And his father Zacharias was filled with the Holy Ghost, and prophesied, saying,

LUKE 1:67KJV
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Luke 1:67 (KJV)

What does Luke 1:67 mean?

Luke 1:67 describes how Zechariah, the father of John the Baptist, was filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak a prophecy. This verse marks the moment when Zechariah, after being unable to speak for months, is inspired by God to deliver an important message.

The setting is Zechariah’s home, shortly after the birth and naming of his son John. Zechariah, who had been mute since the angel’s announcement, is now empowered by the Holy Spirit to speak. The verse introduces the prophecy that follows, signaling that Zechariah’s words are not just his own thoughts but are prompted by God’s Spirit for a special purpose.

The Greek behind Luke 1:67

  • "filled" (ἐπλήσθη, plēsthē): This word means to be completely filled or influenced. In this context, it shows that Zechariah is under the full influence of the Holy Spirit, not just speaking from his own mind.
  • "Holy" (ἅγιον, hagion) and "Ghost" (πνεῦμα, pneuma): Together, these words refer to the Holy Spirit, the divine presence of God. The Greek emphasizes both the sacredness ("holy") and the spiritual, life-giving aspect ("spirit" or "breath") of God’s influence.
  • "prophesied" (προεφήτευσεν, proephēteusen): This word means to speak forth or declare something under divine inspiration. It highlights that Zechariah’s upcoming words are not ordinary speech, but a message from God.

Why Luke 1:67 matters

  • This verse clears up that Zechariah’s prophecy is not just a personal reflection but is given by the Holy Spirit, lending authority and significance to what he is about to say.
  • Luke 1:67 connects Zechariah’s experience to earlier biblical stories where God’s Spirit empowers people to speak, showing continuity with the Old Testament prophets.
  • The verse prepares the reader for the important prophecy that follows, which will explain John the Baptist’s role and God’s plan for salvation.

Where else these words appear

“Zacharias” Greek G2197 · used in 11 verses

  • Matthew 23:35 That upon you may come all the righteous blood shed upon the earth, from the blood of righteous Abel unto the blood of Zacharias son of Barachias, whom ye slew between the temple and the altar.
  • Luke 1:13 But the angel said unto him, Fear not, Zacharias: for thy prayer is heard; and thy wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John.
  • Luke 1:40 And entered into the house of Zacharias, and saluted Elisabeth.

“filled” Greek G4130 · used in 24 verses

  • Matthew 22:10 So those servants went out into the highways, and gathered together all as many as they found, both bad and good: and the wedding was furnished with guests.
  • Luke 2:21 And when eight days were accomplished for the circumcising of the child, his name was called JESUS, which was so named of the angel before he was conceived in the womb.
  • Acts 3:10 And they knew that it was he which sat for alms at the Beautiful gate of the temple: and they were filled with wonder and amazement at that which had happened unto him.

“prophesied” Greek G4395 · used in 27 verses

  • Matthew 7:22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?
  • Acts 2:17 And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams:
  • 1 Corinthians 14:4 He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church.