Luke 1:11

And there appeared unto him an angel of the Lord standing on the right side of the altar of incense.

And {G1161} there appeared {G3700} unto him {G846} an angel {G32} of the Lord {G2962} standing {G2476} on {G1537} the right side {G1188} of the altar {G2379} of incense {G2368}.

when there appeared to him an angel of ADONAI standing to the right of the incense altar.

Just then an angel of the Lord appeared to Zechariah, standing at the right side of the altar of incense.

And there appeared unto him an angel of the Lord standing on the right side of the altar of incense.

Context of Luke 1:11

Luke 1:11 describes a pivotal moment in the biblical narrative, setting the stage for the miraculous birth of John the Baptist. This encounter occurred while Zechariah, a priest, was performing his sacred duty in the Temple in Jerusalem. According to Jewish custom, the burning of incense on the altar was a high honor, chosen by lot, and was performed twice daily. This particular service took place in the Holy Place, just outside the veil leading to the Most Holy Place (Holy of Holies). While Zechariah was ministering, the people outside were praying, a common practice during the incense offering.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Intervention: The appearance of an "angel of the Lord" signifies God's direct intervention in human affairs, initiating a new phase of His redemptive plan. This is not a casual event but a momentous divine visitation.
  • Sacred Space and Time: The setting – the altar of incense within the Temple – emphasizes the holiness of the place and the solemnity of the occasion. It underscores that God often reveals Himself in moments of devotion and worship.
  • Preparation for Prophecy: This angelic visitation is the precursor to a significant prophecy concerning the birth and ministry of John the Baptist, who would prepare the way for Jesus Christ. It highlights God's meticulous timing and His use of messengers to communicate His will.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "an angel of the Lord" translates from the Greek angelos Kyriou (ἄγγελος Κυρίου). The term angelos simply means "messenger," and in this context, it clearly refers to a divine messenger. The fact that the angel is standing "on the right side" (Greek: dexios) of the altar is significant. The right side often denotes a position of honor, authority, favor, or power in biblical culture, suggesting the divine authority behind the message the angel was about to deliver to Zechariah.

Significance and Application

This verse marks the beginning of a series of divine announcements in Luke's Gospel, starting with John the Baptist's birth and leading to the advent of Jesus Christ. The angel, later identified as Gabriel, a messenger sent from God (Luke 1:19), brings news that will change the course of history. For Zechariah, this was an answer to long-held prayers, as the angel's message in Luke 1:13 reveals that his prayer has been heard. The altar of incense itself was symbolic of the prayers of God's people ascending to Him, echoing the symbolism of prayers ascending to God like incense in Revelation 8:3-4.

For believers today, Luke 1:11 reminds us that God is attentive to the prayers of His people and often works in unexpected ways, even in the midst of routine duties. It underscores the importance of faithfulness in service and prayer, as we never know when God might choose to reveal His next great work.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Judges 13:3

    And the angel of the LORD appeared unto the woman, and said unto her, Behold now, thou [art] barren, and bearest not: but thou shalt conceive, and bear a son.

  • Acts 10:3

    He saw in a vision evidently about the ninth hour of the day an angel of God coming in to him, and saying unto him, Cornelius.

  • Acts 10:4

    And when he looked on him, he was afraid, and said, What is it, Lord? And he said unto him, Thy prayers and thine alms are come up for a memorial before God.

  • Exodus 40:26

    And he put the golden altar in the tent of the congregation before the vail:

  • Exodus 40:27

    And he burnt sweet incense thereon; as the LORD commanded Moses.

  • Luke 1:28

    And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, [thou that art] highly favoured, the Lord [is] with thee: blessed [art] thou among women.

  • Luke 2:10

    And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

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