New Testament
Luke 1:18
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Zacharias said to the angel, "How can I be sure of this? I'm an old man, and my wife is well along in years."
Compare translations
And Zacharias said unto the angel, Whereby shall I know this? for I am an old man, and my wife well stricken in years.
What Luke 1:18 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Zacharias, a priest, expresses doubt to the angel Gabriel about the promise of having a son despite his old age and his wife's advanced years. His question reflects a common human response to seemingly impossible situations. Zacharias is not merely asking for confirmation; he is struggling to reconcile the angel's message with his reality. This moment highlights the tension between faith and doubt, as Zacharias grapples with the idea of a miraculous event occurring in their lives. His age and his wife's condition make the promise seem unlikely, leading him to seek assurance. This interaction sets the stage for a deeper understanding of faith and God's ability to fulfill His promises, even when circumstances appear insurmountable. It serves as a reminder that doubt can coexist with faith, and that God often works in ways that challenge our understanding and expectations.
How to apply Luke 1:18 to your life
When faced with challenges that seem impossible, like Zacharias, we may doubt God's promises. This verse encourages us to bring our questions and uncertainties to God. Instead of letting doubt paralyze us, we can seek understanding and trust in His ability to work beyond our limitations.
Curated for this public verse page. Luke Summary
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from John the Baptist's story: His Birth Foretold (Luke 1:5–25)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
John the Baptist
Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002724966). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Bethlehem, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Bethlehem
David's hometown, and the town where Jesus was born.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Luke 1:18
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Luke 1:18
Related Bible verses
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Luke
- Author
- Luke the physician
- Written
- Around AD 60-62
- Genre
- Gospel and history
- Original Audience
- Gentile Christians (addressed to Theophilus)
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Zacharias doubt in Luke 1:18?
In Luke 1:18, Zacharias doubts the angel Gabriel's promise that he and his wife Elizabeth will have a son. He questions how this can be possible given their old age, reflecting a struggle to believe in a miraculous event that seems unlikely based on their circumstances.
How can I relate to Zacharias' doubt in this verse?
Many people experience doubt when faced with challenges that seem insurmountable, just like Zacharias. His situation reminds us that it's normal to question God's promises when reality feels overwhelming. This verse encourages us to acknowledge our doubts while seeking understanding and reassurance from God.
What is the significance of Zacharias' age in this verse?
Zacharias' age is significant because it emphasizes the miraculous nature of the angel's message. His advanced years, along with his wife's, highlight the human limitations that make the promise of a child seem impossible. This contrast serves to illustrate God's power to fulfill His promises regardless of our circumstances.
What can we learn about faith from Luke 1:18?
Luke 1:18 teaches us that faith can coexist with doubt. Zacharias' question reveals a moment of vulnerability, showing that even those with faith can struggle to believe in God's plans. This interaction encourages us to bring our uncertainties to God and trust in His ability to work miracles in our lives.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.