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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 1:15 for he will be great in the sight of the Lord. He shall never take wine or strong drink, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit even from his mother's womb.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/luke/1-15.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/17/42_Luk_01_15.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Luke 1:15 - Gabriel Foretells John's Birth" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="for he will be great in the sight of the Lord. 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He is never to take wine or other fermented drink, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit even before he is born. <a href="/nlt/luke/1.htm">New Living Translation</a> for he will be great in the eyes of the Lord. He must never touch wine or other alcoholic drinks. He will be filled with the Holy Spirit, even before his birth. <a href="/esv/luke/1.htm">English Standard Version</a> for he will be great before the Lord. And he must not drink wine or strong drink, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mother’s womb. <a href="/bsb/luke/1.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> for he will be great in the sight of the Lord. He shall never take wine or strong drink, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit even from his mother’s womb. <a href="/blb/luke/1.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> For he will be great before the Lord. And he shall never drink wine and strong drink, and he will be full of the Holy Spirit even from his mother's womb. <a href="/kjv/luke/1.htm">King James Bible</a> For he shall be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink; and he shall be filled with the Holy Ghost, even from his mother's womb. <a href="/nkjv/luke/1.htm">New King James Version</a> For he will be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink. He will also be filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mother’s womb. <a href="/nasb_/luke/1.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> For he will be great in the sight of the Lord; and he will drink no wine or liquor, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit while still in his mother’s womb. <a href="/nasb/luke/1.htm">NASB 1995</a> &#8220For he will be great in the sight of the Lord; and he will drink no wine or liquor, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit while yet in his mother&#8217s womb. <a href="/nasb77/luke/1.htm">NASB 1977 </a> “For he will be great in the sight of the Lord, and he will drink no wine or liquor; and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit, while yet in his mother’s womb. <a href="/lsb/luke/1.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> For he will be great in the sight of the Lord; and HE WILL NOT DRINK ANY WINE OR STRONG DRINK, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit while yet in his mother’s womb. <a href="/amp/luke/1.htm">Amplified Bible</a> for he will be great and distinguished in the sight of the Lord; and will never drink wine or liquor, and he will be filled with and empowered to act by the Holy Spirit while still in his mother’s womb. <a href="/csb/luke/1.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> For he will be great in the sight of the Lord and will never drink wine or beer. He will be filled with the Holy Spirit while still in his mother’s womb. <a href="/hcsb/luke/1.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> For he will be great in the sight of the Lord and will never drink wine or beer. He will be filled with the Holy Spirit while still in his mother&#8217s womb. <a href="/asv/luke/1.htm">American Standard Version</a> For he shall be great in the sight of the Lord, and he shall drink no wine nor strong drink; and he shall be filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mother's womb. <a href="/cev/luke/1.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Your son will be a great servant of the Lord. He must never drink wine or beer, and the power of the Holy Spirit will be with him from the time he is born. <a href="/erv/luke/1.htm">English Revised Version</a> For he shall be great in the sight of the Lord, and he shall drink no wine nor strong drink; and he shall be filled with the Holy Ghost, even from his mother's womb. <a href="/gwt/luke/1.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> As far as the Lord is concerned, he will be a great man. He will never drink wine or any other liquor. He will be filled with the Holy Spirit even before he is born. <a href="/gnt/luke/1.htm">Good News Translation</a> John will be great in the Lord's sight. He must not drink any wine or strong drink. From his very birth he will be filled with the Holy Spirit, <a href="/isv/luke/1.htm">International Standard Version</a> because he will be great in the Lord's presence. He will never drink wine or any strong drink, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit even before he is born. <a href="/msb/luke/1.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> for he will be great in the sight of the Lord. He shall never take wine or strong drink, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit even from his mother’s womb. <a href="/net/luke/1.htm">NET Bible</a> for he will be great in the sight of the Lord. He must never drink wine or strong drink, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit, even before his birth. <a href="/nheb/luke/1.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> For he will be great in the sight of the Lord, and he will drink no wine nor strong drink. He will be filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mother's womb. <a href="/wbt/luke/1.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> For he shall be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink; and he shall be filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mother's womb. <a href="/wey/luke/1.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> For he will be great in the sight of the Lord; no wine or fermented drink shall he ever drink; but he will be filled with the Holy Spirit from the very hour of his birth. <a href="/web/luke/1.htm">World English Bible</a> For he will be great in the sight of the Lord, and he will drink no wine nor strong drink. He will be filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mother’s womb. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/luke/1.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> for he will be great before the LORD, and wine and strong drink he may not drink, and he will be full of the Holy Spirit, even from his mother’s womb; <a href="/blb/luke/1.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> For he will be great before the Lord. And he shall never drink wine and strong drink, and he will be full of the Holy Spirit even from his mother's womb. <a href="/ylt/luke/1.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> for he shall be great before the Lord, and wine and strong drink he may not drink, and of the Holy Spirit he shall be full, even from his mother's womb; <a href="/slt/luke/1.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> For he shall be great before the Lord, and wine and fermented liquor he should not drink; and with the Holy Spirit shall he be filled, even from his mother's womb.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/luke/1.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> For he shall be great before the Lord; and shall drink no wine nor strong drink: and he shall be filled with the Holy Ghost, even from his mother's womb. <a href="/cpdv/luke/1.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> For he will be great in the sight of the Lord, and he will not drink wine or strong drink, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mother’s womb. <a href="/nabre/luke/1.htm">New American Bible</a> for he will be great in the sight of [the] Lord. He will drink neither wine nor strong drink. He will be filled with the holy Spirit even from his mother’s womb, <a href="/nrsvce/luke/1.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> for he will be great in the sight of the Lord. He must never drink wine or strong drink; even before his birth he will be filled with the Holy Spirit.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/luke/1.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> For he will be great before the Lord, and he will not drink wine and strong drink; and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit, while he is still in the womb of his mother. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/luke/1.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> “He will be great before THE LORD JEHOVAH, and he will not drink wine or strong drink, and he will be filled with The Spirit of Holiness while he is in the womb of his mother.”<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/luke/1.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> For he shall be great before the Lord; and he shall drink neither wine nor strong drink; and he shall be filled with the Holy Spirit even from his mother's womb. <a href="/godbey/luke/1.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> For he shall be great before the Lord; and he shall not drink wine and strong drink; and he shall be filled with the Holy Ghost even from the womb of his mother. <a href="/haweis/luke/1.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> for he shall be great in the sight of the Lord; and he shall never drink wine, nor any intoxicating liquor; and he shall be filled with the Holy Ghost, even from his mother鈥檚 womb. <a href="/mace/luke/1.htm">Mace New Testament</a> he shall appear as a divine messenger, he shall drink neither wine, nor any other strong liquor: he shall be filled with the holy spirit, even from his infancy: <a href="/wey/luke/1.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> For he will be great in the sight of the Lord; no wine or fermented drink shall he ever drink; but he will be filled with the Holy Spirit from the very hour of his birth. <a href="/worrell/luke/1.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> for he will be great before the Lord; and he will drink no wine nor strong drink; and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mother's womb. <a href="/worsley/luke/1.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> and he shall drink neither wine nor any other strong liquor; and he shall be filled with the holy Spirit even from his birth; <a href="/parallel/luke/1-15.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/3-5_0Jtd9Lc?start=113" 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> …14He will be a joy and delight to you, and many will rejoice at his birth, 15<a href="/greek/1063.htm" title="1063: gar (Conj) -- For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason.">for</a> <a href="/greek/1510.htm" title="1510: estai (V-FIM-3S) -- I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.">he will be</a> <a href="/greek/3173.htm" title="3173: megas (Adj-NMS) -- Large, great, in the widest sense. ">great</a> <a href="/greek/1799.htm" title="1799: enōpion (Prep) -- Neuter of a compound of en and a derivative of optanomai; in the face of.">in the sight</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.">of the</a> <a href="/greek/2962.htm" title="2962: Kyriou (N-GMS) -- Lord, master, sir; the Lord. From kuros; supreme in authority, i.e. controller; by implication, Master.">Lord.</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. "></a> <a href="/greek/3756.htm" title="3756: ou (Adv) -- No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not."></a> <a href="/greek/3361.htm" title="3361: mē (Adv) -- Not, lest. A primary particle of qualified negation; not, lest; also (whereas ou expects an affirmative one) whether."></a> <a href="/greek/4095.htm" title="4095: piē (V-ASA-3S) -- To drink, imbibe. A prolonged form of pio, which poo occurs only as an alternate in certain tenses; to imbibe.">He shall never take</a> <a href="/greek/3631.htm" title="3631: oinon (N-AMS) -- Wine. A primary word (yayin); wine.">wine</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">or</a> <a href="/greek/4608.htm" title="4608: sikera (N-ANS) -- Intoxicating drink. Of Hebrew origin; an intoxicant, i.e. Intensely fermented liquor.">strong drink,</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/4130.htm" title="4130: plēsthēsetai (V-FIP-3S) -- To fill, fulfill, complete. A prolonged form of a primary pleo to fill (imbue, influence, supply); specially, to fulfil.">he will be filled</a> <a href="/greek/40.htm" title="40: Hagiou (Adj-GNS) -- Set apart by (or for) God, holy, sacred. From hagos; sacred.">with the Holy</a> <a href="/greek/4151.htm" title="4151: Pneumatos (N-GNS) -- Wind, breath, spirit. ">Spirit</a> <a href="/greek/2089.htm" title="2089: eti (Adv) -- (a) of time: still, yet, even now, (b) of degree: even, further, more, in addition. Perhaps akin to etos; yet, still.">even</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.">from</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.">his</a> <a href="/greek/3384.htm" title="3384: mētros (N-GFS) -- A mother. Apparently a primary word; a mother.">mother’s</a> <a href="/greek/2836.htm" title="2836: koilias (N-GFS) -- From koilos; a cavity, i.e. the abdomen; by implication, the matrix; figuratively, the heart.">womb.</a> 16Many of the sons of Israel he will turn back to the Lord their God.…<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/11-11.htm">Matthew 11:11</a> Truly I tell you, among those born of women there has risen no one greater than John the Baptist. Yet even the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. <a href="/john/1-15.htm">John 1:15</a> John testified concerning Him. He cried out, saying, “This is He of whom I said, ‘He who comes after me has surpassed me because He was before me.’” <a href="/acts/2-4.htm">Acts 2:4</a> And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them. <a href="/ephesians/5-18.htm">Ephesians 5:18</a> Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to reckless indiscretion. Instead, be filled with the Spirit. <a href="/galatians/1-15.htm">Galatians 1:15</a> But when God, who set me apart from my mother’s womb and called me by His grace, was pleased <a href="/jeremiah/1-5.htm">Jeremiah 1:5</a> “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I set you apart and appointed you as a prophet to the nations.” <a href="/judges/13-4.htm">Judges 13:4-5</a> Now please be careful not to drink wine or strong drink, and not to eat anything unclean. / For behold, you will conceive and give birth to a son. And no razor shall touch his head, because the boy will be a Nazirite to God from the womb, and he will begin the deliverance of Israel from the hand of the Philistines.” <a href="/numbers/6-2.htm">Numbers 6:2-3</a> “Speak to the Israelites and tell them that if a man or woman makes a special vow, the vow of a Nazirite, to separate himself to the LORD, / he is to abstain from wine and strong drink. He must not drink vinegar made from wine or strong drink, and he must not drink any grape juice or eat fresh grapes or raisins. <a href="/isaiah/44-2.htm">Isaiah 44:2</a> This is the word of the LORD, your Maker, who formed you from the womb and who will help you: “Do not be afraid, O Jacob My servant, Jeshurun, whom I have chosen. <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="/acts/13-24.htm">Acts 13:24</a> Before the arrival of Jesus, John preached a baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel. <a href="/matthew/3-4.htm">Matthew 3:4</a> John wore a garment of camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist. His food was locusts and wild honey. <a href="/john/3-29.htm">John 3:29-30</a> The bride belongs to the bridegroom. The friend of the bridegroom stands and listens for him, and is overjoyed to hear the bridegroom’s voice. That joy is mine, and it is now complete. / He must increase; I must decrease. <a href="/luke/7-28.htm">Luke 7:28</a> I tell you, among those born of women there is no one greater than John, yet even the least in the kingdom of God is greater than he.” <a href="/acts/4-8.htm">Acts 4:8</a> Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, “Rulers and elders of the people!</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>For he shall be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink; and he shall be filled with the Holy Ghost, even from his mother's womb.great.<a href="/luke/7-28.htm">Luke 7:28</a> For I say unto you, Among those that are born of women there is not a greater prophet than John the Baptist: but he that is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he.<a href="/genesis/12-2.htm">Genesis 12:2</a> And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing:<a href="/genesis/48-19.htm">Genesis 48:19</a> And his father refused, and said, I know it, my son, I know it: he also shall become a people, and he also shall be great: but truly his younger brother shall be greater than he, and his seed shall become a multitude of nations.and shall.<a href="/luke/7-33.htm">Luke 7:33</a> For John the Baptist came neither eating bread nor drinking wine; and ye say, He hath a devil.<a href="/numbers/6-2.htm">Numbers 6:2-4</a> Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, When either man or woman shall separate themselves to vow a vow of a Nazarite, to separate themselves unto the LORD: … <a href="/judges/13-4.htm">Judges 13:4-6</a> Now therefore beware, I pray thee, and drink not wine nor strong drink, and eat not any unclean thing: … filled.<a href="/zechariah/9-15.htm">Zechariah 9:15</a> The LORD of hosts shall defend them; and they shall devour, and subdue with sling stones; and they shall drink, and make a noise as through wine; and they shall be filled like bowls, and as the corners of the altar.<a href="/acts/2-4.htm">Acts 2:4,14-18</a> And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance… <a href="/ephesians/5-18.htm">Ephesians 5:18</a> And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;even.<a href="/psalms/22-9.htm">Psalm 22:9</a> But thou art he that took me out of the womb: thou didst make me hope when I was upon my mother's breasts.<a href="/jeremiah/1-5.htm">Jeremiah 1:5</a> Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations.<a href="/galatians/1-15.htm">Galatians 1:15</a> But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother's womb, and called me by his grace,<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/luke/1-14.htm">Birth</a> <a href="/mark/16-18.htm">Drink</a> <a href="/luke/1-6.htm">Eyes</a> <a href="/isaiah/30-24.htm">Fermented</a> <a href="/mark/15-36.htm">Filled</a> <a href="/luke/1-1.htm">Full</a> <a href="/mark/15-39.htm">Ghost</a> <a href="/luke/1-14.htm">Great</a> <a href="/mark/14-61.htm">Holy</a> <a href="/luke/1-10.htm">Hour</a> <a href="/numbers/6-3.htm">Liquor</a> <a href="/matthew/19-12.htm">Mother's</a> <a href="/luke/1-6.htm">Sight</a> <a href="/mark/15-39.htm">Spirit</a> <a href="/mark/12-1.htm">Strong</a> <a href="/mark/15-36.htm">Wine</a> <a href="/matthew/19-12.htm">Womb</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/luke/1-31.htm">Birth</a> <a href="/luke/5-30.htm">Drink</a> <a href="/luke/1-24.htm">Eyes</a> <a href="/exodus/12-19.htm">Fermented</a> <a href="/luke/1-41.htm">Filled</a> <a href="/luke/1-53.htm">Full</a> <a href="/luke/1-35.htm">Ghost</a> <a href="/luke/1-16.htm">Great</a> <a href="/luke/1-35.htm">Holy</a> <a href="/luke/1-48.htm">Hour</a> <a href="/numbers/6-3.htm">Liquor</a> <a href="/luke/2-23.htm">Mother's</a> <a href="/luke/2-31.htm">Sight</a> <a href="/luke/1-17.htm">Spirit</a> <a href="/luke/1-49.htm">Strong</a> <a href="/luke/5-37.htm">Wine</a> <a href="/luke/1-31.htm">Womb</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> <script type="text/javascript"> </script> <script type="text/javascript" src="//pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js"> </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading"><a href="/study/luke/1.htm">Berean Study Bible</a></div>For he will be great in the sight of the Lord This phrase sets the stage for understanding the divine favor and purpose bestowed upon John the Baptist even before his birth. The Greek word for "great" is "μέγας" (megas), which implies not just physical stature but moral and spiritual significance. In the biblical context, greatness is often associated with one's role in God's plan rather than worldly achievements. The phrase "in the sight of the Lord" emphasizes that true greatness is measured by God's standards, not human ones. This aligns with the conservative Christian view that our lives should be lived with an eternal perspective, seeking to fulfill God's purpose.He shall never take wine or strong drink This part of the verse indicates a Nazirite vow, a special consecration to God described in <a href="/numbers/6.htm">Numbers 6:1-21</a>. The Greek word for "wine" is "οἶνος" (oinos), and "strong drink" is "σίκερα" (sikera), referring to any fermented drink. Abstaining from these substances was a sign of dedication and separation for God's service. Historically, Nazirites were set apart for specific missions, and this vow was a symbol of purity and devotion. For conservative Christians, this can be seen as a call to live a life of holiness and self-control, avoiding anything that might hinder one's spiritual mission.And he will be filled with the Holy Spirit even from his mother’s womb The phrase "filled with the Holy Spirit" is significant, as it indicates that John the Baptist was empowered by God from the very beginning of his life. The Greek word for "filled" is "πλησθήσεται" (plēsthēsetai), suggesting a complete and ongoing influence of the Holy Spirit. This is a unique aspect of John's life, highlighting his prophetic role in preparing the way for Jesus. The mention of "even from his mother’s womb" underscores the divine orchestration of John's life and mission. In a conservative Christian perspective, this speaks to the sanctity of life and the belief that God has a purpose for each person even before birth. It also serves as a reminder of the importance of being open to the Holy Spirit's guidance in fulfilling God's calling.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/luke/1.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(15) And shall drink neither wine nor strong drink.--The child now promised was to grow up as a Nazarite (<a href="/numbers/6-4.htm" title="All the days of his separation shall he eat nothing that is made of the vine tree, from the kernels even to the husk.">Numbers 6:4</a>), and to keep that vow all his life, as the representative of the ascetic, the "separated," form (this is the meaning of the term) of a consecrated life. He was to be what Samson had been (<a href="/judges/13-4.htm" title="Now therefore beware, I pray you, and drink not wine nor strong drink, and eat not any unclean thing:">Judges 13:4</a>), and probably Samuel also (<a href="/1_samuel/1-11.htm" title="And she vowed a vow, and said, O LORD of hosts, if you will indeed look on the affliction of your handmaid, and remember me, and not forget your handmaid, but will give to your handmaid a man child, then I will give him to the LORD all the days of his life, and there shall no razor come on his head.">1Samuel 1:11</a>), and the house of Jonadab the son of Rechab (<a href="/jeremiah/35-6.htm" title="But they said, We will drink no wine: for Jonadab the son of Rechab our father commanded us, saying, You shall drink no wine, neither you, nor your sons for ever:">Jeremiah 35:6</a>). The close connection between the Nazarite and the prophetic life is seen in <a href="/context/amos/2-11.htm" title="And I raised up of your sons for prophets, and of your young men for Nazarites. Is it not even thus, O you children of Israel? said the LORD.">Amos 2:11-12</a>. The absence of the lower form of stimulation implied the capacity for the higher enthusiasm which was the gift of God. The same contrast is seen in St. Paul's words, "Be not drunk with wine, but be filled with the Spirit (<a href="/ephesians/5-18.htm" title="And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;">Ephesians 5:18</a>). . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/luke/1.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 15. - Great in the sight of the Lord. To the pious old Jewish priest the strange visitant's words would bear a deep signification. Zacharias would quickly catch the angel's thoughts. His son was not to be the Messiah of the people's hope, but was to be like one of those great ones loved of God, of whom the women of Israel sang on their solemn feast-days - one like Samson, only purer, or Samuel, or the yet greater Elijah. Could all this deep joy be true? Shall drink neither wine. The old curse then as now. God's heroes must be free from even the semblance of temptation. They must stamp their high lives, from the beginning, by the solemn vow of self-denial and abstinence. It is remarkable how many of the great deliverers and teachers of the chosen people were commanded from childhood to enroll themselves among the abstainers from all strong drink. Nor strong drink. The word δεήσις includes all kinds of fermented drink except that made from the grape; it was especially applied to palm wine. <a href="/commentaries/luke/1-15.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>for γὰρ (gar) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_1063.htm">Strong's 1063: </a> For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason. he will be ἔσται (estai) Verb - Future Indicative Middle - 3rd 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. great μέγας (megas) Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3173.htm">Strong's 3173: </a> Large, great, in the widest sense. in the sight ἐνώπιον (enōpion) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1799.htm">Strong's 1799: </a> Neuter of a compound of en and a derivative of optanomai; in the face of. of the τοῦ (tou) Article - Genitive 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. Lord. Κυρίου (Kyriou) Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2962.htm">Strong's 2962: </a> Lord, master, sir; the Lord. From kuros; supreme in authority, i.e. controller; by implication, Master. He shall never take πίῃ (piē) Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4095.htm">Strong's 4095: </a> To drink, imbibe. A prolonged form of pio, which poo occurs only as an alternate in certain tenses; to imbibe. wine οἶνον (oinon) Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3631.htm">Strong's 3631: </a> Wine. A primary word (yayin); 'wine'. [or] καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. strong drink, σίκερα (sikera) Noun - Accusative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4608.htm">Strong's 4608: </a> Intoxicating drink. Of Hebrew origin; an intoxicant, i.e. Intensely fermented liquor. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. he will be filled πλησθήσεται (plēsthēsetai) Verb - Future Indicative Passive - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4130.htm">Strong's 4130: </a> To fill, fulfill, complete. A prolonged form of a primary pleo to 'fill' (imbue, influence, supply); specially, to fulfil. [with the] Holy Ἁγίου (Hagiou) Adjective - Genitive Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_40.htm">Strong's 40: </a> Set apart by (or for) God, holy, sacred. From hagos; sacred. Spirit Πνεύματος (Pneumatos) Noun - Genitive Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4151.htm">Strong's 4151: </a> Wind, breath, spirit. even ἔτι (eti) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_2089.htm">Strong's 2089: </a> (a) of time: still, yet, even now, (b) of degree: even, further, more, in addition. Perhaps akin to etos; 'yet, ' still. from 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. his αὐτοῦ (autou) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 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. mother’s μητρὸς (mētros) Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3384.htm">Strong's 3384: </a> A mother. Apparently a primary word; a 'mother'. womb. κοιλίας (koilias) Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2836.htm">Strong's 2836: </a> From koilos; a cavity, i.e. the abdomen; by implication, the matrix; figuratively, the heart. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/luke/1-15.htm">Luke 1:15 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/luke/1-15.htm">Luke 1:15 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/luke/1-15.htm">Luke 1:15 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/luke/1-15.htm">Luke 1:15 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/luke/1-15.htm">Luke 1:15 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/luke/1-15.htm">Luke 1:15 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/luke/1-15.htm">Luke 1:15 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/luke/1-15.htm">Luke 1:15 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/luke/1-15.htm">Luke 1:15 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/luke/1-15.htm">Luke 1:15 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/luke/1-15.htm">NT Gospels: Luke 1:15 For he will be great (Luke Lu Lk) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/luke/1-14.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Luke 1:14"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Luke 1:14" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/luke/1-16.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Luke 1:16"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Luke 1:16" /></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>