Thematic Bible
Thematic Bible
John » Miraculous birth of
And there appeared unto him, an angel of the Lord, standing on the right side of the altar of incense. And when Zacharias saw him, he was abashed, and fear came on him. And the angel said unto him, "Fear not Zacharias, for thy prayer is heard: And thy wife Elizabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John: read more.
And thou shalt have joy and gladness: And many shall rejoice at his birth. For he shall be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall neither drink wine nor strong drink. And he shall be filled with the holy ghost, even in his mother's womb: and many of the children of Israel shall he turn to their Lord God. And he shall go before him in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers to their children, and the unbelievers to the wisdom of the just men: to make the people ready for the Lord." And Zacharias said unto the angel, "Whereby shall I know this? Seeing that I am old, and my wife well stricken in years." And the angel answered, and said unto him, "I am Gabriel that stand in the presence of God, and am sent to speak unto thee: and to show thee these glad tidings. And behold, thou shalt be dumb, and not able to speak until the time that these things be performed, because thou believedst not my words, which shall be fulfilled in their season."
And thou shalt have joy and gladness: And many shall rejoice at his birth. For he shall be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall neither drink wine nor strong drink. And he shall be filled with the holy ghost, even in his mother's womb: and many of the children of Israel shall he turn to their Lord God. And he shall go before him in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers to their children, and the unbelievers to the wisdom of the just men: to make the people ready for the Lord." And Zacharias said unto the angel, "Whereby shall I know this? Seeing that I am old, and my wife well stricken in years." And the angel answered, and said unto him, "I am Gabriel that stand in the presence of God, and am sent to speak unto thee: and to show thee these glad tidings. And behold, thou shalt be dumb, and not able to speak until the time that these things be performed, because thou believedst not my words, which shall be fulfilled in their season."
Elizabeth's time was come that she should be delivered; And she brought forth a son. And her neighbours and her cousins heard tell, how the Lord had showed great mercy upon her, and they rejoiced with her. And it fortuned, the eighth day they came to circumcise the child: and called his name Zacharias after the name of his father, read more.
Howbeit, his mother answered, and said, "Not so, but he shall be called John." And they said unto her, "There is none of thy kin that is named with this name." And they made signs to his father, how he would have him called. And he asked for writing tables and wrote, saying, "His name is John." And they marveled all. And his mouth was opened immediately, and his tongue also, and he spake lauding God. And fear came on all them that dwelt nigh unto them: And all these sayings were noised abroad throughout all the hill country of Jewry:
Howbeit, his mother answered, and said, "Not so, but he shall be called John." And they said unto her, "There is none of thy kin that is named with this name." And they made signs to his father, how he would have him called. And he asked for writing tables and wrote, saying, "His name is John." And they marveled all. And his mouth was opened immediately, and his tongue also, and he spake lauding God. And fear came on all them that dwelt nigh unto them: And all these sayings were noised abroad throughout all the hill country of Jewry:
John the baptist » John the baptist being sent to prepare the way for jesus Christ
And he asked for writing tables and wrote, saying, "His name is John." And they marveled all. And his mouth was opened immediately, and his tongue also, and he spake lauding God. And fear came on all them that dwelt nigh unto them: And all these sayings were noised abroad throughout all the hill country of Jewry: read more.
and all they that heard them laid them up in their hearts, saying, What manner child shall this be? And the hand of the Lord was with him. And his father Zacharias was filled with the holy ghost, and prophesied, saying, "Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, for he hath visited and redeemed his people. And hath raised up a horn of salvation unto us, in the house of his servant David. Even as he promised by the mouth of his holy prophets which were since the world began. That we should be saved from our enemies: And from the hands of all that hate us: To fulfill the mercy promised to our fathers; And to remember his holy covenant; And to perform the oath, which he sware to our father Abraham, for to give us. That we, delivered out of the hands of our enemies, might serve him without fear: all the days of our life, in such holiness and righteousness that are accept before him. And thou child, shalt be called the prophet of the highest, for thou shalt go before the face of the Lord, to prepare his ways:
and all they that heard them laid them up in their hearts, saying, What manner child shall this be? And the hand of the Lord was with him. And his father Zacharias was filled with the holy ghost, and prophesied, saying, "Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, for he hath visited and redeemed his people. And hath raised up a horn of salvation unto us, in the house of his servant David. Even as he promised by the mouth of his holy prophets which were since the world began. That we should be saved from our enemies: And from the hands of all that hate us: To fulfill the mercy promised to our fathers; And to remember his holy covenant; And to perform the oath, which he sware to our father Abraham, for to give us. That we, delivered out of the hands of our enemies, might serve him without fear: all the days of our life, in such holiness and righteousness that are accept before him. And thou child, shalt be called the prophet of the highest, for thou shalt go before the face of the Lord, to prepare his ways:
There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. The same came as a witness, to bear witness of the light, that all men through him might believe. He was not that light: but to bear witness of the light. read more.
That was a true light, which lighteneth all men that come into the world. He was in the world, and the world by him was made: and yet the world knew him not. He came among his own, and his own received him not. But as many as received him, to them gave he power to be the sons of God: in that they believed on his name: which were born not of blood nor of the will of the flesh, nor yet of the will of man: but of God. And the word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw the glory of it, as the glory of the only begotten son of the father, which word was full of grace, and verity. John bare witness of him and cried, saying, "This was he of whom I spake, which though he came after me, went before me: for he was before me."
That was a true light, which lighteneth all men that come into the world. He was in the world, and the world by him was made: and yet the world knew him not. He came among his own, and his own received him not. But as many as received him, to them gave he power to be the sons of God: in that they believed on his name: which were born not of blood nor of the will of the flesh, nor yet of the will of man: but of God. And the word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw the glory of it, as the glory of the only begotten son of the father, which word was full of grace, and verity. John bare witness of him and cried, saying, "This was he of whom I spake, which though he came after me, went before me: for he was before me."
John answered, and said, "A man can receive nothing at all except it be given him from heaven. Ye yourselves are witnesses, how that I said, 'I am not Christ: but am sent before him.'
Ye sent unto John, and he bare witness unto the truth: but I receive not the record of man. Nevertheless, these things I say, that ye might be safe. He was a burning, and a shining light; and ye would for a season have rejoiced in his light.
Miracles » Catalogue of » The incarnation of jesus
The birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When his mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, before they came to dwell together, she was found with child by the holy ghost. Then Joseph her husband, being a perfect man, and loath to make an example of her, was minded to put her away secretly. While he thus thought, Behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, "Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: For that which is conceived in her is of the holy ghost. read more.
She shall bring forth a son; and thou shalt call his name Jesus: For he shall save his people from their sins." All this was done, to fulfill that which was spoken of the Lord by the Prophet saying, "Behold, a maiden shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which is by interpretation, God with us." And Joseph, as soon as he awoke out of sleep, did as the angel of the Lord bade him, and took his wife unto him: and knew her not till she had brought forth her first son: and called his name Jesus.
She shall bring forth a son; and thou shalt call his name Jesus: For he shall save his people from their sins." All this was done, to fulfill that which was spoken of the Lord by the Prophet saying, "Behold, a maiden shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which is by interpretation, God with us." And Joseph, as soon as he awoke out of sleep, did as the angel of the Lord bade him, and took his wife unto him: and knew her not till she had brought forth her first son: and called his name Jesus.
And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth, to a virgin espoused to a man, whose name was Joseph, of the house of David: and the virgin's name was Mary. And the angel went in unto her, and said, "Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women." read more.
When she saw him, she was abashed at his saying: and cast in her mind what manner of salutation that should be. And the angel said unto her, "Fear not Mary, for thou hast found grace with God. Lo: thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and shalt bear a son, and shalt call his name Jesus. He shall be great, and shall be called the son of the highest. And the Lord God shall give unto him the seat of his father David: And he shall reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom shall be none end." Then said Mary unto the angel, "How shall this be, seeing I know not a man?" And the angel answered, and said unto her, "The holy ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the highest shall overshadow thee. Therefore also that holy thing which shall be born, shall be called the son of God. And behold, thy cousin Elizabeth, she hath also conceived a son in her old age. And this is her sixth month, though she be called barren, for with God can nothing be impossible." And Mary said, "Behold the handmaiden of the Lord, be it unto me even as thou hast said." And the angel departed from her. And Mary arose in those days, and went into the mountains with haste into a city of Jewry, and entered into the house of Zacharias, and saluted Elizabeth: And it fortuned, as Elizabeth heard the salutation of Mary, the babe sprang in her belly. And Elizabeth was filled with the holy ghost, and cried with a loud voice, and said, "Blessed art thou among the women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb. And whence happeneth this to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For, lo, as soon as the voice of thy salutation sounded in mine ears, the babe sprang in my belly for joy. And blessed art thou that believedst: For those things shall be performed which were told thee from the Lord." And Mary said, "My soul magnifieth the Lord. And my spirit rejoiceth in God my saviour: For he hath looked on the poor degree of his handmaiden. Behold, now from henceforth shall all generations call me blessed. For he that is mighty hath done to me great things, and holy is his name. And his mercy is always on them that fear him, throughout all generations. He showeth strength with his arm, he scattereth them that are proud in the imagination of their hearts. He putteth Down the mighty from their seats, and hath exalted them of low degree. He hath filled the hungry with good things: And sendeth away the rich empty. He remembereth mercy: and helpeth his servant Israel. Even as he promised to our fathers, Abraham and to his seed forever." And Mary abode with her about a three months; And returned again to her own house. Elizabeth's time was come that she should be delivered; And she brought forth a son. And her neighbours and her cousins heard tell, how the Lord had showed great mercy upon her, and they rejoiced with her. And it fortuned, the eighth day they came to circumcise the child: and called his name Zacharias after the name of his father, Howbeit, his mother answered, and said, "Not so, but he shall be called John." And they said unto her, "There is none of thy kin that is named with this name." And they made signs to his father, how he would have him called. And he asked for writing tables and wrote, saying, "His name is John." And they marveled all. And his mouth was opened immediately, and his tongue also, and he spake lauding God. And fear came on all them that dwelt nigh unto them: And all these sayings were noised abroad throughout all the hill country of Jewry: and all they that heard them laid them up in their hearts, saying, What manner child shall this be? And the hand of the Lord was with him. And his father Zacharias was filled with the holy ghost, and prophesied, saying, "Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, for he hath visited and redeemed his people. And hath raised up a horn of salvation unto us, in the house of his servant David. Even as he promised by the mouth of his holy prophets which were since the world began. That we should be saved from our enemies: And from the hands of all that hate us: To fulfill the mercy promised to our fathers; And to remember his holy covenant; And to perform the oath, which he sware to our father Abraham, for to give us. That we, delivered out of the hands of our enemies, might serve him without fear: all the days of our life, in such holiness and righteousness that are accept before him. And thou child, shalt be called the prophet of the highest, for thou shalt go before the face of the Lord, to prepare his ways: And to give knowledge of salvation unto his people, for the remission of sins: Through the tender mercy of our God, whereby the day spring from on high hath visited us: To give light to them that sat in darkness, and in shadow of death, and to guide our feet into the way of peace." And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, and was in wilderness: till the day came, when he should show himself unto the Israelites.
When she saw him, she was abashed at his saying: and cast in her mind what manner of salutation that should be. And the angel said unto her, "Fear not Mary, for thou hast found grace with God. Lo: thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and shalt bear a son, and shalt call his name Jesus. He shall be great, and shall be called the son of the highest. And the Lord God shall give unto him the seat of his father David: And he shall reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom shall be none end." Then said Mary unto the angel, "How shall this be, seeing I know not a man?" And the angel answered, and said unto her, "The holy ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the highest shall overshadow thee. Therefore also that holy thing which shall be born, shall be called the son of God. And behold, thy cousin Elizabeth, she hath also conceived a son in her old age. And this is her sixth month, though she be called barren, for with God can nothing be impossible." And Mary said, "Behold the handmaiden of the Lord, be it unto me even as thou hast said." And the angel departed from her. And Mary arose in those days, and went into the mountains with haste into a city of Jewry, and entered into the house of Zacharias, and saluted Elizabeth: And it fortuned, as Elizabeth heard the salutation of Mary, the babe sprang in her belly. And Elizabeth was filled with the holy ghost, and cried with a loud voice, and said, "Blessed art thou among the women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb. And whence happeneth this to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For, lo, as soon as the voice of thy salutation sounded in mine ears, the babe sprang in my belly for joy. And blessed art thou that believedst: For those things shall be performed which were told thee from the Lord." And Mary said, "My soul magnifieth the Lord. And my spirit rejoiceth in God my saviour: For he hath looked on the poor degree of his handmaiden. Behold, now from henceforth shall all generations call me blessed. For he that is mighty hath done to me great things, and holy is his name. And his mercy is always on them that fear him, throughout all generations. He showeth strength with his arm, he scattereth them that are proud in the imagination of their hearts. He putteth Down the mighty from their seats, and hath exalted them of low degree. He hath filled the hungry with good things: And sendeth away the rich empty. He remembereth mercy: and helpeth his servant Israel. Even as he promised to our fathers, Abraham and to his seed forever." And Mary abode with her about a three months; And returned again to her own house. Elizabeth's time was come that she should be delivered; And she brought forth a son. And her neighbours and her cousins heard tell, how the Lord had showed great mercy upon her, and they rejoiced with her. And it fortuned, the eighth day they came to circumcise the child: and called his name Zacharias after the name of his father, Howbeit, his mother answered, and said, "Not so, but he shall be called John." And they said unto her, "There is none of thy kin that is named with this name." And they made signs to his father, how he would have him called. And he asked for writing tables and wrote, saying, "His name is John." And they marveled all. And his mouth was opened immediately, and his tongue also, and he spake lauding God. And fear came on all them that dwelt nigh unto them: And all these sayings were noised abroad throughout all the hill country of Jewry: and all they that heard them laid them up in their hearts, saying, What manner child shall this be? And the hand of the Lord was with him. And his father Zacharias was filled with the holy ghost, and prophesied, saying, "Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, for he hath visited and redeemed his people. And hath raised up a horn of salvation unto us, in the house of his servant David. Even as he promised by the mouth of his holy prophets which were since the world began. That we should be saved from our enemies: And from the hands of all that hate us: To fulfill the mercy promised to our fathers; And to remember his holy covenant; And to perform the oath, which he sware to our father Abraham, for to give us. That we, delivered out of the hands of our enemies, might serve him without fear: all the days of our life, in such holiness and righteousness that are accept before him. And thou child, shalt be called the prophet of the highest, for thou shalt go before the face of the Lord, to prepare his ways: And to give knowledge of salvation unto his people, for the remission of sins: Through the tender mercy of our God, whereby the day spring from on high hath visited us: To give light to them that sat in darkness, and in shadow of death, and to guide our feet into the way of peace." And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, and was in wilderness: till the day came, when he should show himself unto the Israelites.
Symbols and similitudes » Being mute
In that day shall thy mouth be opened to him which is escaped, that thou mayest speak, and be no more dumb: Yea, and thou shalt be their show token, that they may know how that I am the LORD."
Now the hand of the LORD had been upon me the evening before this man, which was escaped, came unto me, and had opened my mouth, until the morning that he came to me: yea he opened my mouth, so that I was no more dumb.
At the same time will I cause the horn of the house of Israel to grow forth, and open thy mouth again among them: that they may know how that I am the LORD."
And I will make thy tongue cleave so to the roof of thy mouth, that thou shalt be dumb, and not be as a chider with them: for it is an obstinate household. But when I speak unto thee, then open thy mouth, and say, 'Thus sayeth the LORD God: whoso heareth, let him hear; who so will not, let him leave.' For it is an obstinate household."
And behold, thou shalt be dumb, and not able to speak until the time that these things be performed, because thou believedst not my words, which shall be fulfilled in their season." And the people waited for Zacharias, and marveled that he tarried in the temple. And when he came out, he could not speak unto them. Whereby they perceived, that he had seen some vision in the temple. And he beckoned unto them, and remained speechless.
And they made signs to his father, how he would have him called. And he asked for writing tables and wrote, saying, "His name is John." And they marveled all. And his mouth was opened immediately, and his tongue also, and he spake lauding God.
Tables » A slab upon which inscriptions were made
Now therefore, go thy way; and write them this before them in a table, and note it in a book: that it may finally remain and be kept still forever.
But the LORD answered me, and said, "Write the vision plainly upon thy tables, that whoso cometh by, may read it:
And he asked for writing tables and wrote, saying, "His name is John." And they marveled all.
Temple » Herod the great's temple » Zacharias, officiating priest in, has a vision of an angel; receives promise of a son
In the time of Herod, the king of Jewry, there was a certain priest named Zacharias, of the course of Abijah. And his wife was of the daughters of Aaron: And her name was Elizabeth. Both were perfect before God, and walked in all the laws and ordinances of the Lord, that no man could find fault with them. And they had no child, because that Elizabeth was barren; And both were well stricken in age. read more.
And it came to pass, as he executed the priest's office before God as his course came, according to the custom of the priest's office his lot was to burn incense. And he went into the temple of the Lord, and the whole multitude of the people were without, in their prayers, while the incense was a burning. And there appeared unto him, an angel of the Lord, standing on the right side of the altar of incense. And when Zacharias saw him, he was abashed, and fear came on him. And the angel said unto him, "Fear not Zacharias, for thy prayer is heard: And thy wife Elizabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John: And thou shalt have joy and gladness: And many shall rejoice at his birth. For he shall be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall neither drink wine nor strong drink. And he shall be filled with the holy ghost, even in his mother's womb: and many of the children of Israel shall he turn to their Lord God. And he shall go before him in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers to their children, and the unbelievers to the wisdom of the just men: to make the people ready for the Lord." And Zacharias said unto the angel, "Whereby shall I know this? Seeing that I am old, and my wife well stricken in years." And the angel answered, and said unto him, "I am Gabriel that stand in the presence of God, and am sent to speak unto thee: and to show thee these glad tidings. And behold, thou shalt be dumb, and not able to speak until the time that these things be performed, because thou believedst not my words, which shall be fulfilled in their season." And the people waited for Zacharias, and marveled that he tarried in the temple. And when he came out, he could not speak unto them. Whereby they perceived, that he had seen some vision in the temple. And he beckoned unto them, and remained speechless. And it fortuned, as soon as the time of his office was out, he departed home into his own house. And after those days,
And it came to pass, as he executed the priest's office before God as his course came, according to the custom of the priest's office his lot was to burn incense. And he went into the temple of the Lord, and the whole multitude of the people were without, in their prayers, while the incense was a burning. And there appeared unto him, an angel of the Lord, standing on the right side of the altar of incense. And when Zacharias saw him, he was abashed, and fear came on him. And the angel said unto him, "Fear not Zacharias, for thy prayer is heard: And thy wife Elizabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John: And thou shalt have joy and gladness: And many shall rejoice at his birth. For he shall be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall neither drink wine nor strong drink. And he shall be filled with the holy ghost, even in his mother's womb: and many of the children of Israel shall he turn to their Lord God. And he shall go before him in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers to their children, and the unbelievers to the wisdom of the just men: to make the people ready for the Lord." And Zacharias said unto the angel, "Whereby shall I know this? Seeing that I am old, and my wife well stricken in years." And the angel answered, and said unto him, "I am Gabriel that stand in the presence of God, and am sent to speak unto thee: and to show thee these glad tidings. And behold, thou shalt be dumb, and not able to speak until the time that these things be performed, because thou believedst not my words, which shall be fulfilled in their season." And the people waited for Zacharias, and marveled that he tarried in the temple. And when he came out, he could not speak unto them. Whereby they perceived, that he had seen some vision in the temple. And he beckoned unto them, and remained speechless. And it fortuned, as soon as the time of his office was out, he departed home into his own house. And after those days,
Elizabeth's time was come that she should be delivered; And she brought forth a son. And her neighbours and her cousins heard tell, how the Lord had showed great mercy upon her, and they rejoiced with her. And it fortuned, the eighth day they came to circumcise the child: and called his name Zacharias after the name of his father, read more.
Howbeit, his mother answered, and said, "Not so, but he shall be called John." And they said unto her, "There is none of thy kin that is named with this name." And they made signs to his father, how he would have him called. And he asked for writing tables and wrote, saying, "His name is John." And they marveled all. And his mouth was opened immediately, and his tongue also, and he spake lauding God.
Howbeit, his mother answered, and said, "Not so, but he shall be called John." And they said unto her, "There is none of thy kin that is named with this name." And they made signs to his father, how he would have him called. And he asked for writing tables and wrote, saying, "His name is John." And they marveled all. And his mouth was opened immediately, and his tongue also, and he spake lauding God.
Zacharias (zechariah) » The father of john the baptist
When Annas and Caiaphas were the high priests: The word of God came unto John, the son of Zacharias, in the wilderness.
In the time of Herod, the king of Jewry, there was a certain priest named Zacharias, of the course of Abijah. And his wife was of the daughters of Aaron: And her name was Elizabeth. Both were perfect before God, and walked in all the laws and ordinances of the Lord, that no man could find fault with them. And they had no child, because that Elizabeth was barren; And both were well stricken in age. read more.
And it came to pass, as he executed the priest's office before God as his course came, according to the custom of the priest's office his lot was to burn incense. And he went into the temple of the Lord, and the whole multitude of the people were without, in their prayers, while the incense was a burning. And there appeared unto him, an angel of the Lord, standing on the right side of the altar of incense. And when Zacharias saw him, he was abashed, and fear came on him. And the angel said unto him, "Fear not Zacharias, for thy prayer is heard: And thy wife Elizabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John: And thou shalt have joy and gladness: And many shall rejoice at his birth. For he shall be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall neither drink wine nor strong drink. And he shall be filled with the holy ghost, even in his mother's womb: and many of the children of Israel shall he turn to their Lord God. And he shall go before him in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers to their children, and the unbelievers to the wisdom of the just men: to make the people ready for the Lord." And Zacharias said unto the angel, "Whereby shall I know this? Seeing that I am old, and my wife well stricken in years." And the angel answered, and said unto him, "I am Gabriel that stand in the presence of God, and am sent to speak unto thee: and to show thee these glad tidings. And behold, thou shalt be dumb, and not able to speak until the time that these things be performed, because thou believedst not my words, which shall be fulfilled in their season." And the people waited for Zacharias, and marveled that he tarried in the temple. And when he came out, he could not speak unto them. Whereby they perceived, that he had seen some vision in the temple. And he beckoned unto them, and remained speechless. And it fortuned, as soon as the time of his office was out, he departed home into his own house. And after those days, his wife Elizabeth conceived, and hid herself five months, saying, "This wise hath God dealt with me, in the days when he looked on me, to take from me the rebuke that I suffered among men." And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth, to a virgin espoused to a man, whose name was Joseph, of the house of David: and the virgin's name was Mary. And the angel went in unto her, and said, "Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women." When she saw him, she was abashed at his saying: and cast in her mind what manner of salutation that should be. And the angel said unto her, "Fear not Mary, for thou hast found grace with God. Lo: thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and shalt bear a son, and shalt call his name Jesus. He shall be great, and shall be called the son of the highest. And the Lord God shall give unto him the seat of his father David: And he shall reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom shall be none end." Then said Mary unto the angel, "How shall this be, seeing I know not a man?" And the angel answered, and said unto her, "The holy ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the highest shall overshadow thee. Therefore also that holy thing which shall be born, shall be called the son of God. And behold, thy cousin Elizabeth, she hath also conceived a son in her old age. And this is her sixth month, though she be called barren, for with God can nothing be impossible." And Mary said, "Behold the handmaiden of the Lord, be it unto me even as thou hast said." And the angel departed from her. And Mary arose in those days, and went into the mountains with haste into a city of Jewry, and entered into the house of Zacharias, and saluted Elizabeth: And it fortuned, as Elizabeth heard the salutation of Mary, the babe sprang in her belly. And Elizabeth was filled with the holy ghost, and cried with a loud voice, and said, "Blessed art thou among the women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb. And whence happeneth this to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For, lo, as soon as the voice of thy salutation sounded in mine ears, the babe sprang in my belly for joy. And blessed art thou that believedst: For those things shall be performed which were told thee from the Lord." And Mary said, "My soul magnifieth the Lord. And my spirit rejoiceth in God my saviour: For he hath looked on the poor degree of his handmaiden. Behold, now from henceforth shall all generations call me blessed. For he that is mighty hath done to me great things, and holy is his name. And his mercy is always on them that fear him, throughout all generations. He showeth strength with his arm, he scattereth them that are proud in the imagination of their hearts. He putteth Down the mighty from their seats, and hath exalted them of low degree. He hath filled the hungry with good things: And sendeth away the rich empty. He remembereth mercy: and helpeth his servant Israel. Even as he promised to our fathers, Abraham and to his seed forever." And Mary abode with her about a three months; And returned again to her own house. Elizabeth's time was come that she should be delivered; And she brought forth a son. And her neighbours and her cousins heard tell, how the Lord had showed great mercy upon her, and they rejoiced with her. And it fortuned, the eighth day they came to circumcise the child: and called his name Zacharias after the name of his father, Howbeit, his mother answered, and said, "Not so, but he shall be called John." And they said unto her, "There is none of thy kin that is named with this name." And they made signs to his father, how he would have him called. And he asked for writing tables and wrote, saying, "His name is John." And they marveled all. And his mouth was opened immediately, and his tongue also, and he spake lauding God. And fear came on all them that dwelt nigh unto them: And all these sayings were noised abroad throughout all the hill country of Jewry: and all they that heard them laid them up in their hearts, saying, What manner child shall this be? And the hand of the Lord was with him. And his father Zacharias was filled with the holy ghost, and prophesied, saying, "Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, for he hath visited and redeemed his people. And hath raised up a horn of salvation unto us, in the house of his servant David. Even as he promised by the mouth of his holy prophets which were since the world began. That we should be saved from our enemies: And from the hands of all that hate us: To fulfill the mercy promised to our fathers; And to remember his holy covenant; And to perform the oath, which he sware to our father Abraham, for to give us. That we, delivered out of the hands of our enemies, might serve him without fear: all the days of our life, in such holiness and righteousness that are accept before him. And thou child, shalt be called the prophet of the highest, for thou shalt go before the face of the Lord, to prepare his ways: And to give knowledge of salvation unto his people, for the remission of sins: Through the tender mercy of our God, whereby the day spring from on high hath visited us: To give light to them that sat in darkness, and in shadow of death, and to guide our feet into the way of peace." And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, and was in wilderness: till the day came, when he should show himself unto the Israelites.
And it came to pass, as he executed the priest's office before God as his course came, according to the custom of the priest's office his lot was to burn incense. And he went into the temple of the Lord, and the whole multitude of the people were without, in their prayers, while the incense was a burning. And there appeared unto him, an angel of the Lord, standing on the right side of the altar of incense. And when Zacharias saw him, he was abashed, and fear came on him. And the angel said unto him, "Fear not Zacharias, for thy prayer is heard: And thy wife Elizabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John: And thou shalt have joy and gladness: And many shall rejoice at his birth. For he shall be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall neither drink wine nor strong drink. And he shall be filled with the holy ghost, even in his mother's womb: and many of the children of Israel shall he turn to their Lord God. And he shall go before him in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers to their children, and the unbelievers to the wisdom of the just men: to make the people ready for the Lord." And Zacharias said unto the angel, "Whereby shall I know this? Seeing that I am old, and my wife well stricken in years." And the angel answered, and said unto him, "I am Gabriel that stand in the presence of God, and am sent to speak unto thee: and to show thee these glad tidings. And behold, thou shalt be dumb, and not able to speak until the time that these things be performed, because thou believedst not my words, which shall be fulfilled in their season." And the people waited for Zacharias, and marveled that he tarried in the temple. And when he came out, he could not speak unto them. Whereby they perceived, that he had seen some vision in the temple. And he beckoned unto them, and remained speechless. And it fortuned, as soon as the time of his office was out, he departed home into his own house. And after those days, his wife Elizabeth conceived, and hid herself five months, saying, "This wise hath God dealt with me, in the days when he looked on me, to take from me the rebuke that I suffered among men." And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth, to a virgin espoused to a man, whose name was Joseph, of the house of David: and the virgin's name was Mary. And the angel went in unto her, and said, "Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women." When she saw him, she was abashed at his saying: and cast in her mind what manner of salutation that should be. And the angel said unto her, "Fear not Mary, for thou hast found grace with God. Lo: thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and shalt bear a son, and shalt call his name Jesus. He shall be great, and shall be called the son of the highest. And the Lord God shall give unto him the seat of his father David: And he shall reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom shall be none end." Then said Mary unto the angel, "How shall this be, seeing I know not a man?" And the angel answered, and said unto her, "The holy ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the highest shall overshadow thee. Therefore also that holy thing which shall be born, shall be called the son of God. And behold, thy cousin Elizabeth, she hath also conceived a son in her old age. And this is her sixth month, though she be called barren, for with God can nothing be impossible." And Mary said, "Behold the handmaiden of the Lord, be it unto me even as thou hast said." And the angel departed from her. And Mary arose in those days, and went into the mountains with haste into a city of Jewry, and entered into the house of Zacharias, and saluted Elizabeth: And it fortuned, as Elizabeth heard the salutation of Mary, the babe sprang in her belly. And Elizabeth was filled with the holy ghost, and cried with a loud voice, and said, "Blessed art thou among the women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb. And whence happeneth this to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For, lo, as soon as the voice of thy salutation sounded in mine ears, the babe sprang in my belly for joy. And blessed art thou that believedst: For those things shall be performed which were told thee from the Lord." And Mary said, "My soul magnifieth the Lord. And my spirit rejoiceth in God my saviour: For he hath looked on the poor degree of his handmaiden. Behold, now from henceforth shall all generations call me blessed. For he that is mighty hath done to me great things, and holy is his name. And his mercy is always on them that fear him, throughout all generations. He showeth strength with his arm, he scattereth them that are proud in the imagination of their hearts. He putteth Down the mighty from their seats, and hath exalted them of low degree. He hath filled the hungry with good things: And sendeth away the rich empty. He remembereth mercy: and helpeth his servant Israel. Even as he promised to our fathers, Abraham and to his seed forever." And Mary abode with her about a three months; And returned again to her own house. Elizabeth's time was come that she should be delivered; And she brought forth a son. And her neighbours and her cousins heard tell, how the Lord had showed great mercy upon her, and they rejoiced with her. And it fortuned, the eighth day they came to circumcise the child: and called his name Zacharias after the name of his father, Howbeit, his mother answered, and said, "Not so, but he shall be called John." And they said unto her, "There is none of thy kin that is named with this name." And they made signs to his father, how he would have him called. And he asked for writing tables and wrote, saying, "His name is John." And they marveled all. And his mouth was opened immediately, and his tongue also, and he spake lauding God. And fear came on all them that dwelt nigh unto them: And all these sayings were noised abroad throughout all the hill country of Jewry: and all they that heard them laid them up in their hearts, saying, What manner child shall this be? And the hand of the Lord was with him. And his father Zacharias was filled with the holy ghost, and prophesied, saying, "Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, for he hath visited and redeemed his people. And hath raised up a horn of salvation unto us, in the house of his servant David. Even as he promised by the mouth of his holy prophets which were since the world began. That we should be saved from our enemies: And from the hands of all that hate us: To fulfill the mercy promised to our fathers; And to remember his holy covenant; And to perform the oath, which he sware to our father Abraham, for to give us. That we, delivered out of the hands of our enemies, might serve him without fear: all the days of our life, in such holiness and righteousness that are accept before him. And thou child, shalt be called the prophet of the highest, for thou shalt go before the face of the Lord, to prepare his ways: And to give knowledge of salvation unto his people, for the remission of sins: Through the tender mercy of our God, whereby the day spring from on high hath visited us: To give light to them that sat in darkness, and in shadow of death, and to guide our feet into the way of peace." And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, and was in wilderness: till the day came, when he should show himself unto the Israelites.