Forasmuch as = Since, as is well known indeed. Greek. epeideper. Occurs only here in N.T.
have in hand. Implying previous non = success ([ Act 19:13]). Elsewhere only in [ Act 9:29]. A medical word. Compare [ Col 4:14].
to set forth in order = to draw up.
a declaration = a narrative. Greek. diegesis. Occurs only here in N.T., used by Galen of a medical treatise.
of = concerning. Greek. peri. App-104. Not the same word as in verses: [ Luk 1:5], [ Luk 1:27], [ Luk 1:35], [ Luk 5:61].
things = matters, or facts.
which are most surely believed = which have been fully accomplished; i.e. in fulfilment of prophetic announcement. among. Greek. en. App-104. As in verses: [ Luk 1:25], [ Luk 1:28], [ Luk 1:42]
from. Greek apo. App-104.
from the beginning. Greek. ap’ arches; i.e. from the birth or ministry of the Lord. Compare [ Joh 15:27]. [ Act 1:1], [ Act 1:21], [ Act 1:22].
were = became.
eyewitnesses. Greek autoptai. Occurs only here. Not the same word as in [ 2Pe 1:16]. A medical word ([ Col 4:14]). Compare our autopsy.
ministers = attendants. A technical word, often translated "officer".
having had perfect understanding = having followed up accurately.
all. The 1611 edition of the Authorized Version omitted this "all".
from the very first = from above. Greek. anothen. As in [ Mat 27:51] (the top, [ Mar 15:38]). [ Joh 3:3], [ Joh 3:7] (again), [ Joh 3:31] (from above); [ Luk 19:11], [ Luk 19:23]. [ Jas 1:17]; [ Jas 3:1], [ Jas 3:17]. It may mean from the beginning, as in [ Act 26:5], but there is no need to introduce that meaning here, as it is already in [ Luk 1:2]. Moreover, havingunderstood them "from above", he necessarily understood them from the very beginning, as well as perfectly, or accurately. The greater includes the less.
in order = with method. most excellent. A title of social degree, not of moral quality. See [ Act 23:26]; [ Act 26:25].
Theophilus. A common Roman name = beloved of God.
That = in order that.
mightest know = get to have full knowledge. Greek. epiginosko.) App-132. Not the same word as in verses: [ Luk 1:18], [ Luk 1:34].
things = words.
wherein = concerning (Greek. peri. App-104.) which.
thou hast been instructed = thou wast [orally]
taught. Greek. katecheo. See [ Act 18:25]. [ 1Co 14:19]. [ Gal 1:6], [ Gal 1:6].
There was = There came to be. A Hebraism, Compare [ Luk 1:8], and see on [ Luk 2:1].
in. Greek en. App-104. Not the same word as in verses: [ Luk 1:15], [ Luk 1:20], [ Luk 1:44-47].
in the days. A Hebraism. See [ Mat 2:1]. Compare [ Est 1:1].
Herod. See App-109.
the king. This title had been conferred by the Roman Senate on the recommendation of Antony and Octavius.
of = out of. Greek. ek, App-104.
Abia is named in [ 1Ch 24:10], and [ Neh 12:17]. Out of the four who returned from Babylon twenty-four courses were formed (by lot) with the original names. See App-179.
the daughters of Aaron. The female descendants of Aaron always married priests
Elisabeth. Aaron’s wife, Elisheba ([ Exo 6:23])is spelled Elizabethin the Septuagint.
before. The Texts read enantion, not enopion (= in the presence of, as [ Luk 1:19]). Both are found in the Papyri in this sense.
God. App-98.
ordinances = legal requirements. Greek. Plural of dlkaioma, which should always be so rendered in its other nine occurrences ([ Rom 1:32]; [ Rom 2:26]
; [ Luk 5:16], [ Luk 5:18]; [ Luk 8:4]; [ Heb 9:1], [ Heb 9:10]; [ Rev 15:4]; [ Rev 19:8]). Compare [ Num 36:13]. Sometimes rendered "judgments" ([ Exo 21:1]; [ Exo 24:3]), where LXX has dikaioma.
the LORD. Must here and elsewhere be often rendered Jehovah. See App-98. A. b.
no. Greek. ou. App-106.
child. Greek. teknon. See App-108.
because that = inasmuch as.
well stricken = advanced.
it came to pass. A Hebraism. See note on [ Luk 1:5].
while he executed, &c. = in (Greek. en. App-104.) executing. Greek. hierateuo, to act as a priest. Not peculiar to Biblical Greek, but found often in the Papyri.
According to. Greek. kata. App-104.
his lot was = it fell to him by lot.
to burn incense. Greek. thumiao. Occurs only here in N.T. incense. The first recorded use of incense by man began in disobedience ([ Num 16:6]), and the last ended in unbelief ([ Luk 1:20]),
when he went = going.
into. Greek eis. App-104.
the Temple = The Naos, or Shrine; i.e. "the Holy Place". Not
hieron (the Temple courts). See note on [ Mat 23:1], [ Mat 23:8].
praying. See App-134.
at the time = at the hour. This was the signal.
appeared. App-106. an angel. For the frequent references to angels in Luke, see [ Luk 1:26]; [ Luk 2:9], [ Luk 2:13], [ Luk 2:21]; [ Luk 12:8]; [ Luk 15:10]; [ Luk 16:22]; [ Luk 22:43]; [ Luk 24:4], [ Luk 24:23]. Also frequently in Acts.
on = at. Greek ek. App-104.
the right side = the propitious side. Compare [ Mat 25:33]. [ Mar 16:5]. [ Joh 21:6].
the altar of incense. See [ Exo 30:1-10]; [ Exo 37:25-28]. [ 1Ki 7:48]
saw. Greek. eidon. App-138.
upon. Greek. epi. App-104. As in [ Luk 1:35]. Not the same word as in [ Luk 1:58].
unto = to. Greek. pros. App-104. Not the same word as in [ Luk 1:26].
not. Greek. me. App-105. As in verses: [ Luk 1:20], [ Luk 1:30], not as in verses: [ Luk 1:20], [ Luk 1:22], [ Luk 1:34].
for = because.
prayer = a definite petition.
is heard = was heard: i.e. not now, or recently. Evidently the prayer for offspring, which was now no longer offered.
bear thee = bring forth to thee.
John = Jehovah sheweth favour.
joy and gladness. Figure of speech Hendiadys (App-6) = joy, yea exultant joy.
at = upon[the occasion of]. Greek. epi. App-104., as in [ Luk 1:29].
birth = bringing forth. Greek gennao, used of the mother. See note on [ Mat 1:2].
in the sight of = before.
See note on "before", [ Luk 1:6].
shall drink neither = shallin no wise (Greek. ou me. App-105.) drink,
strong drink. Greek. sikera, any intoxicating drink not from grapes.
shall be filled. Verbs of filling take the Genitive of what the person or vessel is filled with. See App-101. note. Here pneuma hagion is in the Genitive case.
the Holy Ghost = holy spirit. Greek pneuma hagion, or "power from on high". See App-101.
from. Greek ek. App-104. i.e. before birth. Compare [ Luk 1:44].
children = sons. See App-108.
to = towards. Greek. epi. App-104.
Lord. Greek. kurios. App-98.
go = goforth.
the spirit and power. Figure of speech Hendiadys (App-6) = the
spirit = yea, the powerful spirit ([ Mal 4:5]).
Elias = Elijah.
to turn, &c. Reference to [ Mal 3:1] with [ Mal 4:5], [ Mal 4:6].
See App-107.
disobedient = unbelieving. to = in. Greek. en. App-104.
wisdom. Greek. phronesis (not sophia) = understanding. Occurs only here, and [ Eph 1:8] = the product of Sophia. See notes on [ Job 28:28]; [ Job 40:4].
Whereby = According to (Greek. kata, as in [ Luk 1:9]) what [sign].
know = get to know. Greek. ginosko. App-182.
for I am an old man. To Zechariah the promise seemed to come too late; to Mary ([ Luk 1:34])too early.
answering said. See note on [ Deu 1:41].
Gabriel = the mighty man of God. The messanger of the restoration ([ Luk 1:26]; [ Dan 8:16]; [ Dan 9:21]), as Michael is the messanger of Israel’s delieverance from judgement ([ Dan 10:13], [ Dan 10:21]; [ Dan 12:1]. [ Jud 1:9]; and [ Rev 12:7]). Probably two of the seven angels of [ Rev 1:4]; [ Rev 3:1]; [ Rev 4:5]; [ Rev 5:6]; [ Rev 8:2], [ Rev 8:6]; [ Rev 15:1], [ Rev 15:6], [ Rev 15:7], [ Rev 15:8]; [ Rev 16:1]; [ Rev 17:1]; [ Rev 21:9].
in the presence. Same as "before", [ Luk 1:6].
am = was
shew = announce.
behold. Figure of speech Asterismos. App-6.
thou shalt be dumb. The finite Verb and Participle denote continuous silence.
be performed = come to pass.
believest not = didst not believe. App-150. Note the Negative.
not. Greek. ou. App-105.
which = which are of a kind which. Greek. hoitines, denoting a class, or kind of words.
in = up to. Greek eis. App-104. Marking the process continuing up to the end.
waited for = were looking for. The finite Verb and Participle denoting protracted waiting.
marvelled. Because such waiting was usually short.
speak: i.e. pronounce the usual blessing ([ Num 6:24]).
perceived = clearly perceived, or recognised. Greek. epiginosko. App-132.
had seen. Greek. horao. App-133.
beckoned = kept making signs.
days = week.
ministration = public service. Greek leitourgia. Hence Eng. "liturgy".
to = unto. Greek. eis. App-104.
after. Greek. meta. App-104.
conceived. Greek. sullambano. A medical word, used in this sense in Luke and in [ Jas 1:15]. See App-179.
hid = completely secluded. Probably to avoid all possibility of uncleanness, as in [ Jdg 13:4], [ Jdg 13:5], [ Jdg 13:7], =[ Jdg 13:1214]. Occurs only here in N.T.
saying = saying that (Greek. hoti); giving the words.
looked on. Greek. epeidon. App-133. Occurs only in Luke here, and [ Act 4:29].
to take away my reproach. Compare [ Gen 30:23]. [ 1Sa 1:6-10]. [ Hos 9:14]. Contrast [ Luk 23:29].
the sixth month. After the vision of Zachariah.
This (Compare [ Luk 1:36]) is the passage which gives John’s age as six months older than the Lord’s. See App-179.
from. Greek. hupo. App-104.
unto. Greek. eis. App-104. Galilee. One of the four Roman divisions of Palestine, comprising Zebulun, Naphtali, and Asher. Compare [ Mat 4:13].
Nazareth. Now enNazirah.
Aram. See App-94. See on [ Mat 2:23].
To. Greek. pros. App-104.
virgin. This settles the meaning of the Hebrew `almah in [ Isa 7:14]. There is no question about the Greek parthenos.
espoused = betrothed. A year before marriage. See [ Mat 1:18].
man = husband. Greek. aner. App-123.
Mary = the Hebrew Miriam. [ Exo 15:20]. See App-100.
Hail. See note on [ Mat 26:49]
thou that art highly favoured = [thou] having been graced [by God] = endued with grace. Occurs only here, and [ Eph 1:6] = accepted through grace. "Grace" does not occur in Matthew or Mark.
with = in association with. Greek. meta. App-104. Not the same word as in verses: [ Luk 30:37], [ Luk 30:51], [ Luk 30:56].
blessed . . . women. Omitted by T [Tr. ] A WH R. Probably brought here from [ Luk 1:42], where it is unquestioned.
when she saw him. Omitted by all
the texts. cast in her mind = beganto reason, or was reasoning. Imperfect Tense.
found. Put by Figure of speech Synecdoche (of Species), App-6, for "received".
favour = grace: which is favourthe unworthy, as patience is favour to the obstinate, as mercy is favour to the miserable, as pity is favour to the poor, &c.
with = from. Greek. para. App-104.
thou shalt conceive : i.e. forthwith conceive. The Tense marks a future action, the beginning of which in relation to future time is past, but the consequences of which still continue.
and. Note the Figure of speech Polysyndeton in verses: [ Luk 31:32], emphasizing each detail. Note the four statements of the angel, combining the four key = texts of the four Gospels shown in the Inter-relation of the Four Gospels:
Thou shalt . . . bring forth a Son: "Behold the Man".
Thou shalt call His name Jesus: " Behold My Servant".
He shall be great . . . the Son of the Highest ([ Luk 1:32])
: " Behold your God".
He shall reign, &c. ([ Luk 1:33])
: " Behold thy King".
JESUS. See note on [ Mat 1:21] and App-48and App-98. X.
He shall be great, &c. Marks the break in the Dispensations, verses: [ Luk 1:32], [ Luk 1:33] being yet future.
the Highest = the Most High. Greek hupsiatos. Occurs seven times in Luke ([ Luk 1:32], [ Luk 1:35], [ Luk 1:76]; [ Luk 2:14] (plural); [ Luk 6:35]; [ Luk 8:28]; [ Luk 19:38] (plural); and twice in Acts ([ Luk 7:48]; [ Luk 16:17]). Else. where, only four times ([ Mat 21:9] (plural) [ Mar 5:7]; [ Mar 11:10] (plural); and [ Heb 7:1]).
over. Greek. epi. App-104.
Jacob. Put for all the natural seed of the twelve tribes.
for = unto. Greek eis. App-104.
for ever = unto the ages. See App-151. More Reading, see [ Psa 45:6]. [ Dan 7:13], [ Dan 7:14], [ Dan 7:27]. [ Mic 4:7]. [ 1Co 15:24-26]. [ Heb 1:8]. [ Rev 11:16].
seeing, &c. = since, &c. Mary’s answer shows how she understood the angel’s promise. She does not question the fact, as Zacharias did ([ Luk 1:18]), but only inquires as to the mode. To Mary the promise seems too early, to Zacharias too late.
know = come to know. Greek. ginosko. App-132.
shall overshadow. Compare [ Exo 33:22]. [ Mar 9:7].
therefore = wherefore.
that holy Thing. See [ Heb 7:26]. [ 1Pe 2:22], and note on [ Mat 27:4].
the Son of God = God’s Son. App-98.
cousin = kinswoman.
she hath also conceived = she also hath conceived.
nothing = not (Greek. ou. App-105) any word. Greek. rhema. See note on [ Mar 9:32].
Behold. Greek idou. App-133.
handmaid = bondmaid.
word. See note on [ Luk 1:37]. Same word.
entered. A detail, to emphasize the fact, by which she recognized the truth of the sign of [ Luk 1:36].
leaped. Greek. skirtao. Only used in N.T. here, [ Luk 1:44], and [ Luk 6:23]. Compare [ Gen 25:22]. Septuagint has the same word.
spake out = cried out. Greek. anaphoneo. Occurs only here. A medical word. See [ Col 4:14].
to. Greek. pros. App-104.
lo. Figure of speech Asterismos. App-6.
sounded in = came into.
for joy = in (Greek. en. App-104.) exultation.
blessed = happy. Not the same word as in [ Luk 1:42].
performance = fulfilment. from. Greek para. App-104.
Mary. From a common practice of transcribers in replacing a pronoun by the corresponding proper noun, or name, some have thought that this hymn is a continuation of Elisabeth’s words. And the Structure favours this idea. But there is no MS. evidence for it.
My soul = Imyself. For emphasis. See App-110.
my spirit. See App-101.
rejoiced = exulted.
in. Greek. epi. App-104.
God my Saviour. Note the Article = the God [Who is] the Saviour [of me]. See Septuagint [ Deu 82:15]. [ Psa 24:6]
; [ Luk 25:5]; [ Luk 95:1].
regarded = looked (Greek. epiblepo. App-133.)
upon (Greek. epi. App-104.) See [ Jas 2:3], and compare [ 1Sa 1:11]. [ Psa 33:14]; [ Psa 119:132] (Septuagint).
He That is mighty = the Mighty One.
His name. See note on [ Psa 20:1].
mercy = pity. Greek. eleos. See verses: [ Luk 1:54], [ Luk 1:58], [ Luk 1:72], [ Luk 54:78]. Not the same word as in [ Luk 1:30].
fear = reverence.
from generation, &c. = unto (Greek. eis. App-104.) generations of generations.
with. Greek. en. App-104.
His arm. Figure of speech Anthrapopatheia. App-6. Compare [ Isa 52:10]; [ Isa 59:1], [ Isa 59:16].
put down the mighty. Amaziah ([ 2Ki 14:10]); Uzziah ([ 2Ch 26:16]); Nebuchadnezzar ([ Dan 5:20]); Belshazzar ([ Dan 5:23]; [ Dan 5:30]).
seats = thrones.
them of low degree = the lowly.
holpen = laid hold of [for help], or taken by the hand. Compare [ Isa 41:8], [ Isa 41:9].
in remembrance = [in order] to remember.
As = according as.
our fathers. Compare [ Mic 7:20]. [ Gal 1:3], [ Gal 1:16]. [ Act 2:39].
for ever = unto the age. See App-151. a.
with = in fellowship with. Greek. sun. App-104. Not the same word as in verses: [ Luk 1:28], [ Luk 1:30], [ Luk 1:37], [ Luk 28:39], [ Luk 28:61], [ Luk 28:66].
returned = returned back. Greek hupostrepho. Almost peculiar to Luke. Oct:. only in [ Mar 14:40]. [ Gal 1:1], [ Gal 1:17]. [ Heb 7:1]. outside Luke and Acts.
full time = fulfilled time.
and. Note the Figure of speech Polysyndeton (App-6) throughout the passage verses: [ Luk 1:57-67], eighteen "ands".
brought forth. Greek gennao. Correctly rendered here, of the mother. Used of the father it = beget. See note on [ Mat 1:2].
shewed great mercy = magnified His mercy. A Hebraism. Compare [ Gen 19:19]. [ 2Sa 22:51], Septuagint.
upon = with. Greek meta. App-104. Not the same word as in verses: [ Luk 1:12], [ Luk 1:35].
on = in. Greek. en. App-104. Not the same word as in [ Luk 1:65].
on the eighth day. [ Gen 17:12]. [ Lev 12:3]. [ Php 1:3], [ Php 1:5].
child. Greek. paidion. App-108.
they called. Imperf. Tense = were for calling,
after. Greek. epi. App-104. Not the same word as in [ Luk 1:24].
Not so = No. Greek. ouchi. App-105.
There is = That there is.
of = among. Greek en. App-104.
that is = who is.
made signs. Imperf. Tense = were consulting him by signs; i.e. while the colloquy was going on,
would = wished to. Greek. thelo. App-102.
writing table = writing tablet Table was used for tablet in 1611. Used by medical writers in Luke’s day.
wrote, saying. A Hebraism. Compare [ 2Ki 10:6].
"John" = the grace of Jehovah, was thus the first written word of that dispensation.
immediately = at once. Greek parachrema. Occurs nineteen times. All in Luke or Acts, except [ Mat 21:19], [ Mat 21:20]. A medical word (see [ Col 4:14]), used thirteen times in connection with disease or healing. Rendered "straightway "in [ Luk 8:55]. [ Act 5:10].
spake = began to speak. Imperf. Tense.
on = upon. Greek. epi. App-104.
sayings. Greek. Plural of rhema. See note on [ Mar 9:32].
were noised abroad = were talked of.
throughout all = in (Greek. en. App-104.) the whole.
that heard. The 1611 edition of the Authorized Version reads "that had heard".
Blessed. Hence the name "Benedictus" given to Zacharias’s prophecy.
God = the God.
visited = lookedon. Not the same word as in [ Luk 1:48]. See App-133.
redeemed = wrought a ransom for. Compare [ Tit 2:14].
an horn of salvation. A Hebraism. See [ Psa 132:17]. [ 1Sa 2:1], [ 1Sa 2:10]. [ Eze 29:21].
His servant David. See [ Psa 132:10].
by = through.
Greek. dia. App-104. [ Luk 1:1].
since the world began = from [the] age i.e. of old. See App-151.
to = with. Greek meta. App-104.
The oath, &c. See [ Gen 12:3]; [ Gen 17:4]; [ Gen 22:16], [ Gen 22:17].
out of= from. Greek. ek. App-104.
hand. The 1611 edition of the Authorized Version reads "hands". serve: or worship.
holiness. Toward God. righteousness. Toward men. Compare [ 1Th 2:10]. [ Eph 4:24].
before. Greek. pro. App-104.
knowledge. Greek. gnosis. App-132.
by = for. Greek. en. App-104.
Through = On account of. Greek dia. App-104. [ Luk 1:2].
tender mercy = bowels of compassion. Figure of speech Anthropopatheia (App-6).
whereby = in (Greek. en. App-104.) which.
dayspring. Greek. anatole. Hebrew. zemach = branch (see page 1304), is rendered anatole in [ Jer 23:6] and [ Zec 3:8], because of its springing up. Both meanings (branch and light) are here combined. Compare [ Eze 16:7]; [ Eze 17:10].
on high. Greek. hupsos. Occurs five more times: [ Luk 24:49]. [ Eph 3:18]; [ Eph 4:8]. [ Jas 1:9]. [ Rev 21:16].
give light to = shine upon.
the shadow of death. A Hebraism. Zalmaveth. [ Job 10:21]; [ Job 38:17]. [ Psa 23:4]; [ Psa 107:10]. [ Isa 9:2]. [ Mat 4:16], &c.
guide = direct. Wycliffe has "dress", through the O. French dresser = to arrange, still preserved as an English military term.
waxed strong = grew and was strengthened. spirit. Greek. pneuma. See App-101.
the deserts. The article. indicating a well-known part.
shewing = public or official inauguration. Greek. anadeixis. Only occurs here. The verb anadeiknumi occurs [ Luk 10:1]. See note there.