Luke 1

“Forasmuch as many have taken in hand to set forth in order a declaration of those things which are most surely…” Naming Forasmuch keeps the account rooted in particular people or places. Follow where the name returns and what changes around it.

“Even as they delivered them unto us, which from the beginning were eyewitnesses, and ministers of the word;” Naming Even keeps the account rooted in particular people or places. Follow where the name returns and what changes around it.

“It seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first, to write unto thee in…” Naming Theophilus keeps the account rooted in particular people or places. Follow where the name returns and what changes around it.

“That thou mightest know the certainty of those things, wherein thou hast been instructed.” The line’s distinctive content terms include certainty, instructed, know. Its relationship to verses 3 and 5 shows what work it does in this passage.

“There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judæa, a certain priest named Zacharias, of the course of Abia: and his…” Naming Aaron and Abia keeps the account rooted in particular people or places. Follow where the name returns and what changes around it.

“And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless.” The verse names God and Lord rather than leaving the action without a source. Watch whether the next line continues, answers, or contrasts that action.

“And they had no child, because that Elisabeth was barren, and they both were now well stricken in years.” Naming Elisabeth keeps the account rooted in particular people or places. Follow where the name returns and what changes around it.

“And it came to pass, that while he executed the priest’s office before God in the order of his course,” This familiar narrative signal moves the clock forward. What follows is a new scene, consequence, or answer to an earlier tension.

“According to the custom of the priest’s office, his lot was to burn incense when he went into the temple of the Lord.” Naming According keeps the account rooted in particular people or places. Follow where the name returns and what changes around it.

“And the whole multitude of the people were praying without at the time of incense.” The line’s distinctive content terms include incense, multitude, people. Its relationship to verses 9 and 11 shows what work it does in this passage.

“And there appeared unto him an angel of the Lord standing on the right side of the altar of incense.” The verse names Lord rather than leaving the action without a source. Watch whether the next line continues, answers, or contrasts that action.

“And when Zacharias saw him, he was troubled, and fear fell upon him.” Naming Zacharias keeps the account rooted in particular people or places. Follow where the name returns and what changes around it.

“But the angel said unto him, Fear not, Zacharias: for thy prayer is heard; and thy wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a…” The command cannot be understood from the verb alone. Its recipient, purpose, and place in the larger covenant or argument define the responsibility.

“And thou shalt have joy and gladness; and many shall rejoice at his birth.” The command cannot be understood from the verb alone. Its recipient, purpose, and place in the larger covenant or argument define the responsibility.

“For he shall be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink; and he shall be filled…” This line supplies a reason, result, or conclusion. It should stay attached to the claim or action that gives it meaning.

“And many of the children of Israel shall he turn to the Lord their God.” The command cannot be understood from the verb alone. Its recipient, purpose, and place in the larger covenant or argument define the responsibility.

“And he shall go before him in the spirit and power of Elias, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and…” The command cannot be understood from the verb alone. Its recipient, purpose, and place in the larger covenant or argument define the responsibility.

“And Zacharias said unto the angel, Whereby shall I know this? for I am an old man, and my wife well stricken in years.” The question slows the passage down. Notice who is being pressed to answer, what the question assumes, and whether the next lines provide a response.

“And the angel answering said unto him, I am Gabriel, that stand in the presence of God; and am sent to speak unto…” Naming Gabriel keeps the account rooted in particular people or places. Follow where the name returns and what changes around it.

“And, behold, thou shalt be dumb, and not able to speak, until the day that these things shall be performed, because…” The command cannot be understood from the verb alone. Its recipient, purpose, and place in the larger covenant or argument define the responsibility.

“And the people waited for Zacharias, and marvelled that he tarried so long in the temple.” Naming Zacharias keeps the account rooted in particular people or places. Follow where the name returns and what changes around it.

“And when he came out, he could not speak unto them: and they perceived that he had seen a vision in the temple: for he…” The line’s distinctive content terms include beckoned, perceived, remained. Its relationship to verses 21 and 23 shows what work it does in this passage.

“And it came to pass, that, as soon as the days of his ministration were accomplished, he departed to his own house.” This familiar narrative signal moves the clock forward. What follows is a new scene, consequence, or answer to an earlier tension.

“And after those days his wife Elisabeth conceived, and hid herself five months, saying,” The number five makes the report concrete. Ask whether it measures time, people, distance, repetition, or completeness before deciding what weight it carries.

“Thus hath the Lord dealt with me in the days wherein he looked on me, to take away my reproach among men.” The verse names Lord rather than leaving the action without a source. Watch whether the next line continues, answers, or contrasts that action.

“And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth,” Naming Gabriel and Galilee keeps the account rooted in particular people or places. Follow where the name returns and what changes around it.

“To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin’s name was Mary.” Naming David and Joseph keeps the account rooted in particular people or places. Follow where the name returns and what changes around it.

“And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou…” Naming Hail keeps the account rooted in particular people or places. Follow where the name returns and what changes around it.

“And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be.” The line’s distinctive content terms include manner, mind, salutation. Its relationship to verses 28 and 30 shows what work it does in this passage.

“And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God.” Naming Fear keeps the account rooted in particular people or places. Follow where the name returns and what changes around it.

“And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS.” The line’s distinctive content terms include call, conceive, JESUS. Its relationship to verses 30 and 32 shows what work it does in this passage.

“He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his…” The command cannot be understood from the verb alone. Its recipient, purpose, and place in the larger covenant or argument define the responsibility.

“And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.” The command cannot be understood from the verb alone. Its recipient, purpose, and place in the larger covenant or argument define the responsibility.

“Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man?” The question slows the passage down. Notice who is being pressed to answer, what the question assumes, and whether the next lines provide a response.

“And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall…” The command cannot be understood from the verb alone. Its recipient, purpose, and place in the larger covenant or argument define the responsibility.

“And, behold, thy cousin Elisabeth, she hath also conceived a son in her old age: and this is the sixth month with her…” Naming Elisabeth keeps the account rooted in particular people or places. Follow where the name returns and what changes around it.

“For with God nothing shall be impossible.” This line supplies a reason, result, or conclusion. It should stay attached to the claim or action that gives it meaning.

“And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her.” Naming Mary keeps the account rooted in particular people or places. Follow where the name returns and what changes around it.

“And Mary arose in those days, and went into the hill country with haste, into a city of Juda;” Naming Juda and Mary keeps the account rooted in particular people or places. Follow where the name returns and what changes around it.

“And entered into the house of Zacharias, and saluted Elisabeth.” Naming Elisabeth and Zacharias keeps the account rooted in particular people or places. Follow where the name returns and what changes around it.

“And it came to pass, that, when Elisabeth heard the salutation of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elisabeth was…” This familiar narrative signal moves the clock forward. What follows is a new scene, consequence, or answer to an earlier tension.

“And she spake out with a loud voice, and said, Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb.” Naming Blessed keeps the account rooted in particular people or places. Follow where the name returns and what changes around it.

“And whence is this to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?” The question slows the passage down. Notice who is being pressed to answer, what the question assumes, and whether the next lines provide a response.

“For, lo, as soon as the voice of thy salutation sounded in mine ears, the babe leaped in my womb for joy.” This line supplies a reason, result, or conclusion. It should stay attached to the claim or action that gives it meaning.

“And blessed is she that believed: for there shall be a performance of those things which were told her from the Lord.” The command cannot be understood from the verb alone. Its recipient, purpose, and place in the larger covenant or argument define the responsibility.

“And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord,” Naming Mary keeps the account rooted in particular people or places. Follow where the name returns and what changes around it.

“And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour.” Naming Saviour keeps the account rooted in particular people or places. Follow where the name returns and what changes around it.

“For he hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden: for, behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me…” This line supplies a reason, result, or conclusion. It should stay attached to the claim or action that gives it meaning.

“For he that is mighty hath done to me great things; and holy is his name.” This line supplies a reason, result, or conclusion. It should stay attached to the claim or action that gives it meaning.

“And his mercy is on them that fear him from generation to generation.” The line’s distinctive content terms include generation, fear, mercy. Its relationship to verses 49 and 51 shows what work it does in this passage.

“He hath shewed strength with his arm; he hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts.” The line’s distinctive content terms include hearts, imagination, proud. Its relationship to verses 50 and 52 shows what work it does in this passage.

“He hath put down the mighty from their seats, and exalted them of low degree.” The line’s distinctive content terms include degree, exalted, mighty. Its relationship to verses 51 and 53 shows what work it does in this passage.

“He hath filled the hungry with good things; and the rich he hath sent empty away.” The line’s distinctive content terms include empty, filled, good. Its relationship to verses 52 and 54 shows what work it does in this passage.

“He hath holpen his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy;” Naming Israel keeps the account rooted in particular people or places. Follow where the name returns and what changes around it.

“As he spake to our fathers, to Abraham, and to his seed for ever.” Naming Abraham keeps the account rooted in particular people or places. Follow where the name returns and what changes around it.

“And Mary abode with her about three months, and returned to her own house.” The number three makes the report concrete. Ask whether it measures time, people, distance, repetition, or completeness before deciding what weight it carries.

“Now Elisabeth’s full time came that she should be delivered; and she brought forth a son.” Naming Elisabeth keeps the account rooted in particular people or places. Follow where the name returns and what changes around it.

“And her neighbours and her cousins heard how the Lord had shewed great mercy upon her; and they rejoiced with her.” The verse names Lord rather than leaving the action without a source. Watch whether the next line continues, answers, or contrasts that action.

“And it came to pass, that on the eighth day they came to circumcise the child; and they called him Zacharias, after…” This familiar narrative signal moves the clock forward. What follows is a new scene, consequence, or answer to an earlier tension.

“And his mother answered and said, Not so; but he shall be called John.” The command cannot be understood from the verb alone. Its recipient, purpose, and place in the larger covenant or argument define the responsibility.

“And they said unto her, There is none of thy kindred that is called by this name.” The line’s distinctive content terms include kindred, name. Its relationship to verses 60 and 62 shows what work it does in this passage.

“And they made signs to his father, how he would have him called.” The line’s distinctive content terms include father, signs. Its relationship to verses 61 and 63 shows what work it does in this passage.

“And he asked for a writing table, and wrote, saying, His name is John. And they marvelled all.” Naming His and John keeps the account rooted in particular people or places. Follow where the name returns and what changes around it.

“And his mouth was opened immediately, and his tongue loosed, and he spake, and praised God.” The verse names God rather than leaving the action without a source. Watch whether the next line continues, answers, or contrasts that action.

“And fear came on all that dwelt round about them: and all these sayings were noised abroad throughout all the hill…” Naming Jud keeps the account rooted in particular people or places. Follow where the name returns and what changes around it.

“And all they that heard them laid them up in their hearts, saying, What manner of child shall this be! And the hand of…” The command cannot be understood from the verb alone. Its recipient, purpose, and place in the larger covenant or argument define the responsibility.

“And his father Zacharias was filled with the Holy Ghost, and prophesied, saying,” Naming Ghost and Holy keeps the account rooted in particular people or places. Follow where the name returns and what changes around it.

“Blessed be the Lord God of Israel; for he hath visited and redeemed his people,” Naming Blessed keeps the account rooted in particular people or places. Follow where the name returns and what changes around it.

“And hath raised up an horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David;” Naming David keeps the account rooted in particular people or places. Follow where the name returns and what changes around it.

“As he spake by the mouth of his holy prophets, which have been since the world began:” The line’s distinctive content terms include began, holy, mouth. Its relationship to verses 69 and 71 shows what work it does in this passage.

“That we should be saved from our enemies, and from the hand of all that hate us;” The line’s distinctive content terms include enemies, hand, hate. Its relationship to verses 70 and 72 shows what work it does in this passage.

“To perform the mercy promised to our fathers, and to remember his holy covenant;” The promise, blessing, or covenant language needs its named recipient and scope. Those details prevent a personal word in the story from becoming a promise detached from context.

“The oath which he sware to our father Abraham,” The promise, blessing, or covenant language needs its named recipient and scope. Those details prevent a personal word in the story from becoming a promise detached from context.

“That he would grant unto us, that we being delivered out of the hand of our enemies might serve him without fear,” The line’s distinctive content terms include delivered, enemies, fear. Its relationship to verses 73 and 75 shows what work it does in this passage.

“In holiness and righteousness before him, all the days of our life.” The line’s distinctive content terms include days, holiness, life. Its relationship to verses 74 and 76 shows what work it does in this passage.

“And thou, child, shalt be called the prophet of the Highest: for thou shalt go before the face of the Lord to prepare…” Naming Highest keeps the account rooted in particular people or places. Follow where the name returns and what changes around it.

“To give knowledge of salvation unto his people by the remission of their sins,” The line’s distinctive content terms include knowledge, people, remission. Its relationship to verses 76 and 78 shows what work it does in this passage.

“Through the tender mercy of our God; whereby the dayspring from on high hath visited us,” Naming Through keeps the account rooted in particular people or places. Follow where the name returns and what changes around it.

“To give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.” The line’s distinctive content terms include darkness, death, feet. Its relationship to verses 78 and 80 shows what work it does in this passage.

“And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, and was in the deserts till the day of his shewing unto Israel.” Naming Israel keeps the account rooted in particular people or places. Follow where the name returns and what changes around it.