Definition: And Zacharias said unto the angel, Whereby shall I know this? for I am an old man, and my wife well stricken in years.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Luke 1:18. It’s a really important passage that sets up the story of Elijah’s journey! Here's what it means in simple terms: Basically, Zacharias is expressing his worry and uncertainty about his future. He’s an old man, and his wife is very sick. He's asking the angel, who is God’s messenger, to tell him how he will know if things are going to be okay for him. Here's a breakdown of what it suggests: "And Zacharias said unto the angel..." : This means Zacharias is speaking directly to God. He’s trusting in His guidance. "...Whereby shall I know this?" : He's asking for a clear sign or explanation about his situation. He wants to understand if things will turn out well for him. "for I am an old man..." : This emphasizes the weight of his age and the challenges he’s facing. Old age can bring worry and uncertainty. "...and my wife well stricken in years." : This is the key part. “Struck in years” means that his wife is very ill, likely suffering from a serious illness. The overall message is about hope and divine guidance. Zacharias is seeking reassurance and understanding from God about the future of his life and his family. It’s a moment where faith and trust in God are particularly important. In essence, it's a plea for clarity and comfort when facing difficult times. --- Do you want me to: Explain why this verse is significant? Discuss the meaning of the word “striked in years”? Give you a little more context about Zacharias’ situation (without going into too much detail)?