Paragraph 1:11–17

In this paragraph, Luke began to tell the main events of this section after he gave the background information in 1:5–10. Introduce this paragraph in a natural way in your language.

1:11a

Just then: The Greek conjunction that the Berean Standard Bible translates as Just then here introduces the first event that happened when Zechariah was in the temple. The text does not explicitly state that Zechariah had entered the temple, but this is implied. In some languages it may be necessary to make this information explicit. For example:

While Zechariah was in the sanctuary (New Living Translation (2004))

an angel of the Lord: The phrase an angel of the Lord refers here to an angel whom the Lord sent. Some other ways to translate this are:

an angel who came from the Lord God
-or-
an angel who was sent by the Lord

angel: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as angel means “messenger.” It refers here to a spirit being who serves God. God sent this angel to tell Zechariah a message. Some ways to translate this term are:

• Use a descriptive word or phrase. For example:

messenger ⌊from God/heaven⌋
-or-

⌊holy⌋ spirit-being

• Use a local term that fits the biblical meaning.

• In some areas the churches may already be using a borrowed term or a transliterated word for “angel.” Be sure that this term fits the biblical meaning. If some people do not understand the right meaning from this term, you may need to indicate the meaning in some way. For example:

an angelos messenger ⌊from God⌋
-or-
a sacred angelos spirit

Be sure that your term for “angel” is different from your terms for “prophet” and “apostle.” See angel, Meaning 1, in the Glossary. See also the chart in the Glossary that shows the differences between these three terms.

the Lord: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as the Lord refers here to God. This same word occurs in 1:6b.

appeared to Zechariah: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as appeared indicates here that the angel arrived and became visible to Zechariah. Suddenly he was there where Zechariah could see him. This does not imply that Zechariah saw him only in a vision. The angel was really there. However, the context implies that the angel came in a supernatural way. He probably did not walk in; rather, he just appeared in front of Zechariah.

1:11b

standing at the right side of the altar of incense: This part of the verse indicates that the angel was standing at the right side of the altar. Your translation should not imply that it was Zechariah who was standing there.

The angel was standing near the altar, and he was facing Zechariah. The right side of the altar probably refers to the right side from the angel’s point of view. The right side implies a place of honor.

altar of incense: The altar of incense was the place where the priest burned incense for the Lord. The altar was a table made of wood and covered with gold. On top there was a charcoal fire. The priest threw the powdered incense onto the burning charcoal. The priests did not sacrifice animals on this altar. See the drawing below:

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