Luke 1:1-80 King James Bible KJV

The Announcement of Jesus’ Birth

Announcement of John the Baptist’s and Jesus’ Birth, Mary Visits Elizabeth, Mary’s Song – The Magnificat, Zechariah’s Benedictus Prophecy


Luke 1:1-80 King James Bible KJV. Luke Chapter 1 is the opening chapter of the Gospel of Luke and sets the stage for the events leading to the birth of Jesus by introducing the miraculous events surrounding the births of John the Baptist and Jesus, highlighting the divine intervention and fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies.

The chapter emphasizes God’s faithfulness to His promises, the power of faith and obedience, and the joy that accompanies the realization of God’s redemptive plan. It reveals that God often works through the humble and unlikely to accomplish His purposes and brings hope to those who trust in His promises.


Luke’s Purpose – verses 1-4
Luke begins with a formal introduction, addressing his Gospel to Theophilus, explaining that he has carefully investigated everything to provide an orderly account of Jesus’ life. His goal is to give certainty about the teachings Theophilus has received.

Luke’s introduction highlights his intent to write a historically accurate and reliable narrative. He emphasizes his method of thorough investigation, presenting the Gospel as trustworthy. By addressing Theophilus (whose name means “lover of God”), Luke might be speaking to both an individual and a broader audience of believers, inviting them to have confidence in the truth of the Gospel.

His Good Word - Mark Chapter 7

The Announcement of John the Baptist’s Birth – verses 5-25
The story shifts to Zechariah and Elizabeth, an elderly couple who are childless. Zechariah, a priest, is visited by the angel Gabriel while offering incense in the temple. Gabriel announces that Elizabeth will bear a son named John, who will be filled with the Holy Spirit and prepare the people for the coming of the Lord. Zechariah doubts the angel’s message due to their old age, and as a result, he is struck mute until the prophecy is fulfilled.

  • Divine Plan: This passage shows that John’s birth is part of God’s plan for salvation. John will play a key role in preparing the way for Jesus, emphasizing the connection between the Old and New Testaments, as John is seen as the fulfillment of the prophecy in Malachi 3:1 about the messenger who will prepare the way for the Messiah.
  • Faith and Doubt: Zechariah’s doubt contrasts with Elizabeth’s faith. Zechariah’s muteness serves as a reminder that disbelief can hinder our ability to fully witness God’s work. Nevertheless, God’s plan is not stopped by human weakness or doubt.
the announcement of Jesus' birth

The Announcement of Jesus’ Birth – verses 26-38
Six months later, the angel Gabriel is sent to Nazareth to a young virgin named Mary, betrothed to Joseph. Gabriel tells Mary that she will conceive a child by the Holy Spirit, and this child will be the Son of God, named Jesus. He will reign forever on the throne of David. Despite her initial fear and confusion, Mary accepts this message with faith, saying, “I am the Lord’s servant… May it be to me according to your word.”

  • The Virgin Birth: The miraculous conception of Jesus through the Holy Spirit fulfills Old Testament prophecies (Isaiah 7:14) and establishes Jesus’ divine nature from the outset.
  • Mary’s Faith: Unlike Zechariah, who doubted, Mary’s response is one of humble acceptance and trust. She models the ideal response to God’s call, even when it is challenging or beyond understanding.
  • Divine Favor: Mary is described as being “highly favored,” showing that God often chooses humble, unexpected people for His purposes. This speaks to God’s grace and the way He works through ordinary individuals to accomplish extraordinary things.
His Good Word - Mark Chapter 7

Mary Visits Elizabeth – verses 39-45
After the angel’s visit, Mary goes to visit her relative Elizabeth, who is now six months pregnant. When Mary greets Elizabeth, the baby in Elizabeth’s womb (John the Baptist) leaps for joy, and Elizabeth, filled with the Holy Spirit, exclaims that Mary is blessed among women and that her child is blessed. She praises Mary for her faith.

  • Joy in the Holy Spirit: The leaping of John in Elizabeth’s womb shows the joy and recognition of Jesus even before birth. This moment illustrates the powerful work of the Holy Spirit and the special role both John and Jesus will play in God’s plan.
  • Elizabeth’s Blessing: Elizabeth’s acknowledgment of Mary’s faith emphasizes the importance of trusting God’s promises. The meeting of these two pregnant women symbolizes the convergence of God’s work through their sons—John as the forerunner and Jesus as the Messiah.
Mary’s Song of Praise The Magnificat

Mary’s Song of Praise: The Magnificat – verses 46-56
In response to Elizabeth’s blessing, Mary breaks out in a song of praise, known as the Magnificat. In this hymn, she glorifies God for choosing her, a humble servant, and reflects on God’s mercy and justice. She praises God for lifting the lowly, filling the hungry, and fulfilling His promises to Israel.

  • Reversal of Fortunes: Mary’s song highlights a recurring biblical theme of God lifting the lowly and humbling the proud. This theme is central to Luke’s Gospel, where Jesus is portrayed as the Savior who brings hope to the poor, oppressed, and marginalized.
  • Faithfulness of God: The Magnificat reflects Mary’s deep understanding of Scripture and God’s covenant promises. She connects her personal experience to the broader story of Israel’s redemption, showing that the birth of Jesus is a fulfillment of God’s ancient promises to Abraham and his descendants.
His Good Word - Mark Chapter 7

The Birth of John the Baptist – verses 57-66
Elizabeth gives birth to a son, and when it’s time to name him, she insists (against custom) that his name be John, as the angel instructed. Zechariah, still unable to speak, confirms this by writing “His name is John” on a tablet. At that moment, his speech is restored, and he praises God. The people are filled with wonder, recognizing that John is destined for a great role.

  • Obedience to God’s Plan: Both Elizabeth and Zechariah obey God’s command regarding the naming of their son, showing their submission to His will. Zechariah’s restoration of speech symbolizes the renewal of faith and the fulfillment of God’s promises.
  • The Significance of John: The miraculous circumstances surrounding John’s birth and naming indicate that he has a special calling from God. The people’s awe reflects their anticipation of God’s work through John, who will prepare the way for Jesus.

Zechariah’s Prophecy: The Benedictus – verses 67-80
Filled with the Holy Spirit, Zechariah prophesies about the coming of the Messiah and the role his son, John, will play in preparing the way. He praises God for fulfilling His promises to save Israel and speaks of John as the prophet who will guide people into the way of peace.

  • God’s Faithfulness: Zechariah’s prophecy emphasizes that God is acting to fulfill His covenant promises to Israel. The coming of the Messiah is a direct answer to centuries of waiting for salvation.
  • John’s Role: Zechariah declares that John will be a forerunner, preparing the way for the Messiah by calling people to repentance and announcing the coming of God’s salvation. John’s mission is to guide people out of spiritual darkness and into the light of God’s peace and mercy.

1 Forasmuch as many have taken in hand to set forth in order a declaration of those things which are most surely believed among us,
2 Even as they delivered them unto us, which from the beginning were eyewitnesses, and ministers of the word;
3 It seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first, to write unto thee in order, most excellent Theophilus,
4 That thou mightest know the certainty of those things, wherein thou hast been instructed.

His Good Word - Mark Chapter 7

5 There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judaea, a certain priest named Zacharias, of the course of Abia: and his wife was of the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elisabeth.
6 And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless.
7 And they had no child, because that Elisabeth was barren, and they both were now well stricken in years.
8 And it came to pass, that while he executed the priest’s office before God in the order of his course,
9 According to the custom of the priest’s office, his lot was to burn incense when he went into the temple of the Lord.
10 And the whole multitude of the people were praying without at the time of incense.
11 And there appeared unto him an angel of the Lord standing on the right side of the altar of incense.
12 And when Zacharias saw him, he was troubled, and fear fell upon him.
13 But the angel said unto him, Fear not, Zacharias: for thy prayer is heard; and thy wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John.
14 And thou shalt have joy and gladness; and many shall rejoice at his birth.
15 For he shall be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink; and he shall be filled with the Holy Ghost, even from his mother’s womb.
16 And many of the children of Israel shall he turn to the Lord their God.
17 And he shall go before him in the spirit and power of Elias, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.
18 And Zacharias said unto the angel, Whereby shall I know this? for I am an old man, and my wife well stricken in years.
19 And the angel answering said unto him, I am Gabriel, that stand in the presence of God; and am sent to speak unto thee, and to shew thee these glad tidings.
20 And, behold, thou shalt be dumb, and not able to speak, until the day that these things shall be performed, because thou believest not my words, which shall be fulfilled in their season.
21 And the people waited for Zacharias, and marvelled that he tarried so long in the temple.
22 And when he came out, he could not speak unto them: and they perceived that he had seen a vision in the temple: for he beckoned unto them, and remained speechless.
23 And it came to pass, that, as soon as the days of his ministration were accomplished, he departed to his own house.
24 And after those days his wife Elisabeth conceived, and hid herself five months, saying,
25 Thus hath the Lord dealt with me in the days wherein he looked on me, to take away my reproach among men.

His Good Word - Mark Chapter 7

26 And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth,
27 To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin’s name was Mary.
28 And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women.
29 And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be.
30 And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God.
31 And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS.
32 He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David:
33 And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.
34 Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man?
35 And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.
36 And, behold, thy cousin Elisabeth, she hath also conceived a son in her old age: and this is the sixth month with her, who was called barren.
37 For with God nothing shall be impossible.
38 And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her.

His Good Word - Mark Chapter 7

39 And Mary arose in those days, and went into the hill country with haste, into a city of Juda;
40 And entered into the house of Zacharias, and saluted Elisabeth.
41 And it came to pass, that, when Elisabeth heard the salutation of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elisabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost:
42 And she spake out with a loud voice, and said, Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb.
43 And whence is this to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?
44 For, lo, as soon as the voice of thy salutation sounded in mine ears, the babe leaped in my womb for joy.
45 And blessed is she that believed: for there shall be a performance of those things which were told her from the Lord.

His Good Word - Mark Chapter 7

46 And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord,
47 And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour.
48 For he hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden: for, behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed.
49 For he that is mighty hath done to me great things; and holy is his name.
50 And his mercy is on them that fear him from generation to generation.
51 He hath shewed strength with his arm; he hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts.
52 He hath put down the mighty from their seats, and exalted them of low degree.
53 He hath filled the hungry with good things; and the rich he hath sent empty away.
54 He hath holpen his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy;
55 As he spake to our fathers, to Abraham, and to his seed for ever.
56 And Mary abode with her about three months, and returned to her own house.

His Good Word - Mark Chapter 7

57 Now Elisabeth’s full time came that she should be delivered; and she brought forth a son.
58 And her neighbours and her cousins heard how the Lord had shewed great mercy upon her; and they rejoiced with her.
59 And it came to pass, that on the eighth day they came to circumcise the child; and they called him Zacharias, after the name of his father.
60 And his mother answered and said, Not so; but he shall be called John.
61 And they said unto her, There is none of thy kindred that is called by this name.
62 And they made signs to his father, how he would have him called.
63 And he asked for a writing table, and wrote, saying, His name is John. And they marvelled all.
64 And his mouth was opened immediately, and his tongue loosed, and he spake, and praised God.
65 And fear came on all that dwelt round about them: and all these sayings were noised abroad throughout all the hill country of Judæa.
66 And all they that heard them laid them up in their hearts, saying, What manner of child shall this be! And the hand of the Lord was with him.

His Good Word - Mark Chapter 7

67 And his father Zacharias was filled with the Holy Ghost, and prophesied, saying,
68 Blessed be the Lord God of Israel; for he hath visited and redeemed his people,
69 And hath raised up an horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David;
70 As he spake by the mouth of his holy prophets, which have been since the world began:
71 That we should be saved from our enemies, and from the hand of all that hate us;
72 To perform the mercy promised to our fathers, and to remember his holy covenant;
73 The oath which he sware to our father Abraham,
74 That he would grant unto us, that we being delivered out of the hand of our enemies might serve him without fear,
75 In holiness and righteousness before him, all the days of our life.
76 And thou, child, shalt be called the prophet of the Highest: for thou shalt go before the face of the Lord to prepare his ways;
77 To give knowledge of salvation unto his people by the remission of their sins,
78 Through the tender mercy of our God; whereby the dayspring from on high hath visited us,
79 To give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.
80 And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, and was in the deserts till the day of his shewing unto Israel.


This is His Good Word as written in Luke 1:1-80 King James Bible.   Click here to listen to the audio recording of Luke 1:1-80 or click this link to continue on to Chapter 2 of The Gospel of Luke.  Peace be with you 🙏



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