Luke 1:50 - Printer Friendly

ESV: And his mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation.

NIV: His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation.

NASB: And His mercy is to generation after generation Toward those who fear Him.

CSB: His mercy is from generation to generation on those who fear him.

NLT: He shows mercy from generation to generation to all who fear him.

KJV: And his mercy is on them that fear him from generation to generation.

NKJV: And His mercy is on those who fear Him From generation to generation.

Elizabeth reacted to the presence of Mary's unborn child (Luke 1:31–33) with Spirit-driven praise, as did her own unborn son (Luke 1:39–42). Mary, in turn, is responding with an extended song of praise (Luke 1:46). This draws from many parts of the Old Testament, whether by quoting verses or referencing broad ideas. Mary has already worshipped God as her Savior (Luke 1:47) and alluded to God's blessing of Hannah, the mother of the prophet Samuel (Luke 1:48; 1 Samuel 1:11; 2:1).

The prior verse noted God's great power (Luke 1:49; Psalm 50:1; 62:7; 106:2) as well as His holy perfection (Exodus 15:11; Leviticus 20:26; Psalm 99:5). The words of this verse resonate with that by declaring this holy, almighty God is also merciful (Psalm 25:6; 86:15), for generation after generation who honor Him. The "fear" she speaks of here is in the typical biblical sense of reverence and awe; this is humble submission, not abject terror.

Her words are probably a paraphrase of Psalm 103:17, as well as an agreement with Deuteronomy 5:10.

Luke 1:39–56 contains Mary's visit with her relative, Elizabeth, and her resulting praise of God. Both women are miraculously pregnant. Despite her old age, Elizabeth is several months pregnant with a boy who will one day be known as John the Baptist (Luke 1:13). Mary, a virgin, has recently learned that God has conceived in her the Messiah, to be named Jesus (Luke 1:31). The unborn John reacts when he hears Mary's voice. Mary responds to this with extensive praise of God, calling Him her "Savior." After staying for a while—possibly until the birth of John—Mary returns home.

The angel Gabriel predicts two miraculous births. The first is a son born to Zechariah and Elizabeth: an older, childless priest and his wife. Because Zechariah initially doubts this message, he is temporarily made unable to speak. Their child will be known as John the Baptist, a powerful herald of the Messiah. The Promised One whom John will proclaim is the second birth predicted by Gabriel. He tells an engaged virgin, Mary, that God will miraculously conceive His Son in her. The two women meet and rejoice over their blessings. John's arrival sets the stage for Luke's familiar account of the birth of Jesus Christ.

Luke was a travelling companion of the apostle Paul (Acts 16:10); his book of Acts is a direct "sequel" to the gospel of Luke (Acts 1:1–3). Those two books make up more than a quarter of the New Testament. Luke begins by explaining how his orderly approach is meant to inspire confidence in Christian faith. His work is based on eyewitness interviews and other evidence. The first chapter details the miraculous conceptions of John the Baptist and Jesus Christ. Chapter 2 continues with Jesus' birth.

Luke was a traveling companion of Paul (Acts 16:10) and a physician (Colossians 4:14). Unlike Matthew, Mark, and John, Luke writes his gospel as an historian, rather than as a first-hand eyewitness. His extensive writings also include the book of Acts (Acts 1:1–3). These are deliberately organized, carefully researched accounts of those events. The gospel of Luke focuses on the earthly ministry of Jesus Christ. Luke's Gentile perspective presents Christ as a Savior for all people, offering both forgiveness and direction to those who follow Him.

Accessed 5/9/2024 7:39:34 PM