Luke 1:80

And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, and was in the deserts till the day of his shewing unto Israel.

And {G1161} the child {G3813} grew {G837}, and {G2532} waxed strong {G2901} in spirit {G4151}, and {G2532} was {G2258} in {G1722} the deserts {G2048} till {G2193} the day {G2250} of his {G846} shewing {G323} unto {G4314} Israel {G2474}.

The child grew and became strong in spirit, and he lived in the wilderness until the time came for him to appear in public to Isra'el.

And the child grew and became strong in spirit; and he lived in the wilderness until the time of his public appearance to Israel.

And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, and was in the deserts till the day of his showing unto Israel.

Commentary

Luke 1:80 provides a concise summary of the early life of John the Baptist, bridging the gap between his miraculous birth and the commencement of his public ministry. This verse serves as a transition, highlighting his unique preparation for his divine calling as the forerunner of Jesus Christ.

Context

This verse concludes the first chapter of Luke, immediately following Zechariah's prophetic hymn, known as the Benedictus (Luke 1:68-79). Zechariah had foretold John's role as the prophet who would go before the Lord to prepare His ways. Luke 1:80 acts as a final statement on John's upbringing, setting the stage for his emergence as a prominent figure in Israel, as detailed later in Luke's Gospel.

Key Themes

  • Growth and Development: The phrase "the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit" emphasizes John's holistic development. It wasn't just physical growth, but a profound internal, spiritual strengthening, indicating a divine work within him.
  • Divine Preparation and Isolation: John's long period "in the deserts" signifies a time of solitude, reflection, and intense spiritual preparation. This wilderness experience mirrors that of other biblical figures like Moses and Elijah, suggesting a period of separation and training by God before a significant public task.
  • Appointed Time: "Till the day of his shewing unto Israel" underscores the concept of God's perfect timing. John remained secluded until the precise moment ordained by God for him to reveal himself and begin his prophetic ministry, fulfilling his role as the one who would prepare the way for the Lord.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek phrase for "waxed strong in spirit" is ekrataiouto pneumati (ἐκραταιοῦτο πνεύματι). The verb kratioo (κραταιόω) means "to be strengthened," "to be made mighty," or "to prevail." It suggests an internal, powerful, and continuous strengthening, likely by the Holy Spirit, equipping John for the immense spiritual and prophetic challenges ahead. This was more than just character development; it was a divine empowerment for his unique calling.

Practical Application

Luke 1:80 offers several timeless lessons for believers today:

  • The Importance of Preparation: Just as John was prepared in the wilderness, God often uses periods of quiet, solitude, or even difficulty to strengthen us spiritually and prepare us for His purposes.
  • Spiritual Growth is Key: Our spiritual growth is as vital, if not more so, than our physical or intellectual development. We are called to "grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ" (2 Peter 3:18).
  • Trusting God's Timing: John waited patiently for God's appointed time to reveal himself. This reminds us to trust God's sovereignty and timing for our own lives and ministries, rather than rushing ahead. His "shewing unto Israel" eventually led to his powerful public ministry, calling people to repentance (Luke 3:3).
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Cross-References

  • Luke 2:40

    And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him.

  • Mark 1:3

    The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.

  • Mark 1:4

    John did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins.

  • Luke 2:52

    And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.

  • Judges 13:24

    ¶ And the woman bare a son, and called his name Samson: and the child grew, and the LORD blessed him.

  • Judges 13:25

    And the Spirit of the LORD began to move him at times in the camp of Dan between Zorah and Eshtaol.

  • Matthew 3:1

    ¶ In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea,