King James Version
What Does Luke 1:13 Mean?
“But the angel said unto him, Fear not, Zacharias: for thy prayer is heard; and thy wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John.”
Context
11
And there appeared unto him an angel of the Lord standing on the right side of the altar of incense.
12
And when Zacharias saw him, he was troubled, and fear fell upon him.
13
But the angel said unto him, Fear not, Zacharias: for thy prayer is heard; and thy wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John.
14
And thou shalt have joy and gladness; and many shall rejoice at his birth.
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.
Topics in This Verse
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(13) **Thy prayer is heard.**—The words imply a prayer on the part of Zacharias, not that he might have a son (that hope appears to have died out long before), but that the Kingdom of God might come. Praying for this he receives more than he asks, and the long yearning of his soul for a son who might bear his part in that Kingdom is at last realised.
**Thou shalt call his name John.**—The English monosyllable represents the Greek *Joannes,* the Hebrew *Jochanan.* The name appears as belonging to the men of various tribes (1Chronicles 3:15; Ezra 8:12; Jeremiah 41:11). As the meaning of the Hebrew word is “Jehovah is gracious,” the announcement of the name was in itself a pledge of the outpouring of the grace of God.
Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.
Historical Context
This verse is found in the book of Luke. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.
Theological Significance
Luke 1:13 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Cross-References
Verses related to Luke 1:13
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge