Luke 1:16

Authorized King James Version

And many of the children of Israel shall he turn to the Lord their God.

Word-by-Word Analysis

καὶ

G2532

And

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

πολλοὺς

G4183

many

(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely

τῶν

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

υἱῶν

G5207

of the children

a "son" (sometimes of animals), used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship

Ἰσραὴλ

G2474

of Israel

israel (i.e., jisrael), the adopted name of jacob, including his descendants (literally or figuratively)

ἐπιστρέψει

G1994

shall he turn

to revert (literally, figuratively or morally)

ἐπὶ

G1909

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

κύριον

G2962

the Lord

supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)

τὸν

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#10

θεὸν

G2316

God

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

#11

αὐτῶν

G846

their

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine sovereignty contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Luke Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does understanding divine sovereignty in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine sovereignty address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?

Related Resources

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Luke 1:16

Analysis

Historical Context

Questions for Reflection

Related Resources

Topics

People

Study Resources