Luke 1:19

And the angel answering said unto him, I am Gabriel, that stand in the presence of God; and am sent to speak unto thee, and to shew thee these glad tidings.

And {G2532} the angel {G32} answering {G611} said {G2036} unto him {G846}, I {G1473} am {G1510} Gabriel {G1043}, that stand {G3936} in the presence {G1799} of God {G2316}; and {G2532} am sent {G649} to speak {G2980} unto {G4314} thee {G4571}, and {G2532} to shew {G2097} thee {G4671} these {G5023} glad tidings {G2097}.

"I am Gavri'el," the angel answered him, "and I stand in the presence of God. I was sent to speak to you, to give you this good news.

β€œI am Gabriel,” replied the angel. β€œI stand in the presence of God, and I have been sent to speak to you and to bring you this good news.

And the angel answering said unto him, I am Gabriel, that stand in the presence of God; and I was sent to speak unto thee, and to bring thee these good tidings.

Commentary

Context

Luke 1:19 is a pivotal moment in the narrative of John the Baptist's birth. It occurs immediately after Zacharias, a priest, expresses doubt to the angel Gabriel regarding the prophecy that his elderly wife, Elizabeth, would conceive a son (Luke 1:18). The angel's response in this verse serves as a powerful assertion of his divine authority and the certainty of the message he carries, setting the stage for the miraculous events to follow.

Who is Gabriel? A Divine Messenger

The angel's declaration, "I am Gabriel," immediately establishes his identity as a prominent celestial being in biblical history. Gabriel is one of only two angels mentioned by name in the Bible (the other being Michael). His self-identification emphasizes his unique role as a messenger of significant divine revelation. The phrase "that stand in the presence of God" signifies his high rank and direct access to God's throne, underscoring the absolute truth and authority of his pronouncements. This unique position means his messages are not merely suggestions but direct communications from the Almighty.

Glad Tidings and Divine Authority

Gabriel explicitly states his purpose: "and am sent to speak unto thee, and to shew thee these glad tidings." The term "glad tidings" is significant. In Greek, it is related to *euangelizo* (ΡὐαγγΡλί΢ω), meaning "to announce good news" or "to evangelize." This refers to the joyful and miraculous news of John the Baptist's impending birth, a child destined to prepare the way for the Messiah. Gabriel's statement is both a confirmation of the message's divine origin and a gentle rebuke to Zacharias's disbelief, highlighting the seriousness with which God's messages are to be received. The immediate consequence of Zacharias's doubt, his temporary muteness (Luke 1:20), further emphasizes the authority of Gabriel's words.

Key Themes

  • Divine Authority: Gabriel's identity and position ("stand in the presence of God") affirm that his message originates directly from God, carrying ultimate authority.
  • God's Faithfulness: Despite human doubt, God's plans and promises will be fulfilled.
  • The Nature of Revelation: God communicates His will and purposes through chosen messengers.
  • The Significance of "Glad Tidings": This term foreshadows the ultimate "good news" of the Gospel, which Gabriel would also announce to Mary (Luke 1:26-38).

Practical Application

This verse reminds us of the divine origin and certainty of God's word. When God speaks, through Scripture or through His Spirit, His messages are to be received with faith and reverence, not doubt. It encourages believers to trust in God's perfect timing and His ability to accomplish what seems impossible from a human perspective. We are called to recognize the authority behind the "glad tidings" of the Gospel and to respond with belief and obedience, just as Zacharias was called to do.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated β€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Luke 1:26

    ΒΆ And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth,

  • Matthew 18:10

    Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say unto you, That in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven.

  • Daniel 8:16

    And I heard a man's voice between [the banks of] Ulai, which called, and said, Gabriel, make this [man] to understand the vision.

  • Daniel 9:21

    Yea, whiles I [was] speaking in prayer, even the man Gabriel, whom I had seen in the vision at the beginning, being caused to fly swiftly, touched me about the time of the evening oblation.

  • Daniel 9:23

    At the beginning of thy supplications the commandment came forth, and I am come to shew [thee]; for thou [art] greatly beloved: therefore understand the matter, and consider the vision.

  • 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.

  • 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.
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