Luke 1:13

KJV

But the angel said unto him, Fear not, Zacharias: for thy prayer is heard; and thy wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John.

KJV (with Strong's)

But {G1161} the angel {G32} said {G2036} unto {G4314} him {G846}, Fear {G5399} not {G3361}, Zacharias {G2197}: for {G1360} thy {G4675} prayer {G1162} is heard {G1522}; and {G2532} thy {G4675} wife {G1135} Elisabeth {G1665} shall bear {G1080} thee {G4671} a son {G5207}, and {G2532} thou shalt call {G2564} his {G846} name {G3686} John {G2491}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But the angel said to him, "Don't be afraid, Z'kharyah; because your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elisheva will bear you a son, and you are to name him Yochanan.

Berean Standard Bible

But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zechariah, because your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to give him the name John.

American Standard Version

But the angel said unto him, Fear not, Zacharias: because thy supplication is heard, and thy wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 1:13 records the pivotal angelic announcement to Zacharias, a priest, that his long-held prayer has been heard and his aged, barren wife Elisabeth will miraculously bear a son. This son, to be named John, is revealed as a divinely appointed figure whose birth marks a significant turning point in God's redemptive plan, signaling the imminent arrival of the Messiah. The verse encapsulates themes of divine intervention, answered prayer, and the inauguration of a new prophetic era.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a central component of the annunciation narrative concerning John the Baptist, which immediately precedes the annunciation of Jesus' birth in [Luke 1:26-38](/luke/1-26-38 "Luke 1:26-38 - The Annunciation to Mary"). The preceding verses introduce Zacharias and Elisabeth as righteous, elderly, and childless, setting the stage for the miraculous intervention. Zacharias's priestly service in the Temple, specifically his unique role of burning incense in the Holy Place ([Luke 1:8-10](/luke/1-8-10 "Luke 1:8-10 - Zacharias's Priestly Service")), provides the sacred backdrop for the angel Gabriel's sudden appearance. Zacharias's initial fear and subsequent doubt, leading to his temporary muteness ([Luke 1:18-20](/luke/1-18-20 "Luke 1:18-20 - Zacharias's Doubt and Muteness")), highlight the extraordinary nature of this divine encounter and the human struggle to comprehend God's miraculous work.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Jewish society, barrenness was often perceived as a sign of divine displeasure or a source of great shame, particularly for women. The promise of a child to an elderly, barren couple, therefore, carried immense social and spiritual significance, echoing similar miraculous births in Israel's history (e.g., Sarah and Abraham, Hannah and Elkanah). The setting within the Jerusalem Temple underscores the religious and national importance of the event, as the Temple was the heart of Israelite worship and the place where God's presence was most tangibly manifested. The long period of prophetic silence since Malachi had fostered a deep longing for divine intervention and the fulfillment of messianic prophecies, making this angelic visitation a momentous occasion for a nation yearning for God's renewed activity.
* **Key Themes:** The annunciation in [Luke 1:13](/luke/1-13 "Luke 1:13 - The Angel's Announcement to Zacharias") contributes to several overarching themes within Luke's Gospel and the broader biblical narrative. It powerfully illustrates **God's faithfulness to His promises** and His attentiveness to the prayers of His people, even when those prayers seem to go unanswered for decades. The theme of **miraculous birth and overcoming barrenness** is prominent, demonstrating God's sovereignty over life and His ability to achieve His purposes through seemingly impossible circumstances, a motif that resonates throughout the Old Testament and finds its ultimate expression in the virgin birth of Jesus. Furthermore, the naming of John and the subsequent description of his prophetic role in [Luke 1:14-17](/luke/1-14-17 "Luke 1:14-17 - John's Prophetic Destiny") firmly establish the theme of **divine purpose and preparation**, as John is revealed as the divinely appointed forerunner who would "make ready a people prepared for the Lord" ([Luke 1:17](/luke/1-17 "Luke 1:17 - John's Mission to Prepare the Way")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **prayer (Greek, _déēsis'_):** From G1162, meaning "a petition" or "supplication." This word emphasizes a specific, earnest request made to God. The angel's declaration that Zacharias's "prayer is heard" indicates that God has not only listened but is actively responding to a deeply held desire or plea, which, in context, likely refers to a prayer for a child or, more broadly, for the redemption of Israel.
* **is heard (Greek, _eisakoúō'_):** From G1522, derived from "into" and "to hear," meaning "to listen to" or "to hear into." This signifies more than mere auditory perception; it implies attentive hearing that leads to action or response. God has not simply registered Zacharias's prayer but has fully understood it and is now acting upon it in a decisive and transformative manner.
* **bear (Greek, _gennáō'_):** From G1080, meaning "to procreate" or "to bring forth." While often used of the father, here it is explicitly applied to Elisabeth, emphasizing her role as the mother who will physically bring forth the promised son. This word highlights the biological reality of the miraculous conception and birth, underscoring that despite their advanced age, Elisabeth will genuinely conceive and give birth.
* **John (Greek, _Iōánnēs'_):** From G2491, a Greek transliteration of the Hebrew name _Yohanan_, meaning "The Lord is Gracious" or "God is Gracious." The divinely mandated name itself carries prophetic significance, foreshadowing the ministry of grace that John would herald and the ultimate manifestation of God's grace in the person of Jesus Christ.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But the angel said unto him, Fear not, Zacharias:"** This opening phrase immediately shifts the narrative from Zacharias's fear (implied by the angel's command) to a message of reassurance. The angel's direct address to Zacharias by name establishes a personal and authoritative communication, setting the stage for a divine revelation that is intended to bring comfort and hope rather than dread.
* **"for thy prayer is heard;"** This clause reveals the specific reason for the angelic visit: God has responded to Zacharias's petition. This declaration confirms God's attentiveness to the cries of His people and His perfect timing in answering, even if the answer comes after a long period of waiting. It implies that Zacharias and Elisabeth had been praying for a child for a considerable time, or it could refer to Zacharias's general prayers for God's redemptive work.
* **"and thy wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a son,"** This is the core of the miraculous announcement: the promise of a child to an elderly, barren couple. It directly addresses the long-standing sorrow and social stigma of their childlessness, revealing God's power to overcome natural limitations and fulfill His purposes through extraordinary means. The phrasing emphasizes the direct lineage and the personal blessing to Zacharias.
* **"and thou shalt call his name John."** The divine instruction regarding the child's name is highly significant. Names in biblical culture often conveyed destiny, character, or prophetic meaning. The name "John" ("The Lord is Gracious") serves as a prophetic utterance, foreshadowing the nature of the child's future ministry and the gracious work of God that he would announce and prepare for.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 1:13 employs several potent literary devices to convey its profound message. The most prominent is **Divine Announcement**, a common motif in biblical narratives where a heavenly messenger delivers a crucial message from God, often initiating a new phase in redemptive history. This is underscored by the angel's **Direct Speech**, which lends authority and immediacy to the revelation, contrasting with Zacharias's initial fear. The phrase "Fear not" is a classic **Reassurance Formula** frequently used in angelic appearances or theophanies throughout Scripture, serving to calm human apprehension in the face of the divine and signal that the message is one of blessing. Furthermore, the instruction to name the child "John" functions as **Nomen Omen** (a name as an omen or prophecy), where the meaning of the name ("The Lord is Gracious") directly foreshadows the child's future ministry and the overarching theme of God's grace that will be central to the coming Messiah's work. This also serves as a form of **Foreshadowing**, hinting at the significant role John will play in preparing the way for Jesus.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 1:13 stands as a powerful testament to God's active involvement in human affairs, demonstrating His sovereignty over life, His attentiveness to prayer, and His perfect timing in bringing about His redemptive purposes. The miraculous birth of John, like those of Isaac and Samuel before him, underscores a recurring biblical theme: God often chooses to work through seemingly impossible circumstances to display His power and faithfulness. This divine intervention signals the end of a long period of prophetic silence and the dawn of a new era, where God's promises are once again being fulfilled in tangible ways. The grace inherent in John's name ("The Lord is Gracious") points forward to the ultimate manifestation of God's grace in the person and work of Jesus Christ, whom John would precede. This verse reminds us that God hears the deepest longings of our hearts and orchestrates events according to His divine will, often in ways that transcend human expectation and logic.

* [Genesis 18:10](/genesis/18-10 "Genesis 18:10 - Sarah's Promised Son")
* [1 Samuel 1:20](/1_samuel/1-20 "1 Samuel 1:20 - Hannah's Prayer Answered")
* [Psalm 113:9](/psalms/113-9 "Psalm 113:9 - God Makes the Barren Woman a Joyful Mother")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The angelic declaration to Zacharias in Luke 1:13 offers profound encouragement for believers today. It reminds us that God is intimately aware of our deepest longings and prayers, even those that have gone unspoken for years or seem to be perpetually unanswered. Zacharias and Elisabeth had likely long given up hope of having a child, yet God's timing is perfect, often intervening precisely when human hope has waned, demonstrating that His power is made perfect in our weakness. This verse calls us to cultivate a persistent faith, trusting that God hears and responds according to His wise and sovereign plan, not always on our timetable, but always for His glory and our ultimate good. Furthermore, the divine naming of John underscores that every life has a unique, God-given purpose, reminding us to seek and embrace the specific calling God has for us, knowing that He can use ordinary individuals in extraordinary ways to fulfill His grand narrative of redemption.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Zacharias's initial fear and the angel's command to "Fear not" resonate with your own reactions when God's unexpected plans or challenges enter your life?**
* **In what areas of your life are you currently waiting for God to "hear your prayer" and act in circumstances that seem impossible from a human perspective?**
* **Considering the meaning of "John" ("The Lord is Gracious"), how does this name inform your understanding of God's character and His approach to humanity, particularly in the context of His redemptive plan?**

### FAQ

**Why was Zacharias afraid when the angel appeared?**

Answer: Zacharias's fear was a common and natural human response to a divine encounter or theophany, especially within the sacred space of the Temple. Throughout Scripture, individuals confronted with angelic beings or the immediate presence of God often react with profound awe, dread, or fear, as seen with Daniel ([Daniel 10:7-9](/daniel/10-7-9 "Daniel's Vision and Fear")) or the shepherds at Jesus' birth ([Luke 2:9-10](/luke/2-9-10 "Luke 2:9-10 - The Shepherds and the Angel")). This fear underscores the extraordinary, supernatural nature of the event and the vast difference between human and divine realms. The angel's immediate command, "Fear not," is a typical angelic greeting intended to calm the recipient and assure them that the message is one of good news, not judgment.

**What "prayer" of Zacharias was heard by God?**

Answer: While the text doesn't explicitly state the content of Zacharias's prayer, the angel's subsequent announcement strongly implies it was a personal prayer for a child. Given that Zacharias and Elisabeth were "well advanced in years" and "had no child, because that Elisabeth was barren" ([Luke 1:7](/luke/1-7 "Luke 1:7 - Zacharias and Elisabeth's Barrenness")), it is highly probable that they had long prayed for a son, a common and fervent desire in their culture. Alternatively, as a priest, Zacharias might have been praying for the redemption of Israel, and God's answer encompassed both his personal desire and the larger redemptive plan, as John's birth was integral to preparing the way for the Messiah. The immediate context, however, points most directly to the prayer for a child.

**Why was the name "John" specifically chosen for the son?**

Answer: The name "John" (Greek _Iōánnēs_, from Hebrew _Yohanan_) means "The Lord is Gracious" or "God is Gracious." This divinely mandated name carries profound theological significance, serving as a prophetic declaration of God's character and the nature of the ministry John would undertake. John the Baptist's role was to prepare the way for the ultimate manifestation of God's grace in Jesus Christ ([John 1:17](/john/1-17 "John 1:17 - Grace and Truth Came Through Jesus Christ")). The name itself foreshadows the message of repentance and the offer of God's gracious forgiveness that John would proclaim, pointing to the greater grace that would be fully revealed in the coming Messiah.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 1:13, though focused on the birth of John the Baptist, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. John's miraculous conception and birth, explicitly stated as an answer to prayer and a display of divine power over barrenness, serve as a precursor to the even more extraordinary virgin birth of Jesus ([Luke 1:34-35](/luke/1-34-35 "Luke 1:34-35 - The Virgin Birth of Jesus")). The very name "John," meaning "The Lord is Gracious," powerfully foreshadows the central theme of God's grace, which is fully embodied and revealed in Jesus. John's entire mission, as prophesied in this chapter and later fulfilled, was to "prepare the way of the Lord" ([Luke 3:4](/luke/3-4 "Luke 3:4 - John Prepares the Way")), to point people to the "Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world" ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). Thus, John's birth, announced in [Luke 1:13](/luke/1-13 "Luke 1:13 - The Angel's Announcement to Zacharias"), is not an end in itself, but a divinely orchestrated beginning that directly anticipates and serves the coming of the Messiah, Jesus, through whom God's ultimate grace and salvation are poured out upon humanity.

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

Acts 10:31

And said, Cornelius, thy prayer is heard, and thine alms are had in remembrance in the sight of God.

1 Samuel 2:21

And the LORD visited Hannah, so that she conceived, and bare three sons and two daughters. And the child Samuel grew before the LORD.

Psalms 113:9

He maketh the barren woman to keep house, [and to be] a joyful mother of children. Praise ye the LORD.

Genesis 25:21

And Isaac intreated the LORD for his wife, because she [was] barren: and the LORD was intreated of him, and Rebekah his wife conceived.

Psalms 127:3

Lo, children [are] an heritage of the LORD: [and] the fruit of the womb [is his] reward.

Psalms 127:5

Happy [is] the man that hath his quiver full of them: they shall not be ashamed, but they shall speak with the enemies in the gate.

Luke 2:21

¶ And when eight days were accomplished for the circumcising of the child, his name was called JESUS, which was so named of the angel before he was conceived in the womb.