Devine Scripture

Luke 1:19

What does Luke 1:19 mean?

A plain-English look at Luke 1:19 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Luke 1:19 means

The angel identifies himself as Gabriel, one who stands in God’s presence, sent to bring these good tidings. Gabriel’s name and role underline the authority and heavenly origin of the message. His presence “in the face of God” indicates closeness to the divine throne, underscoring the seriousness of his message. By naming himself and his mission, Gabriel confirms the certainty of the promise and frames it as a deliberate act of God, not a random vision.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And 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.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And 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.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And the angel, answering, said, I am Gabriel, whose place is before God; I have been sent to say these words to you and to give you this good news.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And the messenger answering said to him, `I am Gabriel, who have been standing near before God, and I was sent to speak unto thee, and to proclaim these good news to thee,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And the angel answering, said to him: I am Gabriel, who stand before God and am sent to speak to thee and to bring thee these good tidings.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And the angel answering, said to him, I am Gabriel, who stand beforeGod, and I have been sent to speak to thee, and to bring these glad tidings to thee;

Context

This is the angel’s response to Zacharias’s request for proof. By giving his identity, Gabriel heightens the credibility of the announcement. The next verse then explains the immediate sign—Zacharias’s muteness—demonstrating consequences tied to unbelief even in the context of confirmed revelation.

v.18And Zacharias said unto the angel, Whereby shall I know this? for I am an old man, and my wife well stricken in years.

v.19This passage

v.20And behold, thou shalt be silent and not able to speak, until the day that these things shall come to pass, because thou believedst not my words, which shall be fulfilled in their season.

Cross references

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

  • Daniel 8:16

    And I heard a man’s voice betweenthe banks ofthe Ulai, which called, and said, Gabriel, make this man to understand the vision.

  • Daniel 9:21

    yea, while I was speaking in prayer, the man Gabriel, whom I had seen in the vision at the beginning, being caused to fly swiftly, touched me about the time of the evening oblation.

  • Hebrews 4:14

    Having then a great high priest, who hath passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession.

  • Luke 1:26

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

  • Matthew 18:10

    See that ye despise not one of these little ones: for I say unto you, that in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father who is in heaven.

  • Luke 2:10

    And the angel said unto them, Be not afraid; for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which shall be to all the people:

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