Luke 1:19 kjv

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.

Luke 1:19 nkjv

And the angel answered and said to him, "I am Gabriel, who stands in the presence of God, and was sent to speak to you and bring you these glad tidings.

Luke 1:19 niv

The angel said to him, "I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God, and I have been sent to speak to you and to tell you this good news.

Luke 1:19 esv

And the angel answered him, "I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God, and I was sent to speak to you and to bring you this good news.

Luke 1:19 nlt

Then the angel said, "I am Gabriel! I stand in the very presence of God. It was he who sent me to bring you this good news!

Luke 1 verses

Luke 1 19 Meaning

The angel Gabriel directly responds to Zechariah's doubt, unequivocally declaring his identity as Gabriel, one who holds the unique privilege and esteemed position of continually standing in the very presence of God. This revelation establishes the supreme authority and divine origin of his message. His presence before Zechariah is not random but by divine commission, sent specifically to deliver these "glad tidings"—the good news of the forthcoming birth of John the Baptist, who would prepare the way for the Messiah. This emphasizes that the message is from God Himself, not a mere angelic opinion.

Luke 1 19 Context

Luke 1:19 occurs during a pivotal moment in salvation history, marking the end of four centuries of prophetic silence and the dawning of God's redemptive plan through Jesus Christ. Zechariah, a priest, is serving in the Temple, performing his sacred duty in the Holy Place, an infrequent and highly esteemed privilege for priests. As he offers incense, the angel Gabriel appears to him, announcing the miraculous birth of his son, John, who will prepare the way for the Lord (Luke 1:11-17). Zechariah, already elderly and with an barren wife, doubts this astonishing prophecy, questioning how this could be (Luke 1:18). Verse 19 is Gabriel's authoritative reply to this doubt, asserting his identity, elevated status in God's presence, and divine commission. Historically, this appearance in the Temple links God's continued revelation to the established covenant structures, while simultaneously preparing for a new era. The exchange contrasts sharply with Mary's later response to Gabriel in Luke 1:34-38, where her question is one of understanding ("How shall this be?") rather than outright doubt, leading to her humble submission ("Behold the handmaid of the Lord"). This initial exchange sets a theme of faith and unbelief within the overarching narrative of God's perfect plan unfolding.

Luke 1 19 Word analysis

• And the angel: "καὶ ὁ ἄγγελος" (kai ho angelos). The definite article "ὁ" indicates a specific angel previously mentioned in Lk 1:11, who is immediately identified as Gabriel in this verse. The term "angel" (ἄγγελος - angelos) literally means "messenger." Here, it underscores his primary function as a divine herald.
• answering: "ἀποκριθεὶς" (apokritheis). Aorist participle from "ἀποκρίνομαι" (apokrinomai), meaning "to answer, reply." This signifies that Gabriel's statement is a direct response to Zechariah's prior question and doubt in Lk 1:18, emphasizing the immediate context of dialogue.
• said unto him: "εἶπεν αὐτῷ" (eipen auto). Direct and personal communication, signifying a verbal declaration intended specifically for Zechariah.
• I am Gabriel: "Ἐγώ εἰμι Γαβριήλ" (Egō eimi Gabriēl). "Ἐγώ εἰμι" (Egō eimi) is a powerful self-declaration often used by God Himself (e.g., Ex 3:14 in Septuagint), although here it functions simply as an emphatic "I am" in identity assertion. Gabriel (Γαβριήλ - Gabriēl), from Hebrew "גַּבְרִיאֵל" (Gavri'el), means "God is my strength" or "man of God." His name itself communicates divine power and connection. This is only his third appearance by name in scripture, after Daniel 8 and 9, cementing his role as a prominent celestial messenger, especially concerning prophecies about the Messiah's coming.
• that stand: "ὁ παρεστηκὼς" (ho parestēkōs). A perfect active participle, signifying a continuous state of "standing alongside, being present." It denotes not just a temporary visit but a perpetual posture of being ready, alert, and serving. This suggests a position of high honor, immediate access, and unwavering availability in service to God.
• in the presence of God: "ἐνώπιον τοῦ Θεοῦ" (enōpion tou Theou). Literally "before the face of God." This phrase denotes being in God's immediate and unhindered proximity. It signifies extreme intimacy and high privilege, akin to a royal servant or minister having direct access to a king. It validates the divine origin of Gabriel's message and asserts his supreme authority and trustworthiness. This contrasts sharply with Zechariah's physical presence in the Holy Place, which was an earthly shadow of God's true presence.
• and am sent: "καὶ ἀπεστάλην" (kai apestalēn). Aorist passive indicative from "ἀποστέλλω" (apostellō), meaning "to send away, dispatch, appoint." The passive voice underscores that God is the one doing the sending. This highlights a divine commission; Gabriel is not acting on his own volition but is a direct agent of God. The root of "apostello" gives us "apostle," signifying one who is "sent" with authority and a specific mission.
• to speak unto thee: "λαλῆσαι πρός σε" (lalēsai pros se). Infinitive indicating purpose: "to speak" or "to announce." The communication is direct and intentional.
• and to shew thee these glad tidings: "καὶ εὐαγγελίσασθαί σοι ταῦτα" (kai euangelisasthai soi tauta). The verb "εὐαγγελίζομαι" (euangelizomai) means "to bring good news, preach the gospel." "Glad tidings" is the English equivalent. This highlights the joyous and hopeful nature of the message, despite Zechariah's immediate consequence. This phrase intrinsically links John's birth to the broader narrative of God's redemptive work, which is fundamentally good news (gospel).

Words-group analysis:

• "I am Gabriel, that stand in the presence of God": This powerful statement establishes Gabriel's unimpeachable identity and authority. His standing in God's presence denotes a position of unique intimacy and trust, confirming that his message originates directly from the divine throne. It is a credential that elevates his words beyond human doubt.
• "and am sent to speak unto thee, and to shew thee these glad tidings": This clarifies Gabriel's immediate mission and its nature. He is not merely present but commissioned for a specific task—to communicate God's message ("to speak") and to reveal good news ("to shew glad tidings"). This divine assignment underscores the importance and certainty of John's birth as part of God's sovereign plan.

Luke 1 19 Bonus section

The concept of angels "standing in the presence of God" in Jewish tradition (e.g., Daniel 7:10) refers to a class of exalted angels who serve directly before God's throne, having immediate access to His presence and wisdom. Gabriel's emphasis on his rank highlights the gravity of Zechariah's doubt; he was doubting not a mere vision, but a direct communication from God Himself via His highest-ranking messenger. This might implicitly polemicize against any contemporary beliefs that confined God or His actions to human understanding, asserting divine transcendence and immediate involvement in human affairs. Zechariah's unbelief is set as a stark contrast to the later belief of Mary (Lk 1:38) and the humble faith shown by Abraham (Rom 4:18-21), despite similar challenging circumstances. This foreshadows a major theme in Luke's Gospel concerning faith as the appropriate response to God's unexpected redemptive work. Gabriel's previous appearances in Daniel underscore his specific prophetic role related to the end times and the coming of the Messiah, reinforcing the messianic significance of John's birth announcement in Luke.

Luke 1 19 Commentary

Luke 1:19 serves as Gabriel's forceful rebuke to Zechariah's skepticism, simultaneously reinforcing the divine origin and undeniable certainty of his message. By revealing his name, Gabriel, whose name means "God is my strength," he declares his identity not merely as an angel but the angel of God's unique counsel. His claim "that stand in the presence of God" immediately establishes his unparalleled authority, signifying a celestial courtier with direct and continual access to the Almighty, privy to divine decrees. This exalted position leaves no room for human questioning of the message's veracity or God's ability. Gabriel's statement that he was "sent" (passive voice emphasizing divine agency) stresses that this visitation is a preordained, deliberate act of God, underscoring the vital importance of the "glad tidings"—the joyful announcement of John's miraculous birth, which will herald the coming of the Messiah. This scene highlights the seriousness of disbelieving a divine message delivered by a high-ranking heavenly ambassador.

• Example 1: When God speaks, through His appointed messengers or Word, it requires reverent attention and faith, not doubt rooted in human logic or experience.
• Example 2: Even messengers with great credentials like Gabriel can face doubt, underscoring the human tendency to question divine power when it defies natural limitations.