Chapter

Luke 1:66

ESV and all who heard them laid them up in their hearts, saying, "What then will this child be?" For the hand of the Lord was with him.
NIV Everyone who heard this wondered about it, asking, "What then is this child going to be?" For the Lord’s hand was with him.
NASB All who heard them kept them in mind, saying, 'What then will this child turn out to be?' For indeed the hand of the Lord was with him.
CSB All who heard about him took it to heart, saying, "What then will this child become?" For, indeed, the Lord’s hand was with him.
NLT Everyone who heard about it reflected on these events and asked, 'What will this child turn out to be?' For the hand of the Lord was surely upon him in a special way.
KJV 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.
NKJV And all those who heard them kept them in their hearts, saying, “What kind of child will this be?” And the hand of the Lord was with him.

What does Luke 1:66 mean?

Elizabeth and Zechariah (Luke 1:5–7) have finally obtained a son, as predicted by an angelic messenger (Luke 1:13–17). Zechariah was temporarily prevented from speaking by that encounter (Luke 1:18–20), and worshippers in the temple could tell he had seen an angel (Luke 1:21–22). Elizabeth's pregnancy and delivery were cause for celebration (Luke 1:57–58). The controversial name she chose, John, was confirmed in writing by Zechariah (Luke 1:59–63). This resulted in Zechariah regaining his ability to speak (Luke 1:64). This combination of events deeply affected those in the region (Luke 1:65).

The phrase "laid them up in their hearts" can also be understood as "kept them in mind." As John grows, it's clear he's meant to play an important role in fulfilling prophecy (Isaiah 40:3; Malachi 3:1; 4:6). The miraculous circumstances of his birth likely made people more interested in coming to hear him preach (Luke 3:2–3).
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