Devine Scripture

Luke 1:6

What does Luke 1:6 mean?

A plain-English look at Luke 1:6 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Luke 1:6 means

Luke states that Zacharias and Elisabeth were righteous and blameless, faithfully keeping God’s commandments. This affirms their moral and religious integrity; they are not outcasts but respected, devout Israelites. Their righteousness is not a guarantee of earthly blessing (they are childless), but it shows they lived in faithful obedience. Luke prepares the reader to see God’s mercy work especially on those who earnestly seek him—righteousness here aligns with covenant faithfulness rather than sinlessness.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

They were upright in the eyes of God, keeping all the rules and orders of God, and doing no wrong.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and they were both righteous before God, going on in all the commands and righteousnesses of the Lord blameless,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And they were both just before God, walking in all the commandments and justifications of the Lord without blame.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And they were both just beforeGod, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless.

Context

This follows their identification and deepens our understanding of the couple: they are devout and upright. That detail contrasts with their trouble—barrenness—and underscores that their childlessness is a painful circumstance, not a moral failing. It sets up the significance of God’s forthcoming intervention.

v.5There was in the days of Herod, king of Judæa, a certain priest named Zacharias, of the course of Abijah: and he had a wife of the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elisabeth.

v.6This passage

v.7And they had no child, because that Elisabeth was barren, and they both were now well stricken in years.

Cross references

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

  • Psalms 119:6

    Then shall I not be put to shame, When I have respect unto all thy commandments.

  • 2 Peter 3:14

    Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for these things, give diligence that ye may be found in peace, without spot and blameless in his sight.

  • 1 John 2:29

    If ye know that he is righteous, ye know that every one also that doeth righteousness is begotten of him.

  • Acts 23:1

    And Paul, looking stedfastly on the council, said, Brethren, I have lived before God in all good conscience until this day.

  • Acts 24:16

    Herein I also exercise myself to have a conscience void of offence toward God and men always.

  • Romans 3:9

    What then? are we better than they? No, in no wise: for we before laid to the charge both of Jews and Greeks, that they are all under sin;

Related questions readers ask

Keep reading

Want to dig deeper? Explore Luke 1

Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on Luke 1.

Keep exploring

Follow this verse across Scripture

Topics, devotionals, original-language word studies, and figures connected to Luke 1:6.

Browse every hub

BibleTopicsBible answersDevotionalsFamous passagesWord studiesPeoplePlacesVerses for…Reading plansCommentary