Luke's prologue uniquely employs classical Greek historiographical conventions—using "καθεξῆς" (orderly sequence) and "ἀκριβῶς" (accurately)—making it the most formally structured historical preface in the New Testament.
Luke 1
Prologue to Luke's Gospel
1Since many have undertaken to set in order a narrative concerning those matters which have been fulfilled among us,
2even as those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and servants of the word delivered them to us,
3it seemed good to me also, having traced the course of all things accurately from the first, to write to you in order, most excellent Theophilus;
4that you might know the certainty concerning the things in which you were instructed.
The Annunciation to Zechariah
5There 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.
6They were both righteous before God, walking blamelessly in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord.
7But they had no child, because Elizabeth was barren, and they both were well advanced in years.
8Now while he executed the priest’s office before God in the order of his division
9according to the custom of the priest’s office, his lot was to enter into the temple of the Lord and burn incense.
10The whole multitude of the people were praying outside at the hour of incense.
11An angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing on the right side of the altar of incense.
12Zacharias was troubled when he saw him, and fear fell upon him.
13But the angel said to him, “Don’t be afraid, Zacharias, because your request has been heard. Your wife, Elizabeth, will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John.
14You will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth.
15For 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.
16He will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God.
17He will go before him in the spirit and power of Elijah, ‘to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children,’ and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to prepare a people prepared for the Lord.”
18Zacharias said to the angel, “How can I be sure of this? For I am an old man, and my wife is well advanced in years.”
19The angel answered him, “I am Gabriel, who stands in the presence of God. I was sent to speak to you and to bring you this good news.
20Behold, you will be silent and not able to speak until the day that these things will happen, because you didn’t believe my words, which will be fulfilled in their proper time.”
21The people were waiting for Zacharias, and they marveled that he delayed in the temple.
22When he came out, he could not speak to them. They perceived that he had seen a vision in the temple. He continued making signs to them, and remained mute.
23When the days of his service were fulfilled, he departed to his house.
24After these days Elizabeth his wife conceived, and she hid herself five months, saying,
25“Thus has the Lord done to me in the days in which he looked at me, to take away my reproach among men.”
The Annunciation to Mary
26Now in the sixth month, the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth,
27to a virgin pledged to be married to a man whose name was Joseph, of David’s house. The virgin’s name was Mary.
28Having come in, the angel said to her, “Rejoice, you highly favored one! The Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women!”
29But when she saw him, she was greatly troubled at the saying, and considered what kind of salutation this might be.
30The angel said to her, “Don’t be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God.
31Behold, you will conceive in your womb and give birth to a son, and shall name him ‘Jesus.’
32He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David,
33and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever. There will be no end to his Kingdom.”
34Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, seeing I am a virgin?”
35The angel answered her, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. Therefore also the holy one who is born from you will be called the Son of God.
36Behold, Elizabeth your relative also has conceived a son in her old age; and this is the sixth month with her who was called barren.
37For nothing spoken by God is impossible.”
38Mary said, “Behold, the servant of the Lord; let it be done to me according to your word.” Then the angel departed from her.
Mary's Visit to Elizabeth
39Mary arose in those days and went into the hill country with haste, into a city of Judah,
40and entered into the house of Zacharias and greeted Elizabeth.
41When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb; and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit.
42She called out with a loud voice and said, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb!
43Why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?
44For behold, when the voice of your greeting came into my ears, the baby leaped in my womb for joy!
45Blessed is she who believed, for there will be a fulfillment of the things which have been spoken to her from the Lord!”
46Mary said, “My soul magnifies the Lord.
47My spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior,
48for he has looked at the humble state of his servant. For behold, from now on, all generations will call me blessed.
49For he who is mighty has done great things for me. Holy is his name.
50His mercy is for generations and generations on those who fear him.
51He has shown strength with his arm. He has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts.
52He has put down princes from their thrones, and has exalted the lowly.
53He has filled the hungry with good things. He has sent the rich away empty.
54He has given help to Israel, his servant, that he might remember mercy,
55as he spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and his offspring forever.”
56Mary stayed with her about three months, and then returned to her house.
The Birth and Naming of John the Baptist
57Now the time that Elizabeth should give birth was fulfilled, and she gave birth to a son.
58Her neighbors and her relatives heard that the Lord had magnified his mercy toward her, and they rejoiced with her.
59On the eighth day, they came to circumcise the child; and they would have called him Zacharias, after the name of his father.
60His mother answered, “Not so; but he will be called John.”
61They said to her, “There is no one among your relatives who is called by this name.”
62They made signs to his father, what he would have him called.
63He asked for a writing tablet, and wrote, “His name is John.” They all marveled.
64His mouth was opened immediately and his tongue freed, and he spoke, blessing God.
65Fear came on all who lived around them, and all these sayings were talked about throughout all the hill country of Judea.
66All who heard them laid them up in their heart, saying, “What then will this child be?” The hand of the Lord was with him.
67His father Zacharias was filled with the Holy Spirit, and prophesied, saying,
68“Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel, for he has visited and redeemed his people;
69and has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David
70(as he spoke by the mouth of his holy prophets who have been from of old),
71salvation from our enemies and from the hand of all who hate us;
72to show mercy toward our fathers, to remember his holy covenant,
73the oath which he swore to Abraham our father,
74to grant to us that we, being delivered out of the hand of our enemies, should serve him without fear,
75in holiness and righteousness before him all the days of our life.
76And you, child, will be called a prophet of the Most High; for you will go before the face of the Lord to prepare his ways,
77to give knowledge of salvation to his people by the remission of their sins,
78because of the tender mercy of our God, by which the dawn from on high will visit us,
79to shine on those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death; to guide our feet into the way of peace.”
80The child was growing and becoming strong in spirit, and was in the desert until the day of his public appearance to Israel.
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Theme
Luke opens his Gospel with a formal prologue establishing his careful research and eyewitness sources before narrating the miraculous announcements of two births. The angel Gabriel appears first to the priest Zechariah, promising that his barren wife Elizabeth will bear John the Baptist, then to the virgin Mary, announcing she will conceive Jesus through the Holy Spirit. Mary's visit to Elizabeth results in mutual blessing and Mary's magnificent song of praise, while John's birth fulfills God's promise and inspires Zechariah's prophetic hymn about salvation.
Context
This opening chapter establishes the divine origins of both John the Baptist and Jesus before Luke proceeds to narrate Jesus' birth in chapter 2.
Key Themes
Outline
- 1-4 Luke's Prologue Luke explains his methodology and purpose in writing an orderly account for Theophilus
- 5-25 Gabriel's Announcement to Zechariah An angel promises the elderly, childless priest that Elizabeth will bear John the Baptist
- 26-38 Gabriel's Announcement to Mary The same angel tells Mary she will conceive Jesus as the Son of God through divine power
- 39-56 Mary Visits Elizabeth Elizabeth blesses Mary, whose unborn child leaps in her womb, prompting Mary's song of praise
- 57-80 Birth and Naming of John John's birth amazes the community and restores Zechariah's speech, leading to his prophetic blessing
Prologue to Luke's Gospel
1:1–1:4 gospel narration contemplative
Luke addresses Theophilus, explaining his careful investigation and orderly account of the events concerning Jesus. This prologue establishes the historical reliability and purpose of Luke's Gospel.
structural
Luke's prologue uniquely employs classical Greek historiographical conventions—using "καθεξῆς" (orderly sequence) and "ἀκριβῶς" (accurately)—making it the most formally structured historical preface in the New Testament.
The Annunciation to Zechariah
1:5–1:25 gospel narration solemn
The angel Gabriel announces to the priest Zechariah that his barren wife Elizabeth will bear John the Baptist. Zechariah's doubt results in temporary muteness until the prophecy is fulfilled.
person_contrast
Zechariah's transformation from temple priest performing ritual duties to prophetic figure receiving divine revelation mirrors Israel's transition from old covenant worship to messianic fulfillment.
The Annunciation to Mary
1:26–1:38 gospel dialogue hopeful
The angel Gabriel announces to Mary that she will conceive Jesus by the Holy Spirit. Mary accepts God's will with humble obedience, becoming the mother of the promised Messiah.
person_contrast
Gabriel's declaration "nothing will be impossible with God" (v. 37) directly echoes God's promise to Abraham about Sarah's conception, linking Mary's miraculous pregnancy to the foundational covenant narrative.
Mary's Visit to Elizabeth
1:39–1:56 gospel song joyful
Mary visits Elizabeth, who blesses her and the child she carries. Mary responds with the Magnificat, praising God for his mercy and faithfulness to Israel through her calling.
person_contrast
Mary's Magnificat contains more Old Testament allusions per verse than any other New Testament hymn, weaving together Hannah's song, the Psalms, and prophetic literature into a revolutionary manifesto.
The Birth and Naming of John the Baptist
1:57–1:80 narrative narration joyful
The birth and naming of John the Baptist, including Zacharias's prophetic song (Benedictus) praising God for salvation and mercy. The passage establishes John's prophetic calling to prepare the way for the Lord.
person_contrast
Zechariah's Benedictus uniquely positions John not merely as a forerunner but as covenant mediator, using temple language ("horn of salvation," "tender mercy") typically reserved for messianic figures.
Insights
Zechariah's transformation from temple priest performing ritual duties to prophetic figure receiving divine revelation mirrors Israel's transition from old covenant worship to messianic fulfillment.
Gabriel's declaration "nothing will be impossible with God" (v. 37) directly echoes God's promise to Abraham about Sarah's conception, linking Mary's miraculous pregnancy to the foundational covenant narrative.
Mary's Magnificat contains more Old Testament allusions per verse than any other New Testament hymn, weaving together Hannah's song, the Psalms, and prophetic literature into a revolutionary manifesto.
Zechariah's Benedictus uniquely positions John not merely as a forerunner but as covenant mediator, using temple language ("horn of salvation," "tender mercy") typically reserved for messianic figures.
Cross-References
Connected passages across Scripture
Luke 1:2 1 reference
Luke 1:5 5 references
Lexicals 5
Matthew 2:1 Lexical
Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of King Herod, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusale…
Mark 6:22 Lexical
When the daughter of Herodias herself came in and danced, she pleased Herod and those sitting with him. The king said to…
Mark 6:14 Lexical
King Herod heard this, for his name had become known, and he said, “John the Baptizer has risen from the dead, and there…
Acts 21:10 Lexical
As we stayed there some days, a certain prophet named Agabus came down from Judea.
Hebrews 7:11 Lexical
Now if perfection was through the Levitical priesthood (for under it the people have received the law), what further nee…
Luke 1:11 1 reference
Luke 1:12 1 reference
Luke 1:13 5 references
Lexicals 5
Matthew 1:20 Lexical
But when he thought about these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of…
Hebrews 11:23 Lexical
By faith Moses, when he was born, was hidden for three months by his parents, because they saw that he was a beautiful c…
Luke 3:2 Lexical
during the high priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the word of God came to John, the son of Zacharias, in the wilderness.
Hebrews 5:7 Lexical
He, in the days of his flesh, having offered up prayers and petitions with strong crying and tears to him who was able t…
Matthew 28:5 Lexical
The angel answered the women, “Don’t be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus, who has been crucified.
Luke 1:15 5 references
Lexicals 5
Revelation 14:10 Lexical
he also will drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is prepared unmixed in the cup of his anger. He will be tormen…
Revelation 16:19 Lexical
The great city was divided into three parts, and the cities of the nations fell. Babylon the great was remembered in the…
Acts 13:9 Lexical
But Saul, who is also called Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, fastened his eyes on him
Acts 4:31 Lexical
When they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were gathered together. They were all filled with the Holy Spirit,…
Acts 9:17 Lexical
Ananias departed and entered into the house. Laying his hands on him, he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord, who appeared to…
Luke 1:17 3 references
Lexicals 3
Acts 28:27 Lexical
For this people’s heart has grown callous. Their ears are dull of hearing. Their eyes they have closed. Lest they should…
Matthew 13:15 Lexical
for this people’s heart has grown callous, their ears are dull of hearing, and they have closed their eyes; or else perh…
1 Peter 3:4 Lexical
but from the hidden person of the heart, in the incorruptible adornment of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very prec…
Luke 1:19 1 reference
Luke 1:20 5 references
Lexicals 5
Luke 21:24 Lexical
They will fall by the edge of the sword, and will be led captive into all the nations. Jerusalem will be trampled down b…
Acts 13:11 Lexical
Now, behold, the hand of the Lord is on you, and you will be blind, not seeing the sun for a season!” Immediately a mist…
Mark 1:15 Lexical
and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and God’s Kingdom is at hand! Repent, and believe in the Good News.”
Hebrews 9:9 Lexical
This is a symbol of the present age, where gifts and sacrifices are offered that are incapable, concerning the conscienc…
Revelation 2:10 Lexical
Don’t be afraid of the things which you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison…
Luke 1:22 2 references
Luke 1:26 2 references
Luke 1:27 5 references
Lexicals 5
Matthew 1:18 Lexical
Now the birth of Jesus Christ was like this: After his mother, Mary, was engaged to Joseph, before they came together, s…
Matthew 1:20 Lexical
But when he thought about these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of…
Luke 2:4 Lexical
Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to David’s city, which is called Bethlehem, b…
Matthew 1:16 Lexical
Jacob became the father of Joseph, the husband of Mary, from whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ.
Luke 23:50 Lexical
Behold, there was a man named Joseph, who was a member of the council, a good and righteous man
Luke 1:30 3 references
Lexicals 3
Matthew 1:20 Lexical
But when he thought about these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of…
Luke 8:35 Lexical
People went out to see what had happened. They came to Jesus and found the man from whom the demons had gone out, sittin…
Acts 10:22 Lexical
They said, “Cornelius, a centurion, a righteous man and one who fears God, and well spoken of by all the nation of the J…
Luke 1:31 5 references
Lexicals 5
Matthew 1:23 Lexical
“Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and shall give birth to a son. They shall call his name Immanuel,” which is, be…
Matthew 1:21 Lexical
She shall give birth to a son. You shall name him Jesus, for it is he who shall save his people from their sins.”
Matthew 1:25 Lexical
and didn’t know her sexually until she had given birth to her firstborn son. He named him Jesus.
Luke 2:21 Lexical
When eight days were fulfilled for the circumcision of the child, his name was called Jesus, which was given by the ange…
Revelation 12:2 Lexical
She was with child. She cried out in pain, laboring to give birth.
Luke 1:32 5 references
Lexicals 5
Matthew 21:9 Lexical
The multitudes who went in front of him, and those who followed, kept shouting, “Hosanna to the son of David! Blessed is…
Mark 11:10 Lexical
Blessed is the kingdom of our father David that is coming in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!”
John 4:12 Lexical
Are you greater than our father Jacob, who gave us the well and drank from it himself, as did his children and his lives…
Mark 5:7 Lexical
and crying out with a loud voice, he said, “What have I to do with you, Jesus, you Son of the Most High God? I adjure yo…
Luke 8:28 Lexical
When he saw Jesus, he cried out and fell down before him, and with a loud voice said, “What do I have to do with you, Je…
Luke 1:35 5 references
Lexicals 5
Matthew 1:20 Lexical
But when he thought about these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of…
Acts 1:8 Lexical
But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you. You will be witnesses to me in Jerusalem, in all Jude…
Hebrews 3:7 Lexical
Therefore, even as the Holy Spirit says, “Today if you will hear his voice,
1 Corinthians 12:3 Lexical
Therefore I make known to you that no man speaking by God’s Spirit says, “Jesus is accursed.” No one can say, “Jesus is…
Hebrews 1:5 Lexical
For to which of the angels did he say at any time, “You are my Son. Today I have become your father?” and again, “I will…
Luke 1:38 2 references
Luke 1:39 1 reference
Luke 1:41 5 references
Lexicals 5
Acts 13:9 Lexical
But Saul, who is also called Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, fastened his eyes on him
Acts 4:31 Lexical
When they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were gathered together. They were all filled with the Holy Spirit,…
Acts 9:17 Lexical
Ananias departed and entered into the house. Laying his hands on him, he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord, who appeared to…
Acts 2:4 Lexical
They were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other languages, as the Spirit gave them the ability t…
Acts 4:8 Lexical
Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, “You rulers of the people and elders of Israel,
Luke 1:48 1 reference
Luke 1:53 3 references
Lexicals 3
Luke 6:25 Lexical
Woe to you, you who are full now, for you will be hungry. Woe to you who laugh now, for you will mourn and weep.
Luke 20:10 Lexical
At the proper season, he sent a servant to the farmers to collect his share of the fruit of the vineyard. But the farmer…
Luke 20:11 Lexical
He sent yet another servant, and they also beat him and treated him shamefully, and sent him away empty.
Luke 1:55 3 references
Lexicals 3
Romans 4:16 Lexical
For this cause it is of faith, that it may be according to grace, to the end that the promise may be sure to all the off…
Acts 3:25 Lexical
You are the children of the prophets, and of the covenant which God made with our fathers, saying to Abraham, ‘All the f…
John 6:58 Lexical
This is the bread which came down out of heaven—not as our fathers ate the manna and died. He who eats this bread will l…
Luke 1:56 2 references
Luke 1:59 2 references
Luke 1:65 2 references
Luke 1:67 5 references
Lexicals 5
Acts 2:4 Lexical
They were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other languages, as the Spirit gave them the ability t…
Acts 4:8 Lexical
Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, “You rulers of the people and elders of Israel,
Acts 13:9 Lexical
But Saul, who is also called Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, fastened his eyes on him
Acts 4:31 Lexical
When they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were gathered together. They were all filled with the Holy Spirit,…
Acts 9:17 Lexical
Ananias departed and entered into the house. Laying his hands on him, he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord, who appeared to…
Luke 1:70 2 references
Luke 1:73 3 references
Lexicals 3
Hebrews 6:16 Lexical
For men indeed swear by a greater one, and in every dispute of theirs the oath is final for confirmation.
James 5:12 Lexical
But above all things, my brothers, don’t swear—not by heaven, or by the earth, or by any other oath; but let your “yes”…
Acts 2:30 Lexical
Therefore, being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him that of the fruit of his body, according…
Luke 1:75 1 reference
Luke 1:76 2 references
Luke 1:77 1 reference
Luke 1:79 1 reference
Luke 1:80 2 references
Interlinear
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Lemma
Morphology
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Theological Significance
Translation Notes
Key Passages
Historical Context
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