Luke 1:5

KJV

¶ 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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 1:5 meticulously introduces Zacharias and Elisabeth, a devout priestly couple, establishing the precise historical and spiritual setting for the extraordinary events that will unfold in the Gospel narrative. By anchoring their existence "in the days of Herod, the king of Judaea," and detailing their specific priestly lineage from the "course of Abia" and "daughters of Aaron," Luke immediately signals the divine orchestration of events within a tangible historical framework, preparing the reader for the miraculous births of John the Baptist and Jesus Christ.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Luke 1:5 serves as the narrative's precise historical and genealogical anchor, immediately following Luke's formal prologue in [Luke 1:1-4](/luke/1-1-4 "Luke's Purpose and Dedication"). Having stated his intention to write an "orderly account," Luke wastes no time in establishing the specific time, place, and key individuals for the unfolding drama. This verse transitions from the general statement of purpose to the concrete beginning of God's redemptive work, specifically setting the stage for the announcement of John the Baptist's birth, which directly precedes and prepares for the advent of Jesus Christ. It meticulously lays the groundwork, emphasizing the legitimacy and divine appointment of the characters involved, thereby lending credibility to the miraculous events that follow.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The phrase "in the days of Herod, the king of Judaea" immediately places the narrative within the reign of Herod the Great (37-4 BC), a period characterized by Roman imperial rule over Judea. Herod, a masterful but notoriously cruel and paranoid ruler, was known for his vast building projects, including the expansion of the Second Temple in Jerusalem. His reign was a time of significant political tension and messianic expectation among the Jewish people, who longed for liberation from foreign domination. Zacharias's identification as "a certain priest... of the course of Abia" points to the highly organized system of priestly service in the Temple. King David had divided the numerous priestly families into 24 courses or divisions, with each course serving in the Temple for one week twice a year ([1 Chronicles 24:1-19](/1_chronicles/24-1-19 "The Divisions of Priests")). The "course of Abia" (or Abijah) was the eighth of these divisions ([1 Chronicles 24:10](/1_chronicles/24-10 "The Eighth Priestly Division")). This detail underscores Luke's historical precision and demonstrates Zacharias's legitimate and active role within the established religious system. Elisabeth's lineage as "of the daughters of Aaron" further confirms her pure priestly heritage, signifying that both she and Zacharias belonged to the esteemed priestly tribe of Levi, specifically the family of Aaron, making them highly respected within Jewish society.
* **Key Themes:** This foundational verse contributes to several key themes prevalent in Luke's Gospel. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Timing and Sovereignty**, demonstrating that God's redemptive plan unfolds precisely within specific historical and political contexts, not in a vacuum. The mention of Herod's reign emphasizes that even amidst human rule and political complexities, God is sovereignly at work. Secondly, it introduces the theme of **Preparation for the Messiah**, as the narrative meticulously details the circumstances surrounding the birth of John the Baptist, who is prophesied to prepare the way for the Lord ([Luke 1:17](/luke/1-17 "John the Baptist's Prophesied Role") and [Luke 3:4-6](/luke/3-4-6 "John the Baptist Prepares the Way")). Thirdly, the verse subtly introduces the theme of **Righteousness and God's Chosen Instruments**. While [Luke 1:6](/luke/1-6 "Zacharias and Elisabeth's Righteousness") explicitly states their righteousness, their established priestly lineage and active service in this verse already imply their devout character and suitability as parents for such a pivotal figure in salvation history. Luke consistently emphasizes God's choice of humble and faithful individuals to accomplish His grand purposes.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **was (Greek, _gínomai'_):** This verb, meaning "to become, come into being," is crucial here as it firmly establishes the historical reality of Zacharias's existence and the events that follow. It signifies that these are not mythical tales but actual occurrences that "came to pass" within a specific time and place. Luke, as a historian, uses this word to ground his narrative in verifiable fact.
* **priest (Greek, _hiereús'_):** This term identifies Zacharias's sacred office and role within the Jewish religious system. A priest was a mediator between God and man, responsible for offering sacrifices, burning incense, and instructing the people in the Law. Zacharias's identity as a priest is central to the narrative, as it is during his service in the Temple that he receives the angelic announcement.
* **course (Greek, _ephēmería'_):** This word refers to the "diurnality" or the "quotidian rotation or class of the Jewish priests' service at the Temple." It denotes the specific division or group of priests to which Zacharias belonged, indicating the precise schedule and order of their Temple duties. This detail highlights Luke's meticulous historical accuracy and provides a tangible link to the established religious practices of the time.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judaea":** This opening phrase immediately sets the historical stage for the events to follow. It anchors the narrative in a specific, identifiable period under the reign of Herod the Great, a well-known historical figure. This precision is characteristic of Luke's Gospel, which emphasizes the historical reliability of the Christian message.
* **"a certain priest named Zacharias, of the course of Abia":** This clause introduces the male protagonist, Zacharias, identifying his profession as a priest and specifying his priestly division, the "course of Abia." This detail is not merely biographical but significant, as it was during his turn of service that the angel Gabriel appeared to him, marking the beginning of God's new work. The mention of the "course of Abia" (Abijah) is a verifiable historical detail found in the Old Testament, further solidifying the narrative's authenticity.
* **"and his wife [was] of the daughters of Aaron, and her name [was] Elisabeth":** This part introduces Zacharias's wife, Elisabeth, and establishes her equally prestigious priestly lineage. Being "of the daughters of Aaron" means she also descended directly from Aaron, the first high priest, ensuring a pure priestly heritage for both parents. This shared lineage underscores their devout background and the spiritual purity expected of those chosen for God's special purposes. The naming of both individuals adds to the personal and historical authenticity of the account.

#### Literary Devices
Luke's opening verse employs several significant literary devices. **Historical Anchoring** is prominent, as the precise mention of "Herod, the king of Judaea," immediately grounds the sacred narrative in a verifiable secular timeline, lending credibility and authority to the events. This contrasts with more mythical or legendary accounts, emphasizing Luke's commitment to historical fact. Coupled with this is **Genealogical Emphasis**, seen in the detailed specification of Zacharias's "course of Abia" and Elisabeth's descent from "the daughters of Aaron." This highlights their legitimate priestly heritage, establishing their spiritual authority and setting them apart as individuals of significant standing within Jewish society. Furthermore, the verse utilizes **Foreshadowing**, subtly hinting at the divine significance of this couple. By meticulously detailing their background, Luke prepares the reader for the extraordinary, divinely orchestrated events that are about to unfold through them, particularly the miraculous birth of their son, John, who will prepare the way for the Messiah. The overall effect is one of **Verisimilitude**, making the subsequent miraculous events more believable by embedding them within a meticulously described, authentic reality.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 1:5 serves as a theological cornerstone, illustrating God's meticulous involvement in human history and His faithfulness to His covenant promises. The introduction of Zacharias and Elisabeth, a righteous priestly couple, underscores the continuity between the Old Covenant and the New. Their lineage from Aaron signifies a deep connection to the Mosaic Law and the Temple service, representing the culmination of the priestly order established by God. Yet, it is through this very system, seemingly at its zenith, that God chooses to initiate a new phase of His redemptive plan, signaling that the old order is giving way to something greater. This verse highlights that God's divine timing is perfect, orchestrating events within specific historical contexts to prepare for the advent of His Son, demonstrating His sovereignty over all human affairs, even those of powerful rulers like Herod. It also subtly emphasizes the importance of faithfulness within the established religious structures, even as God prepares to transcend them.

* [Exodus 29:9](/exodus/29-9 "Aaron and His Sons Consecrated as Priests")
* [Malachi 3:1](/malachi/3-1 "The Messenger of the Covenant")
* [Galatians 4:4](/galatians/4-4 "God Sent His Son")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 1:5, while seemingly a simple biographical introduction, offers profound insights for contemporary believers. It reminds us that God's grand plans often unfold through the lives of seemingly ordinary, faithful individuals who are simply living out their callings within their given circumstances. Zacharias and Elisabeth were not seeking fame or extraordinary experiences; they were faithfully serving in their priestly duties, adhering to the established order. Their story encourages us to recognize the divine significance in our own daily faithfulness, no matter how mundane our tasks may seem. God often uses our positions of ordinary responsibility, our "courses of Abia," as the very places where He initiates His extraordinary work. This verse also underscores the importance of God's perfect timing; just as He meticulously chose the "days of Herod" for His plan to unfold, He orchestrates the timing in our lives, often working behind the scenes even when we are waiting on a long-desired promise. It calls us to live with a posture of readiness and trust, knowing that our faithfulness in the present prepares us for the divine encounters and purposes God has ordained for our future.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the historical anchoring of this verse (e.g., "in the days of Herod") encourage your trust in the reliability of God's Word and His active involvement in history?**
* **In what "course" or ordinary duties of your life might God be preparing you for an extraordinary divine encounter or purpose?**
* **How does the faithfulness of Zacharias and Elisabeth, even before their miraculous intervention, inspire you to live faithfully in your current circumstances?**

### FAQ
**Why does Luke emphasize the historical setting with "Herod, the king of Judaea"?**

Answer: Luke, as a meticulous historian, consistently anchors his narrative in verifiable historical and geographical details to demonstrate the factual reliability of the events he recounts. By naming "Herod, the king of Judaea," he places the beginning of his Gospel firmly within a known period of Roman rule and Jewish history (37-4 BC). This precision serves to authenticate the miraculous events that follow, assuring the reader that these are not myths or legends but actual occurrences within human history. It also highlights God's sovereignty, demonstrating that His divine plan unfolds within the very fabric of human political and social realities.

**What was the "course of Abia" and why is it significant?**

Answer: The "course of Abia" (or Abijah) refers to one of the 24 divisions of priests established by King David for serving in the Temple in Jerusalem ([1 Chronicles 24:1-19](/1_chronicles/24-1-19 "The Divisions of Priests")). Due to the large number of priests, they were organized into these courses, with each course serving for one week, twice a year. The "course of Abia" was the eighth of these divisions ([1 Chronicles 24:10](/1_chronicles/24-10 "The Eighth Priestly Division")). Its significance lies in Luke's commitment to historical accuracy and the fact that it was during Zacharias's specific turn of service in the Temple that he received the angelic announcement of John the Baptist's birth ([Luke 1:8-13](/luke/1-8-13 "Gabriel's Announcement to Zacharias")). This detail grounds the supernatural event within a very specific and verifiable human context.

**Why is Elisabeth's lineage as "of the daughters of Aaron" important?**

Answer: Elisabeth's lineage as "of the daughters of Aaron" signifies that she, like her husband Zacharias, belonged to the priestly family of Aaron, the first high priest of Israel. This detail is important for several reasons: it emphasizes the couple's pure priestly heritage, establishing their high standing and devout character within Jewish society; it underscores their adherence to the Mosaic Law and the Temple system; and it highlights the divine choice of a couple deeply embedded in the Old Covenant system to usher in the new era of salvation history. Their combined priestly lineage makes them fitting parents for John the Baptist, who would serve as the bridge between the Old and New Covenants.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 1:5, with its meticulous detailing of Zacharias and Elisabeth's priestly lineage and the historical context of Herod's reign, sets the stage for the ultimate fulfillment found in Jesus Christ. While Zacharias served as a priest "of the course of Abia" in the earthly Temple, his ministry, and indeed the entire Aaronic priesthood, foreshadowed the coming of the true and eternal High Priest, Jesus Christ. The Old Covenant priesthood, with its daily sacrifices and rituals, could only offer temporary atonement and served as a shadow of the perfect sacrifice to come ([Hebrews 10:1-4](/hebrews/10-1-4 "The Law is a Shadow")). Jesus, however, is the [Great High Priest](/hebrews/4-14 "Jesus, Our Great High Priest") who offered Himself "once for all" ([Hebrews 7:27](/hebrews/7-27 "Christ's One Sacrifice")) as the perfect and final sacrifice, rendering the Aaronic priesthood obsolete in its atoning function. Furthermore, the mention of "Herod, the king of Judaea," highlights the earthly kingship and political power of the time, which stands in stark contrast to the spiritual and eternal [Kingdom of God](/luke/17-20-21 "The Kingdom of God is Within You") inaugurated by Jesus. Christ is the true [King of Kings and Lord of Lords](/revelation/19-16 "King of Kings and Lord of Lords"), whose reign is not confined to a geographical region or a specific historical era, but is eternal and universal ([Daniel 7:13-14](/daniel/7-13-14 "The Son of Man's Eternal Dominion")). Thus, Luke 1:5, by establishing the historical and priestly context of the Old Covenant, subtly yet powerfully points to the radical and ultimate fulfillment of all these types and shadows in the person and work of Jesus Christ.

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

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;