Devine Scripture

Luke 1:23

What does Luke 1:23 mean?

A plain-English look at Luke 1:23 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Luke 1:23 means

When Zacharias’s days of priestly service were finished, he returned home. This indicates the end of his scheduled temple duties and the resumption of ordinary life, now marked by the angelic encounter. His departure completes the temple episode and transitions the story from public ritual to domestic expectation. The return home signals the beginning of Elisabeth’s miraculous conception and the family’s private experience of God’s intervention.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And it came to pass, when the days of his ministration were fulfilled, he departed unto his house.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And it came to pass, that, as soon as the days of his ministration were accomplished, he departed to his own house.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And it came to pass, when the days of his ministration were fulfilled, he departed unto his house.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And when the days of his work in the Temple were ended, he went back to his house.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And it came to pass, when the days of his service were fulfilled, he went away to his house,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And it came to pass, after the days of his office were accomplished, he departed to his own house.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And it came to pass, when the days of his service were completed, he departed to his house.

Context

This verse bridges the temple scene and the domestic scene that follows. Having experienced revelation and the temporary silencing, Zacharias leaves the service and goes home. It prepares the reader for the immediate fulfillment of the angel’s promise in Elisabeth’s conception.

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.

v.23This passage

v.24And after these days Elisabeth his wife conceived; and she hid herself five months, saying,

Cross references

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

  • 2 Kings 11:5

    And he commanded them, saying, This is the thing that ye shall do: a third part of you, that come in on the sabbath, shall be keepers of the watch of the king’s house;

  • 1 Chronicles 9:25

    And their brethren, in their villages, were to come in every seven days from time to time to be with them:

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