Chapter

Luke 1:15

ESV for he will be great before the Lord. And he must not drink wine or strong drink, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mother 's womb.
NIV for he will be great in the sight of the Lord. He is never to take wine or other fermented drink, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit even before he is born.
NASB For he will be great in the sight of the Lord; and he will drink no wine or liquor, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit while still in his mother’s womb.
CSB For he will be great in the sight of the Lord and will never drink wine or beer. He will be filled with the Holy Spirit while still in his mother’s womb.
NLT for he will be great in the eyes of the Lord. He must never touch wine or other alcoholic drinks. He will be filled with the Holy Spirit, even before his birth.
KJV 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.
NKJV For he will be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink. He will also be filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mother’s womb.

What does Luke 1:15 mean?

After years of praying and waiting (Luke 1:5–7), an elderly priest and his wife will finally be blessed with a child. This message is being delivered by an angel, as Zechariah offers incense in the temple (Luke 1:8–14). This son will fulfill an important role from prophecy (Malachi 3:1; Luke 3:2–3). His ministry will prepare the world for the introduction of the Messiah, Jesus Christ. The child, later known as John the Baptist, will be renowned for his powerful ministry work. Jesus will make note of his accomplishments (Luke 7:24–28).

The Holy Sprit's influence on John will begin before he is even born. In one example, the unborn child will react to hearing a woman's voice (Luke 1:43–45). That woman will be Mary, having recently been told that she would miraculously bear the Son of God.

From birth, John will be held to a high standard of holiness. That includes having no contact with intoxicating drinks like wine. Some of his peers will sneer at this (Luke 7:33; Matthew 11:18). His unusual clothing and diet will also inspire curiosity (Matthew 3:4; Mark 1:6). But his absolute commitment to God's plan will be instrumental in setting the stage for Jesus' earthly ministry (John 3:28–30).
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