King James Version
What Does Luke 1:80 Mean?
“And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, and was in the deserts till the day of his shewing unto Israel.”
Context
78
Through the tender mercy of our God; whereby the dayspring from on high hath visited us, tender: or, bowels of the mercy dayspring: or, Sunrising, or, branch, Zac.3.8, esay II, I Malich.4.2, numb.24.17
79
To give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.
80
And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, and was in the deserts till the day of his shewing unto Israel.
Topics in This Verse
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(80) **And the child grew.**—We have no materials for filling up this brief outline of the thirty years that followed in the Baptist’s life. The usual Jewish education, the observance of the Nazarite vow, the death of his parents while he was comparatively young, an early retirement from the world to the deserts that surrounded the western shores of the Dead Sea, study and meditation given to the Law and the Prophets, the steadfast waiting for the consolation of Israel, possible intercourse with the Essenes who lived in that region, or with hermit-teachers, like Banus, the master of Josephus (*Life, c.* 1), whose form of life was after the same fashion as his own: this we may surmise as probable, but we cannot say more. Whatever may have been the surroundings of his life, he entered upon his work in a spirit which was intensely personal and original.
Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers
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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 1:80 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 1:80
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge