Definition: And fear came on all that dwelt round about them: and all these sayings were noised abroad throughout all the hill country of Judaea.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Luke 1:65. It's a really important part of the story of Jesus’ birth! Here's what it means in simple terms: The Core Idea: When Mary and Joseph found out that Jesus was about to be born, fear started to spread throughout the region surrounding them – specifically, in the Judea (which is now Israel) area. Let's unpack it piece by piece: "And fear came on all that dwelt round about them:" This means people were feeling worried and apprehensive. It wasn’t just a little bit nervous; there was a widespread sense of apprehension. "...and all these sayings were noised abroad throughout all the hill country of Judaea." This is the really key part. "Sayings" refers to Jesus' words, his teachings, and his prophecies. “Noised abroad” means spread far and wide – it traveled across the entire Judea region. So, what does this tell us? It’s a powerful sign that Jesus was about to arrive. The fact that fear spread so widely suggests that: Jesus was significant: He was likely considered important and perhaps even miraculous. His arrival was expected: The people were anticipating something big and transformative. There was a sense of uncertainty: It wasn’t just a random event; there was a feeling of being on the edge of something new and potentially challenging. In short, Luke 1:65 describes a moment of intense anticipation and widespread anxiety as people realized the birth of Jesus was about to happen. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse in this passage? Discuss the symbolism behind the fear? (It’s often interpreted as a reflection of the kingdom being established.) Compare it to other stories with similar themes of expectation and anxiety?