King James Bible
"For he shall be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink; and he shall be filled with the Holy Ghost, even from his mother’s womb."
The angel declares John the Baptist's future greatness, measured not by human standards but by divine assessment. This greatness stems from his appointed role as the Messiah's forerunner, emphasizing that true significance comes from fulfilling God's purposes. John will take a Nazirite-like vow of abstinence, echoing Old Testament figures like Samson and Samuel who were consecrated for special service. This lifelong dedication marks him as set apart for holy purposes from birth. The Spirit's presence from conception is extraordinary, paralleling only Jeremiah's prenatal calling. This divine empowerment enables John's prophetic ministry and explains his leap in Elizabeth's womb when encountering the unborn Christ.