Luke 1:23

Luke 1:23, in plain English

When his time of service at the temple is finished, Zechariah goes home.

Why it's here

Even after seeing an angel, Zechariah finishes his job. He doesn't rush off in a panic. He completes what he was called to do and then goes home.

Who's speaking

Luke notes Zechariah's return home after his service.

Where it sits in the story

He quietly finishes his work and goes home. An angel visited him, but he still has responsibilities. Faithful people keep showing up even when their world has been turned upside down.

The scholarly reading

When the hemerai tes leitourgias (days of his priestly service) are completed, Zechariah returns eis ton oikon autou (to his home).

Language and setting

Despite the extraordinary vision, Zechariah faithfully completes his week of temple service before returning home. His priestly duty continues even under the weight of prophetic silence.

Voice

The narrator notes Zechariah's completion of duties and return home.

Significance

Zechariah completes his temple service faithfully despite being struck mute. His obedience in ordinary duty continues even after an extraordinary encounter.

21Meanwhile, the people were waiting for Zechariah and wondering why he took so long in the temple.

22When he came out and was unable to speak to them, they realized he had seen a vision in the temple. He kept making signs to them but remained unable to speak.

23And when the days of his service were complete, he returned home.

24After these days, his wife Elizabeth became pregnant and for five months remained in seclusion. She declared,

25“The Lord has done this for me. In these days He has shown me favor and taken away my disgrace among the people.”

Read all of Luke 1 — A physician writes the most detailed account of Jesus' life. Luke notices the people others overlook — the poor, the outcast, the women, the forgotten.