Luke 1:10

KJV

And the whole multitude of the people were praying without at the time of incense.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} the whole {G3956} multitude {G4128} of the people {G2992} were {G2258} praying {G4336} without {G1854} at the time {G5610} of incense {G2368}.

Complete Jewish Bible

All the people were outside, praying, at the time of the incense burning,

Berean Standard Bible

And at the hour of the incense offering, the whole congregation was praying outside.

American Standard Version

And the whole multitude of the people were praying without at the hour of incense.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 1:10 vividly portrays the communal spiritual atmosphere surrounding the Jerusalem Temple as Zechariah, a priest, ministers within the Holy Place. While he performs the sacred duty of burning incense, a privilege granted by lot, the "whole multitude of the people" are gathered outside in the temple courts, engaged in earnest prayer. This scene underscores the profound reverence and expectant anticipation that characterized Jewish worship, setting the stage for the dramatic divine intervention about to unfold.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Luke 1:10 is strategically placed within the opening narrative of Luke's Gospel, which focuses on the miraculous births of John the Baptist and Jesus. It immediately follows the description of Zechariah's priestly service, specifically his unique selection to enter the Holy Place to burn incense (Luke 1:8-9). This verse highlights the external scene, contrasting it with Zechariah's solitary, internal experience. The people's collective prayer outside creates a palpable sense of spiritual longing and expectation, serving as a narrative bridge to the angelic appearance to Zechariah inside the sanctuary (Luke 1:11ff), thereby emphasizing the divine response to human petition and the unfolding of God's redemptive plan.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is the Second Temple in Jerusalem, the spiritual and national heart of Jewish life. Daily sacrifices and rituals were meticulously observed, with the burning of incense being a particularly sacred act performed by a priest in the Holy Place, just before the veil separating it from the Most Holy Place. This duty was so rare and revered that it was typically performed only once in a priest's lifetime, chosen by lot. The "time of incense" (morning and evening) was a designated period when devout Jews would gather in the outer courts, unable to enter the inner sanctuary, to offer their prayers. This communal prayer was often accompanied by specific petitions, including fervent longing for the Messiah's arrival and the restoration of Israel, reflecting the prophetic expectations of the era.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several key themes in Luke and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Corporate Prayer**, demonstrating the power and significance of a community united in seeking God, a concept seen throughout the Scriptures, from the early church in [Acts 4:24](/acts/4-24 "Acts 4:24 - The Believers' Prayer") to the unified prayers of Israel. Secondly, it emphasizes the **Sanctity and Centrality of the Temple** in Jewish worship, portraying it as the primary locus of encounter between God and His people, even as its rituals foreshadowed a greater reality. Finally, the scene underscores **Divine Visitation and Anticipation**, as the people's expectant prayers coincide with the very moment God begins to unveil His long-awaited plan of salvation, starting with the announcement of John the Baptist's birth, who would prepare the way for the Messiah, as prophesied in [Malachi 3:1](/malachi/3-1 "Malachi 3:1 - The Messenger of the Covenant").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **multitude (Greek, _plēthos'_):** From G4128, meaning "a fulness, i.e. a large number, throng, populace." This word emphasizes the vast number of people gathered, indicating a widespread and collective engagement in worship. It is not just a few individuals, but "the whole multitude," signifying the communal nature of their devotion and expectation.
* **praying (Greek, _proseúchomai'_):** From G4336, meaning "to pray to God, i.e. supplicate, worship." This term denotes a specific act of addressing God, implying a posture of reverence, petition, and communion. The imperfect tense ("were praying") suggests a continuous or ongoing action, indicating that their prayers were not a fleeting moment but a sustained engagement during this sacred time.
* **incense (Greek, _thymíama'_)::** From G2368, meaning "an aroma, i.e. fragrant powder burnt in religious service; by implication, the burning itself." This refers to the aromatic offering burned on the altar of incense in the Holy Place. Symbolically, the rising smoke of the incense represented the prayers of the people ascending to God, making this a moment of intense spiritual focus and a powerful visual representation of their petitions being presented before the divine throne.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the whole multitude of the people":** This phrase establishes the broad scope of participation. It was not a private or isolated event, but a public, communal gathering of the Jewish populace. The use of "whole" (G3956, _pâs'_) emphasizes the comprehensive nature of this assembly, highlighting the unity and widespread devotion of the community at this significant hour.
* **"were praying without":** This indicates the location and activity. "Without" (G1854, _éxō'_) means "outside," specifically outside the Holy Place where Zechariah was ministering. The people were in the outer courts of the Temple, separated from the inner sanctuary. The imperfect tense of "were praying" (G2258, _ēn'_ + G4336, _proseúchomai'_) suggests a continuous, ongoing act of supplication, indicating a sustained period of devotion and intercession.
* **"at the time of incense":** This specifies the precise moment of their prayer. This was a fixed, daily ritual in the Temple liturgy, occurring both morning and evening. The burning of incense was a highly symbolic act, with its rising smoke representing the prayers of the people ascending to God (cf. [Psalm 141:2](/psalms/141-2 "Psalm 141:2 - Prayer as Incense")). It was a moment of profound spiritual anticipation and connection, where the people expected God's presence and blessing.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 1:10 masterfully employs several literary devices to enhance its narrative and theological impact. The most prominent is **Setting**, which places the action firmly within the sacred space of the Jerusalem Temple. This meticulously described environment immediately conveys the religious significance and solemnity of the moment, anchoring the impending miraculous events in a context of established divine worship. Furthermore, the verse utilizes **Symbolism**, particularly through the "time of incense." The rising smoke of the incense was a powerful symbol of the people's prayers ascending to God, creating a visual and olfactory representation of their spiritual earnestness and the efficacy of their supplications. This symbolic connection between incense and prayer is deeply rooted in Jewish tradition and is explicitly referenced elsewhere in Scripture. Finally, the verse employs **Foreshadowing**. The collective, expectant prayer of the multitude, combined with the sacred atmosphere of the Temple, subtly hints at the extraordinary divine intervention that is about to occur within the Holy Place. The palpable anticipation among the people sets the stage for the dramatic announcement of John the Baptist's birth, signaling the beginning of God's long-awaited redemptive work.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 1:10 offers profound insights into the nature of worship, prayer, and divine timing. The scene highlights the power and importance of corporate prayer, demonstrating that God hears and responds to the unified cries of His people. It underscores the sanctity of the Temple as a designated place of encounter with God, even as it subtly points to a future where access to God would be redefined. The people's expectant posture during the "time of incense" reflects a deep-seated hope for God's intervention in history, particularly for the fulfillment of His covenant promises and the arrival of the Messiah. This moment of collective supplication serves as a backdrop against which God's miraculous plan unfolds, revealing that divine action often coincides with human longing and faithful petition.

* [Revelation 8:3-4](/revelation/8-3-4 "Revelation 8:3-4 - Incense and Prayers")
* [Psalm 141:2](/psalms/141-2 "Psalm 141:2 - Prayer as Incense")
* [Acts 4:24](/acts/4-24 "Acts 4:24 - The Believers' United Prayer")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 1:10 serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring principles of faith and prayer for believers today. The image of "the whole multitude of the people" praying outside the Temple underscores the profound value of corporate worship and unified prayer. In a world that often emphasizes individual spirituality, this verse calls us back to the strength and communion found when the body of Christ gathers to seek God together. It encourages us to cultivate not only personal prayer lives but also to prioritize and participate wholeheartedly in communal prayer, recognizing that there is a unique power when believers pray in one accord. Furthermore, the "time of incense" speaks to the importance of dedicated, consistent times for prayer, both individually and corporately. It challenges us to set aside specific moments to draw near to God, approaching Him with an expectant faith, believing that He hears and responds. Even when answers are delayed, or God's work unfolds in unexpected ways, this passage inspires us to maintain a posture of patient anticipation, trusting in His perfect timing and sovereign plan, just as the people waited for Zechariah to emerge with the priestly blessing.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the communal prayer in Luke 1:10 challenge or encourage our modern understanding and practice of corporate worship?**
* **What "times of incense" or dedicated moments of prayer do we cultivate individually and collectively to draw near to God?**
* **How can we foster a spirit of expectant faith as we pray, even when answers are delayed or God's work unfolds in ways we don't immediately perceive?**

### FAQ
**Why were the people praying "without" (outside) the Holy Place?**

Answer: The Temple in Jerusalem was structured with various courts, each with different levels of access. The Holy Place, where Zechariah was burning incense, was part of the inner sanctuary, accessible only to priests performing their duties. The "multitude of the people" were gathered in the outer courts, such as the Court of Israel or the Court of the Women, which were open to the general Jewish populace. This physical separation underscored the sanctity and restricted access to the inner areas of the Temple, where the most sacred rituals were performed. Their prayers from the outer court were a customary part of the daily Temple liturgy, demonstrating their reverence and participation in the worship, even from a distance.

**What was the significance of "the time of incense"?**

Answer: The "time of incense" refers to a specific, highly symbolic moment in the daily Temple service, occurring both in the morning and evening. During this ritual, a priest would enter the Holy Place to burn fragrant incense on the golden altar of incense. The rising smoke of the incense was universally understood to symbolize the prayers of the people ascending to God (as seen in [Psalm 141:2](/psalms/141-2 "Psalm 141:2 - Prayer as Incense") and [Revelation 8:3-4](/revelation/8-3-4 "Revelation 8:3-4 - Incense and Prayers")). It was a moment of deep spiritual significance, where the entire community would pause and offer their prayers, often with great expectation for God's blessings and the fulfillment of His promises, including the coming of the Messiah.

**Did the people know what was happening inside with Zechariah?**

Answer: No, the people outside were unaware of the specific, miraculous events unfolding within the Holy Place. The angelic visitation to Zechariah (Luke 1:11ff) was a private encounter. The people's prayers were general supplications for God's favor, Israel's redemption, and the Messiah's advent. They would have noticed Zechariah's unusual delay in emerging from the Holy Place to pronounce the priestly blessing, which would have caused concern and curiosity, but they had no direct knowledge of the angel Gabriel's announcement concerning John the Baptist's birth.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 1:10, with its depiction of the multitude praying expectantly at the time of incense, finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The prayers of the people, yearning for God's intervention and the coming of the Messiah, were answered definitively in the person of Jesus. The Temple rituals, including the burning of incense, were shadows pointing to the reality found in Christ. He is the ultimate High Priest, who, unlike Zechariah, entered not an earthly Holy Place but the heavenly sanctuary, not with the blood of animals but with His own blood, securing eternal redemption for all who believe ([Hebrews 9:11-12](/hebrews/9-11-12 "Hebrews 9:11-12 - Christ, the High Priest")). Through Christ, the need for a physical temple and a mediating earthly priesthood has been superseded, as believers now have direct access to God's throne of grace ([Hebrews 4:14-16](/hebrews/4-14-16 "Hebrews 4:14-16 - Jesus, Our Great High Priest")). The prayers symbolized by the ascending incense are now made acceptable through Jesus, who is "the way, the truth, and the life" ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus, the Way, Truth, and Life")), and through whom we can "draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith" ([Hebrews 10:19-22](/hebrews/10-19-22 "Hebrews 10:19-22 - New and Living Way")). The anticipation of the multitude for God's redemptive act is met in the incarnation, life, death, and resurrection of Jesus, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Leviticus 16:17

And there shall be no man in the tabernacle of the congregation when he goeth in to make an atonement in the holy [place], until he come out, and have made an atonement for himself, and for his household, and for all the congregation of Israel.

Revelation 8:3

And another angel came and stood at the altar, having a golden censer; and there was given unto him much incense, that he should offer [it] with the prayers of all saints upon the golden altar which was before the throne.

Hebrews 9:24

For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, [which are] the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us:

Hebrews 4:14

Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast [our] profession.