King James Version
What Does Luke 1:79 Mean?
“To give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.”
Context
77
To give knowledge of salvation unto his people by the remission of their sins, by: or, for
78
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
79
To give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.
80
And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, and was in the deserts till the day of his shewing unto Israel.
Topics in This Verse
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(79) **To give light to them that sit in darkness.**—The words are an echo of those of Isaiah 9:2, which we have already met with in Matthew 4:16, where see Note. Here they carry on the thought of the sunrise lighting up the path of those who had sat all night long in the dark ravine, and whose feet were now guided into “the way of peace,” that word including, as it always did, with the Hebrew, every form of blessedness.
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 1:79 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 1:79
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge