And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless.

LUKE 1:6KJV
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Luke 1:6 (KJV)

What does Luke 1:6 mean?

Luke 1:6 describes how both Zechariah and Elizabeth were considered righteous before God, living in a way that carefully followed all of God’s commandments and regulations, and were seen as blameless in their conduct. This verse highlights their upright character and faithful obedience to God’s laws.

Luke, the writer, is introducing the parents of John the Baptist. He points out that Zechariah and Elizabeth were not just outwardly religious, but genuinely lived according to God’s standards. This sets the stage for the story, showing that their later experiences—especially their struggle with childlessness—were not due to any fault or sin on their part.

The Greek behind Luke 1:6

  • δίκαιοι (dikaioi, "righteous"): This word often means being in right standing, not just by human standards but specifically before God. Luke emphasizes that their righteousness was genuine and recognized by God, not just by people.
  • ἐντολαῖς (entolais, "commandments") and δικαιώμασιν (dikaiōmasin, "ordinances"): These two words together cover both the general commands and the specific religious practices or requirements in the Jewish law. Luke is stressing that Zechariah and Elizabeth were careful in every aspect of their religious life.
  • ἄμεμπτοι (amemptoi, "blameless"): This word means without fault or reproach. It does not claim they were perfect, but that there was nothing in their lives that others could rightly criticize according to the law.

Why Luke 1:6 matters

  • Luke 1:6 clears up any idea that Zechariah and Elizabeth’s childlessness was a punishment or sign of God’s disfavor; instead, they were faithful and upright.
  • The verse emphasizes that God’s view of righteousness is what matters most, not just outward appearances or public opinion.
  • This description connects their story to the larger biblical theme that God often works through those who are faithful but overlooked or misunderstood by society.

Where else these words appear

“blameless” Greek G273 · used in 5 verses

  • Philippians 2:15 That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world;
  • Philippians 3:6 Concerning zeal, persecuting the church; touching the righteousness which is in the law, blameless.
  • 1 Thessalonians 3:13 To the end he may stablish your hearts unblameable in holiness before God, even our Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all his saints.

“ordinances” Greek G1345 · used in 10 verses

  • Romans 1:32 Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.
  • Romans 5:18 Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life.
  • Hebrews 9:10 Which stood only in meats and drinks, and divers washings, and carnal ordinances, imposed on them until the time of reformation.

“both” Greek G297 · used in 14 verses

  • Matthew 9:17 Neither do men put new wine into old bottles: else the bottles break, and the wine runneth out, and the bottles perish: but they put new wine into new bottles, and both are preserved.
  • Luke 5:7 And they beckoned unto their partners, which were in the other ship, that they should come and help them. And they came, and filled both the ships, so that they began to sink.
  • Acts 8:38 And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him.

“commandments” Greek G1785 · used in 65 verses

  • Matthew 5:19 Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.
  • John 12:50 And I know that his commandment is life everlasting: whatsoever I speak therefore, even as the Father said unto me, so I speak.
  • Hebrews 7:5 And verily they that are of the sons of Levi, who receive the office of the priesthood, have a commandment to take tithes of the people according to the law, that is, of their brethren, though they come out of the loins of Abraham: