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Luke 1:21

New Testament Gospel ASV (1901)

What does Luke 1:21 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “And the people were waiting for Zacharias, and they marvelled while he tarried in the temple.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

And the people were waiting for Zacharias, and they marvelled while he tarried in the temple.
Luke 1:21 — American Standard Version

Context — Luke 1

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
18And Zacharias said unto the angel, Whereby shall I know this? for I am an old man, and my wife well stricken in years.
19And the angel answering said unto him, I am Gabriel, that stand in the presence of God; and I was sent to speak unto thee, and to bring thee these good tidings.
20And behold, thou shalt be silent and not able to speak, until the day that these things shall come to pass, because thou believedst not my words, which shall be fulfilled in their season.
21And the people were waiting for Zacharias, and they marvelled while he tarried in the temple.
22And when he came out, he could not speak unto them: and they perceived that he had seen a vision in the temple: and he continued making signs unto them, and remained dumb.
23And it came to pass, when the days of his ministration were fulfilled, he departed unto his house.
24And after these days Elisabeth his wife conceived; and she hid herself five months, saying,
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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 the people waited for Zacharias, etc.] That were without, in the court of the Israelites, praying there, while he was offering incense: these were waiting for his coming out, in order to be blessed by him, according to (<040623>Numbers 6:23-26) and be dismissed: and marvelled that he tarried so long in the temple; beyond the usual time of burning incense; which might be occasioned either by a longer discourse of the angel with him than what is here related; or being struck with amazement at the sight and hearing of the angel, he might continue long musing on this unexpected appearance and relation; or he might spend some time not only in meditation upon it, but in mental prayer,…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“waited--to receive from him the usual benediction (Num 6:23-27). tarried so long--It was not usual to tarry long, lest it should be thought vengeance had stricken the people's representative for something wrong [LIGHTFOOT].”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“The people waited - That is, beyond the usual time. Marvelled - Wondered. The priest, it is said, was not accustomed to remain in the temple more than half an hour commonly. Having remained on this occasion a longer time, the people became apprehensive of his safety, and wondered what had happened to him. return to 'Top of Page'”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“The people were waiting - For him to come and dismiss them (as usual) with the blessing. Luke 1:24”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“Num 6:23-27 Luke 1:22”
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Related study paths

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Sources and verification