Luke 1:13 (KJV)

What does Luke 1:13 mean?

Luke 1:13 describes an angel telling Zacharias not to be afraid because his prayer has been heard: his wife Elisabeth will have a son, and they are to name him John. This verse shows a direct answer to a long-standing hope, delivered by a divine messenger.

In this scene, the angel is speaking to Zacharias, a priest, while he is serving in the temple. Zacharias and his wife Elisabeth have been unable to have children, and they are both advanced in years. The angel’s message not only promises a child but also gives specific instructions about the child’s name, highlighting the importance of this birth in the unfolding story.

The Greek behind Luke 1:13

• ἄγγελος (angelos): This word means "messenger" and is used here for the supernatural being delivering God’s message. The presence of an ἄγγελος signals a moment of special significance.
• δέησις (deēsis): Translated as "prayer," this word often refers to a heartfelt request or plea, suggesting that Zacharias’s longing for a child was deep and earnest.
• φοβέομαι (phobeomai): The phrase "Fear not" uses this word, which means to be afraid or terrified. The angel’s reassurance addresses the natural fear people felt when encountering the divine.
• Ἰωάννης (Iōannēs): The name "John" is given special emphasis by the angel, indicating that this child’s identity and role are set by God, not just by his parents.

Why Luke 1:13 matters

• This verse clarifies that God’s response to prayer can come in unexpected ways and at unexpected times, especially after years of waiting.
• The angel’s command to name the child "John" connects this birth to God’s larger plan, as John will later be known as John the Baptist, a key figure in preparing for Jesus.
• The verse sets the tone for the miraculous events that follow in Luke’s Gospel, showing that God is actively involved in the lives of ordinary people.