Luke 1:79 - Printer Friendly

ESV: to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.”

NIV: to shine on those living in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the path of peace.'

NASB: To shine on those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death, To guide our feet into the way of peace.'

CSB: to shine on those who live in darkness and the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.

NLT: to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, and to guide us to the path of peace.'

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

NKJV: To give light to those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death, To guide our feet into the way of peace.”

In Hebrew culture, "light" is the embodiment of truth and goodness (Psalm 27:1; 43:3). This is connected in symbolism to seeing the right path (Psalm 119:105; Proverbs 4:18). Old Testament prophecy anticipated the arrival of a Savior (Isaiah 9:6–7) whose ministry included this concept of being a "light" (Isaiah 9:2). The fulfillment of that prediction comes in the form of Jesus Christ (John 1:1–5; Matthew 4:16; Luke 1:78). The truth and wisdom His "light" reveals provide a means for people to be forgiven of sin (Luke 1:77; John 3:16–17) and freed from eternal death (John 8:51).

The same prophecies noted that Messiah would be associated with peace (Isaiah 9:6) and a freedom from fear (Zephaniah 3:14–15). Others mentioned light (Malachi 4:2), while noting that there would be a herald (Malachi 4:6) who would come before the Savior (Isaiah 40:3; Malachi 3:1). This herald is John the Baptist (Luke 1:13–17; 3:2–3). He will make it clear (John 1:19–23) that He is not the Christ, but a voice meant to point people towards God (Matthew 3:1–5). John's father, Zechariah (Luke 1:67) is celebrating this fulfillment of prophecy in an extended series of Old Testament quotes and echoes (Luke 1:68–78).

Luke 1:57–80 describes the first of two births predicted by the angel Gabriel in this chapter (Luke 1:13, 31). Despite their old age, Elizabeth and Zechariah have had a son, who now needs to be named. Zechariah has been stricken mute for months, after doubting the angel's message. Elizabeth surprises her family by naming the child "John." When asked, Zechariah writes down the same name and is immediately able to speak again. Amid the awestruck reaction of family and neighbors, the legendary reputation of John the Baptist has begun. Zechariah then prophesies about the powerful ministry of his son.

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.