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Selected Verse: Luke 1:18 - King James

Verse	Translation	Text
Lu 1:18	King James	And Zacharias said unto the angel, Whereby shall I know this? for I am an old man, and my wife well stricken in years.

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A Commentary, Critical, Practical, and Explanatory on the Old and New Testaments, by Robert Jamieson, A.R. Fausset and David Brown [1882]
Whereby, &c.--Mary believed what was far harder without a sign. Abraham, though older, and doubtless Sarah, too, when the same promise was made to him, "staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strong in faith, giving glory to God." This was that in which Zacharias failed.

A Commentary, Critical, Practical, and Explanatory on the Old and New Testaments, by Robert Jamieson, A.R. Fausset and David Brown [1882]

Whereby, &c.--Mary believed what was far harder without a sign. Abraham, though older, and doubtless Sarah, too, when the same promise was made to him, "staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strong in faith, giving glory to God." This was that in which Zacharias failed.

Notes on the Bible, by Albert Barnes, [1834]
Whereby shall I know this? - The thing was improbable, and he desired "evidence" that it would take place. The testimony of an "angel," and in such a place, should have been proof enough; but people are slow to believe the testimony of heavenly messengers. As a consequence of not believing, he was struck mute.

Notes on the Bible, by Albert Barnes, [1834]

Whereby shall I know this? - The thing was improbable, and he desired "evidence" that it would take place. The testimony of an "angel," and in such a place, should have been proof enough; but people are slow to believe the testimony of heavenly messengers. As a consequence of not believing, he was struck mute.

Vincent's Word Studies, by Marvin R. Vincent [1886]
Whereby (κατὰ τί) Lit., according to what? It demands a standard of knowledge, a sign. For I require a sign, for I am old.

Vincent's Word Studies, by Marvin R. Vincent [1886]

Whereby (κατὰ τί)

Lit., according to what? It demands a standard of knowledge, a sign.

For

I require a sign, for I am old.

Explanatory Notes on the Whole Bible, by John Wesley [1754-65]
Zacharias said, Whereby shall I know this? - In how different a spirit did he blessed virgin say, How shall this be? Zacharias disbelieved the fact: Mary had no doubt of the thing; but only inquired concerning the manner of it.

Explanatory Notes on the Whole Bible, by John Wesley [1754-65]

Zacharias said, Whereby shall I know this? - In how different a spirit did he blessed virgin say, How shall this be? Zacharias disbelieved the fact: Mary had no doubt of the thing; but only inquired concerning the manner of it.

Adam Clarke Commentary on the Whole Bible - Published 1810-1826
Whereby shall I know this? - All things are possible to God: no natural impediment can have any power when God has declared he will accomplish his purpose. He has a right to be believed on his own word alone; and it is impious, when we are convinced that it is his word, to demand a sign or pledge for its fulfillment.

Adam Clarke Commentary on the Whole Bible - Published 1810-1826

Whereby shall I know this? - All things are possible to God: no natural impediment can have any power when God has declared he will accomplish his purpose. He has a right to be believed on his own word alone; and it is impious, when we are convinced that it is his word, to demand a sign or pledge for its fulfillment.

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