apparently a primary word; a female child, or descendant. of Aaron. Ἀαρών (Aarōn) Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2.htm">Strong's 2: </a> Aaron, son of Amram and Jochebed, brother of Moses. Of Hebrew origin; Aaron, the brother of Moses. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/luke/1-5.htm">Luke 1:5 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/luke/1-5.htm">Luke 1:5 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/luke/1-5.htm">Luke 1:5 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/luke/1-5.htm">Luke 1:5 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/luke/1-5.htm">Luke 1:5 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/luke/1-5.htm">Luke 1:5 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/luke/1-5.htm">Luke 1:5 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/luke/1-5.htm">Luke 1:5 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/luke/1-5.htm">Luke 1:5 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/luke/1-5.htm">Luke 1:5 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/luke/1-5.htm">NT Gospels: Luke 1:5 There was in the days of Herod (Luke Lu Lk) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/luke/1-4.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Luke 1:4"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Luke 1:4" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/luke/1-6.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Luke 1:6"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Luke 1:6" /></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>