King James Version

What Does Luke 1:65 Mean?

Luke 1:65 in the King James Version says “And fear came on all that dwelt round about them: and all these sayings were noised abroad throughout all the hill count... — study this verse from Luke chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

And fear came on all that dwelt round about them: and all these sayings were noised abroad throughout all the hill country of Judaea. sayings: or, things

Luke 1:65 · KJV


Context

63

And he asked for a writing table, and wrote, saying, His name is John. And they marvelled all.

64

And his mouth was opened immediately, and his tongue loosed, and he spake, and praised God.

65

And fear came on all that dwelt round about them: and all these sayings were noised abroad throughout all the hill country of Judaea. sayings: or, things

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.

67

And his father Zacharias was filled with the Holy Ghost, and prophesied, saying,


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Fear falling on all dwelling around them demonstrates appropriate response to manifest divine power. This 'fear' (Greek 'phobos') combines awe, reverence, and recognition of God's presence. The result—'all these sayings were noised abroad throughout all the hill country'—shows how God's extraordinary works generate witness. That these events spread widely prepared the region for John's later ministry. The community's fear wasn't terror but holy recognition that God was working among them. This response models how divine intervention should produce both worship and testimony. The spreading of these events built expectation for God's continued work.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The Judean hill country, relatively small and close-knit, would have rapidly spread news of miraculous pregnancy, naming controversy, and speech restoration. This prepared the region to recognize John as one marked by God when he later emerged to preach.

Reflection Questions

  1. What is the difference between holy fear and mere terror in response to God's works?
  2. How should witnessing God's power lead to both worship and testimony?
  3. How do extraordinary divine works prepare communities for God's further purposes?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 20 words
καὶ1 of 20

And

G2532

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

ἐγένετο2 of 20

came

G1096

to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)

ἐπὶ3 of 20

on

G1909

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

πάντα4 of 20

all

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

φόβος5 of 20

fear

G5401

alarm or fright

τοὺς6 of 20
G3588

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

περιοικοῦντας7 of 20

that dwelt round about

G4039

to reside around, i.e., be a neighbor

αὐτούς8 of 20

them

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

καὶ9 of 20

And

G2532

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

ἐν10 of 20

throughout

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

ὅλῃ11 of 20

all

G3650

"whole" or "all", i.e., complete (in extent, amount, time or degree), especially (neuter) as noun or adverb

τῇ12 of 20
G3588

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

ὀρεινῇ13 of 20

the hill country

G3714

mountainous, i.e., (feminine by implication, of g5561) the highlands (of judaea)

τῆς14 of 20
G3588

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

Ἰουδαίας15 of 20

of Judaea

G2449

the judaean land (i.e., judaea), a region of palestine

διελαλεῖτο16 of 20

were noised abroad

G1255

to talk throughout a company, i.e., converse or (genitive case) publish

πάντα17 of 20

all

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

τὰ18 of 20
G3588

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

ῥήματα19 of 20

sayings

G4487

an utterance (individually, collectively or specially),; by implication, a matter or topic (especially of narration, command or dispute); with a negat

ταῦτα20 of 20

these

G5023

these things


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 1:65 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 1:65 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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