Luke 1:80

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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.

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 1:80 offers a concise yet profound summary of John the Baptist's formative years, bridging the gap between his miraculous birth and the commencement of his prophetic ministry. This verse highlights his unique, divinely orchestrated development—both physical and spiritual—and his prolonged period of isolation in the wilderness, all serving as essential preparation for his pivotal role as the forerunner of the Messiah, awaiting God's appointed time for his public revelation to Israel.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Luke 1:80 serves as the concluding statement of the birth narrative of John the Baptist, immediately following Zechariah's Spirit-inspired prophecy, the Benedictus ([Luke 1:68-79](/luke/1-68-79 "Zechariah's Prophecy of John and Jesus")). This hymn celebrates God's faithfulness to His covenant promises and explicitly foretells John's role as the prophet who would prepare the way for the Lord. The verse then acts as a narrative bridge, providing a succinct overview of John's early life and development, setting the stage for his emergence in [Luke 3](/luke/3 "Luke 3 - John the Baptist's Ministry") as the voice crying in the wilderness. It emphasizes that the miraculous circumstances of his birth were followed by a period of divine nurture and preparation, ensuring he would be ready for his unique calling.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** John's upbringing "in the deserts" (Greek: _eremos_, often translated as wilderness or desolate place) aligns with a tradition of prophetic figures in ancient Israel who spent time in solitude, often in the wilderness, for spiritual formation and direct communion with God. This practice is seen with Moses on Mount Sinai, Elijah in the desert ([1 Kings 19:4-8](/1_kings/19-4-8 "Elijah's Wilderness Journey")), and even later with Jesus's temptation in the wilderness ([Luke 4:1-13](/luke/4-1-13 "Jesus' Temptation in the Wilderness")). Such isolation was not merely physical but spiritual, allowing for intense focus on God's word and purpose, free from the distractions and corruptions of society. The "shewing unto Israel" refers to his public appearance and the commencement of his prophetic ministry, a significant event in a culture that highly valued public revelation and prophetic authority.
* **Key Themes:** This verse encapsulates several major themes pertinent to John's life and the broader narrative of Luke's Gospel. Firstly, it underscores **Divine Preparation and Empowerment**, showing that John's growth was not merely natural but supernaturally guided, equipping him for his unique prophetic task. The phrase "waxed strong in spirit" points to an internal, spiritual strengthening, likely by the Holy Spirit, preparing him to fulfill the prophecy that he would be "filled with the Holy Spirit even from birth" ([Luke 1:15](/luke/1-15 "John to be filled with the Holy Spirit")). Secondly, the theme of **God's Perfect Timing** is evident in "till the day of his shewing unto Israel." John remained secluded until God's appointed time, demonstrating divine sovereignty over the unfolding of redemptive history. This highlights that God prepares His servants for specific moments, and their public ministry begins not by human will but by divine orchestration. Finally, the verse reinforces John's role as the **Forerunner of the Messiah**, as his entire life, even his hidden years, was oriented toward preparing the way for the Lord's arrival, fulfilling the prophecies of [Isaiah 40:3](/isaiah/40-3 "Isaiah's Prophecy of the Voice in the Wilderness") and [Malachi 3:1](/malachi/3-1 "Malachi's Prophecy of the Messenger").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **child (Greek, _paidíon'_):** This diminutive noun refers to a "childling," an infant, or a half-grown boy or girl. In this context, it emphasizes John's youth and the early stages of his life, underscoring the miraculous nature of his birth and the divine care over his development from a very young age. It portrays him as a tender individual under God's protective and formative hand.
* **waxed strong (Greek, _krataióō'_):** Derived from a word meaning "mighty" or "powerful," this verb signifies an active process of being empowered or increasing in vigor. In the imperfect tense, it suggests a continuous and ongoing strengthening. When paired with "in spirit," it denotes a profound internal and spiritual empowerment, indicating that John's growth was not merely physical but a divinely infused robustness of character, will, and spiritual capacity, preparing him for the demanding prophetic ministry ahead.
* **spirit (Greek, _pneûma'_):** This term, in the context of "waxed strong in spirit," refers to John's inner being, his rational soul, or his vital principle. It strongly implies the influence and empowerment of the Holy Spirit, aligning with the earlier prophecy that John would be "filled with the Holy Spirit even from birth" ([Luke 1:15](/luke/1-15 "John to be filled with the Holy Spirit")). This spiritual strengthening was essential for his unique calling as a prophet and forerunner.
* **deserts (Greek, _érēmos'_):** This noun refers to a "lonesome," "waste," or "wilderness" place. It denotes a desolate, uninhabited region, often rocky and arid. John's dwelling in the deserts signifies his separation from conventional society, a period of solitude and austerity. This geographical setting becomes a powerful symbol of his unique preparation, mirroring the experiences of other great biblical figures who encountered God in isolated, barren lands.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the child grew":** This phrase indicates John's natural physical development, a normal progression from infancy to youth. It establishes the reality of his human growth, even as the subsequent clauses highlight his extraordinary spiritual development and unique circumstances. It grounds his miraculous birth in the reality of human experience.
* **"and waxed strong in spirit":** This is a crucial theological statement. It signifies not just physical maturation but a profound, continuous, and divinely orchestrated spiritual strengthening. This "waxing strong" implies an internal robustness, a deepening of his spiritual resolve, and an empowerment by the Holy Spirit, preparing him for the immense spiritual challenges and prophetic authority he would later wield. It suggests a unique spiritual formation distinct from ordinary human development.
* **"and was in the deserts":** This clause describes John's geographical location and lifestyle during his formative years. His dwelling in the "deserts" (wilderness) indicates a period of isolation, austerity, and separation from the populated areas. This was a time of solitude, reflection, and intense spiritual preparation, removed from the societal and religious norms of the time, allowing for direct communion with God and a unique prophetic identity to be forged.
* **"till the day of his shewing unto Israel.":** This final clause emphasizes the divine timing and purpose behind John's hidden life. His time in the wilderness was not indefinite but had a clear, divinely appointed end point: the "day of his shewing" or public appearance to the nation of Israel. This highlights God's sovereignty and meticulous planning for John's ministry, ensuring he would emerge at the precise moment to fulfill his role as the Messiah's forerunner.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 1:80 employs several literary devices to convey its profound meaning. **Foreshadowing** is prominent, as John's wilderness preparation and eventual "shewing" anticipate the coming of Jesus, who would also spend time in the wilderness before His public ministry. The verse also utilizes **Symbolism**, with the "deserts" representing a place of purification, testing, and intense spiritual formation, reminiscent of Israel's wilderness wanderings and the prophetic solitude of figures like Elijah. The phrase "waxed strong in spirit" is an example of **Hyperbole** or **Divine Empowerment**, emphasizing a supernatural strengthening beyond mere human growth, pointing to the Holy Spirit's unique work in John. Furthermore, the entire verse functions as a **Summary Statement**, efficiently condensing years of John's life into a single, impactful sentence, serving as a narrative bridge between his infancy and the commencement of his public ministry in [Luke 3](/luke/3 "Luke 3 - John the Baptist's Ministry").

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 1:80 beautifully encapsulates the theme of divine preparation and the sovereign timing of God in redemptive history. John's hidden years in the wilderness, marked by spiritual strengthening, underscore the truth that God often prepares His chosen instruments in obscurity before revealing them for public ministry. This period of solitude was not wasted time but a crucible for spiritual formation, equipping John to be the uncompromising voice of repentance. It demonstrates that God's work in a person's life is holistic, encompassing both physical and spiritual development, all geared towards His ultimate purpose. This verse also highlights the continuity of God's redemptive plan, showing how John's life was meticulously designed to fulfill ancient prophecies and pave the way for the Messiah.

* [Isaiah 40:3](/isaiah/40-3 "Isaiah's Prophecy of the Voice in the Wilderness")
* [Malachi 3:1](/malachi/3-1 "Malachi's Prophecy of the Messenger")
* [2 Peter 3:18](/2_peter/3-18 "2 Peter 3:18 - Growing in Grace and Knowledge")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 1:80 offers profound insights for believers today, reminding us that God's work in our lives often involves periods of hidden growth and preparation. Just as John was strengthened in spirit in the solitude of the desert, we too may experience seasons of quiet, challenge, or isolation that are, in fact, God's training ground for future service. These times are not unproductive, but rather opportunities for deep spiritual formation, where our faith is refined, our character is shaped, and our dependence on God is deepened. We are called not just to physical or intellectual growth, but primarily to "wax strong in spirit," cultivating a robust inner life through prayer, Scripture, and communion with the Holy Spirit. Furthermore, John's patient waiting for "the day of his shewing" teaches us the vital importance of trusting God's perfect timing for our lives and ministries. We must resist the urge to rush ahead of God, instead embracing His sovereign schedule, knowing that He will reveal His purpose for us in due time. Our ultimate goal, like John's, should be to be ready and available when God calls us to step into the public sphere of our unique calling, prepared to point others to Christ.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "deserts" or periods of solitude has God used in your life to strengthen you spiritually?**
* **How does the concept of "waxing strong in spirit" challenge your understanding of personal growth and development?**
* **In what areas of your life are you struggling with impatience, and how can John's example of waiting for God's "shewing" encourage you?**

### FAQ
**Why did John the Baptist live in the desert, and what was the significance of this?**

Answer: John the Baptist lived "in the deserts" (Greek: _eremos_, wilderness) for an extended period, as stated in [Luke 1:80](/luke/1-80 "Luke 1:80 - John the Baptist's Early Life"). This was significant for several reasons. Culturally and historically, the wilderness was often seen as a place of divine encounter, purification, and prophetic preparation in Israelite tradition, as exemplified by Moses and Elijah. For John, it provided an environment of solitude and austerity, free from the corrupting influences of society and the established religious institutions. This isolation allowed for intense spiritual formation and direct communion with God, enabling him to "wax strong in spirit." It was a deliberate, divinely orchestrated period of training that prepared him to be God's uncompromising messenger, a voice crying in the wilderness, fulfilling the prophecy of [Isaiah 40:3](/isaiah/40-3 "Isaiah's Prophecy of the Voice in the Wilderness"). His simple, ascetic lifestyle in the desert also served as a stark contrast to the opulence and hypocrisy of the religious leaders of his day, lending credibility to his message of repentance when he finally emerged.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 1:80, while detailing the early life of John the Baptist, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. John's entire existence, from his miraculous conception to his wilderness preparation and eventual public "shewing," was designed by God to prepare the way for the Messiah. John's growth "in spirit" and his time in the "deserts" foreshadow Jesus's own spiritual maturity and His forty days of temptation in the wilderness, where He too was "led by the Spirit" ([Luke 4:1](/luke/4-1 "Luke 4:1 - Jesus Led by the Spirit")). John's "shewing unto Israel" was not an end in itself, but the necessary prelude to the ultimate "shewing" of the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). John's ministry of calling people to repentance and baptizing them in the Jordan was the direct preparation for Jesus's baptism, which marked the commencement of His public ministry ([Luke 3:21-22](/luke/3-21-22 "Luke 3:21-22 - Jesus' Baptism")). Thus, John's life, as summarized in this verse, is a powerful testimony to God's meticulous plan for salvation, where the forerunner perfectly sets the stage for the arrival of the King, Jesus Christ, the true Light who came into the world ([John 1:9](/john/1-9 "John 1:9 - The True Light")). Every aspect of John's preparation and public ministry was a pointer, a signpost, directing all attention and expectation towards the one who was to come, the Savior of the world.

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

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,