New Testament · Gospel

Luke 1:5

The Careful Account

In the time of Herod king of Judea there was a priest named Zechariah, who belonged to the priestly division of Abijah, and whose wife Elizabeth was a descendant of Aaron. Luke 1:5 · Berean Standard Bible

What It Means

Luke 1:5, in plain English

During the reign of King Herod, there was a priest named Zechariah from the priestly group of Abijah. His wife Elizabeth was also from a priestly family.

Why it's here

Luke grounds his story in real history with real people. Zechariah and Elizabeth are deeply religious people with impeccable spiritual credentials.

Who's speaking

Luke introduces Zechariah and Elizabeth.

Where it sits in the story

The greatest story ever told begins with an ordinary elderly couple who love God deeply. God often starts His biggest plans in the smallest, most unexpected places.

A Closer Look

The scholarly reading

Luke introduces Zechariah, a priest of the ephemeria (division) of Abijah, and his wife Elizabeth, a descendant of Aaron, setting the narrative in the time of Herod the Great.

Language and setting

The priestly division of Abijah was the eighth of twenty-four divisions (1 Chronicles 24:10). Both spouses having priestly lineage emphasizes their impeccable religious credentials.

Voice

The narrator introduces the first characters of the narrative.

Significance

Luke shifts from historiographical prologue to narrative, introducing an elderly priestly couple whose lives will be transformed by an angel's visit in the temple.

In context

Luke 1:3–7

3Therefore, having carefully investigated everything from the beginning, it seemed good also to me to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus,

4so that you may know the certainty of the things you have been taught.

5In the time of Herod king of Judea there was a priest named Zechariah, who belonged to the priestly division of Abijah, and whose wife Elizabeth was a descendant of Aaron.

6Both of them were righteous in the sight of God, walking blamelessly in all the commandments and decrees of the Lord.

7But they had no children, because Elizabeth was barren, and they were both well along in years.

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.

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