King James Version

What Does Luke 1:78 Mean?

“Through the tender mercy of our God; whereby the dayspring from on high hath visited us, tender: or, bowels of the mercy dayspring: or, Sunrising, or, branch, Zac.3.8, esay II, I Malich.4.2, numb.24.17”

Context

And thou, child, shalt be called the prophet of the Highest: for thou shalt go before the face of the Lord to prepare his ways;

To give knowledge of salvation unto his people by the remission of their sins, by: or, for

Through the tender mercy of our God; whereby the dayspring from on high hath visited us, tender: or, bowels of the mercy dayspring: or, Sunrising, or, branch, Zac.3.8, esay II, I Malich.4.2, numb.24.17

To give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.

And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, and was in the deserts till the day of his shewing unto Israel.

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Commentary

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(78) **Through the tender mercy.**—Literally, *on account of the bowels of mercy of our God.* After this manner the Jews spoke of what we should call *“*the heart” of God. The word was a favourite one with St. Paul, as in the Greek of 2Corinthians 7:15; Philippians 1:8, Php_2:1; Colossians 3:12. The pity that moved the heart of God is thought of, not as the instrument through which, but that on account of which, the work of the Baptist was to be accomplished. **The dayspring from on high.**—The English word expresses the force of the Greek very beautifully. The dawn is seen in the East rising upward, breaking through the darkness. We must remember, however, that the word had acquired another specially Messianic association, through its use in the LXX. version as the equivalent for the “Branch,” “that which springs upward,” of Jeremiah 23:5; Zechariah 3:8. Here the thought of the sunrise is prominent, and it connects itself with such predictions as, “The glory of the Lord hath risen upon thee” (Isaiah 60:1), “The sun of righteousness shall rise” (Malachi 4:2). What had become a Messianic name is taken in its primary sense, and turned into a parable. **Hath visited us.**—Better, *hath looked upon us.*

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 1:78 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.