Devine Scripture

Luke 1:21

What does Luke 1:21 mean?

A plain-English look at Luke 1:21 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Luke 1:21 means

The people waiting for Zacharias outside the temple wondered at his delay. Their expectation marks the normalcy of temple routines and how unusual his protracted absence would be. The crowd’s waiting adds human curiosity and communal concern to the scene. Their marveling contrasts with the angelic reality inside and foreshadows the public perception that something extraordinary has occurred, even if they do not yet know its content.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And the people were waiting for Zacharias, and they marvelled while he tarried in the temple.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And the people waited for Zacharias, and marvelled that he tarried so long in the temple.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And the people were waiting for Zacharias, and they marvelled while he tarried in the temple.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And the people were waiting for Zacharias and were surprised because he was in the Temple for such a long time.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And the people were waiting for Zacharias, and wondering at his tarrying in the sanctuary,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And the people were waiting for Zachary: and they wondered that he tarried so long in the temple.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And the people were awaiting Zacharias, and they wondered at his delaying in the temple.

Context

After Zacharias’s encounter and muteness, Luke returns to the public outside the temple. The people’s waiting and wonder create continuity between inner revelation and outer curiosity. This explains why his eventual silence will lead to speculation and signaling among the congregation.

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.

v.21This passage

v.22And when he came out, he could not speak unto them: and they perceived that he had seen a vision in the temple: and he continued making signs unto them, and remained dumb.

Cross references

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

  • Numbers 6:23

    Speak unto Aaron and unto his sons, saying, On this wise ye shall bless the children of Israel: ye shall say unto them,

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