American King James Version - AKJV - 1999
Luke 1
1
For as much as many have taken in hand to set forth in order a declaration of those things which are most surely believed among us,
Reference
Faith
John 20:31
2
Even as they delivered them to us, which from the beginning were eyewitnesses, and ministers of the word;
Reference
Parallel theme
Hebrews 2:3
Mark 1:1
Acts 4:20
Acts 1:3
Witness
John 15:27
Acts 26:16
2 Peter 1:16
1 Peter 5:1
Acts 1:8
Luke 24:48
3
It seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first, to write to you in order, most excellent Theophilus,
Reference
People
Good
Acts 15:25
Acts 15:28
Ecclesiastes 12:9
Parallel theme
Acts 1:1
Acts 26:25
Acts 23:26
Acts 24:3
Acts 11:4
Acts 15:19
Luke 1:1
5
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.
Reference
People
Kingdom
Matthew 2:1
Parallel theme
1 Chronicles 24:10
1 Chronicles 24:19
Nehemiah 12:17
Nehemiah 12:4
6
And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless.
Reference
Parallel theme
1 Kings 9:4
References God
Genesis 17:1
Acts 24:16
1 Thessalonians 3:13
Philippians 2:15
Job 1:1
Job 1:8
Righteousness
Genesis 7:1
7
And they had no child, because that Elisabeth was barren, and they both were now well stricken in years.
Reference
8
And it came to pass, that while he executed the priest's office before God in the order of his course,
Reference
Parallel theme
2 Chronicles 31:2
Luke 1:5
Exodus 29:9
Exodus 28:1
Exodus 28:41
Exodus 29:1
Exodus 29:44
Exodus 30:30
References God
1 Chronicles 24:19
2 Chronicles 8:14
9
According to the custom of the priest's office, his lot was to burn incense when he went into the temple of the Lord.
Reference
11
And there appeared to him an angel of the Lord standing on the right side of the altar of incense.
Reference
References Lord
Judges 13:3
13
But the angel said to him, Fear not, Zacharias: for your prayer is heard; and your wife Elisabeth shall bear you a son, and you shall call his name John.
Reference
Parallel theme
1 Samuel 2:21
Psalm 113:9
Genesis 25:21
Luke 2:21
Psalm 118:21
Genesis 18:14
Matthew 14:27
Genesis 17:19
Isaiah 8:3
Prayer
Acts 10:31
15
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.
Reference
Holy
Jeremiah 1:5
Acts 2:4
Parallel theme
Galatians 1:15
Luke 7:33
1 Chronicles 17:8
Psalm 22:9
1 Chronicles 29:12
References Lord
Joshua 4:14
Joshua 3:7
Spirit
Ephesians 5:18
16
And many of the children of Israel shall he turn to the Lord their God.
Reference
Parallel theme
Matthew 21:32
Daniel 12:3
References Israel
Isaiah 49:6
References Lord
Luke 1:76
Malachi 3:1
17
And he shall go before him in the spirit and power of Elias, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.
Reference
Parallel theme
Matthew 11:14
John 3:28
Revelation 20:4
Colossians 1:12
1 Peter 2:9
References Lord
Luke 1:76
1 Chronicles 29:18
Psalm 111:10
Spirit
Psalm 78:8
Isaiah 29:24
18
And Zacharias said to the angel, Whereby shall I know this? for I am an old man, and my wife well stricken in years.
Reference
19
And the angel answering said to him, I am Gabriel, that stand in the presence of God; and am sent to speak to you, and to show you these glad tidings.
Reference
20
And, behold, you shall be dumb, and not able to speak, until the day that these things shall be performed, because you believe not my words, which shall be fulfilled in their season.
Reference
21
And the people waited for Zacharias, and marveled that he tarried so long in the temple.
22
And when he came out, he could not speak to them: and they perceived that he had seen a vision in the temple: for he beckoned to them, and remained speechless.
Reference
Parallel theme
Luke 1:62
23
And it came to pass, that, as soon as the days of his ministration were accomplished, he departed to his own house.
Reference
Parallel theme
1 Chronicles 9:25
24
And after those days his wife Elisabeth conceived, and hid herself five months, saying,
25
Thus has the Lord dealt with me in the days wherein he looked on me, to take away my reproach among men.
Reference
26
And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee, named Nazareth,
Reference
27
To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin's name was Mary.
Reference
28
And the angel came in to her, and said, Hail, you that are highly favored, the Lord is with you: blessed are you among women.
Reference
Blessing
Luke 1:42
Judges 5:24
Parallel theme
Luke 1:30
Ephesians 1:6
Acts 18:10
Isaiah 43:5
Matthew 12:48
References Lord
Daniel 10:19
Judges 6:12
Hosea 14:2
29
And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be.
Reference
30
And the angel said to her, Fear not, Mary: for you have found favor with God.
Reference
Parallel theme
Luke 1:13
Matthew 14:27
Luke 12:32
Isaiah 41:14
Isaiah 44:2
Matthew 28:5
Hebrews 13:6
References God
Romans 8:31
Isaiah 41:10
Acts 27:24
31
And, behold, you shall conceive in your womb, and bring forth a son, and shall call his name JESUS.
Reference
Parallel theme
Isaiah 7:14
Matthew 1:23
Galatians 4:4
Luke 1:13
Luke 1:27
References Jesus
Matthew 1:21
Matthew 1:25
Luke 2:21
32
He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give to him the throne of his father David:
Reference
Parallel theme
Matthew 28:18
2 Samuel 7:16
References David
Isaiah 16:5
Revelation 3:7
References God
Luke 1:35
Mark 5:7
Acts 2:30
Romans 1:4
References Lord
Psalm 132:11
Luke 1:76
33
And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.
Reference
Kingdom
Daniel 2:44
Hebrews 1:8
Daniel 7:27
2 Samuel 7:16
Revelation 11:15
Psalm 45:6
Micah 4:7
Daniel 7:18
Parallel theme
Matthew 28:18
Galatians 3:29
34
Then said Mary to the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man?
35
And the angel answered and said to her, The Holy Ghost shall come on you, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow you: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of you shall be called the Son of God.
Reference
Holy
Matthew 1:18
Matthew 1:20
Romans 1:4
Mark 1:24
Parallel theme
Hebrews 4:15
Luke 1:27
Acts 8:36
References God
John 1:49
John 1:34
Matthew 27:54
36
And, behold, your cousin Elisabeth, she has also conceived a son in her old age: and this is the sixth month with her, who was called barren.
37
For with God nothing shall be impossible.
Reference
Parallel theme
Genesis 18:14
Numbers 11:23
Philippians 3:21
Zechariah 8:6
Job 13:2
References God
Matthew 19:26
Jeremiah 32:27
Mark 10:27
Jeremiah 32:17
Luke 18:27
38
And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it to me according to your word. And the angel departed from her.
Reference
39
And Mary arose in those days, and went into the hill country with haste, into a city of Juda;
Reference
Parallel theme
Luke 1:65
40
And entered into the house of Zacharias, and saluted Elisabeth.
41
And it came to pass, that, when Elisabeth heard the salutation of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elisabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost:
Reference
Holy
Luke 1:67
Luke 1:15
Acts 4:8
Acts 2:4
Acts 7:55
Acts 6:3
Parallel theme
Luke 1:44
Psalm 22:10
Genesis 25:22
Spirit
Revelation 1:10
42
And she spoke out with a loud voice, and said, Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb.
Reference
44
For, see, as soon as the voice of your salutation sounded in my ears, the babe leaped in my womb for joy.
45
And blessed is she that believed: for there shall be a performance of those things which were told her from the Lord.
Reference
46
And Mary said, My soul does magnify the Lord,
Reference
Parallel theme
2 Corinthians 2:14
1 Peter 1:8
Philippians 3:3
References Lord
Psalm 35:9
Isaiah 61:10
1 Corinthians 1:31
Isaiah 45:25
Romans 5:11
Philippians 4:4
48
For he has regarded the low estate of his handmaiden: for, behold, from now on all generations shall call me blessed.
Reference
Blessing
Malachi 3:12
Luke 11:27
Luke 1:28
Genesis 30:13
Luke 1:42
Parallel theme
Psalm 138:6
1 Samuel 1:11
Psalm 136:23
Isaiah 66:2
1 Samuel 2:8
50
And his mercy is on them that fear him from generation to generation.
Reference
Grace
Exodus 20:6
Psalm 118:4
Psalm 103:11
Psalm 147:11
Parallel theme
Genesis 17:7
Psalm 145:19
Psalm 31:19
Psalm 115:13
Revelation 19:5
Psalm 85:9
51
He has showed strength with his arm; he has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts.
Reference
52
He has put down the mighty from their seats, and exalted them of low degree.
Reference
Parallel theme
Ezekiel 17:24
James 4:10
Luke 18:14
Ecclesiastes 4:14
1 Samuel 2:4
Amos 9:11
Mark 6:3
56
And Mary stayed with her about three months, and returned to her own house.
57
Now Elisabeth's full time came that she should be delivered; and she brought forth a son.
58
And her neighbors and her cousins heard how the Lord had showed great mercy on her; and they rejoiced with her.
Reference
59
And it came to pass, that on the eighth day they came to circumcise the child; and they called him Zacharias, after the name of his father.
Reference
61
And they said to her, There is none of your kindred that is called by this name.
62
And they made signs to his father, how he would have him called.
Reference
Parallel theme
Luke 1:22
63
And he asked for a writing table, and wrote, saying, His name is John. And they marveled all.
Reference
64
And his mouth was opened immediately, and his tongue loosed, and he spoke, and praised God.
Reference
Parallel theme
Luke 1:20
Jeremiah 1:9
Ezekiel 33:22
Matthew 9:33
References God
Ezekiel 3:27
Resurrection
Psalm 51:15
Isaiah 12:1
65
And fear came on all that dwelled round about them: and all these sayings were noised abroad throughout all the hill country of Judaea.
Reference
66
And all they that heard them laid them up in their hearts, saying, What manner of child shall this be! And the hand of the Lord was with him.
Reference
68
Blessed be the Lord God of Israel; for he has visited and redeemed his people,
Reference
Blessing
Psalm 106:48
Psalm 41:13
1 Kings 1:48
Ephesians 1:3
1 Chronicles 29:20
Redemption
Psalm 111:9
Luke 2:38
Ephesians 1:7
References God
Luke 7:16
References Lord
Exodus 4:31
69
And has raised up an horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David;
Reference
Parallel theme
Ezekiel 29:21
1 Samuel 2:10
Psalm 89:17
References David
Mark 11:10
Revelation 22:16
Psalm 89:3
Resurrection
Amos 9:11
Salvation
Psalm 18:2
2 Samuel 22:3
1 Samuel 2:1
71
That we should be saved from our enemies, and from the hand of all that hate us;
Reference
Parallel theme
Ezekiel 34:28
Jeremiah 32:37
Luke 1:74
Ezekiel 34:25
Salvation
Psalm 106:10
Jeremiah 23:6
Deuteronomy 33:29
72
To perform the mercy promised to our fathers, and to remember his holy covenant;
Reference
Covenant
Psalm 106:45
Leviticus 26:42
Ezekiel 16:60
Grace
Micah 7:20
Parallel theme
Romans 11:28
Genesis 26:4
Genesis 28:14
74
That he would grant to us, that we being delivered out of the hand of our enemies might serve him without fear,
Reference
Parallel theme
2 Timothy 1:7
Hebrews 9:14
Revelation 2:10
Hebrews 2:15
Romans 8:15
Luke 1:71
Isaiah 45:17
75
In holiness and righteousness before him, all the days of our life.
Reference
Holy
2 Timothy 1:9
Ephesians 1:4
1 Thessalonians 4:7
Parallel theme
Ephesians 2:10
Righteousness
Ephesians 4:24
76
And you, child, shall be called the prophet of the Highest: for you shall go before the face of the Lord to prepare his ways;
Reference
Parallel theme
Acts 16:17
Luke 1:35
Prophecy
Matthew 3:3
Matthew 14:5
John 1:23
Mark 11:32
References Lord
Malachi 3:1
Luke 1:32
77
To give knowledge of salvation to his people by the remission of their sins,
Reference
Parallel theme
John 1:34
Salvation
Acts 5:31
Luke 3:6
Sin
Acts 10:43
Acts 2:38
Acts 3:19
John 1:29
Luke 3:3
Jeremiah 31:34
Ephesians 1:7
78
Through the tender mercy of our God; whereby the dayspring from on high has visited us,
Reference
Parallel theme
2 Peter 1:19
Malachi 4:2
Ephesians 5:14
Numbers 24:17
Philippians 2:1
Revelation 22:16
Isaiah 11:1
Zechariah 6:12
References God
Colossians 3:12
1 John 3:17
Summary of Luke 1
Luke 1 begins with the author explaining that he has carefully investigated the events surrounding Jesus and intends to provide an orderly account so that Theophilus can have confidence in the teaching he has received, establishing the Gospel as a carefully arranged narrative grounded in testimony from eyewitnesses and early Christian messengers.
The story then moves to the final years of Herod the Great's reign, approximately 37–4 BC, when Zechariah, an elderly priest, is serving in the Jerusalem Temple with his wife Elizabeth, a faithful woman who has never been able to have children.
During Zechariah's Temple service, the angel Gabriel appears and announces that Elizabeth will have a son named John who will become a great servant of God, prepare Israel for the Lord, and minister in the spirit and power associated with the prophet Elijah.
Zechariah struggles to believe the announcement because both he and Elizabeth are elderly, and as a sign of the certainty of God's promise, he becomes unable to speak until the child is born.
Six months into Elizabeth's pregnancy, Gabriel appears to Mary, a young virgin in Nazareth who is engaged to Joseph, a descendant of David, and announces that she will conceive a son named Jesus who will be called the Son of the Most High and will receive the throne of David.
Mary asks how this can happen because she is a virgin, and Gabriel explains that the Holy Spirit will come upon her and God's power will overshadow her, while also telling her that Elizabeth, despite her age and previous infertility, is already six months pregnant.
Mary responds with humble faith, accepting God's will, and then travels to Judea to visit Elizabeth, whose unborn child leaps when Mary arrives and whose response is described as being inspired by the Holy Spirit.
Mary then delivers the beautiful song traditionally called the Magnificat, praising God for remembering His humble servant, showing mercy to generations of faithful people, bringing down the proud and powerful, lifting up the humble, feeding the hungry, and remaining faithful to His ancient covenant with Israel.
The song connects the coming birth of Jesus with God's long history of dealing with Israel, particularly His promises to Abraham and David, showing that the events occurring in Mary's life are understood as part of a much larger story that stretches back many centuries.
After remaining with Elizabeth for about three months, Mary returns home, and Elizabeth gives birth to John, whose birth causes great joy throughout the surrounding community.
On the eighth day, John is circumcised according to Jewish covenant practice, and although the relatives expect him to be named after his father, Elizabeth insists that his name must be John, following the angel's earlier instruction.
When Zechariah confirms the name in writing, his ability to speak immediately returns, and he begins praising God, demonstrating that the sign given to him at the Temple has been fulfilled.
Zechariah then delivers a prophetic song known as the Benedictus, praising God for remembering His covenant, raising up salvation through the house of David, showing mercy to Israel, and fulfilling promises that had been spoken through the prophets.
He then turns his attention to his newborn son and explains that John will become the prophet of the Most High who goes before the Lord to prepare His ways, teach people about salvation through forgiveness, and guide people from darkness toward peace.
The chapter concludes by saying that John grows and becomes strong in spirit while living in the wilderness until the appropriate time for him to appear publicly to Israel.
The historical setting is especially important because Luke deliberately places these events within recognizable political and religious circumstances, beginning during the reign of Herod the Great, whose rule over Judea lasted approximately 37–4 BC, and situating the story within the Jerusalem Temple, Jewish priestly traditions, Galilean villages, and the Judean countryside.
The chapter also establishes a remarkable connection between John and Jesus, because John's miraculous conception occurs first, Gabriel announces that John will prepare the way for the Lord, and Elizabeth's unborn child responds to Mary's presence before either child has been born.
At the same time, Luke presents Mary and Zechariah as contrasting examples of responses to God's announcement, because Zechariah initially struggles to believe the angel's promise while Mary responds with humble acceptance despite facing circumstances that are equally extraordinary.
The chapter repeatedly emphasizes that God's actions are connected to promises made many generations earlier, particularly the promises associated with Abraham, David, Israel's covenant, and the prophets, creating a bridge between the Old Testament story and the coming ministry of Jesus.
Luke 1 ultimately presents the births of John and Jesus as the beginning of a divinely directed new chapter in Israel's history, where God's ancient promises, prophetic expectations, covenant faithfulness, and saving purposes converge through two miraculous births, with John appointed to prepare the way and Jesus identified from before His birth as the promised Davidic King and Son of the Most High.
The story then moves to the final years of Herod the Great's reign, approximately 37–4 BC, when Zechariah, an elderly priest, is serving in the Jerusalem Temple with his wife Elizabeth, a faithful woman who has never been able to have children.
During Zechariah's Temple service, the angel Gabriel appears and announces that Elizabeth will have a son named John who will become a great servant of God, prepare Israel for the Lord, and minister in the spirit and power associated with the prophet Elijah.
Zechariah struggles to believe the announcement because both he and Elizabeth are elderly, and as a sign of the certainty of God's promise, he becomes unable to speak until the child is born.
Six months into Elizabeth's pregnancy, Gabriel appears to Mary, a young virgin in Nazareth who is engaged to Joseph, a descendant of David, and announces that she will conceive a son named Jesus who will be called the Son of the Most High and will receive the throne of David.
Mary asks how this can happen because she is a virgin, and Gabriel explains that the Holy Spirit will come upon her and God's power will overshadow her, while also telling her that Elizabeth, despite her age and previous infertility, is already six months pregnant.
Mary responds with humble faith, accepting God's will, and then travels to Judea to visit Elizabeth, whose unborn child leaps when Mary arrives and whose response is described as being inspired by the Holy Spirit.
Mary then delivers the beautiful song traditionally called the Magnificat, praising God for remembering His humble servant, showing mercy to generations of faithful people, bringing down the proud and powerful, lifting up the humble, feeding the hungry, and remaining faithful to His ancient covenant with Israel.
The song connects the coming birth of Jesus with God's long history of dealing with Israel, particularly His promises to Abraham and David, showing that the events occurring in Mary's life are understood as part of a much larger story that stretches back many centuries.
After remaining with Elizabeth for about three months, Mary returns home, and Elizabeth gives birth to John, whose birth causes great joy throughout the surrounding community.
On the eighth day, John is circumcised according to Jewish covenant practice, and although the relatives expect him to be named after his father, Elizabeth insists that his name must be John, following the angel's earlier instruction.
When Zechariah confirms the name in writing, his ability to speak immediately returns, and he begins praising God, demonstrating that the sign given to him at the Temple has been fulfilled.
Zechariah then delivers a prophetic song known as the Benedictus, praising God for remembering His covenant, raising up salvation through the house of David, showing mercy to Israel, and fulfilling promises that had been spoken through the prophets.
He then turns his attention to his newborn son and explains that John will become the prophet of the Most High who goes before the Lord to prepare His ways, teach people about salvation through forgiveness, and guide people from darkness toward peace.
The chapter concludes by saying that John grows and becomes strong in spirit while living in the wilderness until the appropriate time for him to appear publicly to Israel.
The historical setting is especially important because Luke deliberately places these events within recognizable political and religious circumstances, beginning during the reign of Herod the Great, whose rule over Judea lasted approximately 37–4 BC, and situating the story within the Jerusalem Temple, Jewish priestly traditions, Galilean villages, and the Judean countryside.
The chapter also establishes a remarkable connection between John and Jesus, because John's miraculous conception occurs first, Gabriel announces that John will prepare the way for the Lord, and Elizabeth's unborn child responds to Mary's presence before either child has been born.
At the same time, Luke presents Mary and Zechariah as contrasting examples of responses to God's announcement, because Zechariah initially struggles to believe the angel's promise while Mary responds with humble acceptance despite facing circumstances that are equally extraordinary.
The chapter repeatedly emphasizes that God's actions are connected to promises made many generations earlier, particularly the promises associated with Abraham, David, Israel's covenant, and the prophets, creating a bridge between the Old Testament story and the coming ministry of Jesus.
Luke 1 ultimately presents the births of John and Jesus as the beginning of a divinely directed new chapter in Israel's history, where God's ancient promises, prophetic expectations, covenant faithfulness, and saving purposes converge through two miraculous births, with John appointed to prepare the way and Jesus identified from before His birth as the promised Davidic King and Son of the Most High.