New Testament

Luke 1:10

The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English

At a Glance

In this verse, we see a significant moment in the temple where a large group of worshipers is gathered outside, engaged in prayer while incense is being offered inside.

Author
Luke the physician
Written
Around AD 60-62
Genre
Gospel and history
Original Audience
Gentile Christians (addressed to Theophilus)
CBTClear Bible Translation

A large crowd of worshipers was praying outside during the time the incense was being offered.

KJVKing James Version

And the whole multitude of the people were praying without at the time of incense.

Verse Analysis

Plain-English insight for readers

In this verse, we see a significant moment in the temple where a large group of worshipers is gathered outside, engaged in prayer while incense is being offered inside. The act of burning incense symbolizes the prayers of the people rising to God, representing their devotion and desire for connection with Him. This scene highlights the communal aspect of worship, as many individuals come together to seek God's presence and favor. The timing of their prayers coincides with a sacred ritual, emphasizing the importance of prayer in their spiritual lives. It also sets the stage for the divine encounter that follows, as the angel Gabriel appears to Zechariah, the priest offering the incense. This moment illustrates the intersection of human devotion and divine intervention, reminding us that prayer is a vital part of our relationship with God, and that He is attentive to our cries and needs.

Key themes

Related topics

prayer, worship, community

How to apply Luke 1:10 to your life

This verse encourages us to prioritize prayer in our lives, both individually and as a community. Just as the worshipers gathered to pray, we should seek opportunities to come together in prayer, recognizing its power to connect us with God and each other. Engaging in communal prayer can strengthen our faith and deepen our spiritual journey.

Curated for this public verse page. Luke Summary

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What does Luke 1:10 teach about the importance of prayer?

Luke 1:10 highlights the significance of prayer in the lives of the worshipers, showing that they gathered in large numbers to seek God's presence during a sacred moment. This emphasizes that prayer is not only a personal act but also a communal one, where believers come together to express their devotion and desires to God. It reminds us that prayer is essential for spiritual connection and should be prioritized in our lives.

How does incense relate to prayer in Luke 1:10?

In Luke 1:10, the burning of incense symbolizes the prayers of the people rising to God. Incense was often used in temple worship to represent the sweet aroma of prayers being offered. This imagery reinforces the idea that our prayers are meaningful and are presented before God, illustrating the connection between human devotion and divine attention.

What can we learn about community worship from Luke 1:10?

Luke 1:10 illustrates the power of community worship, as a large crowd gathers to pray together. This scene teaches us that coming together in prayer can strengthen our faith and foster a sense of unity among believers. It encourages us to seek opportunities for communal prayer, recognizing that shared worship can enhance our spiritual journeys and deepen our relationships with one another and with God.

What is the significance of the timing of prayer in this verse?

The timing of the prayer in Luke 1:10 coincides with the offering of incense, a sacred ritual in the temple. This connection emphasizes the importance of aligning our prayers with moments of worship and divine encounter. It suggests that there are specific times when our prayers can be particularly powerful, reminding us to be attentive to the sacred rhythms of our spiritual lives.

The Book of Luke
Book Summary

The Book of Luke

Luke 1: The Births of John the Baptist and Jesus Foretold

In the days of Herod, king of Judaea, a priest named Zacharias serves in the temple. He and his wife Elisabeth are both righteous but have no children because Elisabeth is barren, and they are both old. While Zacharias burns incense, the angel Gabriel appears to him and says Elisabeth will bear a son who is to be named John. The child will be great before the Lord, will drink no wine or strong drink, and will be filled with the Holy Ghost from his mother's womb. He will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God. Zacharias asks how he can know this, since he and his wife are old. Gabriel says Zacharias will be unable to speak until these things come to pass because he did not believe.

Premium

Unlock the full Luke summary

Continue reading every chapter — themes, structure, and turning points.

The complete summary of Luke — a chapter-by-chapter breakdown covering all 24 chapters.

What you get

Every chapter of Luke summarized in clear, modern English

How each section connects — narrative flow, key themes, and turning points

Permanent access — read anytime, on any device

Best Value

Best value • Save over 90%

or

One-time purchase • Access anytime

ClearBible summaries are proprietary content and may not be copied, republished, or resold.

Checkout works as a guest. After payment, you create an account to claim your unlock.