Luke 1:12

New Testament Gospel ASV (1901)

What does Luke 1:12 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “And Zacharias was troubled when he saw [him], and fear fell upon him.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

And Zacharias was troubled when he saw [him], and fear fell upon him.
Luke 1:12 — American Standard Version

Context — Luke 1

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
12And Zacharias was troubled when he saw [him], and fear fell upon him.

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“And when Zacharias saw him, etc.] 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 such effects on the minds, even of good men; (see <070622>Judges 6:22, <270817>Daniel 8:17).”
Read attributed excerpt →
Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“He was troubled - He was alone, in the presence of God. The appearance of the angel was sudden, unexpected, and therefore fearful. return to 'Top of Page'”
Read attributed excerpt →
Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“Zacharias was troubled - Although he was accustomed to converse with God, yet we see he was thrown into a great consternation, at the appearance of his angelical messenger, nature not being able to sustain the sight. Is it not then an instance of the goodness is well as of the wisdom of God, that the services, which these heavenly spirits render us, are generally invisible? Luke 1:13”
Read attributed excerpt →
Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“1:12-13 Zechariah was shaken and overwhelmed with fear: Fear and awe are common reactions when someone sees an angel or experiences the presence of God (Judg 6:22-23; 13:22; Isa 6:5). The person is often reassured by a saying such as Don’t be afraid. • you are to name him John: John means “the Lord has shown favor.” This favor came to Elizabeth and Zechariah through their son and to the Israelite nation through the Messiah, whose coming John would announce.”
Read attributed excerpt →
Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“he: Luk 1:29, Luk 2:9, Luk 2:10; Jdg 6:22, Jdg 13:22; Job 4:14, Job 4:15; Dan 10:7; Mar 16:5; Act 10:4; Rev 1:17 Luke 1:13”
Read attributed excerpt →

Related study paths

Sources and verification