And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth,

LUKE 1:26KJV
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Luke 1:26 (KJV)

What does Luke 1:26 mean?

Luke 1:26 says that in the sixth month, God sent the angel Gabriel to a city in Galilee called Nazareth. This verse sets the stage for a significant announcement, showing that God is actively sending a messenger to a specific place and time.

The writer, Luke, is describing a real event in history, marking the timeline by mentioning "the sixth month"—which refers to Elizabeth’s pregnancy with John the Baptist, as described earlier in the chapter. Gabriel, an angel known for delivering important messages from God, is sent to Nazareth, a small and rather unremarkable town in Galilee, highlighting that something important is about to happen in an unexpected place.

The Greek behind Luke 1:26

  • ἄγγελος (angelos): This word means "messenger" and is often used for heavenly beings who deliver God’s messages. Here, it emphasizes that Gabriel is acting on God’s behalf, not just appearing on his own.
  • ἀπεστάλη (apestalē, "was sent"): This verb carries the sense of being officially dispatched with a purpose. It shows Gabriel is on a specific mission from God, not just visiting at random.
  • Ναζαρὲθ (Nazareth): Naming this small town in Galilee points to the humble and unexpected setting for the coming events, which contrasts with expectations of something grand happening in a major city.

Why Luke 1:26 matters

  • Luke 1:26 clears up that the story of Jesus’ birth is rooted in real places and times, connecting it to actual history rather than legend or myth.
  • The verse highlights that God’s actions often begin in ordinary or overlooked places, like Nazareth, rather than famous or powerful cities.
  • By mentioning Gabriel and the sixth month, Luke ties together the stories of John the Baptist and Jesus, showing that both births are part of God’s larger plan.

Where else these words appear

“Gabriel” Greek G1043 · used in 2 verses

  • Luke 1:19 And the angel answering said unto him, I am Gabriel, that stand in the presence of God; and am sent to speak unto thee, and to shew thee these glad tidings.

“Nazareth” Greek G3478 · used in 12 verses

  • Matthew 2:23 And he came and dwelt in a city called Nazareth: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophets, He shall be called a Nazarene.
  • Mark 1:9 And it came to pass in those days, that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee, and was baptized of John in Jordan.
  • Luke 4:16 And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up: and, as his custom was, he went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and stood up for to read.

“sixth” Greek G1623 · used in 14 verses

  • Matthew 20:5 Again he went out about the sixth and ninth hour, and did likewise.
  • Luke 23:44 And it was about the sixth hour, and there was a darkness over all the earth until the ninth hour.
  • Revelation 6:12 And I beheld when he had opened the sixth seal, and, lo, there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became as blood;

“month” Greek G3376 · used in 18 verses

  • Luke 1:24 And after those days his wife Elisabeth conceived, and hid herself five months, saying,
  • Acts 18:11 And he continued there a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them.
  • Revelation 9:5 And to them it was given that they should not kill them, but that they should be tormented five months: and their torment was as the torment of a scorpion, when he striketh a man.