Book of Luke - Chapter 1 - Verse 18

When the angel Gabriel appeared to Zacharias to announce that his wife Elizabeth would bear a son, John the Baptist, Zacharias expressed doubt at this miraculous proclamation. His response, "Whereby shall I know this? for I am an old man, and my wife well stricken in years," reveals his skepticism due to his age and his wife's barrenness. Zacharias' questioning of the angel's message reflected his human limitations and disbelief in the extraordinary promise of God. This passage serves as a reminder of the importance of faith and trust in God's plan, even when faced with seemingly impossible circumstances. Despite Zacharias' initial doubt, the fulfillment of the angel's prophecy demonstrated God's faithfulness and power beyond human understanding. This exchange between Zacharias and the angel demonstrates the common struggle of individuals to fully grasp and accept God's divine interventions in their lives, and the necessity of surrendering to His will with unwavering faith.

The theological interpretation of this verse in Luke 1:18, where Zacharias questions the angel Gabriel about how he will know that his wife will bear a child in their old age, is centered around the theme of trust and faith in God's promises. Zacharias, being an old man, doubted the possibility of such a miracle occurring. This doubt is contrasted with the angel's certainty in God's power to fulfill His word. Through this interaction, we are reminded of the importance of believing in God's promises even when they seem impossible to our human understanding. The word "know" in this verse indicates Zacharias' desire for assurance or a sign from God to confirm the angel's message. This word study reveals Zacharias' struggle with unbelief, which serves as a cautionary example for believers to trust in God's plan without seeking additional signs or validations.