Luke 1:15

KJV

For he shall be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink; and he shall be filled with the Holy Ghost, even from his mother's womb.

KJV (with Strong's)

For {G1063} he shall be {G2071} great {G3173} in the sight {G1799} of the Lord {G2962}, and {G2532} shall drink {G4095} neither {G3364} wine {G3631} nor {G2532} strong drink {G4608}; and {G2532} he shall be filled {G4130} with the Holy {G40} Ghost {G4151}, even {G2089} from {G1537} his {G846} mother's {G3384} womb {G2836}.

Complete Jewish Bible

for he will be great in the sight of ADONAI. He is never to drink wine or other liquor, and he will be filled with the Ruach HaKodesh even from his mother's womb.

Berean Standard Bible

for he will be great in the sight of the Lord. He shall never take wine or strong drink, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit even from his mother’s womb.

American Standard Version

For he shall be great in the sight of the Lord, and he shall drink no wine nor strong drink; and he shall be filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mother’s womb.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 1:15, part of the angel Gabriel's annunciation to Zacharias concerning the birth of John the Baptist, unveils the extraordinary divine blueprint for John's life and ministry. This verse declares John's preeminent spiritual standing "in the sight of the Lord," mandates a life of strict consecration marked by abstinence from all intoxicating drinks, and prophesies his unique empowerment by the Holy Spirit from the very moment of his conception. It sets the stage for John's pivotal role as the forerunner who would prepare the way for the Messiah, highlighting God's sovereign hand in equipping individuals for specific, world-altering purposes.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Luke 1:15 is nestled within the opening narrative of Luke's Gospel, specifically the annunciation of John the Baptist's birth to his father, Zacharias (Luke 1:5-25). This passage mirrors, and in some ways contrasts with, the subsequent annunciation to Mary concerning Jesus' birth (Luke 1:26-38). The immediate verses (Luke 1:13-14) reveal the miraculous nature of John's impending birth to elderly, barren parents and the joy he would bring. Verse 15 then elaborates on the specific character and calling of this child, detailing his spiritual stature, his consecrated lifestyle, and his divine empowerment. This prophecy serves as a foundational declaration of John's identity as the divinely appointed forerunner, preparing the reader for his later emergence in the narrative (e.g., [Luke 3:1-20](/luke/3-1-20 "Luke 3:1-20 - John the Baptist's Ministry")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Zacharias was a priest serving in the temple, a highly respected position in Jewish society, especially during the time of the Second Temple. The cultural shame associated with barrenness, particularly for a priestly couple like Zacharias and Elisabeth, made the angelic announcement of a son even more miraculous and significant (compare [Genesis 30:23](/genesis/30-23 "Genesis 30:23 - Rachel's Joy")). The mention of abstaining from wine and strong drink immediately evokes the Nazirite vow (Numbers 6:1-21), a special vow of dedication to God that involved separation from certain things, including fermented beverages, cutting hair, and contact with the dead. While John is not explicitly called a Nazirite, his lifelong abstinence points to a similar, divinely imposed consecration, setting him apart as a prophet of God in the tradition of Samuel or Samson, who were also dedicated from birth (e.g., [1 Samuel 1:11](/1_samuel/1-11 "1 Samuel 1:11 - Hannah's Vow for Samuel")). This cultural understanding would have instantly signaled John's unique and holy calling to Zacharias.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Luke's Gospel and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Appointment and Sovereignty**, demonstrating God's meticulous planning and active involvement in human history, even before birth. John's "greatness" is not worldly but divinely ordained, highlighting that true significance comes from fulfilling God's purpose, as later exemplified by Jesus' own submission to the Father's will (e.g., [Luke 22:42](/luke/22-42 "Luke 22:42 - Jesus' Prayer in Gethsemane")). Secondly, the theme of **Consecration and Separation** is evident in John's mandated abstinence, symbolizing a life wholly dedicated to God and set apart from worldly influences, a pattern of holiness that echoes throughout the Scriptures (e.g., [1 Peter 1:15-16](/1_peter/1-15-16 "1 Peter 1:15-16 - Be Holy as God is Holy")). Finally, the extraordinary promise of being **Empowered by the Holy Spirit from birth** introduces the crucial role of the Spirit in God's redemptive plan, foreshadowing the Spirit's anointing of Jesus (e.g., [Luke 3:21-22](/luke/3-21-22 "Luke 3:21-22 - Jesus' Baptism and the Holy Spirit")) and His outpouring on the early church (e.g., [Acts 2](/acts/2 "Acts 2 - The Day of Pentecost")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **great (Greek, _mégas'_):** This term signifies "big" or "large" in a very wide application, encompassing not just physical size but also importance, intensity, or prominence. In this context, John's greatness is specifically qualified as being "in the sight of the Lord," indicating a spiritual and moral magnitude rather than worldly power or fame. It denotes a person of significant divine purpose and impact.
* **filled (Greek, _plḗthō'_):** This verb means "to fill," "to imbue," "to influence," or "to supply." Here, it describes a comprehensive and profound indwelling or control by the Holy Spirit. The passive voice implies that John is the recipient of this divine action, emphasizing God's sovereign initiative in empowering him. The implication is not just a momentary experience but a continuous state of being permeated and directed by the Spirit.
* **womb (Greek, _koilía'_):** Literally meaning "a cavity," especially the abdomen, this word is used by implication to refer to the matrix or uterus. Figuratively, it can even refer to the heart. In this verse, "from his mother's womb" emphasizes the earliest possible point of origin, signifying that John's Spirit-filling and consecration were divinely ordained and initiated even before his birth, highlighting the extraordinary nature of his calling and preparation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For he shall be great in the sight of the Lord":** This clause immediately establishes John's unique status. His greatness is not measured by human standards of power, wealth, or influence, but by divine estimation. It signifies his profound spiritual significance and the magnitude of his God-ordained mission, which will be recognized and affirmed by God Himself.
* **"and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink":** This is a specific command for abstinence, echoing the Nazirite vow. It indicates a life of strict consecration and separation from anything that could impair his spiritual clarity or devotion. This physical discipline symbolizes a deeper spiritual dedication, setting John apart for his prophetic ministry and emphasizing purity and single-mindedness in service to God.
* **"and he shall be filled with the Holy Ghost, even from his mother's womb":** This is the most extraordinary promise in the verse. It declares a supernatural, lifelong empowerment by the Holy Spirit, initiated from the earliest possible moment of his existence. This filling is not a later event but an intrinsic part of his being, signifying a unique divine preparation and anointing for his prophetic role, enabling him to fulfill his mission with divine power and insight.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 1:15 is rich in **Prophecy**, as Gabriel's words foretell the future character and ministry of John the Baptist. This prophecy is a declarative statement of God's sovereign plan, setting the stage for John's pivotal role in salvation history. The mention of abstaining from "wine nor strong drink" functions as powerful **Symbolism**, immediately calling to mind the Nazirite vow and signifying a life of absolute dedication and purity, a visual and behavioral sign of John's set-apart status. Furthermore, the phrase "filled with the Holy Ghost, even from his mother's womb" employs **Hyperbole** to emphasize the extraordinary and unprecedented nature of John's spiritual empowerment, highlighting that his divine anointing was not a later acquisition but an intrinsic part of his pre-ordained identity and calling. This also serves as **Foreshadowing** of the greater outpouring of the Holy Spirit to come through Christ.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 1:15 profoundly illustrates God's sovereign election and meticulous preparation of His servants for specific redemptive purposes. John's pre-natal calling and Spirit-filling underscore that God's work is often initiated and equipped by divine grace, not human merit or effort. His consecrated lifestyle, symbolized by abstinence, speaks to the biblical principle that true spiritual power is often accompanied by discipline and separation unto God. This verse also lays foundational groundwork for understanding the role of the Holy Spirit in empowering individuals for ministry, a theme that becomes central in the New Testament with the advent of Christ and the birth of the Church. John's unique anointing serves as a bridge between the Old Testament prophets, who were occasionally filled with the Spirit, and the New Testament era, where the Spirit would be poured out more broadly.

* [Jeremiah 1:5](/jeremiah/1-5 "Jeremiah 1:5 - Jeremiah's Prophetic Calling")
* [Galatians 1:15](/galatians/1-15 "Galatians 1:15 - Paul's Divine Calling")
* [Acts 13:2](/acts/13-2 "Acts 13:2 - The Holy Spirit Calls Barnabas and Saul")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 1:15 offers profound truths for contemporary believers, reminding us that our ultimate significance is determined by our standing "in the sight of the Lord," not by worldly accolades or achievements. John's life, consecrated from birth, challenges us to consider areas where we might dedicate ourselves more fully to God, perhaps by setting aside practices or influences that hinder our spiritual clarity or devotion. While not all are called to John's specific form of abstinence, the principle of spiritual discipline and intentional separation for God's purposes remains vital. Most powerfully, this verse assures us that God equips those He calls. Just as John was supernaturally filled with the Holy Spirit for his unique mission, believers today are empowered by the same Spirit for their God-given purposes. This empowers us to live lives that honor God, serve others, and participate in His redemptive work, knowing that His strength is made perfect in our weakness.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways do I seek "greatness in the sight of the Lord" rather than worldly recognition?**
* **What practices or influences in my life might be hindering my spiritual clarity or dedication, and how can I cultivate greater consecration to God?**
* **How does the promise of John being filled with the Holy Spirit from birth encourage me about God's ability to equip me for my calling, even from my earliest days or in my current circumstances?**

### FAQ

**Was John the Baptist a Nazirite?**

Answer: While Luke 1:15 does not explicitly use the term "Nazirite," the description of John abstaining from "wine nor strong drink" (Greek: _oinos_ and _sikera_) strongly aligns with the requirements of the Nazirite vow as outlined in [Numbers 6:1-4](/numbers/6-1-4 "Numbers 6:1-4 - The Nazirite Vow"). This vow was a special act of dedication to God, involving separation from certain things, including all products of the grapevine and other intoxicating drinks. The angel Gabriel's instruction for John's lifelong abstinence indicates a divinely imposed, permanent consecration that mirrored or fulfilled the spirit of the Nazirite vow, setting him apart for his unique prophetic ministry. Other aspects of the Nazirite vow, such as not cutting hair, are not mentioned, but the core element of abstinence is clearly present, signaling his set-apart status.

**What does it mean for John to be "filled with the Holy Ghost, even from his mother's womb"?**

Answer: This extraordinary statement signifies a unique and profound divine empowerment that began before John's birth. It means that from the very earliest stages of his life, John was supernaturally indwelt, controlled, and guided by the Holy Spirit. This was not a gradual process or a later experience, but an immediate and complete anointing by God for his specific purpose. It highlights God's sovereign choice and preparation of John for his pivotal role as the forerunner of the Messiah, setting him apart as a prophet unlike any other, equipped with divine insight and power from the moment of his conception. This pre-natal filling underscores the miraculous nature of his existence and the divine origin of his prophetic authority, as also seen in the annunciation to Mary concerning Jesus' conception by the Holy Spirit in [Luke 1:35](/luke/1-35 "Luke 1:35 - The Holy Spirit and Jesus' Conception").

**Why was abstinence from wine and strong drink important for John's ministry?**

Answer: John's abstinence from wine and strong drink was crucial for several reasons, symbolizing his complete dedication and purity. Firstly, it marked him as consecrated to God, aligning him with the ancient Nazirite tradition, which visually communicated a life set apart for divine service. This physical discipline underscored his spiritual commitment and separation from worldly pleasures. Secondly, it ensured his spiritual clarity and discernment, vital for a prophet whose role was to accurately convey God's message and prepare people for the coming Messiah. Intoxicants could dull the senses and impair judgment, which would be detrimental to his prophetic calling. Finally, John's austere lifestyle, including his diet and clothing (as seen in [Matthew 3:4](/matthew/3-4 "Matthew 3:4 - John's Appearance and Diet")), served as a powerful counter-cultural witness, challenging the complacency and spiritual lukewarmness of his generation and calling them to repentance and a radical commitment to God.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 1:15, while describing John the Baptist, ultimately finds its Christ-centered fulfillment in preparing the way for Jesus. John's "greatness in the sight of the Lord" is entirely defined by his relationship to the coming Messiah; he is the voice crying in the wilderness, making straight the path for the Lord (as prophesied in [Isaiah 40:3](/isaiah/40-3 "Isaiah 40:3 - Prepare the Way of the Lord") and quoted in [Luke 3:4](/luke/3-4 "Luke 3:4 - John the Baptist in the Wilderness")). His consecrated life, marked by abstinence, foreshadows the purity and holiness of Jesus, who, though not bound by the Nazirite vow, lived a life utterly devoted to the Father's will, untainted by sin (as affirmed in [Hebrews 4:15](/hebrews/4-15 "Hebrews 4:15 - Jesus, Our Sinless High Priest")). Most significantly, John's extraordinary filling with the Holy Spirit from his mother's womb points directly to Jesus, who was not merely filled with the Spirit, but upon whom the Spirit descended "like a dove" at His baptism and remained, without measure (as described in [John 1:32](/john/1-32 "John 1:32 - The Spirit Descends on Jesus") and [John 3:34](/john/3-34 "God Gives the Spirit Without Limit")). John's Spirit-empowered ministry was to announce the one who would baptize "with the Holy Spirit and fire" ([Luke 3:16](/luke/3-16 "Luke 3:16 - John's Prophecy of Jesus' Baptism")), ultimately leading to the outpouring of the Spirit on all believers at Pentecost, a gift made possible through Christ's redemptive work. Thus, John's unique calling, consecration, and Spirit-filling serve as a powerful prelude, magnifying the infinitely greater person and work of Jesus Christ, the true 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

Jeremiah 1:5

Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, [and] I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations.

Luke 7:33

For John the Baptist came neither eating bread nor drinking wine; and ye say, He hath a devil.

Numbers 6:2

Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, When either man or woman shall separate [themselves] to vow a vow of a Nazarite, to separate [themselves] unto the LORD:

Numbers 6:4

All the days of his separation shall he eat nothing that is made of the vine tree, from the kernels even to the husk.

Acts 2:4

And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

Ephesians 5:18

And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;

Galatians 1:15

But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother's womb, and called [me] by his grace,