Luke 1:80

Modern

And the child grew and became strong in spirit; and he lived in the wilderness until the time of his public appearance to Israel.

Traditional

And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, and was in the deserts till the day of his shewing unto Israel.

Literal

And the child continued to grow and to become strong in spirit; and he was in the wilderness until the day of his appearance to Israel.

Latin

Puer autem crescebat, et confortabatur spiritu: et erat in desertis usque in diem ostensionis suæ ad Israël.

Greek

English

And the child grew and became strong in spirit; and he lived in the wilderness until the time of his public appearance to Israel.

the child grew and became strong in spirit: Compare 2:40, 52; 1 Samuel 2:21, 26; 3:19.
John likely lived in the wilderness west of the Jordan River and southeast of Jerusalem. This area was a place of spiritual testing (Deuteronomy 8:2; Psalms 78, 95, 107). It was also a place for spiritual retreat and preparation (Exodus 3; 1 Kings 19:4–6, 11–18; Isaiah 40:3).

Theme notes and profiles

Luke 2:40
And the Child grew and became strong. He was filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was upon Him.
Mark 1:3–4
“A voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for Him.’”
Luke 2:52
And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.
1 Samuel 3:19–20
And Samuel grew, and the LORD was with him, and He let none of Samuel’s words fall to the ground.
Matthew 3:1
In those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the wilderness of Judea
John 1:31
I myself did not know Him, but the reason I came baptizing with water was that He might be revealed to Israel.”
Judges 13:24–25
So the woman gave birth to a son and named him Samson. The boy grew, and the LORD blessed him.
Matthew 11:7
As John’s disciples were leaving, Jesus began to speak to the crowds about John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed swaying in the wind?
Luke 1:15
…for he will be great in the sight of the Lord. He shall never take wine or strong drink, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit even from his mother’s womb.

Israel: Patriarch, son of Isaac, father of twelve tribes