Luke 1:12

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Luke 1:12 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

When Zechariah saw him, he was startled and gripped with fear.

King James Version KJV

And when Zacharias saw him, he was troubled, and fear fell upon him.

American Standard Version ASV

And Zacharias was troubled when he saw him, and fear fell upon him.

Bible in Basic English BBE

And Zacharias was troubled when he saw him, and fear came on him.

Free Bible Version FBV

When Zechariah saw the angel, he was startled and became terrified.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

And when Zacharias sawe him, he was troubled, and feare fell vpon him.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

and Zacharias, having seen, was troubled, and fear fell on him;

World English Bible WEB

Zacharias was troubled when he saw him, and fear fell upon him.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

And when Zacharias saw him , he was troubled, and fear fell upon him.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

And Zachary seeing him, was troubled, and fear fell upon him.

Translation for Translators T4T

When Zechariah saw the angel, he was startled and became very afraid.

Plain English Version PEV

Zekariah saw the angel there and got a big shock. He was really frightened.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Luke 1:12

BAB

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Luke 1:12 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

GRK και εταραχθη ζαχαριας ιδων και φοβος επεπεσεν επ αυτον

και kai G2532 and Conj

εταραχθη tarassō G5015 to trouble Verb-API-3S

ζαχαριας Zacharias G2197 Zechariah Noun-NSM

ιδων horaō G3708 to see: see Verb-2AAP-NSM

και kai G2532 and Conj

φοβος phobos G5401 fear Noun-NSM

επεπεσεν epipiptō G1968 to fall/press upon Verb-2AAI-3S

επ epi G1909 upon/to/against Prep

αυτον autos G846 it/s/he Pron-ASM

Greek Word Study

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Greek Word Reference — Luke 1:12

και kai G2532 "and" Conj

And or also, a connecting word used to join ideas or words, like in Matthew 2:18 and Hebrews 1:1.

Definition: καί, conj., and __I. Copulative. __1. Connecting single words; __(a) in general: Mat.2:18, 16:1, Mrk.2:15, Luk.8:15, Heb.1:1, al. mult.; repeated before each of the terms in a series, Mat.23:23, Luk.14:21, Rom.7:12, 9:4, al. __(b) connecting numerals (WM, §37, 4): Jhn.2:20, Act.13:20; __(with) joining terms which are not mutually exclusive, as the part with the whole: Mat.8:33, 26:59, Mrk.16:17, Act.5:29, al. __2. Connecting clauses and sentences: Mat.3:12, Act.5:21, al. mult.; esp. __(a) where, after the simplicity of the popular language, sentences are paratactically joined (WM, §60, 3; M, Pr., 12; Deiss., LAE, 128ff.): Mat.1:21, 7:25, Mrk.9:5, Jhn.10:3, al.; __(b) joining affirmative to negative sentences: Luk.3:14, Jhn.4:11, IIIJhn.10; __(with) consecutive, and so: Mat.5:1, 23:32, Heb.3:19, al.; after imperatives, Mat.4:19, Luk.7:7, al.; __(d) = καίτοι, and yet: Mat.3:14, 6:26, Mrk.12:12, Luk.18:7 (Field, Notes, 72), 1Co.5:2, al.; __(e) beginning an apodosis (= Heb. וְ; so sometimes δέ in cl.), then: Luk.2:21, 7:12, Act.1:10; beginning a question (WM, §53, 3a): Mrk.10:26, Luk.10:29, Jhn.9:36. __3. Epexegetic, and, and indeed, namely (WM, §53, 3c): Luk.3:18, Jhn.1:16, Act.23:6, Rom.1:5, 1Co.3:5, al. __4. In transition: Mat.4:23, Mrk.5:1, 21, Jhn.1:19, al.; so, Hebraistically, καὶ ἐγένετο (וַי:הִי; also ἐγένετο δέ), Mrk.1:9 (cf. Luk.5:1; V. Burton, §§357-60; M, Pr., 14, 16). __5. καὶ . . . καί, both . . . and (for τε . . . καί, see: τε); __(a) connecting single words: Mat.10:28, Mrk.4:41, Rom.11:33, al.; __(b) clauses and sentences: Mrk.9:13, Jhn.7:28, 1Co.1:22, al. __II. Adjunctive, also, even, still: Mat.5:39, 40; Mrk.2:28, al. mult.; esp. with pron., adv., etc., Mat.20:4, Jhn.7:47, al; ὡς κ., Act.11:17; καθὼς κ., Rom.15:7; οὑτω κ., Rom.6:11; διὸ κ., Luk.1:35; ὁ κ. (Deiss., BS, 313ff.), Act.13:9; pleonastically, μετὰ κ.. (Bl., §77, 7; Deiss., BS, 265f,), Php.4:3; τί κ., 1 Co 15:29; ἀλλὰ κ., Luk.14:22, Jhn.5:18, al.; καίγε (M, Pr., 230; Burton, §437), Act.17:27; καίπερ, Heb.5:8; κ. ἐάν, see: ἐάν. ἐάν, contr. fr. εἰ ἄν, conditional particle, representing something as "under certain circumstances actual or liable to happen," but not so definitely expected as in the case of εἰ with ind. (Bl., §65, 4; cf. Jhn.13:17, 1Co.7:36), if haply, if; __1. with subjc. (cl.); __(a) pres.: Mat.6:22, Luk.10:6, Jhn.7:17, Rom.2:25, 26 al.; { __(b) aor. (= Lat. fut. pf.): Mat.4:9 16:26 (cf. ptcp. in Luk.9:25; M, Pr., 230), Mrk.3:24, Luk.14:34, Jhn.5:43, Rom.7:2, al.; = cl. εἰ, with opt., Jhn.9:22 11:57, Act.9:2; as Heb. אִם = ὅταν, Jhn.12:32 14:3, I Jhn.2:28 3:2, Heb.3:7" (LXX) . __2. C. indic, (as in late writers, fr. Arist. on; see WH, App., 171; VD, MGr. 2, App., §77; Deiss., BS, 201f., LAE, 155, 254; M, Pr., 168, 187; Bl., §65, 4); __(a) fut.: Mat.18:19 T, Luk.19:40, Act.7:7; __(b) pres.: 1Th.3:8 (see Milligan, in l.). __3. With other particles: ἐ. καί (Bl., §65, 6), Gal.6:1; ἐ. μή (M, Pr., 185, 187; Bl., l.with), with subjc. pres., Mat.10:13, 1Co.8:8, Jas.2:17, 1Jn.3:21; aor., Mat.6:15, Mrk.3:27, Jhn.3:3, Rom.10:15, Gal.1:8 2:16 (see Lft., Ellic., in ll.); ἐ. τε . . . ἐ. τε, [in LXX for אִם . . . אִם, Est.19:13, al.,] Rom.14:8. __4. = cl. ἄν (which see) after relat. pronouns and adverbs (Tdf., Pr., 96; WH, App., 173; M, Pr., 42f.; Bl., §26, 4; Mayser, 152f.; Deiss., BS, 202ff.): ὃς ἐ., Mat.5:19, Mrk.6:22, 23 Luk.17:32, 1Co.6:18, al.; ὅπου ἐ., Mat.8:19; ὁσάκις ἐ., Rev.11:6; οὗ ἐ., 1Co.16:6; καθὸ ἐ., 2Co.8:12; ὅστις ἐ., Gal.5:10. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 5212 NT verses. KJV: and, also, both, but, even, for, if, or, so, that, then, therefore, when, yet See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 10:4; 1 Corinthians 16:1.

εταραχθη tarassō G5015 "to trouble" Verb-API-3S

To trouble someone means to stir them up or disturb their peace, like in John 11:33 and Acts 15:24. It's about causing someone to feel upset or agitated.

Definition: ταράσσω [in LXX for בָּהַל, רָגַז, etc., forty-six words in all ;] to disturb, trouble, stir up: primarily in physical sense (Hom., Eur.): τ. ὕδωρ, Jhn.1:5 [4], Jhn.1:7. Metaphorical, of the mind (Æsch., Plat., al.), to trouble, disquiet, perplex: Act.15:24, Gal.1:7 5:10; ἑαυτόν (troubled himself; Westc., in l), Jhn.11:33; of a crowd, to stir up, Act.17:8, 13; pass., Mat.2:3 14:26, Mrk.6:50, Luk.1:12 24:38, Jhn.12:27 (Psa.6:4) Psa.14:1, 7, 1Pe.3:14" (LXX) ; τ. πνεύματι, Jhn.13:21 (cf. δια-, ἐκ-ταράσσω) (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 17 NT verses. KJV: trouble See also: 1 Peter 3:14; John 12:27; Matthew 14:26.

ζαχαριας Zacharias G2197 "Zechariah" Noun-NSM

Zechariah was the name of two Israelites, one the father of John the Baptist in Luke 1:5 and another in Matthew 23:35. Both were significant figures in biblical history.

Definition: Ζαχαρίας, -ου, ὁ (Heb. זַכַּי); __1. Zacharias, father of John the Baptist: Luk.1:5, 12-13 1:18, 21 1:40, 59 1:67 3:2. __2. Zechariah, the son of Jehoiada (in txt. wrongly called son of Barachiah; cf. 2Ch.24:19 ff.): Mat.23:35, Luk.11:51.† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 11 NT verses. KJV: Zacharias See also: Luke 1:5; Luke 1:40; Matthew 23:35.

ιδων horaō G3708 "to see: see" Verb-2AAP-NSM

This word means 'to see' or 'to perceive', and can also mean 'to attend to' or 'to experience', like in Mark 6:38 and John 1:46. It's a key word for understanding and perceiving things.

Definition: ὁράω, -ῶ, [in LXX chiefly for ראה, also for חזה, etc. ;] in "durative" sense (hence aor. act., εἶδον, pass., ὤφθην, fut., ὄψομαι, from different roots; see M, Pr., 110f.), to see (in colloq. even the present is rare, its place being generally taken by θεωρέω, see BL, §24). __1. Of bodily vision, to see, perceive, behold: absol., Mrk.6:38, al.; ἔρχου καὶ ἴδε, Jhn.1:46, al.; before ὅτι, Mrk.2:16, al.; with accusative, Mat.2:2, Mrk.1:10 16:7, Gal.1:19, al.; θεόν, Jhn.1:18, 1Jn.4:20, al. __2. to see with the mind, perceive, discern: absol, Rom.15:21; with accusative of thing(s), Mat.9:2 27:54, Act.8:23, Col.2:18, al. __3. to see, take heed, beware: ὅρα μή, with aor. subjc., Mat.8:4 18:10, Mrk.1:44, 1Th.5:15; id., sc. μὴ ποήσῃς, Rev.19:10 22:9 (Bl., §81, 1); before imperat. Mat.9:30 16:6, Mrk.8:15 __4. to experience: τ. θάνατον, Luk.2:26, Heb.11:5; ζωήν, Jhn.3:36; τ. διαφθοράν, Act.2:27. __5. to visit: with accusative of person(s), Luk.8:20, Jhn.12:21, Rom.1:11, al.; with accusative loc, Act.19:21. __6. to see to, care for: Mat.27:4, Act.18:15 (cf. ἀφ-, καθ-, προ-, συν-οράω). SYN.: see: βλέπω. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 605 NT verses. KJV: behold, perceive, see, take heed See also: 1 Corinthians 2:9; Acts 16:40; 1 Peter 1:8.

και kai G2532 "and" Conj

And or also, a connecting word used to join ideas or words, like in Matthew 2:18 and Hebrews 1:1.

Usage: Occurs in 5212 NT verses. KJV: and, also, both, but, even, for, if, or, so, that, then, therefore, when, yet See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 10:4; 1 Corinthians 16:1.

φοβος phobos G5401 "fear" Noun-NSM

Fear or alarm that causes people to be terrified, as seen in Luke 1:12 and Acts 5:5. This term describes a feeling of dread or terror. It is the fear that people experience in difficult situations.

Definition: φόβος, -ου, ὁ [in LXX chiefly for יִרְאָה, also for פַּחַד, אֵימָה, etc. ;] __1. in Hom., flight. __2. That which causes flight, fear, dread, terror: Luk.1:12, Act.5:5, 1Ti.5:20. 1Jn.4:18, al.; cogn. accusative, φοβεῖσθαι φ., Mrk.4:41, Luk.2:9; with genitive obj., Jhn.7:13 19:33 20:19, Heb.2:5, 1Pe.3:14 (but cf. ICC, in l);ἀπὸ (τοῦ) φ., Mat.14:26, Luk.21:26; εἰς φ., Rom.8:15; μετὰ φόβου, Mat.28:8; φ. καὶ τρόμος (Lft., Notes, 172), 1Co.2:3, 2Co.7:15, Eph.6:5, Php.2:12; by meton., of that which causes fear, Rom.13:3; of reverential fear, Rom.13:7, 1Pe.1:17 2:18 3:2 3:15; τ. κυρίου, Act.9:31, 2Co.5:11 (see Field, Notes, 183); Χριστοῦ, Eph.5:21; θεοῦ, Rom.3:18, 2Co.7:1 SYN.: see: δειλία (and of. DCG, i, 381) (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 44 NT verses. KJV: be afraid, + exceedingly, fear, terror See also: 1 Corinthians 2:3; John 19:38; 1 Peter 1:17.

επεπεσεν epipiptō G1968 "to fall/press upon" Verb-2AAI-3S

To fall or press upon something or someone, like embracing with affection or seizing with force, as seen in Mark 3:10 and Luke 15:20.

Definition: ἐπι-πίπτω [in LXX chiefly for נָפַל ;] to fall upon (Field, Notes, 25): with dative of person(s), Mrk.3:10 (see Swete, in l), Act.20:10; before ἐπὶ τ. τράχηλον (as Gen.46:29, Tob.11:8, 3Ma.5:49, al.), Luk.15:20, Act.20:37. Metaphorical, φόβος, Luk.1:12, Act.19:17, Rev.11:11; ὀνειδισμοί, Rom.15:3 (LXX); of the Holy Spirit: before ἐπί, with dative, Act.8:16; ἐπί, with accusative, Act.10:44 11:15; absol., Act.23:7.† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 13 NT verses. KJV: fall into (on, upon) lie on, press upon See also: Acts 8:16; Acts 20:10; Romans 15:3.

επ epi G1909 "upon/to/against" Prep

A preposition meaning upon, to, or against, often used to show location or direction, like in Matthew 6:10 where Jesus teaches us to pray for God's will to be done on earth. It can also indicate a sense of time or order.

Definition: ἐπί (before a smooth breathing ἐπ᾽, before a rough breathing ἐφ᾽), prep. with genitive, dative, accusative (accusative most frequently in NT), with primary sense of superposition, on, upon. __I. C. genitive, __1. of place, answering the question, where? __(a) of the place on which, on, upon: ἐπὶ (τ.) γῆς, Mat.6:10, 19, al.; τ. κεφαλῆς, 1Co.11:10; τ. νεφελῶν, Mat.24:3o, al.; like ἐν, in constr. praegn. after verbs of motion: βάλλειν, Mrk.4:26; σπείρειν, ib. 31; ἔρχεσθαι, Heb.6:7, al.; figuratively, ἐπ᾽ ἀληθείας (MM, see word ἀ.); of the subject of thought or speech, Gal.3:16; of power or authority, over, πάντων, Rom.9:5: τ. γάζης, Act.8:27; ἐξουσία, Rev.2:26 20:6; __(b) of vicinity, at, by: τ. θαλάσσης, Jhn.6:9; τ. ὁδοῦ, Mat.21:19; τοῦ βάτου, Mrk.12:26 (see Swete, in l.); with genitive of person(s), in the presence of, before, Mat.28:14, Act.23:30, 1Co.6:1, al. __2. Of time, __(a) with genitive of person(s), in the time of: ἐπὶ Ἐλισαίου, Luk.4:27; ἐπὶ Κλαυδίου, Act.11:28; ἐπὶ Ἀβιάθαρ ἀρχιερέως, when A. was high priest, Mrk.2:26; __(b) with genitive of thing(s), at, at the time of: Mat.1:11, Heb.1:2, 2Pe.3:3; ἐπὶ τ. προσευχῶν, Rom.1:10, Eph.1:16, 1Th.1:2, Phm 4. __II. C. dative, of place, answering the question, where? __(a) lit., on, upon: Mat.9:16, 14:8, al.; after verbs of motion (see supr., I, 1, (a)), Mat.9:16 Act.8:16; above, Luk.23:38; at, by, Mrk.13:29, Jhn.5:2, Act.5:9, al.; __(b) metaphorically, upon, on the ground of, Luk.4:4 (LXX); in the matter of, Mrk.6:52 (see Swete, in l.); upon, of, concerning, Act.5:35, 40; of the ground, reason or motive (Bl., §38, 2; 43, 3), Mat.18:3 19:9, Rom.12:12, al.; ἐφ᾽ ᾧ, for the reason that, because, Rom.5:12 2Co.5:4; after verbs of motion, over, Mat.18:13, Rom.16:19, al.; of a condition (cl.), Rom.8:20, 1Co.9:10; ἐπὶ δυσὶ μάρτυσιν (see Westc. on Heb.9:10), Heb.10:28; of purpose or aim, Eph.2:10, Php.4:10; of authority, over, Mat.24:47 Luk.12:44; of hostility, with dative of person(s) (cl.), against, Luk.12:52; in addition to (cl.), 2Co.7:13; of an adjunct, in, at, on, Php.1:3 2:17. __III. C. accusative, __1. of place of motion upon or over, answering the question, whither? __(a) lit., upon, over: Mat.14:28, 29, Luk.5:19, al. mult.; in NT also, answering the question, where? (as with genitive, dative), Mrk.4:38 11:2, Luk.2:25, Jhn.1:32; ἐπὶ τ. αὐτό, Act.1:15 2:1, al.; of motion to a vicinity, to, Mrk.16:2, Act.8:36, al.; __(b) metaphorically (in wh. "the accusative is more widely prevalent than it strictly should be," Bl., §43, 1); of blessings, evils, etc., coming upon one, with accusative of person(s), Mat.10:13 12:28, Act.2:17, Jhn.18:4, Eph.5:6, al.; of addition (dative in cl.), λύπη ἐπὶ λύπην, Php.2:27; ἐπικαλεῖν ὄνομα ἐπί (see: ἐπικαλέω), Act.15:17, Jas.2:7; καλεῖν ἐπί, to call after, Luk.1:59; of number or degree: ἐπὶ τρίς (cl. εἰς τ.), thrice, Act.10:16 11:10; ἐπὶ πλεῖον, the more, further, Act.4:17 2Ti.2:16 3:9 (see also infr., 2, (a)); ἐφ᾽ ὅσον (see infr., ib.), forasmuch as, Mat.25:40, 45, Rom.11:13; of power, authority, control, Luk.1:33, Act.7:10 Rom.5:14, Heb.3:6, al.; of the direction of thoughts and feelings, unto, towards, Luk.1:17 23:28, Act.9:35, 42, Rom.11:22, Gal.4:9, Eph.2:7, 1Ti.5:5, al.; of purpose, for, Mat.3:7, Luk.23:48; ἐφ᾽ ὅ πάρει (Rec. ἐφ᾽ ᾧ, Mat.26:50; of hostility, against, Mat.24:7, Mrk.3:24-26 10:11 13:8, Luk.9:5, Jhn.13:18, Act.7:54, 1Co.7:36, 2Co.1:23; Of reference, concerning, for (cl. usually dative), Mrk.9:12 15:24, Jhn.19:24, Rom.4:9. __2. Of time, __(a) during, for: Luk.4:25 (WH, txt., omits ἐπί), Act.13:31 16:18, Heb.11:30, al.; ἐφ᾽ ὅσον (χρόνον), as long as, for so long time as, Mrk.9:15 Rom.7:1, al. (for ἐφ᾽ ὅ in another sense, see supr., 1, (b)); ἐφ᾽ ἱκανόν (see: ἱ), Act.20:11; ἐπὶ πλεῖον (see supr., 1, (b)), yet longer, further, Act.20:9 24:4; __(b) on, about, towards (cl. εἰς): Luk.10:35 Act.3:1 4:5. __IV. In composition, ἐπί signifies: up, ἐπαίρω; upon, ἐπίγειος, ἐπιδημέω, ὠπικαθίζω; towards, επιβλέπω, ὠπεκτείνω; over (of superintendence), ἐπιστάτης; again, in addition, ἐπαιτέω; against, ἐπιορκέω, ἐπιβουλή. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 788 NT verses. KJV: about (the times), above, after, against, among, as long as (touching), at, beside, X have charge of, (be-, (where-))fore, in (a place, as much as, the time of, -to), (because) of, (up-)on (behalf of), over, (by, for) the space of, through(-out), (un-)to(-ward), with See also: 1 Corinthians 1:4; Acts 4:33; 1 Peter 1:13.

αυτον autos G846 "it/s/he" Pron-ASM

This pronoun refers to a person or thing, like 'he', 'she', or 'it'. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a person or thing, like in John 2:25 where it says 'he himself knew'.

Definition: αὐτός, -ή, -ό, determinative pron., in late Gk. much more frequently than in cl. (WM, 178f.; Jannaris, HGG, §1399). __1. Emphatic (so always in nom. exc. when preceded by the art., see infr., iii); __(1) self (ipse), expressing opposition, distinction, exclusion, etc., αὐ. ἐκχυθήσεται, Luk.5:37; αὐ. ἐγινώσκεν, Jhn.2:25; αὐ.ὑμεῖς, Jhn.3:28; καὶ αὐ. ἐγώ, Rom.15:14; αὐ. Ἰησοῦς, Jhn.2:24; αὐ. καὶ οἱ μετ᾽ αὐτοῦ, Mrk.2:25; ὑμεῖς αὐ., Mrk.6:31; esp. (as freq in cl.) αὐ. ὁ, Mat.3:4, Mrk.6:17, Jhn.16:27, 1Th.3:11, al.; in late Gk., sometimes weakened, ἐν αὐτῇ τ. ὥρᾳ, in that hour, Luk.10:21 (M, Pr., 91; MM, see word); __(2) emphatic, he, she, it (M, Pr., 86; Bl., §48, 1, 2, 7), Mat.1:21, 12:50, Luk.6:35, al.; pointing to some one as master (cl.), Mat.8:24, Mrk.4:38, al.; αὐ., καὶ αὐ. = οὗτος, ὁ δε (BL, §48, 1), Mat.14:2, Mrk.14:15, 44, Luk.1:22, 2:28, al. __2. In oblique cases (cl.), for the simple pron. of 3rd of person(s), he, she, it, Mat.7:9, 10:12, 26:44, al.; with ptcp. in genitive absol., Mat.9:18, Mrk.13:1, al. (for irreg. constructions, V. Bl., §74, 5); pleonastically after the relative (cf. Heb. אֲשֶׁר לוֹ; WM, 184ff.; Bl., §50, 4; MM, see word), Mrk.7:25, Rev.3:8, 7:2, al.; in constr. ad sensum, without proper subject expressly indicated, Mat.4:23, Act.8:5, 2Co.2:13, al.; genitive αὐτοῦ = ἐκείνου, Rom.11:11, 1Th.2:19, Tit.3:5, Heb.2:4. __3. ὁ, ἡ, τὸ αὐ., the same: Heb.1:12, 13:8; τὸ αὐ., ποιεῖν, Mat.5:46, 47, al.; φρονεῖν, Rom.12:16, 15:5, Php.2:2, al.; τὰ αὐ., Act.15:27, Rom.2:1, al.; κατὰ τὸ (τὰ) αὐ. (MM, see word), Act.14:1, Luk.6:23, al.; ἐπὶ τὸ αὐ., together (MM, see word), Mat.22:34, Act.1:15, al.; ἓν κ. τὸ αὐ., 1Co.11:5, 12:11; with dative (cl.), 1Co.11:5; with a noun, λόγος, Mrk.14:39; μέτρος, Php.1:30; πνεῦμα, 1Co.12:4. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 3773 NT verses. KJV: her, it(-self), one, the other, (mine) own, said, (self-), the) same, ((him-, my-, thy- )self, (your-)selves, she, that, their(-s), them(-selves), there(-at, - by, -in, -into, -of, -on, -with), they, (these) things, this (man), those, together, very, which See also: 1 Corinthians 1:2; 1 John 3:10; 1 Peter 1:3.

Study Notes — Luke 1:12

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Sermons on Luke 1:12

Context — Gabriel Foretells John’s Birth

10And at the hour of the incense offering, the whole congregation was praying outside. 11Just then an angel of the Lord appeared to Zechariah, standing at the right side of the altar of incense.

12When Zechariah saw him, he was startled and gripped with fear.

13But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zechariah, because your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to give him the name John. 14He will be a joy and delight to you, and many will rejoice at his birth,

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Judges 13:22	“We are going to die,” he said to his wife, “for we have seen God!”
2	Judges 6:22	When Gideon realized that it was the angel of the LORD, he said, “Oh no, Lord GOD! I have seen the angel of the LORD face to face!”
3	Luke 2:9–10	Just then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid! For behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people:
4	Acts 10:4	Cornelius stared at him in fear and asked, “What is it, Lord?” The angel answered, “Your prayers and gifts to the poor have ascended as a memorial offering before God.
5	Mark 16:5	When they entered the tomb, they saw a young man dressed in a white robe sitting on the right side, and they were alarmed.
6	Daniel 10:7	Only I, Daniel, saw the vision; the men with me did not see it, but a great terror fell upon them, and they ran and hid themselves.
7	Luke 1:29	Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be.
8	Revelation 1:17	When I saw Him, I fell at His feet like a dead man. But He placed His right hand on me and said, “Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last,
9	Job 4:14–15	fear and trembling came over me and made all my bones shudder. Then a spirit glided past my face, and the hair on my body bristled.

Luke 1:12 Summary

This verse tells us that when Zechariah saw the angel, he was very scared and surprised. This is a natural reaction when we encounter something supernatural or unexpected. Just like Zechariah, we may feel fear or uncertainty when faced with new or unfamiliar experiences, but we can trust in God's presence and promises, as seen in Psalm 23:4. By remembering that God is with us and cares for us, we can find peace and comfort, even in uncertain or frightening situations, just like Zechariah did after the angel spoke to him in Luke 1:13.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why was Zechariah startled and gripped with fear when he saw the angel?

Zechariah was likely frightened because he was suddenly confronted with a supernatural being, which was an unexpected and potentially overwhelming experience, as seen in other biblical accounts such as Daniel 10:7-12 and Luke 2:9-10.

Is it normal to feel fear when encountering spiritual beings or experiences?

Yes, it is common for people to feel fear or awe in the presence of the divine or supernatural, as seen in the experiences of Isaiah in Isaiah 6:1-5 and Ezekiel in Ezekiel 1:1-28.

How does this verse relate to the overall message of the Gospel of Luke?

This verse sets the stage for the miraculous events that will unfold in the Gospel of Luke, including the birth of John the Baptist and Jesus Christ, highlighting the supernatural and divine nature of these events, as seen in Luke 1:26-38 and Matthew 1:18-25.

What can we learn from Zechariah's reaction to the angel?

We can learn that it is natural to feel fear or uncertainty when faced with the unknown or the supernatural, but we can also trust in God's presence and promises, as seen in Psalm 23:4 and Isaiah 41:10.

Reflection Questions

What are some times in my life when I have felt startled or fearful, and how did I respond to those situations?
How can I cultivate a sense of awe and reverence for God, as Zechariah experienced in this verse?
What are some ways that I can prepare myself to encounter the supernatural or divine, as Zechariah did in this verse?
How can I trust in God's presence and promises, even when faced with uncertainty or fear, as seen in this verse and other biblical accounts?

Gill's Exposition on Luke 1:12

And when Zacharias saw him,.... The angel; he was troubled, and fear fell upon him; for such appearances of angels were not now so common as formerly: and when they were more usual, generally had

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Luke 1:12

And when Zacharias saw him, he was troubled, and fear fell upon him. And when Zacharias saw him, he was troubled [`discomposed,'] and fear fell upon him. And what wonder?

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Luke 1:12

We are naturally affrighted at sudden and unusual things, but especially at any Divine appearances, whether God himself takes a shape, or authorizes an angel to do it. So was Daniel, ,8; and Manoah and his wife, ; and Paul, . For though God doth not make these appearances to affright us, yet such is the imbecility of our natures, that we cannot but be shy at them, and start from them; and it is but reasonable that God should by this means both declare his own glory and majesty, and also humble his poor creatures, and make them more impressive, and receptive of his Divine revelations. It is reasonable God should keep and declare his majesty, though we keep and declare our infirmity.

Trapp's Commentary on Luke 1:12

12 And when Zacharias saw him, he was troubled, and fear fell upon him. Ver. 12. He was troubled] But without cause; he should have been comforted rather, for his sins were covered. How will wicked men stand before Christ?

Ellicott's Commentary on Luke 1:12

(12) He was troubled.—It lies in the nature of the case that during all the long years of Zachariah’s ministration, he had seen no such manifestation. As far as we may reason from the analogy of other angelic appearances, the outward form was that of a “young man clothed in white linen,” or in “bright apparel” (Matthew 28:3; Mark 16:5)—a kind of transfigured Levite, as One greater than the angels, when he manifested himself amid the imagery of the Temple, appeared as in the garments of a glorified priesthood (Revelation 1:13).

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Luke 1:12

Verse 12. Zacharias - was troubled] Or, confounded at his sudden and unexpected appearance; and fear fell upon him, lest this heavenly messenger were come to denounce the judgments of God against a faithless and disobedient people, who had too long and too well merited them.

Cambridge Bible on Luke 1:12

12. he was troubled] Such is the effect always recorded of these supernatural appearances. See Judges 13:22; Daniel 10:7-9; Ezekiel 1:28; Mark 16:8; Revelation 1:17.

Barnes' Notes on Luke 1:12

He was troubled - He was alone, in the presence of God. The appearance of the angel was sudden, unexpected, and therefore fearful.

Whedon's Commentary on Luke 1:12

12. Fear fell—Wonderful is the fear which curdles the blood of even the bravest of mortals at the thought of meeting a messenger from God, or an apparition from the world of spirits.

Sermons on Luke 1:12

	Sermon	Description
	The Birth of John the Baptist Foretold Luke 1:5-25 by David Servant	David Servant preaches about the story of Zechariah, a priest chosen to burn incense in the Temple, who was visited by the angel Gabriel with the news of his elderly wife having a
	Women of Deliverance (Birmingham Conference) by Gary Wilkerson	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Manoa's wife from the book of Judges. She was a woman in need, feeling unproductive and longing for something. The angel of the
	Hidden in the Cleft of the Rock by Erlo Stegen	In this sermon, the preacher begins by introducing the story of Manoa and his wife, emphasizing the significance of their encounter with God. He then transitions to discussing the
	Jehovah Shalom by David Wilkerson	In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the book of Judges and the cycle of sin and repentance that the Israelites went through. He highlights the stories of Othniel, Ehud, and Debo
	The Lord Our Peace by David Wilkerson	David Wilkerson emphasizes the significance of knowing God's character, particularly through His names, as a defense against spiritual attacks. He highlights the name Jehovah Shalo
	Where Is He Born King of the Jews by Gareth Evans	In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the lack of honor given to God in various aspects of society, such as the law courts, higher education, and the marketplace. He emphasizes t
	The Incarnation Part 7 - "The Angel" by Charles Alexander	Charles Alexander preaches on the profound significance of the angelic announcement of the Lord's birth to the shepherds, emphasizing the divine inspiration of the Word that contin