A.T. Robertson Commentary Luke 1:21

"And the people were waiting for Zacharias, and they marvelled while he tarried in the temple." — Luke 1:21 (ASV)

Were waiting (ην προσδοκων). Periphrastic imperfect again. An old Greek verb for expecting. Appears in papyri and inscriptions. It denotes mental direction whether hope or fear.

They marvelled (εθαυμαζον). Imperfect tense, were wondering. The Talmud says that the priest remained only a brief time in the sanctuary.

While he tarried (εν τω χρονιζειν). See verse 8 for the same idiom.