Bible Commentaries
E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes
Luke 1
Forasmuch as = Since, as is well known indeed. Greek. epeideper. Occurs only here in N.T.
have in hand. Implying previous non = success (Acts 19:13). Elsewhere only in Acts 9:29. A medical word. Compare Colossians 4:14.
to set forth in order = to draw up.
a declaration = a narrative. Greek. diegesis. Occurs only here in N.T., used by Galen of a medical treatise.
of = concerning. Greek. peri. App-104. Not the same word as in verses: Luke 1:5, Luke 1:27, Luke 1:35, Luke 5:61.
things = matters, or facts.
which are most surely believed = which have been fully accomplished; i.e. in fulfilment of prophetic announcement. among. Greek. en. App-104. As in verses: Luke 1:25, Luke 1:28, Luke 1:42
from. Greek apo. App-104.
from the beginning. Greek. ap" arches; i.e. from the birth or ministry of the Lord. Compare John 15:27. Acts 1:1, Acts 1:21, Acts 1:22.
were = became.
eyewitnesses. Greek autoptai. Occurs only here. Not the same word as in 2 Peter 1:16. A medical word (Colossians 4:14). Compare our autopsy.
ministers = attendants. A technical word, often translated "officer".
having had perfect understanding = having followed up accurately.
all. The 1611 edition of the Authorized Version omitted this "all".
from the very first = from above. Greek. anothen. As in Matthew 27:51 (the top, Mark 15:38). John 3:3, John 3:7 (again), John 3:31 (from above); Luke 19:11, Luke 19:23. James 1:17; James 3:1, James 3:17. It may mean from the beginning, as in Acts 26:5, but there is no need to introduce that meaning here, as it is already in Luke 1:2. Moreover, havingunderstood them "from above", he necessarily understood them from the very beginning, as well as perfectly, or accurately. The greater includes the less.
in order = with method. most excellent. A title of social degree, not of moral quality. See Acts 23:26; Acts 26:25.
Theophilus. A common Roman name = beloved of God.
That = in order that.
mightest know = get to have full knowledge. Greek. epiginosko.) App-132. Not the same word as in verses: Luke 1:18, Luke 1:34.
things = words.
wherein = concerning (Greek. peri. App-104.) which.
thou hast been instructed = thou wast [orally]
taught. Greek. katecheo. See Acts 18:25. 1 Corinthians 14:19. Galatians 1:6, Galatians 1:6.
There was = There came to be. A Hebraism, Compare Luke 1:8, and see on Luke 2:1.
in. Greek en. App-104. Not the same word as in verses: Luke 1:15, Luke 1:20, Luke 1:44-47.
in the days. A Hebraism. See Matthew 2:1. Compare Esther 1:1.
Herod. See App-109.
the king. This title had been conferred by the Roman Senate on the recommendation of Antony and Octavius.
of = out of. Greek. ek, App-104.
Abia is named in 1 Chronicles 24:10, and Nehemiah 12:17. Out of the four who returned from Babylon twenty-four courses were formed (by lot) with the original names. See App-179.
the daughters of Aaron. The female descendants of Aaron always married priests
Elisabeth. Aaron's wife, Elisheba (Exodus 6:23)is spelled Elizabethin the Septuagint.
before. The Texts read enantion, not enopion (= in the presence of, as Luke 1:19). Both are found in the Papyri in this sense.
God. App-98.
ordinances = legal requirements. Greek. Plural of dlkaioma, which should always be so rendered in its other nine occurrences (Romans 1:32; Romans 2:26
;, Luke 5:16, Luke 5:18; Luke 8:4; Hebrews 9:1, Hebrews 9:10; Revelation 15:4; Revelation 19:8). Compare Numbers 36:13. Sometimes rendered "judgments" (Exodus 21:1; Exodus 24:3), where LXX has dikaioma.
the LORD. Must here and elsewhere be often rendered Jehovah. See App-98. A. b.
no. Greek. ou. App-106.
child. Greek. teknon. See App-108.
because that = inasmuch as.
well stricken = advanced.
it came to pass. A Hebraism. See note on Luke 1:5.
while he executed, &c. = in (Greek. en. App-104.) executing. Greek. hierateuo, to act as a priest. Not peculiar to Biblical Greek, but found often in the Papyri.
According to. Greek. kata. App-104.
his lot was = it fell to him by lot.
to burn incense. Greek. thumiao. Occurs only here in N.T. incense. The first recorded use of incense by man began in disobedience (Numbers 16:6), and the last ended in unbelief (Luke 1:20),
when he went = going.
into. Greek eis. App-104.
the Temple = The Naos, or Shrine; i.e. "the Holy Place". Not
hieron (the Temple courts). See note on Matthew 23:1, Matthew 23:8.
appeared. App-106. an angel. For the frequent references to angels in Luke, see Luke 1:26; Luke 2:9, Luke 2:13, Luke 2:21; Luke 12:8; Luke 15:10; Luke 16:22; Luke 22:43; Luke 24:4, Luke 24:23. Also frequently in Acts.
on = at. Greek ek. App-104.
the right side = the propitious side. Compare Matthew 25:33. Mark 16:5. John 21:6.
the altar of incense. See Exodus 30:1-10; Exodus 37:25-28. 1 Kings 7:48
saw. Greek. eidon. App-138.
upon. Greek. epi. App-104. As in Luke 1:35. Not the same word as in Luke 1:58.
unto = to. Greek. pros. App-104. Not the same word as in Luke 1:26.
not. Greek. me. App-105. As in verses: Luke 1:20, Luke 1:30, not as in verses: Luke 1:20, Luke 1:22, Luke 1:34.
for = because.
prayer = a definite petition.
is heard = was heard: i.e. not now, or recently. Evidently the prayer for offspring, which was now no longer offered.
bear thee = bring forth to thee.
John = Jehovah sheweth favour.
joy and gladness. Figure of speech Hendiadys (App-6) = joy, yea exultant joy.
at = upon[the occasion of]. Greek. epi. App-104., as in Luke 1:29.
birth = bringing forth. Greek gennao, used of the mother. See note on Matthew 1:2.
in the sight of = before.
See note on "before", Luke 1:6.
shall drink neither = shallin no wise (Greek. ou me. App-105.) drink,
strong drink. Greek. sikera, any intoxicating drink not from grapes.
shall be filled. Verbs of filling take the Genitive of what the person or vessel is filled with. See App-101. note. Here pneuma hagion is in the Genitive case.
the Holy Ghost = holy spirit. Greek pneuma hagion, or "power from on high". See App-101.
from. Greek ek. App-104. i.e. before birth. Compare Luke 1:44.
children = sons. See App-108.
to = towards. Greek. epi. App-104.
Lord. Greek. kurios. App-98.
go = goforth.
the spirit and power. Figure of speech Hendiadys (App-6) = the
spirit = yea, the powerful spirit (Malachi 4:5).
Elias = Elijah.
to turn, &c. Reference to Malachi 3:1 with Malachi 4:5, Malachi 4:6.
See App-107.
disobedient = unbelieving. to = in. Greek. en. App-104.
wisdom. Greek. phronesis (not sophia) = understanding. Occurs only here, and Ephesians 1:8 = the product of Sophia. See notes on Job 28:28; Job 40:4.
Whereby = According to (Greek. kata, as in Luke 1:9) what [sign].
know = get to know. Greek. ginosko. App-182.
for I am an old man. To Zechariah the promise seemed to come too late; to Mary (Luke 1:34)too early.
answering said. See note on Deuteronomy 1:41.
Gabriel = the mighty man of God. The messanger of the restoration (Luke 1:26; Daniel 8:16; Daniel 9:21), as Michael is the messanger of Israel's delieverance from judgement (Daniel 10:13, Daniel 10:21; Daniel 12:1. Jude 1:9; and Revelation 12:7). Probably two of the seven angels of Revelation 1:4; Revelation 3:1; Revelation 4:5; Revelation 5:6; Revelation 8:2, Revelation 8:6; Revelation 15:1, Revelation 15:6, Revelation 15:7, Revelation 15:8; Revelation 16:1; Revelation 17:1; Revelation 21:9.
in the presence. Same as "before", Luke 1:6.
am = was
shew = announce.
behold. Figure of speech Asterismos. App-6.
thou shalt be dumb. The finite Verb and Participle denote continuous silence.
be performed = come to pass.
believest not = didst not believe. App-150. Note the Negative.
not. Greek. ou. App-105.
which = which are of a kind which. Greek. hoitines, denoting a class, or kind of words.
in = up to. Greek eis. App-104. Marking the process continuing up to the end.
waited for = were looking for. The finite Verb and Participle denoting protracted waiting.
marvelled. Because such waiting was usually short.
speak: i.e. pronounce the usual blessing (Numbers 6:24).
perceived = clearly perceived, or recognised. Greek. epiginosko. App-132.
had seen. Greek. horao. App-133.
beckoned = kept making signs.
days = week.
ministration = public service. Greek leitourgia. Hence Eng. "liturgy".
to = unto. Greek. eis. App-104.
after. Greek. meta. App-104.
conceived. Greek. sullambano. A medical word, used in this sense in Luke and in James 1:15. See App-179.
hid = completely secluded. Probably to avoid all possibility of uncleanness, as in Judges 13:4, Judges 13:5, Judges 13:7, =Judges 13:1214. Occurs only here in N.T.
saying = saying that (Greek. hoti); giving the words.
looked on. Greek. epeidon. App-133. Occurs only in Luke here, and Acts 4:29.
to take away my reproach. Compare Genesis 30:23. 1 Samuel 1:6-10. Hosea 9:14. Contrast Luke 23:29.
the sixth month. After the vision of Zachariah.
This (Compare Luke 1:36) is the passage which gives John's age as six months older than the Lord"s. See App-179.
from. Greek. hupo. App-104.
unto. Greek. eis. App-104. Galilee. One of the four Roman divisions of Palestine, comprising Zebulun, Naphtali, and Asher. Compare Matthew 4:13.
Nazareth. Now enNazirah.
Aram. See App-94. See on Matthew 2:23.
To. Greek. pros. App-104.
virgin. This settles the meaning of the Hebrew `almah in Isaiah 7:14. There is no question about the Greek parthenos.
espoused = betrothed. A year before marriage. See Matthew 1:18.
man = husband. Greek. aner. App-123.
Mary = the Hebrew Miriam. Exodus 15:20. See App-100.
Hail. See note on Matthew 26:49
thou that art highly favoured = [thou] having been graced [by God] = endued with grace. Occurs only here, and Ephesians 1:6 = accepted through grace. "Grace" does not occur in Matthew or Mark.
with = in association with. Greek. meta. App-104. Not the same word as in verses: Luke 30:37, Luke 30:51, Luke 30:56.
blessed . . . women. Omitted by T [Tr. ] A WH R. Probably brought here from Luke 1:42, where it is unquestioned.
when she saw him. Omitted by all
the texts. cast in her mind = beganto reason, or was reasoning. Imperfect Tense.
found. Put by Figure of speech Synecdoche (of Species), App-6, for "received".
favour = grace: which is favourthe unworthy, as patience is favour to the obstinate, as mercy is favour to the miserable, as pity is favour to the poor, &c.
with = from. Greek. para. App-104.
thou shalt conceive : i.e. forthwith conceive. The Tense marks a future action, the beginning of which in relation to future time is past, but the consequences of which still continue.
and. Note the Figure of speech Polysyndeton in verses: Luke 31:32, emphasizing each detail. Note the four statements of the angel, combining the four key = texts of the four Gospels shown in the Inter-relation of the Four Gospels:
Thou shalt . . . bring forth a Son: "Behold the Man".
Thou shalt call His name Jesus: " Behold My Servant".
He shall be great . . . the Son of the Highest (Luke 1:32)
: " Behold your God".
He shall reign, &c. (Luke 1:33)
: " Behold thy King".
JESUS. See note on Matthew 1:21 and App-48and App-98. X.
He shall be great, &c. Marks the break in the Dispensations, verses: Luke 1:32, Luke 1:33 being yet future.
the Highest = the Most High. Greek hupsiatos. Occurs seven times in Luke (Luke 1:32, Luke 1:35, Luke 1:76; Luke 2:14 (plural); Luke 6:35; Luke 8:28; Luke 19:38 (plural); and twice in Acts (Luke 7:48; Luke 16:17). Else. where, only four times (Matthew 21:9 (plural) Mark 5:7; Mark 11:10 (plural); and Hebrews 7:1).
over. Greek. epi. App-104.
Jacob. Put for all the natural seed of the twelve tribes.
for = unto. Greek eis. App-104.
for ever = unto the ages. See App-151. More Reading, see Psalms 45:6. Daniel 7:13, Daniel 7:14, Daniel 7:27. Micah 4:7. 1 Corinthians 15:24-26. Hebrews 1:8. Revelation 11:16.
seeing, &c. = since, &c. Mary's answer shows how she understood the angel's promise. She does not question the fact, as Zacharias did (Luke 1:18), but only inquires as to the mode. To Mary the promise seems too early, to Zacharias too late.
know = come to know. Greek. ginosko. App-132.
shall overshadow. Compare Exodus 33:22. Mark 9:7.
therefore = wherefore.
that holy Thing. See Hebrews 7:26. 1 Peter 2:22, and note on Matthew 27:4.
the Son of God = God's Son. App-98.
entered. A detail, to emphasize the fact, by which she recognized the truth of the sign of Luke 1:36.
leaped. Greek. skirtao. Only used in N.T. here, Luke 1:44, and Luke 6:23. Compare Genesis 25:22. Septuagint has the same word.
spake out = cried out. Greek. anaphoneo. Occurs only here. A medical word. See Colossians 4:14.
lo. Figure of speech Asterismos. App-6.
sounded in = came into.
for joy = in (Greek. en. App-104.) exultation.
blessed = happy. Not the same word as in Luke 1:42.
performance = fulfilment. from. Greek para. App-104.
Mary. From a common practice of transcribers in replacing a pronoun by the corresponding proper noun, or name, some have thought that this hymn is a continuation of Elisabeth's words. And the Structure favours this idea. But there is no MS. evidence for it.
My soul = Imyself. For emphasis. See App-110.
my spirit. See App-101.
rejoiced = exulted.
in. Greek. epi. App-104.
God my Saviour. Note the Article = the God [Who is] the Saviour [of me]. See Septuagint Deuteronomy 82:15. Psalms 24:6
;, Luke 25:5; Luke 95:1.
regarded = looked (Greek. epiblepo. App-133.)
upon (Greek. epi. App-104.) See James 2:3, and compare 1 Samuel 1:11. Psalms 33:14; Psalms 119:132 (Septuagint).
mercy = pity. Greek. eleos. See verses: Luke 1:54, Luke 1:58, Luke 1:72, Luke 54:78. Not the same word as in Luke 1:30.
fear = reverence.
from generation, &c. = unto (Greek. eis. App-104.) generations of generations.
with. Greek. en. App-104.
His arm. Figure of speech Anthrapopatheia. App-6. Compare Isaiah 52:10; Isaiah 59:1, Isaiah 59:16.
put down the mighty. Amaziah (2 Kings 14:10); Uzziah (2 Chronicles 26:16); Nebuchadnezzar (Daniel 5:20); Belshazzar (Daniel 5:23; Daniel 5:30).
seats = thrones.
them of low degree = the lowly.
holpen = laid hold of [for help], or taken by the hand. Compare Isaiah 41:8, Isaiah 41:9.
in remembrance = [in order] to remember.
As = according as.
our fathers. Compare Micah 7:20. Galatians 1:3, Galatians 1:16. Acts 2:39.
for ever = unto the age. See App-151. a.
with = in fellowship with. Greek. sun. App-104. Not the same word as in verses: Luke 1:28, Luke 1:30, Luke 1:37, Luke 28:39, Luke 28:61, Luke 28:66.
returned = returned back. Greek hupostrepho. Almost peculiar to Luke. Oct:. only in Mark 14:40. Galatians 1:1, Galatians 1:17. Hebrews 7:1. outside Luke and Acts.
full time = fulfilled time.
and. Note the Figure of speech Polysyndeton (App-6) throughout the passage verses: Luke 1:57-67, eighteen "ands".
brought forth. Greek gennao. Correctly rendered here, of the mother. Used of the father it = beget. See note on Matthew 1:2.
shewed great mercy = magnified His mercy. A Hebraism. Compare Genesis 19:19. 2 Samuel 22:51, Septuagint.
upon = with. Greek meta. App-104. Not the same word as in verses: Luke 1:12, Luke 1:35.
on = in. Greek. en. App-104. Not the same word as in Luke 1:65.
on the eighth day., Genesis 17:12. Leviticus 12:3. Philippians 1:3, Philippians 1:5.
child. Greek. paidion. App-108.
they called. Imperf. Tense = were for calling,
after. Greek. epi. App-104. Not the same word as in Luke 1:24.
made signs. Imperf. Tense = were consulting him by signs; i.e. while the colloquy was going on,
would = wished to. Greek. thelo. App-102.
writing table = writing tablet Table was used for tablet in 1611. Used by medical writers in Luke's day.
wrote, saying. A Hebraism. Compare 2 Kings 10:6.
"John" = the grace of Jehovah, was thus the first written word of that dispensation.
immediately = at once. Greek parachrema. Occurs nineteen times. All in Luke or Acts, except Matthew 21:19, Matthew 21:20. A medical word (see Colossians 4:14), used thirteen times in connection with disease or healing. Rendered "straightway "in Luke 8:55. Acts 5:10.
spake = began to speak. Imperf. Tense.
on = upon. Greek. epi. App-104.
sayings. Greek. Plural of rhema. See note on Mark 9:32.
were noised abroad = were talked of.
throughout all = in (Greek. en. App-104.) the whole.
Blessed. Hence the name "Benedictus" given to Zacharias's prophecy.
God = the God.
visited = lookedon. Not the same word as in Luke 1:48. See App-133.
redeemed = wrought a ransom for. Compare Titus 2:14.
an horn of salvation. A Hebraism. See Psalms 132:17. 1 Samuel 2:1, 1 Samuel 2:10. Ezekiel 29:21.
His servant David. See Psalms 132:10.
by = through.
Greek. dia. App-104. Luke 1:1.
since the world began = from [the] age i.e. of old. See App-151.
out of= from. Greek. ek. App-104.
hand. The 1611 edition of the Authorized Version reads "hands". serve: or worship.
holiness. Toward God. righteousness. Toward men. Compare 1 Thessalonians 2:10. Ephesians 4:24.
Through = On account of. Greek dia. App-104. Luke 1:2.
tender mercy = bowels of compassion. Figure of speech Anthropopatheia (App-6).
whereby = in (Greek. en. App-104.) which.
dayspring. Greek. anatole. Hebrew. zemach = branch (see page 1304), is rendered anatole in Jeremiah 23:6 and Zechariah 3:8, because of its springing up. Both meanings (branch and light) are here combined. Compare Ezekiel 16:7; Ezekiel 17:10.
on high. Greek. hupsos. Occurs five more times: Luke 24:49. Ephesians 3:18; Ephesians 4:8. James 1:9. Revelation 21:16.
give light to = shine upon.
the shadow of death. A Hebraism. Zalmaveth. Job 10:21; Job 38:17. Psalms 23:4; Psalms 107:10. Isaiah 9:2. Matthew 4:16, &c.
guide = direct. Wycliffe has "dress", through the O. French dresser = to arrange, still preserved as an English military term.
waxed strong = grew and was strengthened. spirit. Greek. pneuma. See App-101.
the deserts. The article. indicating a well-known part.
shewing = public or official inauguration. Greek. anadeixis. Only occurs here. The verb anadeiknumi occurs Luke 10:1. See note there.
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