New Testament

Luke 1:9

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 Zechariah, a priest, fulfilling his duty in the temple.

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

Following the custom of the priesthood, he was chosen by lot to enter the temple of the Lord and burn incense.

KJVKing James Version

According to the custom of the priest’s office, his lot was to burn incense when he went into the temple of the Lord.

Verse Analysis

Plain-English insight for readers

In this verse, we see Zechariah, a priest, fulfilling his duty in the temple. According to Jewish tradition, priests were chosen by lot to perform specific tasks, and on this occasion, Zechariah was selected to burn incense. This act was significant as it represented the prayers of the people ascending to God. The temple was a sacred place, and burning incense was a ritual that symbolized worship and devotion. It was a moment of great honor and responsibility for Zechariah, as only a few priests would have the opportunity to perform this task in their lifetime. This event sets the stage for the angelic announcement of the birth of John the Baptist, highlighting the importance of Zechariah's role in God's plan. The act of burning incense also serves as a reminder of the importance of prayer and worship in our lives, as we seek to connect with God and offer our requests and praises to Him. Explore related priestly.

How to apply Luke 1:9 to your life

This verse encourages us to recognize the significance of our roles in worship and service. Just as Zechariah was chosen for a special task, we too have unique responsibilities in our spiritual lives. We should approach our duties with reverence and dedication, understanding that our actions can impact our relationship with God and others.

Curated for this public verse page. Luke Summary

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What does Luke 1:9 mean?

Luke 1:9 describes Zechariah, a priest, being chosen by lot to burn incense in the temple. This act was a significant duty representing the prayers of the people being offered to God.

What is the significance of burning incense in Luke 1:9?

Burning incense in Luke 1:9 symbolizes worship and the prayers of the people ascending to God. It was a sacred ritual that highlighted the importance of prayer in the life of the community.

What does the phrase 'chosen by lot' mean in Luke 1:9?

'Chosen by lot' in Luke 1:9 refers to the practice of randomly selecting a priest for a specific duty, ensuring that the selection was seen as divinely ordained.

How does Luke 1:9 relate to the role of priests?

Luke 1:9 illustrates the role of priests in Jewish tradition, where they were responsible for performing sacred duties in the temple, such as burning incense, which was a vital part of worship.

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.