Luk 1:68-79 | RWP | e4.org | Hath visited ( επεσκεψατο ). An old Greek word with a Hebraic colouring to look into with a view to help. The papyri have plenty of examples of the verb in the sense of inspecting, examining. Redemption ( λυτρωσιν ) here originally referred to political redemption, but with a moral and spiritual basis (verses , ).

‏ Luke 1:68-79

Hath visited ( επεσκεψατο ). An old Greek word with a Hebraic colouring to look into with a view to help. The papyri have plenty of examples of the verb in the sense of inspecting, examining.

Redemption ( λυτρωσιν ) here originally referred to political redemption, but with a moral and spiritual basis (verses 75, 77).

Horn of salvation ( κερας σωτηριας ). A common metaphor in the O.T. (1Sa 2:10; 2Sa 23:3, etc.). It represents strength like the horns of bulls. Cf. Ps. 132:17.

Since the world began ( απ' αιωνος ). Better "from of old" (Weymouth, American Revision).

The oath which he sware ( ορκον ον ωμοσεν ). Antecedent attracted to case of the relative. The oath appears in Ge 22:16-18. The oppression of the Gentiles seems to be in the mind of Zacharias. It is not certain how clearly he grasped the idea of the spiritual Israel as Paul saw it in Galatians and Romans.

Delivered ( ρυσθεντας ). First aorist passive participle of an old verb, ρυομα. The accusative case appears, where the dative could have been used to agree with ημιν, because of the infinitive λατρευειν (verse 74)

to serve (from

latros, for hire). But Plato uses the word of service for God so that the bad sense does not always exist.

In holiness and righteousness ( εν οσιοτητ κα δικαιοσυνη ). Not a usual combination (Eph 4:24; Tit 1:8; 1Th 2:10). The Godward and the manward aspects of conduct (Bruce). Hοσιος, the eternal principles of right, δικαιος, the rule of conduct before men.

Yea and thou ( κα συ δε ). Direct address to the child with forecast of his life (cf. 1:13-17).

Prophet ( προφητης ). The word here directly applied to the child. Jesus will later call John a prophet and more than a prophet.

The Lord ( Κυριου ). Jehovah as in 1:16.

Knowledge of salvation ( γνωσιν σωτηριας ). "This is the aim and end of the work of the Forerunner" (Plummer).

Tender mercy ( σπλαγχνα ελεους ). Bowels of mercy literally (1Pe 3:8; Jas 3:11). Revised margin has it, hearts of mercy.

The dayspring from on high ( ανατολη εξ υψους ). Literally, rising from on high, like the rising sun or stars (Isa 60:19). The word is used also of a sprouting plant or branch (Jer 23:5; Zec 6:12), but that does not suit here.

Shall visit ( επεσκεψετα ), correct text, cf. 1:68.

To shine upon ( επιφανα ). First aorist active infinitive of επιφαινω (liquid verb). An old verb to give light, to shine upon, like the sun or stars. See also Ac 27:20; Tit 2:11; 3:4.

The shadow of death ( σκια θανατου ). See Ps 107:10, where darkness and shadow of death are combined as here. Cf. also Isa 9:1. See on Mt 4:16. To guide ( του κατευθυνα ). Genitive of the articular infinitive of purpose. The light will enable them in the dark to see how to walk in a straight path that leads to "the way of peace." We are still on that road, but so many stumble for lack of light, men and nations.