King James Version

What Does Luke 1:17 Mean?

Luke 1:17 in the King James Version says “And he shall go before him in the spirit and power of Elias, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the ... — study this verse from Luke chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

And he shall go before him in the spirit and power of Elias, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to make ready a people prepared for the Lord. to the wisdom: or, by the wisdom

Luke 1:17 · KJV


Context

15

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.

16

And many of the children of Israel shall he turn to the Lord their God.

17

And he shall go before him in the spirit and power of Elias, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to make ready a people prepared for the Lord. to the wisdom: or, by the wisdom

18

And Zacharias said unto the angel, Whereby shall I know this? for I am an old man, and my wife well stricken in years .

19

And the angel answering said unto him, I am Gabriel, that stand in the presence of God; and am sent to speak unto thee, and to shew thee these glad tidings.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
John would go before the Lord 'in the spirit and power of Elijah' to turn hearts. This explicitly identifies John as the prophesied Elijah figure from Malachi 4:5-6, who would prepare the way for the Messiah. The 'spirit and power' (Greek 'pneumati kai dynamei,' πνεύματι καὶ δυνάμει) refers not to Elijah's reincarnation but to the same Holy Spirit anointing and prophetic authority. The mission involves reconciliation—'turn the hearts of the fathers to the children'—restoring covenant relationships broken by sin and preparing a people spiritually ready for the Lord's coming.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Malachi's prophecy (Malachi 4:5-6) was the last word of Old Testament prophecy, promising Elijah's return before 'the great and dreadful day of the LORD.' Jewish expectation of Elijah's return was widespread in the first century. John's desert lifestyle, prophetic preaching, and call to repentance consciously embodied Elijah's ministry pattern. Jesus later explicitly identified John as the promised Elijah (Matthew 11:14, 17:12-13), though John himself denied being Elijah personally (John 1:21), understanding his role as fulfilling Elijah's function rather than being Elijah himself.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does John's ministry 'in the spirit and power of Elijah' fulfill Old Testament prophecy while establishing New Testament realities?
  2. What does the emphasis on turning fathers' hearts to children suggest about the spiritual preparation needed for receiving the Messiah?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 24 words
καὶ1 of 24

And

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

αὐτοῦ2 of 24

he

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

προελεύσεται3 of 24

shall go

G4281

to go onward, precede (in place or time)

ἐνώπιον4 of 24

before

G1799

in the face of (literally or figuratively)

αὐτοῦ5 of 24

he

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

ἐν6 of 24

in

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

πνεύματι7 of 24

the spirit

G4151

a current of air, i.e., breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit, i.e., (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital prin

καὶ8 of 24

And

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

δυνάμει9 of 24

power

G1411

force (literally or figuratively); specially, miraculous power (usually by implication, a miracle itself)

Ἠλίου10 of 24

of Elias

G2243

helias (i.e., elijah), an israelite

ἐπιστρέψαι11 of 24

to turn

G1994

to revert (literally, figuratively or morally)

καρδίας12 of 24

the hearts

G2588

the heart, i.e., (figuratively) the thoughts or feelings (mind); also (by analogy) the middle

πατέρων13 of 24

of the fathers

G3962

a "father" (literally or figuratively, near or more remote)

ἐπὶ14 of 24

to

G1909

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

τέκνα15 of 24

the children

G5043

a child (as produced)

καὶ16 of 24

And

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἀπειθεῖς17 of 24

the disobedient

G545

unpersuadable, i.e., contumacious

ἐν18 of 24

in

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

φρονήσει19 of 24

the wisdom

G5428

mental action or activity, i.e., intellectual or moral insight

δικαίων20 of 24

of the just

G1342

equitable (in character or act); by implication, innocent, holy (absolutely or relatively)

ἑτοιμάσαι21 of 24

to make ready

G2090

to prepare

κυρίῳ22 of 24

for the Lord

G2962

supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)

λαὸν23 of 24

a people

G2992

a people (in general; thus differing from g1218, which denotes one's own populace)

κατεσκευασμένον24 of 24

prepared

G2680

to prepare thoroughly (properly, by external equipment; whereas g2090 refers rather to internal fitness); by implication, to construct, create


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Luke. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Luke 1:17 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Luke 1:17 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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