King James Version
What Does Luke 1:54 Mean?
“He hath holpen his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy;”
Context
52
He hath put down the mighty from their seats, and exalted them of low degree.
53
He hath filled the hungry with good things; and the rich he hath sent empty away.
54
He hath holpen his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy;
55
As he spake to our fathers, to Abraham, and to his seed for ever.
56
And Mary abode with her about three months, and returned to her own house.
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(54) **He hath holpen his servant Israel.**—Up to this point the hymn has been one of personal thanks-giving. Now we find that all the soul of the maiden of Nazareth is with her people. Her joy in the “great things “which God has done for her rests on the fact that they are “great things “for Israel also. The word which she uses for her people is that which expresses their relation to God as “the servant” of Jehovah, who is prominent in the later chapters of Isaiah, and is in Isaiah 41:8 identified with the nation, as elsewhere with the nation’s Head (Isaiah 42:1). One may see in the utterance of this hope already seen as realised, an indication of the early date of the hymn. At the time when St. Luke wrote, the rejection, not the restoration of Israel, was the dominant thought in men’s minds.
**In remembrance.**—Literally, *in order to remember.* He helped Israel, as with the purpose to prove Himself not unmindful of His promised mercy.
Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.
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 1:54 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 1:54
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge