Devine Scripture

Luke 1:18

What does Luke 1:18 mean?

A plain-English look at Luke 1:18 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Luke 1:18 means

Zacharias asks for a sign because of his and his wife’s old age. His question—“Whereby shall I know this?”—is a request for verification rooted in human reason and doubt. Luke portrays his doubt sympathetically: the natural obstacle is obvious. Yet the question reveals a lack of trust in the angel’s word. This moment exposes the tension between faithful service and faltering faith, showing that even the righteous may struggle to believe extraordinary promises.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And Zacharias said unto the angel, Whereby shall I know this? for I am an old man, and my wife well stricken in years.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And Zacharias said unto the angel, Whereby shall I know this? for I am an old man, and my wife well stricken in years.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And Zacharias said unto the angel, Whereby shall I know this? for I am an old man, and my wife well stricken in years.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And Zacharias said to the angel, How may I be certain of this? For I am an old man, and my wife is far on in years.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And Zacharias said unto the messenger, `Whereby shall I know this? for I am aged, and my wife is advanced in her days?'

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And Zachary said to the angel: Whereby shall I know this? For I am an old man, and my wife is advanced in years.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And Zacharias said to the angel, How shall I know this, for I am an old man, and my wife advanced in years?

Context

Following the angel’s detailed promise, Zacharias responds with skepticism. This natural question provokes the angel’s revealing identity and the sign that follows. The exchange will highlight both God’s gracious fulfillment and the consequences of doubt in the immediate narrative.

v.17And he shall go before his face in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to walk in the wisdom of the just; to make ready for the Lord a people prepared for him.

v.18This passage

v.19And the angel answering said unto him, I am Gabriel, that stand in the presence of God; and I was sent to speak unto thee, and to bring thee these good tidings.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Genesis 18:12

    And Sarah laughed within herself, saying, After I am waxed old shall I have pleasure, my lord being old also?

  • Numbers 11:21

    And Moses said, The people, among whom I am, are six hundred thousand footmen; and thou hast said, I will give them flesh, that they may eat a whole month.

  • Judges 6:36

    And Gideon said unto God, If thou wilt save Israel by my hand, as thou hast spoken,

  • Isaiah 38:22

    Hezekiah also had said, What is the sign that I shall go up to the house of Jehovah?

  • Genesis 17:17

    Then Abraham fell upon his face, and laughed, and said in his heart, Shall a child be born unto him that is a hundred years old? and shall Sarah, that is ninety years old, bear?

  • Luke 1:34

    And Mary said unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man?

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