SEV Biblia, Chapter 1:19
Y respondiendo el ngel le dijo: Yo soy Gabriel, que estoy delante de Dios; y soy enviado a hablarte, y a darte este evangelio.
Clarke's Bible Commentary - Luke 1:19
Verse 19. I am Gabriel] This angel is mentioned, Dan. viii. 16; ix. 21. The original layrbg is exceedingly expressive: it is compounded of hrwbg geburah, and la el, the might of the strong God. An angel with such a name was exceedingly proper for the occasion; as it pointed out that all-prevalent power by which the strong God could accomplish every purpose, and subdue all things to himself. That stand in the presence of God] This is in allusion to the case of the prime minister of an eastern monarch, who alone has access to his master at all times; and is therefore said, in the eastern phrase, to see the presence, or to be in the presence. From the allusion we may conceive the angel Gabriel to be in a state of high favour and trust before God.
John Gill's Bible Commentary
Ver. 19. And the angel answering, said unto him, I am Gabriel , etc.] The name of an angel well known to Zacharias from Daniel's prophecies, ( Daniel 8:16; 9:21) and is the first time we read of the name of an angel: the Jews say f49 , the names of angels came out of Babylon, by the means of the Israelites; and it was there that Daniel became acquainted with this name of Gabriel, and also of Michael. Frequent mention is made of Gabriel in the Jewish writings f50 : were there a particular angel appointed over conception, as the Jews say there is, one would be ready to think it should be Gabriel, since he was sent to declare the conception and birth both of John the Baptist, and of our Lord Jesus Christ: the name of that angel the Jews indeed say is Lilah; but yet the Cabalistic doctors f53 affirm, that that angel is under Gabriel. In what language this angel spoke to Zacharias, and afterwards to Mary, may be a needless inquiry; but since the Syriac language was generally spoken, and understood by the Jews at this time, it is highly reasonable that he spoke to them in that. The Jews have a notion, that none of the ministering angels understand the Syriac language, excepting Gabriel; and he, they say, understood seventy languages f54 . Now the angel, by making mention of his name, puts Zacharias in mind of the prophecy of Daniel concerning the coming of the Messiah, which he had from him; and whereas his name signified, a man of God, or the power, or strength of God, or God is my strength, he suggests unto him, that he ought not to have distrusted his Words, since with God all things are possible: he adds, that stand in the presence of God ; beholding his face, hearkening to his voice, and ministering to him, and so had this affair immediately from him: and therefore he had no reason to doubt of the accomplishment of it.
Gabriel, according to the Jews, is one of the four angels that surround the throne of God: their names are Michael, Uriel, Raphael, and Gabriel f55 . Michael they place at his right hand, and Uriel at his left hand, and Gabriel, wynplm , before him, (in his presence, as he here says of himself,) over against the kingdom of Judah, and Moses and Aaron, who were in the east (of the camp of Israel); and why is his name called Gabriel? of Judah it is written, ( 1 Chronicles 5:2) for Judah, rbg , prevailed above his brethren; and of Moses it is written, ( Leviticus 1:1) and God called unto Moses; and it is written, ( Isaiah 9:6) and shall call his name Wonderful, Counselor, rwbg la the mighty God, lo! Gabriel. And am sent to speak unto thee, and to show unto thee these glad tidings : wherefore, on account of his name, his office, and his mission, especially the subject of it being welcome news, good tidings, what he said ought to have obtained credit with him. Gabriel was one of the ministering spirits sent to minister to them that were heirs of salvation; his messages were messages of mercy, grace and love; he was not a minister of the wrath and vengeance of God, but of his favour. Agreeably to this the Jews say of him, that his name Gabriel is, by gematry, or numerically, the same with jr merciful f56 : he is called, in the Talmud f57 , tynwqsp jwr the decisive spirit, and is said to have three names, Piskon, Itmon, and Sigron. He is called Piskon, because he decides, or determines judgment against them that are above; and Itmon, because he stops up the sins of the Israelites; and Sigron, because when he shuts (the gates of judgment) there is none can open again. Hence also they say, that he is the angel that is appointed over water which quenches fire. The Targumist on ( Job 25:2) paraphrases the words thus: Michael on the right hand, who is over fire; and Gabriel on the left hand, who is over water; and the holy creatures mingle fire and water, and by his dominion and fear, make peace in his heaven of heavens.
Matthew Henry Commentary
Verses 5-25 - The father and mother of John the Baptist were sinners as all are, an were justified and saved in the same way as others; but they wer eminent for piety and integrity. They had no children, and it could no be expected that Elisabeth should have any in her old age. Whil Zacharias was burning incense in the temple, the whole multitude of the people were praying without. All the prayers we offer up to God, ar acceptable and successful only by Christ's intercession in the templ of God above. We cannot expect an interest therein if we do not pray and pray with our spirits, and are not earnest in prayer. Nor can we expect that the best of our prayers should gain acceptance, and brin an answer of peace, but through the mediation of Christ, who eve lives, making intercession. The prayers Zacharias often made, receive an answer of peace. Prayers of faith are filed in heaven, and are no forgotten. Prayers made when we were young and entering into the world may be answered when we are old and going out of the world. Mercies ar doubly sweet that are given in answer to prayer. Zacharias shall have son in his old age, who shall be instrumental in the conversion of man souls to God, and preparing them to receive the gospel of Christ. He shall go before Him with courage, zeal, holiness, and a mind dead to earthly interests and pleasures. The disobedient and rebellious woul be brought back to the wisdom of their righteous forefathers, or rather, brought to attend to the wisdom of that Just One who was comin among them. Zacharias heard all that the angel said; but his unbelie spake. In striking him dumb, God dealt justly with him, because he ha objected against God's word. We may admire the patience of God toward us. God dealt kindly with him, for thus he prevented his speaking an more distrustful, unbelieving words. Thus also God confirmed his faith If by the rebukes we are under for our sin, we are brought to give the more credit to the word of God, we have no reason to complain. Eve real believers are apt to dishonour God by unbelief; and their mouth are stopped in silence and confusion, when otherwise they would have been praising God with joy and gratitude. In God's gracious dealing with us we ought to observe his gracious regards to us. He has looke on us with compassion and favour, and therefore has thus dealt with us.
Greek Textus Receptus
και 2532 CONJ αποκριθεις 611 5679 V-AOP-NSM ο 3588 T-NSM αγγελος 32 N-NSM ειπεν 2036 5627 V-2AAI-3S αυτω 846 P-DSM εγω 1473 P-1NS ειμι 1510 5748 V-PXI-1S γαβριηλ 1043 N-PRI ο 3588 T-NSM παρεστηκως 3936 5761 V-RAP-NSM ενωπιον 1799 ADV του 3588 T-GSM θεου 2316 N-GSM και 2532 CONJ απεσταλην 649 5648 V-2API-1S λαλησαι 2980 5658 V-AAN προς 4314 PREP σε 4571 P-2AS και 2532 CONJ ευαγγελισασθαι 2097 5670 V-AMN σοι 4671 P-2DS ταυτα 5023 D-APN
Vincent's NT Word Studies
19. Gabriel. Meaning man of God. In Jewish tradition the guardian of the sacred treasury. Michael (see on Jude 9) is the destroyer, the champion of God against evil, the minister of wrath. Gabriel is the messenger of peace and restoration. See Dan. viii. 16; ix. 21. "The former is the forerunner of Jehovah the Judge; the latter of Jehovah the Savior" (Godet).
Robertson's NT Word Studies
1:19 {Gabriel} (gabriel). The Man of God (#Da 8:6; 9:21). The other angel whose name is given in Scripture is Michael (#Da 10:13,21; Jude 1:9; Re 12:7). The description of himself is a rebuke to the doubt of Zacharias.
