Font Size
Lucas 1
Nueva Versión Internacional (Castilian)
Lucas 1
Nueva Versión Internacional (Castilian)
Prólogo
1 Muchos han intentado hacer un relato de las cosas que han sucedido[a] entre nosotros, 2 tal y como nos las transmitieron los que desde el principio fueron testigos presenciales y servidores de la palabra. 3 Por lo tanto, yo también, excelentísimo Teófilo, habiendo investigado todo esto con esmero desde su origen, he decidido escribírtelo ordenadamente, 4 para que llegues a tener plena seguridad de lo que te enseñaron.
Anuncio del nacimiento de Juan el Bautista
5 En tiempos de Herodes, rey de Judea, hubo un sacerdote llamado Zacarías, miembro del grupo de Abías. Su esposa Elisabet también era descendiente de Aarón. 6 Ambos eran rectos e intachables delante de Dios; obedecían todos los mandamientos y preceptos del Señor. 7 Pero no tenían hijos, porque Elisabet era estéril; y los dos eran de edad avanzada.
8 Un día en que Zacarías, por haber llegado el turno de su grupo, oficiaba como sacerdote delante de Dios, 9 le tocó en suerte, según la costumbre del sacerdocio, entrar en el santuario del Señor para quemar incienso. 10 Cuando llegó la hora de ofrecer el incienso, la multitud reunida afuera estaba orando. 11 En esto, un ángel del Señor se apareció a Zacarías a la derecha del altar del incienso. 12 Al verlo, Zacarías se asustó, y el temor se apoderó de él. 13 El ángel le dijo:
―No tengas miedo, Zacarías, pues ha sido escuchada tu oración. Tu esposa Elisabet te dará un hijo, y le pondrás por nombre Juan. 14 Tendrás gozo y alegría, y muchos se regocijarán por su nacimiento, 15 porque él será un gran hombre delante del Señor. Jamás tomará vino ni licor, y será lleno del Espíritu Santo aun desde su nacimiento.[b] 16 Hará que muchos israelitas se vuelvan al Señor su Dios. 17 Él irá primero, delante del Señor, con el espíritu y el poder de Elías, para reconciliar a[c] los padres con los hijos y guiar a los desobedientes a la sabiduría de los justos. De este modo preparará un pueblo bien dispuesto para recibir al Señor.
18 ―¿Cómo podré estar seguro de esto? —preguntó Zacarías al ángel—. Ya soy anciano y mi esposa también es de edad avanzada.
19 ―Yo soy Gabriel y estoy a las órdenes de Dios —le contestó el ángel—. He sido enviado para hablar contigo y darte estas buenas noticias. 20 Pero, como no creíste en mis palabras, las cuales se cumplirán a su debido tiempo, te vas a quedar mudo. No podrás hablar hasta el día en que todo esto suceda.
21 Mientras tanto, el pueblo estaba esperando a Zacarías y les extrañaba que se demorara tanto en el santuario. 22 Cuando por fin salió, no podía hablarles, así que se dieron cuenta de que allí había tenido una visión. Se podía comunicar solo por señas, pues seguía mudo.
23 Cuando terminaron los días de su servicio, regresó a su casa. 24 Poco después, su esposa Elisabet concibió y se mantuvo recluida por cinco meses. 25 «Esto —decía ella— es obra del Señor, que ahora ha mostrado su bondad al quitarme la vergüenza que yo tenía ante los demás».
Anuncio del nacimiento de Jesús
26 A los seis meses, Dios envió al ángel Gabriel a Nazaret, pueblo de Galilea, 27 a visitar a una joven virgen comprometida para casarse con un hombre que se llamaba José, descendiente de David. La virgen se llamaba María. 28 El ángel se acercó a ella y le dijo:
―¡Te saludo,[d] tú que has recibido el favor de Dios! El Señor está contigo.[e]
29 Ante estas palabras, María se perturbó, y se preguntaba qué podría significar este saludo.
30 ―No tengas miedo, María; Dios te ha concedido su favor —le dijo el ángel—. 31 Concebirás y darás a luz un hijo, y le pondrás por nombre Jesús. 32 Él será un gran hombre, y lo llamarán Hijo del Altísimo. Dios el Señor le dará el trono de su padre David, 33 y reinará sobre el pueblo de Jacob para siempre. Su reinado no tendrá fin.
34 ―¿Cómo podrá suceder esto —le preguntó María al ángel—, puesto que soy virgen?[f]
35 ―El Espíritu Santo vendrá sobre ti, y el poder del Altísimo te cubrirá con su sombra. Así que al santo niño que va a nacer lo llamarán Hijo de Dios. 36 También tu parienta Elisabet va a tener un hijo en su vejez; de hecho, la que decían que era estéril ya está en el sexto mes de embarazo. 37 Porque para Dios no hay nada imposible.
38 ―Aquí tienes a la sierva del Señor —contestó María—. Que él haga conmigo como me has dicho.
Después de esto, el ángel la dejó.
María visita a Elisabet
39 A los pocos, días María emprendió viaje y se fue de prisa a un pueblo en la región montañosa de Judea. 40 Al llegar, entró en casa de Zacarías y saludó a Elisabet. 41 Tan pronto como Elisabet oyó el saludo de María, la criatura saltó en su vientre. Entonces Elisabet, llena del Espíritu Santo, 42 exclamó:
―¡Bendita tú entre las mujeres, y bendito el hijo que darás a luz![g] 43 Pero ¿cómo es esto, que la madre de mi Señor venga a verme? 44 Te digo que, tan pronto como llegó a mis oídos la voz de tu saludo, saltó de alegría la criatura que llevo en el vientre. 45 ¡Dichosa tú que has creído, porque lo que el Señor te ha dicho se cumplirá!
El cántico de María(A)
46 Entonces dijo María:
«Mi alma glorifica al Señor,
47 y mi espíritu se regocija en Dios mi Salvador,
48 porque se ha dignado fijarse en su humilde sierva.
Desde ahora me llamarán dichosa todas las generaciones,
49 porque el Poderoso ha hecho grandes cosas por mí.
¡Santo es su nombre!
50 De generación en generación
se extiende su misericordia a los que le temen.
51 Hizo proezas con su brazo;
desbarató las intrigas de los soberbios.[h]
52 De sus tronos derrocó a los poderosos,
mientras que ha exaltado a los humildes.
53 A los hambrientos los colmó de bienes,
y a los ricos los despidió con las manos vacías.
54-55 Acudió en ayuda de su siervo Israel
y, cumpliendo su promesa a nuestros padres,
mostró[i] su misericordia a Abraham
y a su descendencia para siempre».
56 María se quedó con Elisabet unos tres meses y luego regresó a su casa.
Nacimiento de Juan el Bautista
57 Cuando se le cumplió el tiempo, Elisabet dio a luz un hijo. 58 Sus vecinos y parientes se enteraron de que el Señor le había mostrado gran misericordia, y compartieron su alegría.
59 A los ocho días llevaron a circuncidar al niño. Como querían ponerle el nombre de su padre, Zacarías, 60 su madre se opuso.
―¡No! —dijo ella—. Tiene que llamarse Juan.
61 ―Pero si nadie en tu familia tiene ese nombre —le dijeron.
62 Entonces le hicieron señas a su padre, para saber qué nombre quería ponerle al niño. 63 Él pidió una tablilla, en la que escribió: «Su nombre es Juan». Y todos quedaron asombrados. 64 Al instante se le desató la lengua, recuperó el habla y comenzó a alabar a Dios. 65 Todos los vecinos se llenaron de temor, y por toda la región montañosa de Judea se comentaba lo sucedido. 66 Quienes lo oían se preguntaban: «¿Qué llegará a ser este niño?» Porque la mano del Señor lo protegía.
El cántico de Zacarías
67 Entonces su padre Zacarías, lleno del Espíritu Santo, profetizó:
68 «Bendito sea el Señor, Dios de Israel,
porque ha venido a redimir[j] a su pueblo.
69 Nos envió un poderoso Salvador[k]
en la casa de David su siervo
70 (como lo prometió en el pasado por medio de sus santos profetas),
71 para librarnos de nuestros enemigos
y del poder de todos los que nos aborrecen;
72 para mostrar misericordia a nuestros padres
al acordarse de su santo pacto.
73 Así lo juró a Abraham nuestro padre:
74 nos concedió que fuéramos libres del temor,
al rescatarnos del poder de nuestros enemigos,
para que le sirviéramos 75 con santidad y justicia,
viviendo en su presencia todos nuestros días.
76 »Y tú, hijito mío, serás llamado profeta del Altísimo,
porque irás delante del Señor para prepararle el camino.
77 Darás a conocer a su pueblo la salvación
mediante el perdón de sus pecados,
78 gracias a la entrañable misericordia de nuestro Dios.
Así nos visitará desde el cielo el sol naciente,
79 para dar luz a los que viven en tinieblas,
en la más terrible oscuridad,[l]
para guiar nuestros pasos por la senda de la paz».
80 El niño crecía y se fortalecía en espíritu; y vivió en el desierto hasta el día en que se presentó públicamente al pueblo de Israel.
Footnotes
- 1:1 han sucedido. Alt. se han recibido con convicción.
- 1:15 desde su nacimiento. Alt. antes de nacer. Lit. desde el vientre de su madre.
- 1:17 reconciliar a. Lit. hacer volver los corazones de; véase Mal 4:6.
- 1:28 ¡Te saludo. Alt. ¡Alégrate.
- 1:28 contigo. Var. contigo; bendita tú entre las mujeres.
- 1:34 soy virgen? Lit. no conozco a hombre?
- 1:42 el hijo que darás a luz! Lit. el fruto de tu vientre!
- 1:51 desbarató … soberbios. Lit. dispersó a los orgullosos en el pensamiento del corazón de ellos.
- 1:54-55 mostró. Lit. recordó.
- 1:68 ha venido a redimir. Lit. ha visitado y ha redimido.
- 1:69 envió un poderoso Salvador. Lit. levantó un cuerno de salvación.
- 1:79 en la más terrible oscuridad. Lit. y en sombra de muerte.
Lucas 1
Reina-Valera 1960
Lucas 1
Reina-Valera 1960
Dedicatoria a Teófilo
1 Puesto que ya muchos han tratado de poner en orden la historia de las cosas que entre nosotros han sido ciertísimas, 2 tal como nos lo enseñaron los que desde el principio lo vieron con sus ojos, y fueron ministros de la palabra, 3 me ha parecido también a mí, después de haber investigado con diligencia todas las cosas desde su origen, escribírtelas por orden, oh excelentísimo Teófilo, 4 para que conozcas bien la verdad de las cosas en las cuales has sido instruido.
Anuncio del nacimiento de Juan
5 Hubo en los días de Herodes, rey de Judea, un sacerdote llamado Zacarías, de la clase de Abías;(A) su mujer era de las hijas de Aarón, y se llamaba Elisabet. 6 Ambos eran justos delante de Dios, y andaban irreprensibles en todos los mandamientos y ordenanzas del Señor. 7 Pero no tenían hijo, porque Elisabet era estéril, y ambos eran ya de edad avanzada. 8 Aconteció que ejerciendo Zacarías el sacerdocio delante de Dios según el orden de su clase, 9 conforme a la costumbre del sacerdocio, le tocó en suerte ofrecer el incienso, entrando en el santuario del Señor. 10 Y toda la multitud del pueblo estaba fuera orando a la hora del incienso. 11 Y se le apareció un ángel del Señor puesto en pie a la derecha del altar del incienso. 12 Y se turbó Zacarías al verle, y le sobrecogió temor. 13 Pero el ángel le dijo: Zacarías, no temas; porque tu oración ha sido oída, y tu mujer Elisabet te dará a luz un hijo, y llamarás su nombre Juan. 14 Y tendrás gozo y alegría, y muchos se regocijarán de su nacimiento; 15 porque será grande delante de Dios. No beberá vino ni sidra,(B) y será lleno del Espíritu Santo, aun desde el vientre de su madre. 16 Y hará que muchos de los hijos de Israel se conviertan al Señor Dios de ellos. 17 E irá delante de él con el espíritu y el poder de Elías, para hacer volver los corazones de los padres a los hijos,(C) y de los rebeldes a la prudencia de los justos, para preparar al Señor un pueblo bien dispuesto. 18 Dijo Zacarías al ángel: ¿En qué conoceré esto? Porque yo soy viejo, y mi mujer es de edad avanzada. 19 Respondiendo el ángel, le dijo: Yo soy Gabriel,(D) que estoy delante de Dios; y he sido enviado a hablarte, y darte estas buenas nuevas. 20 Y ahora quedarás mudo y no podrás hablar, hasta el día en que esto se haga, por cuanto no creíste mis palabras, las cuales se cumplirán a su tiempo. 21 Y el pueblo estaba esperando a Zacarías, y se extrañaba de que él se demorase en el santuario. 22 Pero cuando salió, no les podía hablar; y comprendieron que había visto visión en el santuario. Él les hablaba por señas, y permaneció mudo. 23 Y cumplidos los días de su ministerio, se fue a su casa.
24 Después de aquellos días concibió su mujer Elisabet, y se recluyó en casa por cinco meses, diciendo: 25 Así ha hecho conmigo el Señor en los días en que se dignó quitar mi afrenta entre los hombres.
Anuncio del nacimiento de Jesús
26 Al sexto mes el ángel Gabriel fue enviado por Dios a una ciudad de Galilea, llamada Nazaret, 27 a una virgen desposada con un varón que se llamaba José, de la casa de David; y el nombre de la virgen era María.(E) 28 Y entrando el ángel en donde ella estaba, dijo: ¡Salve, muy favorecida! El Señor es contigo; bendita tú entre las mujeres. 29 Mas ella, cuando le vio, se turbó por sus palabras, y pensaba qué salutación sería esta. 30 Entonces el ángel le dijo: María, no temas, porque has hallado gracia delante de Dios. 31 Y ahora, concebirás en tu vientre, y darás a luz un hijo, y llamarás su nombre JESÚS.(F) 32 Este será grande, y será llamado Hijo del Altísimo; y el Señor Dios le dará el trono de David su padre; 33 y reinará sobre la casa de Jacob para siempre, y su reino no tendrá fin.(G) 34 Entonces María dijo al ángel: ¿Cómo será esto? pues no conozco varón. 35 Respondiendo el ángel, le dijo: El Espíritu Santo vendrá sobre ti, y el poder del Altísimo te cubrirá con su sombra; por lo cual también el Santo Ser que nacerá, será llamado Hijo de Dios. 36 Y he aquí tu parienta Elisabet, ella también ha concebido hijo en su vejez; y este es el sexto mes para ella, la que llamaban estéril; 37 porque nada hay imposible para Dios.(H) 38 Entonces María dijo: He aquí la sierva del Señor; hágase conmigo conforme a tu palabra. Y el ángel se fue de su presencia.
María visita a Elisabet
39 En aquellos días, levantándose María, fue de prisa a la montaña, a una ciudad de Judá; 40 y entró en casa de Zacarías, y saludó a Elisabet. 41 Y aconteció que cuando oyó Elisabet la salutación de María, la criatura saltó en su vientre; y Elisabet fue llena del Espíritu Santo, 42 y exclamó a gran voz, y dijo: Bendita tú entre las mujeres, y bendito el fruto de tu vientre. 43 ¿Por qué se me concede esto a mí, que la madre de mi Señor venga a mí? 44 Porque tan pronto como llegó la voz de tu salutación a mis oídos, la criatura saltó de alegría en mi vientre. 45 Y bienaventurada la que creyó, porque se cumplirá lo que le fue dicho de parte del Señor.
46 Entonces María dijo:(I)
Engrandece mi alma al Señor;
47 Y mi espíritu se regocija en Dios mi Salvador.
48 Porque ha mirado la bajeza de su sierva;
Pues he aquí, desde ahora me dirán bienaventurada todas las generaciones.
49 Porque me ha hecho grandes cosas el Poderoso;
Santo es su nombre,
50 Y su misericordia es de generación en generación
A los que le temen.
51 Hizo proezas con su brazo;
Esparció a los soberbios en el pensamiento de sus corazones.
52 Quitó de los tronos a los poderosos,
Y exaltó a los humildes.
53 A los hambrientos colmó de bienes,
Y a los ricos envió vacíos.
54 Socorrió a Israel su siervo,
Acordándose de la misericordia
55 De la cual habló a nuestros padres,
Para con Abraham(J) y su descendencia para siempre.
56 Y se quedó María con ella como tres meses; después se volvió a su casa.
Nacimiento de Juan el Bautista
57 Cuando a Elisabet se le cumplió el tiempo de su alumbramiento, dio a luz un hijo. 58 Y cuando oyeron los vecinos y los parientes que Dios había engrandecido para con ella su misericordia, se regocijaron con ella. 59 Aconteció que al octavo día vinieron para circuncidar al niño;(K) y le llamaban con el nombre de su padre, Zacarías; 60 pero respondiendo su madre, dijo: No; se llamará Juan. 61 Le dijeron: ¿Por qué? No hay nadie en tu parentela que se llame con ese nombre. 62 Entonces preguntaron por señas a su padre, cómo le quería llamar. 63 Y pidiendo una tablilla, escribió, diciendo: Juan es su nombre. Y todos se maravillaron. 64 Al momento fue abierta su boca y suelta su lengua, y habló bendiciendo a Dios. 65 Y se llenaron de temor todos sus vecinos; y en todas las montañas de Judea se divulgaron todas estas cosas. 66 Y todos los que las oían las guardaban en su corazón, diciendo: ¿Quién, pues, será este niño? Y la mano del Señor estaba con él.
Profecía de Zacarías
67 Y Zacarías su padre fue lleno del Espíritu Santo, y profetizó, diciendo:
68 Bendito el Señor Dios de Israel,
Que ha visitado y redimido a su pueblo,
69 Y nos levantó un poderoso Salvador
En la casa de David su siervo,
70 Como habló por boca de sus santos profetas que fueron desde el principio;
71 Salvación de nuestros enemigos, y de la mano de todos los que nos aborrecieron;
72 Para hacer misericordia con nuestros padres,
Y acordarse de su santo pacto;
73 Del juramento que hizo a Abraham nuestro padre,
Que nos había de conceder
74 Que, librados de nuestros enemigos,
Sin temor le serviríamos
75 En santidad y en justicia delante de él, todos nuestros días.
76 Y tú, niño, profeta del Altísimo serás llamado;
Porque irás delante de la presencia del Señor, para preparar sus caminos;(L)
77 Para dar conocimiento de salvación a su pueblo,
Para perdón de sus pecados,
78 Por la entrañable misericordia de nuestro Dios,
Con que nos visitó desde lo alto la aurora,
79 Para dar luz a los que habitan en tinieblas(M) y en sombra de muerte;
Para encaminar nuestros pies por camino de paz.
80 Y el niño crecía, y se fortalecía en espíritu; y estuvo en lugares desiertos hasta el día de su manifestación a Israel.
Luke 1
New Catholic Bible
Luke 1
New Catholic Bible
Prologue[a]
Chapter 1
1 Since many different individuals have undertaken the task to set down an account of the events that have been fulfilled among us, 2 in accordance with their transmission to us by those who were eyewitnesses and ministers of the word from the beginning, 3 I too, after researching all the evidence anew with great care, have decided to write an orderly account for you, Theophilus, who are so greatly revered, 4 so that you may learn the unquestioned authenticity of the teachings you have received.
The Infancy Narrative[b]
Announcement of the Birth of John.[c] At the time of the reign of King Herod of Judea,[d] there was a priest named Zechariah, a member of the priestly order of Abijah. His wife Elizabeth was a descendant of Aaron. 6 Both of them were righteous in the eyes of God, observing blamelessly all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord. 7 But they had no children, because Elizabeth was barren and both were advanced in years.8 On one occasion, when his division was on duty and he was exercising his priestly office before God, 9 he was designated by lot to enter the sanctuary of the Lord and offer incense.[e] 10 At the hour of the offering of incense, all the people were outside, praying. 11 Then there appeared to him the angel of the Lord, standing to the right of the altar of incense.
12 When Zechariah beheld him, he was terrified and overcome with fear. 13 But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zechariah, for your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear for you a son, and you shall name him John. 14 He will be a source of joy and delight to you, and many will rejoice at his birth, 15 for he will be great in the sight of the Lord.
“He will never imbibe wine or any strong drink. Even when he is still in his mother’s womb, he will be filled with the Holy Spirit, 16 and he will bring back many of the people of Israel to the Lord their God. 17 With the spirit and power of Elijah he will go before him, to reconcile fathers with their children and to convert the disobedient to the ways of the righteous, so that a prepared people might be made ready for the Lord.”
18 Zechariah said to the angel, “How can I be assured of this? For I am an old man and my wife is well past the stage of giving birth.” 19 The angel replied, “I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God, and I have been sent to speak to you and to convey to you this good news. 20 But now, because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled at their appointed time, you will lose your power of speech and will become mute until the day that these things take place.”
21 Meanwhile, the people were waiting for Zechariah and were surprised that he was delaying so long in the sanctuary. 22 When he did emerge, he could not speak to them, and they realized that he had seen a vision while he was in the sanctuary. He was only able to make signs to them, but he remained unable to speak.
23 When his term of service was completed, he returned home. 24 Shortly thereafter his wife Elizabeth conceived, and she remained in seclusion for five months, saying, 25 “The Lord has granted me this blessing, looking favorably upon me and removing from me the humiliation I have endured among my people.”[f]
26 Announcement of the Birth of Jesus.[g] In the sixth month,[h] the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth, 27 to a virgin[i] betrothed to a man named Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary.
28 The angel came to her and said, “Hail, full of grace![j] The Lord is with you.” 29 But she was greatly troubled by his words and wondered in her heart what this salutation could mean.
30 Then the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. 31 Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you will name him Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his ancestor David. 33 He will rule over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.”
34 Mary said to the angel, “How will this be, since I am a virgin?”[k] 35 The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. Therefore, the child to be born will be holy, and he will be called the Son of God. 36 [l]And behold, your cousin Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son, and she who was called barren is now in her sixth month, 37 for nothing will be impossible for God.”
38 Then Mary said, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord. Let it be done to me according to your word.” After this, the angel departed from her.
39 Mary Visits Elizabeth.[m] In those days, Mary set out and journeyed in haste into the hill country to a town of Judah[n] 40 where she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. 41 When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb.
Then Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit, 42 and she exclaimed with a loud cry, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. 43 And why am I so greatly favored that the mother of my Lord should visit me? 44 For behold, the moment that the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the child in my womb leaped for joy. 45 And blessed is she who believed that what the Lord has said to her will be fulfilled.”
46 The Canticle of Mary.[o] And Mary said:
“My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord
47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.
48 For he has looked with favor on the lowliness of his servant;
henceforth all generations will call me blessed.
49 The Mighty One has done great things for me,
and holy is his name.
50 His mercy is shown from age to age
to those who fear him.
51 He has shown the strength of his arm,
he has routed those who are arrogant in the desires of their hearts.
52 He has brought down the mighty from their thrones
and lifted up the lowly.
53 He has filled the hungry with good things
and sent the rich away empty.
54 He has come to the aid of Israel his servant,
ever mindful of his merciful love,
55 according to the promises he made to our ancestors,
to Abraham and to his descendants forever.”
56 Mary remained with Elizabeth for about three months and then returned to her home.
57 The Birth of John. When the time came for Elizabeth to give birth, she bore a son. 58 Her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had shown his great mercy to her, and they shared in her rejoicing.
59 On the eighth day, when they came to circumcise the child, they were going to name him Zechariah after his father. 60 However, his mother objected. “No,” she said. “He is to be called John.” 61 They said to her, “There is no one in your family who has this name.” 62 They then made signs to his father to ask what name he wanted to be given to the child. 63 He asked for a writing tablet, and he wrote: “His name is John.” They were all filled with wonder.
64 Immediately, his mouth was opened and his tongue was freed, and he began to speak, giving praise to God. 65 All their neighbors were overcome with awe, and all these things were related throughout the entire hill country of Judea. 66 All who heard them were deeply impressed, and they wondered, “What then is this child going to be?” For the hand of the Lord was with him.
67 The Canticle of Zechariah.[p] Then the child’s father Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied:
68 “Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel,
for he has visited his people and redeemed them.
69 He has raised up a horn of salvation for us
from the house of his servant David,
70 just as he proclaimed through the mouth of his holy prophets from age to age:
71 salvation from our enemies and from the hands of all who hate us,
72 to show the mercy promised to our fathers
and to remain mindful of his holy covenant,
73 the oath that he swore to our father Abraham,
and to grant us that, 74 delivered from the power of our enemies,
without fear we might worship him 75 in holiness and righteousness
in his presence all our days.
76 “And you, my child, will be called prophet of the Most High,
for you will go before the Lord to prepare his ways,
77 to give his people knowledge of salvation
through the forgiveness of their sins,
78 because of the tender mercy of our God
by which the dawn from on high will break upon us
79 to shine on those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death,
to guide our feet along the path of peace.”
80 The Son of the Wilderness. The child grew and became strong in spirit. He lived in the wilderness until the day he appeared publicly to Israel.
Footnotes
- Luke 1:1 Like the Greek historians of his time, Luke begins his book with a prologue. He dedicates the work to a distinguished person, Theophilus (otherwise unknown to us), who has already been taught the good news. Some scholars believe that the name is symbolic for it means “lover of God,” hence all Christians.
- Luke 1:5 The Gospel is first and foremost a proclamation of what Jesus did and taught and, above all, of his Death and Resurrection for the salvation of humankind; everything that the preachers of the mission and message of Jesus proclaimed led toward the mystery of Easter. But, like Matthew, Luke decided to preface all that with a description of the period preceding the public appearance of Jesus, because the Church wanted to know the mystery of Jesus back to its very beginnings.
5
The events described by Matthew, however, are not focused on the birth, which is recounted for us through the experiences of Joseph; Luke speaks directly of the birth through the experience of Mary. Regarding Mary, the opening pages of the third Gospel have provided the Church down the centuries with an abundant, and still flowing, wellspring for its faith (Marian teachings), its devotion (the “Hail, Mary”), and its art. Some points emerge with utter clarity: Mary is the Mother of Jesus; the birth took place at Bethlehem; and the newborn child was placed in a manger. The primary statement made is undoubtedly this: that Jesus was born not by the will of human beings but by the initiative of God, and that he was born of a virgin mother. - Luke 1:5 The time is toward the end of the reign of Herod the Great (37–4 B.C.). A faithful and devout couple have been praying for the salvation of the people (v. 13). The husband belonged to the eighth class of priests (1 Chr 24:10) and had the joy of entering every so often into the sanctuary. In the midst of the service, an angel—Gabriel, the messenger of the time of salvation (Dan 9:21-27)—appears to him and tells him of an unexpected birth. Like Isaac (Gen 21:2), Samson (Jdg 13:3-7), and Samuel (1 Sam 1), this child will be the result of a miracle, and, even before his birth, he is destined for the service of God; he will live as an ascetic, a “Nazirite” (see Num 6:3-4; Jdg 13:4-5); he will be the mysterious forerunner of the last times, the new Elijah whom the people expected in accordance with an old tradition (Mal 3:23-24). His name will be John, which means: “The Lord is gracious.”
- Luke 1:5 Judea: meant here is the entire territory of Palestine.
- Luke 1:9 Incense was offered in the Holy Place, the room in front of the Holy of Holies or innermost part of the temple. The rite of incense was performed morning and evening at the time of sacrifice.
- Luke 1:25 The humiliation I have endured among my people: lack of children deprived the parents of personal happiness but also brought about social reproach (see Gen 16:2—Sarai; 25:21—Rebekah; 30:23—Rachel; 1 Sam 1:1-18—Hannah; see also Lev 20:20-21; Ps 128:3; Jer 22:30).
- Luke 1:26 Mary, a young girl, is betrothed, despite the fact that she has the unusual intention of remaining a virgin; “betrothed”: that is, according to the custom of the time, she was legally married but did not yet live with her husband. Confronted with this surprising message, she gives no sign of fear or doubt: she reflects, meditates, believes. This woman has the “grace,” that is, the favor of God; she is greeted as if Messianic joy were being proclaimed to the Daughter of Zion, the new Jerusalem (see Zep 3:14; Zec 9:9).
The Bible has often spoken of promised sons; but this Jesus is the very Messiah of Israel, according to the mysterious prophecy of Isaiah on which Israel constantly and hopefully meditated (vv. 32-33; see Isa 7:14; 9:6); he is even far more: the Son of God (v. 35). The body of Jesus was to take form in the flesh of Mary, and this was to come about not through human planning but through the presence and action of God himself (see Ex 40:34-35; Num 9:15; 10:34), of the Spirit who creates and gives life (Gen 1:2; Ps 104:30; Isa 11:1-6). - Luke 1:26 In the sixth month: i.e., after the time of John’s conception.
- Luke 1:27 Virgin: i.e., one who had not yet had sexual relations. Mary’s question in v. 34 and the reference in v. 27 that she was “betrothed” (pledged to be married) clearly make this point. Mary had just entered her teens, for betrothal usually took place after puberty, but intercourse was not allowed until marriage. The betrothal could be severed only by divorce or death.
- Luke 1:28 Hail, full of grace: this phrase may also be translated as “Hail, O highly favored one.” The Lord is with you: other ancient manuscripts add: “Blessed are you among women” (as in Lk 1:42).
- Luke 1:34 I am a virgin: literally, “I do not know man,” “know” referring to the conjugal relationship.
- Luke 1:36 In confirmation of what the angel has said to her, Mary is given word of the pregnancy of her aged relative Elizabeth. God has effected a pregnancy for a woman past childbearing years. Thus, he can effect a pregnancy for Mary also, because nothing is impossible for him.
- Luke 1:39 By the account of the Visitation, Luke establishes the connection between the traditions about John and those about Jesus. At first commonplace, this meeting of two expectant mothers goes beyond the ordinary. As conscious believers, enlightened by the Holy Spirit, they understand that the time of salvation is inaugurated by the young lives they bear within themselves. We are already made aware that John bears witness to Jesus. And the first Christian generations place on the lips of Elizabeth the praise of Mary the believer.
- Luke 1:39 A town of Judah: according to tradition, this was Ain Karim, 100 miles south of Nazareth and four miles west of Jerusalem.
- Luke 1:46 Mary’s splendid canticle, the Magnificat, proclaims a new course for history, the end of injustice, and the birth of a new world, that of the kingdom, in which everything is different from our habitual experience. Every people gives thanks to God; the joy of the poor bursts forth; hope is born for the salvation of the despised of this world.
The Magnificat, which is very similar to the canticle of Hannah (see 1 Sam 2:1-10) and has become the Christian song of thanksgiving, lends itself to be the prayer of those who have suffered but have never lost their hope in God. The entire prayer of the Old Testament converges upon this one, but with a wholly renewed power; it is easy to see why the Church never tires of reciting it. It is one of the gems of the Church’s daily office of Evening Prayer (Vespers). - Luke 1:67 The hour of light has come, and the Messiah is the star that rises (v. 78; see Num 24:17; Isa 60:1; Mal 3:20) or, again, the branch that springs from David (Jer 23:5; 33:15; Zec 3:8; 6:12). The Canticle of Zechariah, the Benedictus, rings out daily in the liturgical office of Morning Prayer (Lauds). The whole faith of the Old Testament is woven into its proclamation of peace, that is, fulfillment and joy for humanity, as a gift from God.
Luke 1
King James Version
Luke 1
King James Version
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 Judaea, 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.
14 And thou shalt have joy and gladness; and many shall rejoice at his birth.
15 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.
16 And many of the children of Israel shall he turn to the Lord their God.
17 And he shall go before him in the spirit and power of Elias, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.
18 And Zacharias said unto the angel, Whereby shall I know this? for I am an old man, and my wife well stricken in years.
19 And the angel answering said unto him, I am Gabriel, that stand in the presence of God; and am sent to speak unto thee, and to shew thee these glad tidings.
20 And, behold, thou shalt be dumb, and not able to speak, until the day that these things shall be performed, because thou believest not my words, which shall be fulfilled in their season.
21 And the people waited for Zacharias, and marvelled that he tarried so long in the temple.
22 And when he came out, he could not speak unto them: and they perceived that he had seen a vision in the temple: for he beckoned unto them, and remained speechless.
23 And it came to pass, that, as soon as the days of his ministration were accomplished, he departed to his own house.
24 And after those days his wife Elisabeth conceived, and hid herself five months, saying,
25 Thus hath the Lord dealt with me in the days wherein he looked on me, to take away my reproach among men.
26 And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth,
27 To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin's name was Mary.
28 And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women.
29 And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be.
30 And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God.
31 And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name Jesus.
32 He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David:
33 And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.
34 Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man?
35 And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.
36 And, behold, thy cousin Elisabeth, she hath also conceived a son in her old age: and this is the sixth month with her, who was called barren.
37 For with God nothing shall be impossible.
38 And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her.
39 And Mary arose in those days, and went into the hill country with haste, into a city of Juda;
40 And entered into the house of Zacharias, and saluted Elisabeth.
41 And it came to pass, that, when Elisabeth heard the salutation of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elisabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost:
42 And she spake out with a loud voice, and said, Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb.
43 And whence is this to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?
44 For, lo, as soon as the voice of thy salutation sounded in mine ears, the babe leaped in my womb for joy.
45 And blessed is she that believed: for there shall be a performance of those things which were told her from the Lord.
46 And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord,
47 And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour.
48 For he hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden: for, behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed.
49 For he that is mighty hath done to me great things; and holy is his name.
50 And his mercy is on them that fear him from generation to generation.
51 He hath shewed strength with his arm; he hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts.
52 He hath put down the mighty from their seats, and exalted them of low degree.
53 He hath filled the hungry with good things; and the rich he hath sent empty away.
54 He hath helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy;
55 As he spake to our fathers, to Abraham, and to his seed for ever.
56 And Mary abode with her about three months, and returned to her own house.
57 Now Elisabeth's full time came that she should be delivered; and she brought forth a son.
58 And her neighbours and her cousins heard how the Lord had shewed great mercy upon her; and they rejoiced with her.
59 And it came to pass, that on the eighth day they came to circumcise the child; and they called him Zacharias, after the name of his father.
60 And his mother answered and said, Not so; but he shall be called John.
61 And they said unto her, There is none of thy kindred that is called by this name.
62 And they made signs to his father, how he would have him called.
63 And he asked for a writing table, and wrote, saying, His name is John. And they marvelled all.
64 And his mouth was opened immediately, and his tongue loosed, and he spake, and praised God.
65 And fear came on all that dwelt round about them: and all these sayings were noised abroad throughout all the hill country of Judaea.
66 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.
67 And his father Zacharias was filled with the Holy Ghost, and prophesied, saying,
68 Blessed be the Lord God of Israel; for he hath visited and redeemed his people,
69 And hath raised up an horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David;
70 As he spake by the mouth of his holy prophets, which have been since the world began:
71 That we should be saved from our enemies, and from the hand of all that hate us;
72 To perform the mercy promised to our fathers, and to remember his holy covenant;
73 The oath which he sware to our father Abraham,
74 That he would grant unto us, that we being delivered out of the hand of our enemies might serve him without fear,
75 In holiness and righteousness before him, all the days of our life.
76 And thou, child, shalt be called the prophet of the Highest: for thou shalt go before the face of the Lord to prepare his ways;
77 To give knowledge of salvation unto his people by the remission of their sins,
78 Through the tender mercy of our God; whereby the dayspring from on high hath visited us,
79 To give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.
80 And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, and was in the deserts till the day of his shewing unto Israel.
Luke 1
New International Version
Luke 1
New International Version
Introduction(A)
1 Many have undertaken to draw up an account of the things that have been fulfilled[a] among us, 2 just as they were handed down to us by those who from the first(B) were eyewitnesses(C) and servants of the word.(D) 3 With this in mind, since I myself have carefully investigated everything from the beginning, I too decided to write an orderly account(E) for you, most excellent(F) Theophilus,(G) 4 so that you may know the certainty of the things you have been taught.(H)
The Birth of John the Baptist Foretold
5 In the time of Herod king of Judea(I) there was a priest named Zechariah, who belonged to the priestly division of Abijah;(J) his wife Elizabeth was also a descendant of Aaron. 6 Both of them were righteous in the sight of God, observing all the Lord’s commands and decrees blamelessly.(K) 7 But they were childless because Elizabeth was not able to conceive, and they were both very old.
8 Once when Zechariah’s division was on duty and he was serving as priest before God,(L) 9 he was chosen by lot,(M) according to the custom of the priesthood, to go into the temple of the Lord and burn incense.(N) 10 And when the time for the burning of incense came, all the assembled worshipers were praying outside.(O)
11 Then an angel(P) of the Lord appeared to him, standing at the right side of the altar of incense.(Q) 12 When Zechariah saw him, he was startled and was gripped with fear.(R) 13 But the angel said to him: “Do not be afraid,(S) Zechariah; your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to call him John.(T) 14 He will be a joy and delight to you, and many will rejoice because of his birth,(U) 15 for he will be great in the sight of the Lord. He is never to take wine or other fermented drink,(V) and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit(W) even before he is born.(X) 16 He will bring back many of the people of Israel to the Lord their God. 17 And he will go on before the Lord,(Y) in the spirit and power of Elijah,(Z) to turn the hearts of the parents to their children(AA) and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous—to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.”(AB)
18 Zechariah asked the angel, “How can I be sure of this?(AC) I am an old man and my wife is well along in years.”(AD)
19 The angel said to him, “I am Gabriel.(AE) I stand in the presence of God, and I have been sent to speak to you and to tell you this good news. 20 And now you will be silent and not able to speak(AF) until the day this happens, because you did not believe my words, which will come true at their appointed time.”
21 Meanwhile, the people were waiting for Zechariah and wondering why he stayed so long in the temple. 22 When he came out, he could not speak to them. They realized he had seen a vision in the temple, for he kept making signs(AG) to them but remained unable to speak.
23 When his time of service was completed, he returned home. 24 After this his wife Elizabeth became pregnant and for five months remained in seclusion. 25 “The Lord has done this for me,” she said. “In these days he has shown his favor and taken away my disgrace(AH) among the people.”
The Birth of Jesus Foretold
26 In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel(AI) to Nazareth,(AJ) a town in Galilee, 27 to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph,(AK) a descendant of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. 28 The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.”
29 Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. 30 But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid,(AL) Mary; you have found favor with God.(AM) 31 You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus.(AN) 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High.(AO) The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David,(AP) 33 and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom(AQ) will never end.”(AR)
34 “How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?”
35 The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you,(AS) and the power of the Most High(AT) will overshadow you. So the holy one(AU) to be born will be called[b] the Son of God.(AV) 36 Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child(AW) in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month. 37 For no word from God will ever fail.”(AX)
38 “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her.
Mary Visits Elizabeth
39 At that time Mary got ready and hurried to a town in the hill country of Judea,(AY) 40 where she entered Zechariah’s home and greeted Elizabeth. 41 When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit.(AZ) 42 In a loud voice she exclaimed: “Blessed are you among women,(BA) and blessed is the child you will bear! 43 But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord(BB) should come to me? 44 As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. 45 Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!”
Mary’s Song(BC)
46 And Mary said:
“My soul glorifies the Lord(BD)
47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,(BE)
48 for he has been mindful
of the humble state of his servant.(BF)
From now on all generations will call me blessed,(BG)
49 for the Mighty One has done great things(BH) for me—
holy is his name.(BI)
50 His mercy extends to those who fear him,
from generation to generation.(BJ)
51 He has performed mighty deeds with his arm;(BK)
he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts.(BL)
52 He has brought down rulers from their thrones
but has lifted up the humble.(BM)
53 He has filled the hungry with good things(BN)
but has sent the rich away empty.
54 He has helped his servant Israel,
remembering to be merciful(BO)
55 to Abraham and his descendants(BP) forever,
just as he promised our ancestors.”
56 Mary stayed with Elizabeth for about three months and then returned home.
The Birth of John the Baptist
57 When it was time for Elizabeth to have her baby, she gave birth to a son. 58 Her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had shown her great mercy, and they shared her joy.
59 On the eighth day they came to circumcise(BQ) the child, and they were going to name him after his father Zechariah, 60 but his mother spoke up and said, “No! He is to be called John.”(BR)
61 They said to her, “There is no one among your relatives who has that name.”
62 Then they made signs(BS) to his father, to find out what he would like to name the child. 63 He asked for a writing tablet, and to everyone’s astonishment he wrote, “His name is John.”(BT) 64 Immediately his mouth was opened and his tongue set free, and he began to speak,(BU) praising God. 65 All the neighbors were filled with awe, and throughout the hill country of Judea(BV) people were talking about all these things. 66 Everyone who heard this wondered about it, asking, “What then is this child going to be?” For the Lord’s hand was with him.(BW)
Zechariah’s Song
67 His father Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit(BX) and prophesied:(BY)
68 “Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel,(BZ)
because he has come to his people and redeemed them.(CA)
69 He has raised up a horn[c](CB) of salvation for us
in the house of his servant David(CC)
70 (as he said through his holy prophets of long ago),(CD)
71 salvation from our enemies
and from the hand of all who hate us—
72 to show mercy to our ancestors(CE)
and to remember his holy covenant,(CF)
73 the oath he swore to our father Abraham:(CG)
74 to rescue us from the hand of our enemies,
and to enable us to serve him(CH) without fear(CI)
75 in holiness and righteousness(CJ) before him all our days.
76 And you, my child, will be called a prophet(CK) of the Most High;(CL)
for you will go on before the Lord to prepare the way for him,(CM)
77 to give his people the knowledge of salvation
through the forgiveness of their sins,(CN)
78 because of the tender mercy of our God,
by which the rising sun(CO) will come to us from heaven
79 to shine on those living in darkness
and in the shadow of death,(CP)
to guide our feet into the path of peace.”(CQ)
80 And the child grew and became strong in spirit[d];(CR) and he lived in the wilderness until he appeared publicly to Israel.
Nueva Versión Internacional (Castilian) (CST)
Santa Biblia, NUEVA VERSIÓN INTERNACIONAL® NVI® (Castellano) © 1999, 2005, 2017 por Biblica, Inc.® Usado con permiso de Biblica, Inc.® Reservados todos los derechos en todo el mundo.
Reina-Valera 1960 (RVR1960) 
Reina-Valera 1960 ® © Sociedades Bíblicas en América Latina, 1960. Renovado © Sociedades Bíblicas Unidas, 1988. Utilizado con permiso. Si desea más información visite americanbible.org, unitedbiblesocieties.org, vivelabiblia.com, unitedbiblesocieties.org/es/casa/, www.rvr60.bible
New International Version (NIV) 
Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
NIV Reverse Interlinear Bible: English to Hebrew and English to Greek. Copyright © 2019 by Zondervan.