Luke 1:3

Luke 1:3 in other versions

• King James Version (KJV)It seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first, to write unto thee in order, most excellent Theophilus,
• New International Version (NIV)With this in mind, since I myself have carefully investigated everything from the beginning, I too decided to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus,
• English Standard Version (ESV)it seemed good to me also, having followed all things closely for some time past, to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus,
• New King James Version (NKJV)it seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first, to write to you an orderly account, most excellent Theophilus,

Context of Luke 1:3

1Many have undertaken to compose an account of the things that have been fulfilled among us, 2just as they were handed down to us by the initial eyewitnesses and servants of the word. Therefore, having carefully investigated everything from the beginning, it seemed good also to me to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, 4so that you may know the certainty of the things you have been taught. 5In the time of Herod king of Judea there was a priest named Zechariah, who belonged to the priestly division of Abijah, and whose wife Elizabeth was a descendant of Aaron.

Luke 1:3 word by word

ἔδοξεν κἀμοὶ παρηκολουθηκότι ἄνωθεν πᾶσιν ἀκριβῶς καθεξῆς σοι γράψαι, κράτιστε Θεόφιλε,Read the interlinear

• Therefore, having carefully investigatedπαρακολουθέωparakoloutheō · to followG3877
• Therefore, having carefully investigatedἀκριβῶςakribōs · exactlyG199
• everythingπᾶςpas · allG3956
• from the beginningἄνωθενanōthen · from above/againG509
• it seemed goodδοκέωdokeō · to thinkG1380
• also to meκἀγώkagō kamoi kame · and IG2504
• to writeγράφωgraphō · to writeG1125
• an orderly accountκαθεξῆςkathexēs · in orderG2517
• for youσύsu · youG4771
• most excellentκράτιστοςkratistos · excellentG2903
• TheophilusΘεόφιλοςTheophilos · TheophilusG2321

Cross-references for Luke 1:3

• Acts 15:19It is my judgment, therefore, that we should not cause trouble for the Gentiles who are turning to God.
• 1 Corinthians 7:40In my judgment, however, she is happier if she remains as she is. And I think that I too have the Spirit of God.
• 1 Corinthians 16:12Now about our brother Apollos: I strongly urged him to go to you with the brothers. He was not at all inclined to go now, but he will go when he has the opportunity.
• Luke 1:1Many have undertaken to compose an account of the things that have been fulfilled among us,
• Psalms 40:5Many, O LORD my God, are the wonders You have done, and the plans You have for us— none can compare to You— if I proclaim and declare them, they are more than I can count.
• Psalms 50:21You have done these things, and I kept silent; you thought I was just like you. But now I rebuke you and accuse you to your face.
• Ecclesiastes 12:9Not only was the Teacher wise, but he also taught the people knowledge; he pondered, searched out, and arranged many proverbs.
• Acts 11:4But Peter began and explained to them the whole sequence of events:
• Acts 1:1In my first book, O Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus began to do and to teach,
• Acts 23:26Claudius Lysias, To His Excellency, Governor Felix: Greetings.
• Acts 24:3In every way and everywhere, most excellent Felix, we acknowledge this with all gratitude.
• Acts 26:25But Paul answered, “I am not insane, most excellent Festus; I am speaking words of truth and sobriety.

Commentaries on Luke 1:3

• Adam Clarke Bible Commentary · v. 3Having had perfect understanding - , Having accurately traced up - entered into the very spirit of the work, and examined every thing to the bottom; in consequence of which investigation, I am completely convinced of the truth of the whole. Though God gives his Holy Spirit to all them who ask him, yet this gift was never designed to set aside the use of those faculties with which he has already endued the soul, and which are as truly his gifts as the Holy…Read the comment
• Barnes’ Notes on the Bible · v. 3It seemed good - I thought it best; or, I have also determined. It seemed “to be called for” that there should be a full, authentic, and accurate account of these matters. Having had perfect understanding … - The literal translation of the original here would be, “having exactly traced everything from the first;” or, “having, by diligent and careful investigation, “followed up” everything to the “source,” to obtain an accurate account of the matter.” This…Read the comment
• Tyndale Open Study Notes · v. 3As a good historian, Luke carefully investigated the history of Jesus from the start to provide a reliable story. an orderly account: Some versions translate this phrase as “in consecutive order.” But it means an organized or carefully written account, not a sequence of time. The name Theophilus means “loved by God” or “one who loves God.” It is likely a personal name, not meant to describe a name. Different theories suggest he might be: an unbeliever who…Read the comment
• Jamieson–Fausset–Brown Commentary · v. 33. from the very first--that is, from the very earliest events; referring to those precious details of the birth and early life, not only of our Lord, but of His forerunner, which we owe to Luke alone. in order--or "consecutively"--in contrast, probably, with the disjointed productions to which he had referred. But this must not be pressed too far; for, on comparing it with the other Gospels, we see that in some particulars the strict chronological order…Read the comment

Topics related to Luke 1:3

• Epistles
• Luke
• Theophilus
• Word of God

In the dictionaries

• Acts of the Apostles
• Begin
• Certainty
• Conceive
• Estate
• Luke, Gospel according to
• Ministration
• Noise
• Righteousness
• Salutation

Commentaries on Luke 1

• Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
• Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
• Matthew Henry Concise Commentary
• Tyndale Open Study Notes
• Jamieson–Fausset–Brown Commentary
• Calvin’s Commentaries
• John Wesley’s Notes
• Catena Aurea
• Illustrated New Testament
• Burkitt’s Expository Notes
• Darby Translation Notes
• Family Bible Notes
• Geneva Bible Translation Notes
• Kingcomments
• John Lightfoot Commentary
• Luther’s Commentary on Selected Bible Passages
• Matthew Henry’s Complete Commentary
• Matthew Henry’s Modern English Commentary
• The People’s New Testament
• Robertson’s Word Pictures
• Scofield Reference Notes, 1917 Edition
• The Fourfold Gospel and Commentary on Acts
• Original Douay–Rheims Annotations
• Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary
• EGW Writings