Luke 1:1-13 in English

¹ Forasmuch as many have taken in hand to draw up a narrative concerning those matters which have been fulfilled among us,

² even as they delivered them unto us, who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and ministers of the word,

³ it seemed good to me also, having traced the course of all things accurately from the first, to write unto thee in order, most excellent Theophilus;

⁴ that thou mightest know the certainty concerning the things wherein thou wast instructed.

⁵ There 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.

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 Now it came to pass, 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 enter into the temple of the Lord and burn incense.

¹⁰ And the whole multitude of the people were praying without at the hour 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 Zacharias was troubled when he saw him, and fear fell upon him.

¹³ But the angel said unto him, Fear not, Zacharias: because thy supplication is heard, and thy wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John.

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.

⁵ There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judæa, 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.

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.

⁵ There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judæa, 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.

¹ Forasmuch as many have taken in hand to draw up a narrative concerning those matters which have been fulfilled 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 traced the course of all things accurately from the first, to write unto thee in order, most excellent Theophilus;

⁴ that thou mightest know the certainty concerning the things wherein thou wast instructed.

⁵ There was in the days of Herod, king of Judaea, 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.

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 Now it came to pass, 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 enter into the temple of the Lord and burn incense.

¹⁰ And the whole multitude of the people were praying without at the hour 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 Zacharias was troubled when he saw him, and fear fell upon him.

¹³ But the angel said unto him, Fear not, Zacharias: because thy supplication is heard, and thy wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John.

¹ My noble friend Theophilus, many people saw the things that Jesus did while he was with us, from the time when he started MTY his ministry. They served God by teaching people the message about the Lord Jesus. Many of those who heard what they taught wrote down for us accounts of the things that Jesus did from the time when he began his ministry.

³ I myself have studied these accounts carefully. So I decided that it would be good for me also to write for you (sg) an accurate account of these matters.

⁴ I want you to know the truth about what you have been taught {what others have taught you}.

⁵ When King Herod the Great ruled Judea district, there was a Jewish priest named Zechariah. He belonged to the group of priests called the Abijah group. He and his wife Elizabeth were both descended from the first priest of Israel, Aaron.

⁶ God considered that both of them were righteous, because they constantly completely obeyed everything that God had commanded.

⁷ But they had no children, because Elizabeth had been unable to bear children. Furthermore, she and her husband were very old.

⁸ One day Zechariah's group was doing their work in the Temple in Jerusalem, and he was serving as a priest in God's presence.

⁹ Following their custom, the other priests chose him by lot to enter the Lord's temple and burn incense.

¹⁰ While he was burning the incense, many people were outside in the courtyard, praying.

¹¹ Then an angel whom God had sent appeared to him. The angel was standing at the right side of the place where the priests burned incense.

¹² When Zechariah saw the angel, he was startled and became very afraid.

¹³ But the angel said to him, “Zechariah, do not be afraid! When you (sg) prayed asking God for a son (OR, that God would send the Messiah), God heard what you prayed. So your wife Elizabeth shall bear a son. You must name him John.

¹ Since many have undertaken to set in order a narrative concerning those matters which have been fulfilled among us,

² even as those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and servants of the word delivered them to us,

³ it seemed good to me also, having traced the course of all things accurately from the first, to write to you in order, most excellent Theophilus;

⁴ that you might know the certainty concerning the things in which you were instructed.

⁵ There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judea, a certain priest named Zacharias, of the priestly division of Abijah. He had a wife of the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth.

⁶ They were both righteous before God, walking blamelessly in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord.

⁷ But they had no child, because Elizabeth was barren, and they both were well advanced in years.

⁸ Now while he executed the priest’s office before God in the order of his division

⁹ according to the custom of the priest’s office, his lot was to enter into the temple of the Lord and burn incense.

¹⁰ The whole multitude of the people were praying outside at the hour of incense.

¹¹ An angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing on the right side of the altar of incense.

¹² Zacharias was troubled when he saw him, and fear fell upon him.

¹³ But the angel said to him, “Don’t be afraid, Zacharias, because your request has been heard. Your wife, Elizabeth, will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John.

¹ Since many have undertaken to set in order a narrative concerning those matters which have been fulfilled among us,

² even as those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and servants of the word delivered them to us,

³ it seemed good to me also, having traced the course of all things accurately from the first, to write to you in order, most excellent Theophilus;

⁴ that you might know the certainty concerning the things in which you were instructed.

⁵ There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judea, a certain priest named Zacharias, of the priestly division of Abijah. He had a wife of the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth.

⁶ They were both righteous before God, walking blamelessly in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord.

⁷ But they had no child, because Elizabeth was barren, and they both were well advanced in years.

⁸ Now while he executed the priest’s office before God in the order of his division

⁹ according to the custom of the priest’s office, his lot was to enter into the temple of the Lord and burn incense.

¹⁰ The whole multitude of the people were praying outside at the hour of incense.

¹¹ An angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing on the right side of the altar of incense.

¹² Zacharias was troubled when he saw him, and fear fell upon him.

¹³ But the angel said to him, “Don’t be afraid, Zacharias, because your request has been heard. Your wife, Elizabeth, will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John.

¹ Since many have undertaken to set in order a narrative concerning those matters which have been fulfilled amongst us,

² even as those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and servants of the word delivered them to us,

³ it seemed good to me also, having traced the course of all things accurately from the first, to write to you in order, most excellent Theophilus;

⁴ that you might know the certainty concerning the things in which you were instructed.

⁵ There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judea, a certain priest named Zacharias, of the priestly division of Abijah. He had a wife of the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth.

⁶ They were both righteous before God, walking blamelessly in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord.

⁷ But they had no child, because Elizabeth was barren, and they both were well advanced in years.

⁸ Now while he executed the priest’s office before God in the order of his division

⁹ according to the custom of the priest’s office, his lot was to enter into the temple of the Lord and burn incense.

¹⁰ The whole multitude of the people were praying outside at the hour of incense.

¹¹ An angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing on the right side of the altar of incense.

¹² Zacharias was troubled when he saw him, and fear fell upon him.

¹³ But the angel said to him, “Don’t be afraid, Zacharias, because your request has been heard. Your wife, Elizabeth, will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John.

¹ As a number of attempts have been made to put together in order an account of those events which took place among us,

² As they were handed down to us by those who saw them from the first and were preachers of the word,

³ It seemed good to me, having made observation, with great care, of the direction of events in their order, to put the facts in writing for you, most noble Theophilus;

⁴ So that you might have certain knowledge of those things about which you were given teaching.

⁵ In the days of Herod, king of Judaea, there was a certain priest, by name Zacharias, of the order of Abijah; and he had a wife of the family of Aaron, and her name was Elisabeth.

⁶ They were upright in the eyes of God, keeping all the rules and orders of God, and doing no wrong.

⁷ And they were without children, because Elisabeth had never given birth, and they were at that time very old.

⁸ Now it came about that in his turn he was acting as priest before God,

⁹ And as was the way of the priests, he had to go into the Temple to see to the burning of perfumes.

¹⁰ And all the people were offering prayers outside, at the time of the burning of perfumes.

¹¹ And he saw an angel of the Lord in his place on the right side of the altar.

¹² And Zacharias was troubled when he saw him, and fear came on him.

¹³ But the angel said, Have no fear, Zacharias, for your prayer has come to the ears of God, and your wife Elisabeth will have a son, and his name will be John.

¹ Forasmuch as many have undertaken to draw up a relation concerning the matters fully believed among us,

² as those who from the beginning were eye-witnesses of and attendants on the Word have delivered them to us,

³ it has seemed good to me also, accurately acquainted from the origin with all things, to write to thee with method, most excellent Theophilus,

⁴ that thou mightest know the certainty of those things in which thou hast been instructed.

⁵ There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judaea, a certain priest, by name Zacharias, of the course of Abia, and his wife of the daughters of Aaron, and her name Elizabeth.

⁶ And they were both just before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless.

⁷ And they had no child, because Elizabeth was barren, and they were both advanced in years.

⁸ And it came to pass, as he fulfilled his priestly service before God in the order of his course,

⁹ it fell to him by lot, according to the custom of the priesthood, to enter into the temple of the Lord to burn incense.

¹⁰ And all the multitude of the people were praying without at the hour of incense.

¹¹ And an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing on the right of the altar of incense.

¹² And Zacharias was troubled, seeing him, and fear fell upon him.

¹³ But the angel said to him, Fear not, Zacharias, because thy supplication has been heard, and thy wife Elizabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John.

¹ Forasmuch as many have taken in hand to set forth in order a narration of the things that have been accomplished among us;

² According as they have delivered them unto us, who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and ministers of the word:

³ It seemed good to me also, having diligently attained to all things from the beginning, to write to thee in order, most excellent Theophilus,

⁴ That thou mayest know the verity of those words in which thou hast been instructed.

⁵ There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judea, a certain priest named Zachary, of the course of Abia; and his wife was of the daughters of Aaron, and her name Elizabeth.

⁶ And they were both just before God, walking in all the commandments and justifications of the Lord without blame.

⁷ And they had no son, for that Elizabeth was barren, and they both were well advanced in years.

⁸ And it came to pass, when he executed the priestly function in the order of his course before God,

⁹ According to the custom of the priestly office, it was his lot to offer incense, going into the temple of the Lord.

¹⁰ And all the multitude of the people was praying without, at the hour of incense.

¹¹ And there appeared to him an angel of the Lord, standing on the right side of the alter of incense.

¹² And Zachary seeing him, was troubled, and fear fell upon him.

¹³ But the angel said to him: Fear not, Zachary, for thy prayer is heard; and thy wife Elizabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John:

¹ Since many have attempted to arrange a narrative about the matters which have taken place among us,

² just as those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and ministers of the word delivered them to us,

³ it seemed good to me also, having followed up accurately all things from above, to write to you in orderly fashion, most distinguished Theophilus,

⁴ so that you may know the certainty of those things in which you were instructed.

⁵ There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judea, a certain priest named Zacharias, of the division of Abijah. His wife was of the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth.

⁶ And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless.

⁷ But they had no children, because Elizabeth was barren, and they were both well advanced in years.

⁸ So it was, that while he was serving as priest before God in the order of his division,

⁹ according to the custom of the priesthood, he was selected to burn incense when he entered into the temple of the Lord.

¹⁰ And all the multitude of the people were praying outside at the hour of incense.

¹¹ Then an angel of the Lord appeared to him, 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 to him, “Do not be afraid, Zacharias, because your prayer has been heard; and your wife Elizabeth will bear a son to you, and you shall call his name John.

¹ Given that many have undertaken to set in order a narrative concerning those things that really did take place among us,

² just as those who became eyewitnesses, from the beginning, and ministers of the Word delivered them to us,

³ it seemed good to me also, most excellent Theophilus, having taken careful note of everything from Above, to write to you with precision and in sequence,

⁴ so that you may know the certainty of the things in which you were instructed.

⁵ In the days of Herod, the king of Judea, there was a certain priest named Zacharias, of the priestly division of Abijah. His wife was of the daughters of Aaron and her name was Elizabeth.

⁶ They were both righteous before God, walking blamelessly in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord.

⁷ But they had no child, because Elizabeth was barren; and they both were well advanced in years.

⁸ Now it happened, as he was officiating as priest before God in the order of his division,

⁹ according to the custom of the priesthood, that his lot was to burn incense, upon entering the sanctuary of the Lord;

¹⁰ and the whole multitude of the people was praying outside at the hour of incense.

¹¹ Then an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing at the right side of the altar of incense;

¹² and upon seeing him Zacharias was shaken, and a fear fell upon him.

¹³ But the angel said to him: “Do not be afraid, Zacharias, because your prayer was heard, and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John.

¹ As you know, many others have attempted to put down in writing the things that have been fulfilled that involve us.

² They based their accounts on evidence from the earliest eyewitnesses and ministers of the Word,

³ and so I also decided that since I have followed these things very carefully from the beginning, it would be a good idea to write out an accurate account of all that happened.

⁴ I have done this dear Theophilus so you can be certain that what you were taught is completely reliable.

⁵ During the time when Herod was king of Judea, there was a priest called Zechariah, who came from the Abijah priestly division. He was married to Elizabeth, who was also descended from Aaron the priest.

⁶ They both did what was right before God, being careful to follow all the Lord's commandments and regulations.

⁷ They had no children because Elizabeth wasn't able to have any, and they were both growing old.

⁸ While Zechariah was serving as a priest before God, on behalf of his priestly division,

⁹ he was chosen by lot according to priestly custom to enter the Temple of the Lord and burn incense.

¹⁰ During the time of offering incense a large crowd of people were praying outside.

¹¹ An angel of the Lord appeared to Zechariah, standing to the right of the altar of incense.

¹² When Zechariah saw the angel, he was startled and became terrified.

¹³ But the angel told him, “Don't be afraid, Zechariah. Your prayer has been heard, and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall call him John.

¹ Forasmuch as many haue taken in hand to set foorth the storie of those things, whereof we are fully persuaded,

² As they haue deliuered them vnto vs, which from the beginning saw them their selues, and were ministers of ye word,

³ It seemed good also to me (most noble Theophilus) assoone as I had searched out perfectly all things from the beginning, to write vnto thee thereof from point to point,

⁴ That thou mightest acknowledge the certaintie of those things, whereof thou hast bene instructed.

⁵ In the time of Herod King of Iudea, there was a certaine Priest named Zacharias, of the course of Abia: and his wife was of the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elisabet.

⁶ Both were iust before God, and walked in all the commandements and ordinances of the Lord, without reproofe.

⁷ And they had no childe, because that Elisabet was barren: and both were well stricken in age.

⁸ And it came to passe, as he executed the Priestes office before God, as his course came in order,

⁹ According to the custome of the Priests office, his lot was to burne incense, when he went into the Temple of the Lord.

¹⁰ And the whole multitude of the people were without in prayer, while the incense was burning.

¹¹ Then appeared vnto him an Angel of the Lord standing at the right side of the altar of incense.

¹² And when Zacharias sawe him, he was troubled, and feare fell vpon him.

¹³ But the Angel saide vnto him, Feare not, Zacharias: for thy prayer is heard, and thy wise Elisabet shall beare thee a sonne, and thou shalt call his name Iohn.

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.

⁵ There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judea, 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.

¹ Inasmuch as many have undertaken to arrange a narrative of those things which are fully believed among us,

² even as they were delivered to us by those who were eye-witnesses from the beginning and became ministers of the word,

³ it seemed good to me also, having accurately traced up all things from the first, to write to thee a connected account, most excellent Theophilus,

⁴ that thou mightst know the exact truth with regard to those things in which thou wast instructed.

⁵ There was in the days of Herod, king of Judaea, a certain priest named Zachariah, of the course of Abijah; and he had a wife of the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth.

⁶ And they were both righteous in the sight of God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless.

⁷ And they had no child, because Elizabeth was barren, and they were both far advanced in years.

⁸ And it came to pass, that, while he was serving as priest before God in the order of his course,

⁹ according to the custom of the priesthood the lot fell to him to go into the temple of the Lord and burn the incense.

¹⁰ And the whole multitude of the people was praying without at the time of the incense.

¹¹ And there appeared to him an angel of the Lord, standing on the right of the altar of incense.

¹² And Zachariah was troubled at the sight, and fear fell upon him.

¹³ But the angel said to him, Fear not, Zachariah; for thy prayer was heard, and thy wife Elizabeth shall bear thee a son; and thou shalt call his name John.

¹ To his Excellency, Theophilus. Many attempts have been already made to draw up an account of those events which have reached their conclusion amongst us,

² just as they were reported to us by those who from the beginning were eye-witnesses, and afterward became bearers of the message.

³ And, therefore, I also, since I have investigated all these events with great care from their very beginning, have resolved to write a connected history of them for you,

⁴ in order that you may be able to satisfy yourself of the accuracy of the story which you have heard from the lips of others.

⁵ In the reign of Herod, king of Judea, there was a priest named Zechariah, who belonged to the division called after Abijah. His wife, whose name was Elizabeth, was also a descendant of Aaron.

⁶ They were both righteous people, who lived blameless lives, guiding their steps by all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord.

⁷ But they had no child, Elizabeth being barren; and both of them were advanced in years.

⁸ One day, when Zechariah was officiating as priest before God, during the turn of his division,

⁹ it fell to him by lot, in accordance with the practise amongst the priests, to go into the Temple of the Lord and burn incense;

¹⁰ and, as it was the Hour of Incense, the people were all praying outside.

¹¹ And an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing on the right of the Altar of Incense.

¹² Zechariah was startled at the sight and was awe-struck.

¹³ But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zechariah; your prayer has been heard, and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, whom you will call by the name John.

¹ To his Excellency, Theophilus. Many attempts have been already made to draw up an account of those events which have reached their conclusion among us,

² just as they were reported to us by those who from the beginning were eye-witnesses, and afterward became bearers of the message.

³ And, therefore, I also, since I have investigated all these events with great care from their very beginning, have resolved to write a connected history of them for you,

⁴ in order that you may be able to satisfy yourself of the accuracy of the story which you have heard from the lips of others.

⁵ In the reign of Herod, king of Judea, there was a priest named Zechariah, who belonged to the division called after Abijah. His wife, whose name was Elizabeth, was also a descendant of Aaron.

⁶ They were both righteous people, who lived blameless lives, guiding their steps by all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord.

⁷ But they had no child, Elizabeth being barren; and both of them were advanced in years.

⁸ One day, when Zechariah was officiating as priest before God, during the turn of his division,

⁹ it fell to him by lot, in accordance with the practice among the priests, to go into the Temple of the Lord and burn incense;

¹⁰ and, as it was the Hour of Incense, the people were all praying outside.

¹¹ And an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing on the right of the Altar of Incense.

¹² Zechariah was startled at the sight and was awe-struck.

¹³ But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zechariah; your prayer has been heard, and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, whom you will call by the name John.

¹ Since many have undertaken to set in order a narrative concerning those matters which have been fulfilled among us,

² even as those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and servants of the word delivered them to us,

³ it seemed good to me also, having traced the course of all things accurately from the first, to write to you in order, most excellent Theophilus God friend;

⁴ that you might know the certainty concerning the things in which you were instructed.

⁵ There was in the days of Herod Heroic, the king of Judea Praise, a certain priest named Zacharias Remembered by Yah, of the priestly division of Abiyah My father Yah. He had a wife of the daughters of Aaron Light-bringer, and her name was Elizabeth My God oath.

⁶ They were both upright before God, observing all the mitzvot ·instructions· and ordinances of Yahweh blamelessly.

⁷ But they had no child, because Elizabeth My God oath was barren, and they both were well advanced in years.

⁸ Now while he served in the priest’s office before God in the order of his priestly division,

⁹ according to the custom of the priest’s office, his lot was to enter into the temple of Yahweh and burn incense (as the Cohen Gadol ·High Priest· on Yom Kippur ·Day of Atonement·. On the 7th month of Ethanim on the 10th day).

¹⁰ All the people were outside, praying, at the time of the incense burning,

¹¹ when there appeared to him an angel of MarYah Master Yahweh, standing on the right side of the altar of incense.

¹² Zacharias Remembered by Yah was troubled when he saw him, and fear fell upon him.

¹³ But the angel said to him, “Don’t be afraid, Zacharias Remembered by Yah, because your request has been heard, and your wife, Elizabeth My God oath, will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John Yah is gracious.

¹ A lot of great things have happened here, and the people that saw those things happen told everyone what they saw, and a lot of people wrote on paper the stories those people told.

³ I have read those stories, and I have talked to those people, and I checked up on everything they said, right from the start. So now I am carefully writing this book for you.

⁴ You already heard some of this, but I want you to know the true story, and I want you to be sure about it.

⁵ At the time when Herod was big boss of Judea country there was a man there called Zechariah. He was a man that looked after the Jewish ceremonies. He belonged to a group that did the Jewish ceremonies called Abijah’s mob. His wife too belonged to a family of Jewish ceremony people. Her name was Elizabeth.

⁶ Those 2, Zechariah and Elizabeth, were very good people. They did everything in God’s law, and God liked the way they lived.

⁷ They lived that way for a long time, but they didn’t have any kids. Elizabeth just couldn’t have a baby. And they got very old.

⁸ Zechariah belonged to that group that did the Jewish ceremonies, and the time came for them to do those ceremonies in God’s ceremony house in Jerusalem city.

⁹ One day it was Zechariah’s turn to go into the special room in that house and burn some stuff to make a good smell.

¹⁰ While he was doing that a big mob of people were outside, and they were praying.

¹¹ Then God sent one of his angel messengers to that room, and he stood beside the metal table where that stuff was burning.

¹² Zechariah saw the angel there and got a big shock. He was really frightened.

¹³ But the angel told him, “Don’t be frightened, Zechariah. God has heard what you have been asking him, and he will give you what you want. Your wife, Elizabeth, will have a baby boy, and you will name him John.

¹ For as moche as many have take in hand to compyle a treates of thoo thinges which are surely knowen amonge vs

² even as they declared them vnto vs which from the beginnynge sawe them their selves and were ministers at the doyng:

³ I determined also assone as I had searched out diligently all thinges from the beginnynge that then I wolde wryte vnto the good Theophilus:

⁴ that thou myghtest knowe the certente of thoo thinges wher of thou arte informed.

⁵ There was in the dayes of Herode kynge of Iurie a certayne prest named zacharias of the course of Abia. And his wyfe was of the doughters of Aaron: And her name was Elizabeth.

⁶ Booth were perfect before God and walked in all the lawes and ordinaunces of the Lorde that no man coulde fynde fawte with them.

⁷ And they had no chylde because that Elizabeth was barre and booth were well stricken in age.

⁸ And it cam to passe as he executed the prestes office before god as his course came

⁹ (accordinge to the custome of the prestes office) his lot was to bourne incence. And went into the temple of the Lorde

¹⁰ and the whoale multitude of the people were with out in prayer whill the incense was aburnynge.

¹¹ And ther appered vnto him an angell of the lorde stondinge on the ryght syde of the altare of incense.

¹² And when Zacharias sawe him he was abasshed and feare came on him.

¹³ And the angell sayde vnto him: feare not Zachary for thy prayer is hearde: And thy wyfe Elizabeth shall beare the a sonne and thou shalt call his name Iohn

¹ Many have taken on the work of putting together an account of the things that have been fulfilled among us,

² just as they were passed down to us by those who from the first were eyewitnesses and servants of the word.

³ So it seemed good to me also, because I have accurately investigated everything from the beginning, to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus,

⁴ so that you might know the certainty of the things you have been taught.

⁵ In the days of Herod, king of Judea, there was a certain priest named Zechariah, from the division of Abijah. His wife was from the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth.

⁶ They were both righteous before God, obeying all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord.

⁷ But they had no child, because Elizabeth was barren, and they were both very old by this time.

⁸ Now it came about that Zechariah was in God's presence, carrying out the priestly duties in the order of his division.

⁹ According to the customary way of choosing which priest would serve, he had been chosen by lot to enter into the temple of the Lord to burn incense.

¹⁰ The whole crowd of people was praying outside at the hour when the incense was burned.

¹¹ Now an angel of the Lord appeared to him and stood at the right side of the incense altar.

¹² When Zechariah saw him, he was terrified and fear fell on him.

¹³ But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zechariah, because your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son. You will call his name John.

¹ Since many have undertaken to set in order a narrative concerning those matters which have been fulfilled among us,

² even as those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and servants of the word delivered them to us,

³ it seemed good to me also, having traced the course of all things accurately from the first, to write to you in order, most excellent Theophilus;

⁴ that you might know the certainty concerning the things in which you were instructed.

⁵ There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judea, a certain priest named Zacharias, of the priestly division of Abijah. He had a wife of the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth.

⁶ They were both righteous before God, walking blamelessly in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord.

⁷ But they had no child, because Elizabeth was barren, and they both were well advanced in years.

⁸ Now while he executed the priest’s office before God in the order of his division

⁹ according to the custom of the priest’s office, his lot was to enter into the temple of the Lord and burn incense.

¹⁰ The whole multitude of the people were praying outside at the hour of incense.

¹¹ An angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing on the right side of the altar of incense.

¹² Zacharias was troubled when he saw him, and fear fell upon him.

¹³ But the angel said to him, “Don’t be afraid, Zacharias, because your request has been heard. Your wife, Elizabeth, will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John.

¹ Since many have undertaken to set in order a narrative concerning those matters which have been fulfilled amongst us,

² even as those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and servants of the word delivered them to us,

³ it seemed good to me also, having traced the course of all things accurately from the first, to write to you in order, most excellent Theophilus;

⁴ that you might know the certainty concerning the things in which you were instructed.

⁵ There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judea, a certain priest named Zacharias, of the priestly division of Abijah. He had a wife of the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth.

⁶ They were both righteous before God, walking blamelessly in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord.

⁷ But they had no child, because Elizabeth was barren, and they both were well advanced in years.

⁸ Now while he executed the priest’s office before God in the order of his division

⁹ according to the custom of the priest’s office, his lot was to enter into the temple of the Lord and burn incense.

¹⁰ The whole multitude of the people were praying outside at the hour of incense.

¹¹ An angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing on the right side of the altar of incense.

¹² Zacharias was troubled when he saw him, and fear fell upon him.

¹³ But the angel said to him, “Don’t be afraid, Zacharias, because your request has been heard. Your wife, Elizabeth, will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John.

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 to us, who from the beginning were eye-witnesses, 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 to thee in order, most excellent Theophilus,

⁴ That thou mayest know the certainty of those things in which thou hast been instructed.

⁵ There was in the days of Herod the king of Judea, 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 Elisabeth was barren, and they both were far advanced in years.

⁸ And it came to pass, that, while he executed the priests' office before God in the order of his course,

⁹ According to the custom of the priests' 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 to 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 to 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.

¹ Since many have undertaken to set in order a narrative concerning those matters which have been fulfilled among us,

² even as those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and servants of the word delivered them to us,

³ it seemed good to me also, having traced the course of all things accurately from the first, to write to you in order, most excellent Theophilus;

⁴ that you might know the certainty concerning the things in which you were instructed.

⁵ There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judea, a certain priest named Zechariah, of the priestly division of Abijah. He had a wife of the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elisheva.

⁶ They were both righteous before God, walking blamelessly in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord.

⁷ But they had no child, because Elisheva was barren, and they both were well advanced in years.

⁸ Now while he executed the priest’s office before God in the order of his division

⁹ according to the custom of the priest’s office, his lot was to enter into the temple of the Lord and burn incense.

¹⁰ The whole multitude of the people were praying outside at the hour of incense.

¹¹ An angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing on the right side of the altar of incense.

¹² Zechariah was troubled when he saw him, and fear fell upon him.

¹³ But the angel said to him, “Don’t be afraid, Zechariah, because your request has been heard. Your wife, Elisheva, will bear you a son, and you shall call his name Yochanan.

¹ Since many have undertaken to set in order a narrative concerning those matters which have been fulfilled amongst us,

² even as those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and servants of the word delivered them to us,

³ it seemed good to me also, having traced the course of all things accurately from the first, to write to you in order, most excellent Theophilus;

⁴ that you might know the certainty concerning the things in which you were instructed.

⁵ There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judea, a certain priest named Zechariah, of the priestly division of Abijah. He had a wife of the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elisheva.

⁶ They were both righteous before God, walking blamelessly in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord.

⁷ But they had no child, because Elisheva was barren, and they both were well advanced in years.

⁸ Now while he executed the priest’s office before God in the order of his division

⁹ according to the custom of the priest’s office, his lot was to enter into the temple of the Lord and burn incense.

¹⁰ The whole multitude of the people were praying outside at the hour of incense.

¹¹ An angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing on the right side of the altar of incense.

¹² Zechariah was troubled when he saw him, and fear fell upon him.

¹³ But the angel said to him, “Don’t be afraid, Zechariah, because your request has been heard. Your wife, Elisheva, will bear you a son, and you shall call his name Yochanan.

¹ Forsooth for many men enforced or endeavoured to ordain the telling of things, which be filled in us,

² as they that saw at the beginning, and were ministers of the word, betaken,

³ it is seen also to me, having from the beginning all things diligently by order, to write to thee, thou best Theophilus,

⁴ that thou know the truth of those words, of which thou art learned.

⁵ In the days of Herod, king of Judea, there was a priest, Zechariah by name, of the sort of Abia, and his wife was of the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elisabeth.

⁶ And both were just before God, going in all the commandments and justifyings of the Lord, without complaint.

⁷ And they had no child, for Elisabeth was barren, and both were of great age or had gone far in their days.

⁸ And it befell, that when Zechariah should do the office of priesthood, in the order of his course before God,

⁹ after the custom of the priesthood, he went forth by lot, and entered into the temple of the Lord, to incense.

¹⁰ And all the multitude of the people was withoutforth, and prayed in the hour of incensing.

¹¹ And an angel of the Lord appeared to him, and stood on the right half of the altar of incense.

¹² And Zechariah seeing was afraid or distroubled, and dread fell upon him.

¹³ And the angel said to him, Zechariah, dread thou not; for thy prayer is heard, and Elisabeth, thy wife, shall bear to thee a son, and his name shall be called John.

¹ Forsooth for many men enforced to ordain the telling of things, which be filled in us, (Because many men endeavoured to order the telling of things, which happened among us,)

² as they that saw at the beginning, and were ministers of the word, betaken, (as they who saw it from the beginning, and were servants of the word, that was delivered,)

³ it is seen also to me, having from the beginning all things diligently by order, to write to thee, thou best Theophilus, (it is seen also by me, having put all things diligently in order from the beginning, to write to thee, O most excellent Theophilus,)

⁴ (so) that thou know the truth of those words, of which thou art learned.

⁵ In the days of Herod, (the) king of Judea, there was a priest, Zacharias by name (or called Zechariah), of the sort of Abia, and his wife was of the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elisabeth.

⁶ And both were just before God (or And both were good and righteous before God), going in all the commandments and justifyings of the Lord, without (com)plaint.

⁷ And they had no child, for Elisabeth was barren, and both were of great age or had gone far in their days.

⁸ And it befell, that when Zacharias should do the office of priesthood, in the order of his course before God, (And it befell, that when Zechariah should do the duties of the priesthood, by the order of his course before God,)

⁹ after the custom of the priesthood, he went forth by lot, and entered into the temple of the Lord, to (offer the) incense.

¹⁰ And all the multitude of the people was withoutforth, and prayed in the hour of incensing. (And a great multitude of people were outside, and prayed during the hour of incense.)

¹¹ And an angel of the Lord appeared to him, and stood on the right half of the altar of incense (or and stood on the right side of the altar of incense).

¹² And Zacharias seeing (him) was (made) afraid or was distroubled, and dread fell upon him. (And when Zechariah saw him he was afraid, and fear fell upon him.)

¹³ And the angel said to him, Zacharias, dread thou not, (or Zechariah, fear not); for thy prayer is heard, and Elisabeth, thy wife, shall bear to thee a son, and his name shall be called John.

¹ Forsothe for manye men enforceden to ordeyne the tellyng of thingis, whiche ben fillid in vs,

² as thei that seyn atte the bigynnyng, and weren ministris of the word,

³ bitaken, it is seen also to me, hauynge alle thingis diligentli bi ordre, to write to thee,

⁴ thou best Theofile, that thou knowe the treuthe of tho wordis, of whiche thou art lerned.

⁵ In the daies of Eroude, kyng of Judee, ther was a prest, Sakarie bi name, of the sorte of Abia, and his wijf was of the douytris of Aaron, and hir name was Elizabeth.

⁶ And bothe weren iust bifor God, goynge in alle the maundementis and iustifiyngis of the Lord, withouten pleynt.

⁷ And thei hadden no child, for Elizabeth was bareyn, and bothe weren of grete age in her daies.

⁸ And it bifel, that whanne Zacarie schulde do the office of preesthod, in the ordre of his cours tofor God,

⁹ aftir the custome of the preesthod, he wente forth bi lot, and entride in to the temple, to encense.

¹⁰ And al the multitude of the puple was with outforth, and preiede in the our of encensyng.

¹¹ And an aungel of the Lord apperide to hym, and stood on the riythalf of the auter of encense.

¹² And Zacarie seynge was afraied, and drede fel vpon hym.

¹³ And the aungel seide to hym, Zacarie, drede thou not; for thi preyer is herd, and Elizabeth, thi wijf, schal bere to thee a sone, and his name schal be clepid Joon.

¹ Seeing that many did take in hand to set in order a narration of the matters that have been fully assured among us,

² as they did deliver to us, who from the beginning became eye-witnesses, and officers of the Word, —

³ it seemed good also to me, having followed from the first after all things exactly, to write to thee in order, most noble Theophilus,

⁴ that thou mayest know the certainty of the things wherein thou wast instructed.

⁵ There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judea, a certain priest, by name Zacharias, of the course of Abijah, and his wife of the daughters of Aaron, and her name Elisabeth;

⁶ and they were both righteous before God, going on in all the commands and righteousnesses of the Lord blameless,

⁷ and they had no child, because that Elisabeth was barren, and both were advanced in their days.

⁸ And it came to pass, in his acting as priest, in the order of his course before God,

⁹ according to the custom of the priesthood, his lot was to make perfume, having gone into the sanctuary of the Lord,

¹⁰ and all the multitude of the people were praying without, at the hour of the perfume.

¹¹ And there appeared to him a messenger of the Lord standing on the right side of the altar of the perfume,

¹² and Zacharias, having seen, was troubled, and fear fell on him;

¹³ and the messenger said unto him, 'Fear not, Zacharias, for thy supplication was heard, and thy wife Elisabeth shall bear a son to thee, and thou shalt call his name John,