King James Version

What Does Luke 1:15 Mean?

Luke 1:15 in the King James Version says “For he shall be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink; and he shall be filled wi... — study this verse from Luke chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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.

Luke 1:15 · KJV


Context

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.

16

And many of the children of Israel shall he turn to the Lord their God.

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. to the wisdom: or, by the wisdom


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
He shall be great in the sight of the Lord (μέγας ἐνώπιον τοῦ κυρίου, megas enōpion tou kyriou)—John's greatness is defined by divine estimation, not worldly acclaim. The Nazirite vow details follow: shall drink neither wine nor strong drink (οἶνον καὶ σίκερα οὐ μὴ πίῃ, oinon kai sikera ou mē piē)—total abstinence from fermented beverages, marking consecration to God (Numbers 6:3).

Filled with the Holy Ghost, even from his mother's womb (πνεύματος ἁγίου πλησθήσεται ἔτι ἐκ κοιλίας μητρὸς αὐτοῦ, pneumatos hagiou plēsthēsetai eti ek koilias mētros autou)—unprecedented prenatal sanctification, recalling Jeremiah's calling (Jeremiah 1:5). John alone among Old Testament saints received the Spirit before birth, preparing him as the final prophet bridging covenants.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Gabriel's annunciation to Zechariah (6 BC) occurred during the priestly division of Abijah's temple service. The Nazirite vow tradition extended back to Samson and Samuel, signifying complete dedication to God's purposes. John's unique prenatal filling anticipated the new covenant outpouring at Pentecost.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does defining greatness 'in the sight of the Lord' rather than human standards challenge modern ambition?
  2. What does John's prenatal filling with the Spirit reveal about God's sovereign preparation of His servants?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 22 words
ἔσται1 of 22

he shall be

G2071

will be

γὰρ2 of 22

For

G1063

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

μέγας3 of 22

great

G3173

big (literally or figuratively, in a very wide application)

ἐνώπιον4 of 22

in the sight

G1799

in the face of (literally or figuratively)

τοῦ5 of 22
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

κυρίου6 of 22

of the Lord

G2962

supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)

καὶ7 of 22

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

οἶνον8 of 22

wine

G3631

"wine" (literally or figuratively)

καὶ9 of 22

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

σίκερα10 of 22

strong drink

G4608

an intoxicant, i.e., intensely fermented liquor

οὐ11 of 22
G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

μὴ12 of 22
G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

πίῃ13 of 22

shall drink

G4095

to imbibe (literally or figuratively)

καὶ14 of 22

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

πνεύματος15 of 22

Ghost

G4151

a current of air, i.e., breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit, i.e., (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital prin

ἁγίου16 of 22

with the Holy

G40

sacred (physically, pure, morally blameless or religious, ceremonially, consecrated)

πλησθήσεται17 of 22

he shall be filled

G4130

to "fill" (literally or figuratively (imbue, influence, supply)); specially, to fulfil (time)

ἔτι18 of 22

even

G2089

"yet," still (of time or degree)

ἐκ19 of 22

from

G1537

a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct

κοιλίας20 of 22

womb

G2836

a cavity, i.e., (especially) the abdomen; by implication, the matrix; figuratively, the heart

μητρὸς21 of 22

mother's

G3384

a "mother" (literally or figuratively, immediate or remote)

αὐτοῦ22 of 22
G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons


Study Guide

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 1:15 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 1:15 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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