Luke 1:5

¶ There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judaea, a certain priest named Zacharias, of the course of Abia: and his wife [was] of the daughters of Aaron, and her name [was] Elisabeth.

There was {G1096} in {G1722} the days {G2250} of Herod {G2264}, the king {G935} of Judaea {G2449}, a certain {G5100} priest {G2409} named {G3686} Zacharias {G2197}, of {G1537} the course {G2183} of Abia {G7}: and {G2532} his {G846} wife {G1135} was of {G1537} the daughters {G2364} of Aaron {G2}, and {G2532} her {G846} name {G3686} was Elisabeth {G1665}.

In the days of Herod, King of Y'hudah, there was a cohen named Z'kharyah who belonged to the Aviyah division. His wife was a descendant of Aharon, and her name was Elisheva.

In the time of Herod king of Judea there was a priest named Zechariah, who belonged to the priestly division of Abijah, and whose wife Elizabeth was a daughter of Aaron.

There was in the days of Herod, king of Judæa, a certain priest named Zacharias, of the course of Abijah: and he had a wife of the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elisabeth.

Luke 1:5 introduces the reader to the historical and spiritual setting for the extraordinary events surrounding the birth of John the Baptist and, subsequently, Jesus Christ. This verse meticulously establishes the credentials and background of Zacharias and Elisabeth, key figures in God's unfolding plan.

Historical and Cultural Context

The phrase "in the days of Herod, the king of Judaea" immediately anchors the narrative in a specific historical period. This refers to Herod the Great, a Roman-appointed king known for his ambitious building projects, political shrewdness, and ruthless paranoia. His reign (37-4 BC) was marked by Roman influence over Jewish affairs, a time of both relative stability and underlying tension for the Jewish people awaiting their Messiah.

Zacharias is identified as "a certain priest... of the course of Abia." Priests in ancient Israel served in the Temple in Jerusalem, performing sacred duties. Due to the large number of priests, they were divided into 24 courses or divisions, with each course serving for a week twice a year. The "course of Abia" (or Abijah) is mentioned in the Old Testament as the eighth of these divisions (1 Chronicles 24:10). This detail highlights Luke's precision and confirms Zacharias's legitimate priestly lineage and active service.

Elisabeth's lineage as "of the daughters of Aaron" further emphasizes her priestly heritage, meaning both Zacharias and Elisabeth belonged to the priestly tribe of Levi, specifically the family of Aaron. This made them highly respected within Jewish society, ensuring their suitability for the divine calling they were about to receive.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Timing: The verse underscores God's perfect timing, introducing His chosen instruments within a specific historical and political landscape. The narrative begins not in a vacuum, but within the known "days of Herod," signaling that God's plan unfolds precisely when and where He wills.
  • God's Choice of Righteous Individuals: While this verse doesn't explicitly state their righteousness, it sets the stage for the next verse (Luke 1:6), which describes Zacharias and Elisabeth as "righteous before God." Their established lineage and faithful service indicate their devout character, making them fitting parents for the one who would prepare the way for the Lord.
  • Preparation for the Messiah: This introduction serves as the opening act of Luke's Gospel, meticulously detailing the spiritual and historical context for the advent of John the Baptist, who would precede Jesus Christ. The careful establishment of Zacharias and Elisabeth's background elevates the significance of the miraculous births to follow.

Linguistic Insights

Luke, a Gentile physician, is known for his precise and detailed historical accounts. The meticulous naming of Herod and the specific priestly "course of Abia" demonstrates Luke's commitment to historical accuracy, a hallmark of his Gospel. The Greek phrase for "course of Abia" (ephēmerias Abia) refers to the daily rotation or division of priests, underscoring the authenticity of the setting.

Practical Application

This verse reminds us that God often works through ordinary, faithful people, even those who might feel overlooked or are waiting on a promise (as we see in their later story regarding their barrenness). Their established lineage and commitment to their priestly duties demonstrate a life lived in accordance with God's commands. For believers today, it encourages faithfulness in our own callings and roles, recognizing that God can use our seemingly mundane circumstances for His extraordinary purposes. Just as Zacharias and Elisabeth were positioned for a divine encounter, we too should live in readiness for God's activity in our lives, trusting His perfect timing.

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.

  • 1 Chronicles 24:10

    The seventh to Hakkoz, the eighth to Abijah,

  • Matthew 2:1

    ¶ Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem,

  • 1 Chronicles 24:19

    These [were] the orderings of them in their service to come into the house of the LORD, according to their manner, under Aaron their father, as the LORD God of Israel had commanded him.

  • Nehemiah 12:4

    Iddo, Ginnetho, Abijah,

  • Nehemiah 12:17

    Of Abijah, Zichri; of Miniamin, of Moadiah, Piltai;

Add TrulyRandomVerse to your Home Screen for quick access!

← Back