Luke 1:16
And many of the children of Israel shall he turn to the Lord their God.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 11
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
πολλοὺς
many
G4183
πολλοὺς
many
Strong's:
G4183
Word #:
2 of 11
(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 11
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
υἱῶν
of the children
G5207
υἱῶν
of the children
Strong's:
G5207
Word #:
4 of 11
a "son" (sometimes of animals), used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship
Ἰσραὴλ
of Israel
G2474
Ἰσραὴλ
of Israel
Strong's:
G2474
Word #:
5 of 11
israel (i.e., jisrael), the adopted name of jacob, including his descendants (literally or figuratively)
ἐπιστρέψει
shall he turn
G1994
ἐπιστρέψει
shall he turn
Strong's:
G1994
Word #:
6 of 11
to revert (literally, figuratively or morally)
ἐπὶ
to
G1909
ἐπὶ
to
Strong's:
G1909
Word #:
7 of 11
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
the Lord
G2962
κύριον
the Lord
Strong's:
G2962
Word #:
8 of 11
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 11
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Matthew 21:32For John came unto you in the way of righteousness, and ye believed him not: but the publicans and the harlots believed him: and ye, when ye had seen it, repented not afterward, that ye might believe him.Daniel 12:3And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever.Isaiah 49:6And he said, It is a light thing that thou shouldest be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to restore the preserved of Israel: I will also give thee for a light to the Gentiles, that thou mayest be my salvation unto the end of the earth.Luke 1:76And thou, child, shalt be called the prophet of the Highest: for thou shalt go before the face of the Lord to prepare his ways;Malachi 3:1Behold, I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me: and the Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to his temple, even the messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in: behold, he shall come, saith the LORD of hosts.
Historical Context
First-century Judaism had strayed into legalism and ritualism, losing sight of heartfelt devotion to God. John's prophetic call to repentance addressed both moral corruption and spiritual complacency, preparing hearts for Messiah's coming.
Questions for Reflection
- What does it mean to truly 'turn to the Lord' versus merely religious practice?
- How does John's ministry of turning people to God prepare for Christ's gospel?
- Why does even powerful preaching only turn 'many' rather than all people?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
John's ministry to 'turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God' describes the work of true prophetic ministry—calling God's people back to covenant faithfulness. The word 'epistrephei' (turn) indicates repentance, a fundamental change of direction. Not all Israel would turn (hence 'many,' not 'all'), anticipating the reality of both believing and unbelieving Israel. From a Reformed perspective, this demonstrates effectual calling—John's preaching would effectively turn many whom God had chosen, while others would reject the message, fulfilling divine sovereignty in salvation.