Luke 1:21 (KJV)

What does Luke 1:21 mean?

Luke 1:21 describes how the people outside the temple were waiting for Zacharias and were surprised that he was taking so long inside. This verse shows their growing curiosity and concern as they noticed an unusual delay during his priestly duties.

The scene takes place in the temple at Jerusalem, where Zacharias, a priest, had gone in to burn incense as part of his assigned service. The people mentioned are the worshippers gathered outside, who would normally expect the priest to return quickly. Their amazement at his delay hints that something out of the ordinary was happening inside, setting the stage for the announcement of John the Baptist’s birth.

The Greek behind Luke 1:21

• "Waited" (προσδοκῶντες, prosdokōntes): This word means more than just standing by; it carries a sense of expectation and anticipation, showing that the people were actively looking for Zacharias to come out.
• "Marvelled" (ἐθαύμαζον, ethaumazon): This word means to be amazed or astonished, suggesting that the delay was so unusual it caught everyone’s attention and made them wonder what was happening.
• "Long" (χρονοτριβεῖ, chronotribei): This word means to spend or delay time, emphasizing that Zacharias was inside much longer than was typical for this ritual.

Why Luke 1:21 matters

• Luke 1:21 highlights the public nature of temple worship and how the people were involved, not just the priests, giving a sense of the communal expectation around these rituals.
• The verse builds suspense in the narrative, preparing the reader for the significant event that has just occurred to Zacharias inside the temple.
• By showing the people’s reaction, Luke underlines that what happened to Zacharias was not a private matter but something that would soon become known to the whole community.