Luke 1:15

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.

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}.

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.

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.

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.

Context

Luke 1:15 is part of the angel Gabriel's annunciation to Zacharias, the father of John the Baptist. Zacharias and his wife Elisabeth were righteous but elderly and childless. Gabriel's message reveals God's plan for their son, who would be the long-awaited forerunner of the Messiah. This verse specifically details unique aspects of John's life and calling, setting him apart for his crucial prophetic ministry.

Key Themes

  • Divine Appointment and Greatness: John's greatness is explicitly stated as being "in the sight of the Lord," signifying spiritual rather than worldly prominence. His importance stems from his God-ordained role as the one who would prepare the way for Jesus Christ. This highlights that true significance comes from fulfilling God's purpose.
  • Consecration and Abstinence: The command that John "shall drink neither wine nor strong drink" immediately brings to mind the Nazirite vow found in the Old Testament. While not explicitly called a Nazirite here, this abstinence signifies a life set apart for God's special service, marked by purity and dedication. It speaks to a commitment to avoid anything that could impair spiritual clarity or devotion.
  • Empowerment by the Holy Spirit: The extraordinary promise that John "shall be filled with the Holy Ghost, even from his mother's womb" underscores his unique divine preparation. This indicates an immediate and profound spiritual empowerment, unlike typical experiences of being filled with the Holy Spirit. It showcases God's sovereign hand in equipping individuals for their specific callings from the very beginning of their lives.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "strong drink" translates the Greek word sikera (σικερα). This term refers to any intoxicating beverage other than grape wine, often made from fermented grains, dates, or other fruits. Its inclusion alongside "wine" emphasizes a complete and total abstinence from all alcoholic drinks, reinforcing the theme of John's strict dedication and separation for God's service.

Practical Application

Luke 1:15 offers powerful insights for believers today:

  • God's Sovereign Purpose: Just as John was uniquely chosen and prepared, we are reminded that God has a purpose for every individual. Our true greatness is found in aligning with and fulfilling His will, not in worldly achievements.
  • The Value of Consecration: John's abstinence from wine and strong drink serves as a symbol of spiritual discipline and dedication. While not a universal command for all believers, it highlights the importance of setting aside practices or influences that might hinder our walk with God or our spiritual readiness.
  • The Power of the Holy Spirit: John's supernatural filling with the Holy Spirit from birth emphasizes that God equips those He calls. For believers today, the Holy Spirit is available to empower us for service, guide us, and transform us, enabling us to live a life that honors God and fulfills His purposes.
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.

  • 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,

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