New Testament
Luke 1:9
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Following the custom of the priesthood, he was chosen by lot to enter the temple of the Lord and burn incense.
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According to the custom of the priest’s office, his lot was to burn incense when he went into the temple of the Lord.
What Luke 1:9 means
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.
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
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Illustrated scene from John the Baptist's story: His Birth Foretold (Luke 1:5–25)
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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.
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Bethlehem
David's hometown, and the town where Jesus was born.
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Keep studying Luke 1:9
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Key themes
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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 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.
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