Luke 1:65

And fear came on all that dwelt round about them: and all these sayings were noised abroad throughout all the hill country of Judaea.

And {G2532} fear {G5401} came {G1096} on {G1909} all {G3956} that dwelt round about {G4039} them {G846}: and {G2532} all {G3956} these {G5023} sayings {G4487} were noised abroad {G1255} throughout {G1722} all {G3650} the hill country {G3714} of Judaea {G2449}.

All their neighbors were awestruck; and throughout the hill country of Y'hudah, people talked about all these things.

All their neighbors were filled with awe, and people throughout the hill country of Judea were talking about these events.

And fear came on all that dwelt round about them: and all these sayings were noised abroad throughout all the hill country of Judæa.

Commentary

Luke 1:65 KJV describes the immediate and profound reaction of the community to the miraculous events surrounding the birth of John the Baptist and the restoration of his father Zechariah's speech. This verse highlights the widespread impact of God's intervention in human affairs, setting the stage for John's unique prophetic ministry.

Context

This verse follows the dramatic events of John the Baptist's birth and naming ceremony. After nine months of muteness, a divine sign given by the angel Gabriel (Luke 1:20), Zechariah's tongue was loosed when he confirmed his son's name as John, as instructed by the angel. The astonished neighbors and relatives, who had witnessed Zechariah's muteness and the unusual circumstances, were struck with a sense of reverential awe. The news of these extraordinary occurrences quickly spread, becoming a subject of widespread discussion throughout the rural "hill country of Judaea" where Zechariah and Elisabeth lived.

Key Themes

  • Divine Awe and Reverence: The "fear" that came upon the people was not mere terror but a profound sense of awe and respect in the face of God's miraculous power and presence. It was a recognition of divine activity, prompting reflection on what God was doing. This is similar to the "fear of the Lord" often mentioned in Scripture as the beginning of wisdom.
  • Public Witness to God's Work: The fact that "all these sayings were noised abroad" emphasizes that God's work is not hidden. The miraculous events surrounding John's birth served as a public testimony to God's faithfulness and the unfolding of His redemptive plan, preparing the way for the Messiah.
  • Preparation for John's Ministry: The widespread knowledge of these events laid a foundation for John the Baptist's future role. People would remember the unusual circumstances of his birth, setting him apart as someone specially chosen by God (Luke 1:66).

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "fear" here is phobos (φόβος), which in this context denotes not a paralyzing dread but a profound sense of awe, reverence, and astonishment at the supernatural. It signifies a proper response to a divine manifestation. The phrase "noised abroad" comes from the Greek dialaleo (διαλαλέω), meaning "to speak through" or "to proclaim widely." It vividly conveys the rapid and extensive dissemination of the news, highlighting the public impact of God's actions.

Practical Application

Luke 1:65 reminds us to cultivate a sense of awe and reverence for God's work in our lives and in the world. When we witness or experience God's power, whether through miraculous intervention or subtle guidance, our response should be one of humble adoration and wonder. Furthermore, like the people in Judaea, we are called to be witnesses to God's truth. The spread of the news about John's birth serves as a model for sharing the good news of God's saving acts, particularly the message of salvation through Jesus Christ, with those around us. Our testimony can help others recognize God's hand at work.

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Cross-References

  • Luke 1:39 (5 votes)

    ¶ And Mary arose in those days, and went into the hill country with haste, into a city of Juda;

  • Acts 5:5 (3 votes)

    And Ananias hearing these words fell down, and gave up the ghost: and great fear came on all them that heard these things.

  • Acts 5:11 (3 votes)

    And great fear came upon all the church, and upon as many as heard these things.

  • Luke 7:16 (3 votes)

    And there came a fear on all: and they glorified God, saying, That a great prophet is risen up among us; and, That God hath visited his people.

  • Acts 2:43 (3 votes)

    And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles.

  • Joshua 10:6 (2 votes)

    And the men of Gibeon sent unto Joshua to the camp to Gilgal, saying, Slack not thy hand from thy servants; come up to us quickly, and save us, and help us: for all the kings of the Amorites that dwell in the mountains are gathered together against us.

  • Revelation 11:11 (2 votes)

    And after three days and an half the Spirit of life from God entered into them, and they stood upon their feet; and great fear fell upon them which saw them.