Luke 1:66 (KJV) states, "And all they that heard them laid them up in their hearts, saying, What manner of child shall this be! And the hand of the Lord was with him."

This verse is part of the narrative in the Gospel of Luke that describes the miraculous birth of John the Baptist. The entire passage, Luke 1:57-80, tells the story of how Elizabeth, the mother of John the Baptist, conceived a child in her old age, and how John's father, Zechariah, was struck dumb by the angel Gabriel because of his disbelief.

The verse, Luke 1:66, captures the reaction of the people who witnessed the events surrounding the birth and early years of John the Baptist. The extraordinary circumstances of his birth, as well as the fact that his parents were old and had been barren, caused a stir among the people who heard about it. They couldn't help but wonder what kind of child John would grow up to be. The phrase "What manner of child shall this be!" conveys the awe and wonder that surrounded the birth of John the Baptist.

The verse also highlights the significance of the hand of the Lord being with John. This phrase symbolizes the divine favor and presence of God in John's life. It is a foreshadowing of the important role that John would fulfill as a prophet and forerunner to Jesus Christ.

The broader context of this verse is important to understand the deep meaning and significance it holds. The entire passage in Luke 1:57-80 is known as the "Benedictus," which is a hymn of praise and prophecy spoken by Zechariah upon the birth of his son John. This hymn not only celebrates the birth of John but also proclaims the coming salvation through the Messiah, Jesus Christ. It is a powerful and prophetic declaration of God's faithfulness and the fulfillment of his promises. The Benedictus also serves as a bridge between the Old Testament prophecies and the arrival of the long-awaited Savior.

The themes present in this verse and the surrounding passage include divine intervention, the fulfillment of God's promises, and the recognition of God's sovereignty. The birth of John the Baptist was a miraculous event that pointed to God's faithfulness and power. It reminds us that God is able to do the impossible and that He has a plan and purpose for each individual's life. The hand of the Lord being with John also signifies the divine calling and empowerment that he received to fulfill his role as a prophet.

Symbolically, the verse can be seen as a representation of the anticipation and wonder surrounding the arrival of the Messiah. John the Baptist was a crucial figure in preparing the way for Jesus Christ, and his birth marked the beginning of this redemptive story. The reactions of the people who witnessed John's miraculous birth foreshadow the awe and amazement that would accompany the ministry of Jesus and the impact he would have on the world.

In conclusion, Luke 1:66 (KJV) holds deep significance within the broader narrative of the Gospel of Luke. It encapsulates the awe and wonder that surrounded the birth of John the Baptist and serves as a foreshadowing of the important role he would fulfill in preparing the way for Jesus Christ. The verse also highlights the divine favor and presence of God in John's life, signaling the fulfillment of God's promises and the anticipation of the coming Messiah. This passage serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness and power, and it invites us to consider the profound impact of Jesus Christ's arrival on the world.