Luke 1:17
And he shall go before him in the spirit and power of Elias, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 24
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
αὐτοῦ
he
G846
αὐτοῦ
he
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
2 of 24
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
αὐτοῦ
he
G846
αὐτοῦ
he
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
5 of 24
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
πνεύματι
the spirit
G4151
πνεύματι
the spirit
Strong's:
G4151
Word #:
7 of 24
a current of air, i.e., breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit, i.e., (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital prin
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
8 of 24
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
δυνάμει
power
G1411
δυνάμει
power
Strong's:
G1411
Word #:
9 of 24
force (literally or figuratively); specially, miraculous power (usually by implication, a miracle itself)
καρδίας
the hearts
G2588
καρδίας
the hearts
Strong's:
G2588
Word #:
12 of 24
the heart, i.e., (figuratively) the thoughts or feelings (mind); also (by analogy) the middle
πατέρων
of the fathers
G3962
πατέρων
of the fathers
Strong's:
G3962
Word #:
13 of 24
a "father" (literally or figuratively, near or more remote)
ἐπὶ
to
G1909
ἐπὶ
to
Strong's:
G1909
Word #:
14 of 24
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
16 of 24
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
φρονήσει
the wisdom
G5428
φρονήσει
the wisdom
Strong's:
G5428
Word #:
19 of 24
mental action or activity, i.e., intellectual or moral insight
δικαίων
of the just
G1342
δικαίων
of the just
Strong's:
G1342
Word #:
20 of 24
equitable (in character or act); by implication, innocent, holy (absolutely or relatively)
κυρίῳ
for the Lord
G2962
κυρίῳ
for the Lord
Strong's:
G2962
Word #:
22 of 24
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
Cross References
Matthew 11:14And if ye will receive it, this is Elias, which was for to come.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;Psalms 78:8And might not be as their fathers, a stubborn and rebellious generation; a generation that set not their heart aright, and whose spirit was not stedfast with God.John 3:28Ye yourselves bear me witness, that I said, I am not the Christ, but that I am sent before him.1 Chronicles 29:18O LORD God of Abraham, Isaac, and of Israel, our fathers, keep this for ever in the imagination of the thoughts of the heart of thy people, and prepare their heart unto thee:Revelation 20:4And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years.Colossians 1:12Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light:Psalms 111:10The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do his commandments: his praise endureth for ever.1 Peter 2:9But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:Isaiah 29:24They also that erred in spirit shall come to understanding, and they that murmured shall learn doctrine.
Historical Context
Malachi's prophecy (Malachi 4:5-6) was the last word of Old Testament prophecy, promising Elijah's return before 'the great and dreadful day of the LORD.' Jewish expectation of Elijah's return was widespread in the first century. John's desert lifestyle, prophetic preaching, and call to repentance consciously embodied Elijah's ministry pattern. Jesus later explicitly identified John as the promised Elijah (Matthew 11:14, 17:12-13), though John himself denied being Elijah personally (John 1:21), understanding his role as fulfilling Elijah's function rather than being Elijah himself.
Questions for Reflection
- How does John's ministry 'in the spirit and power of Elijah' fulfill Old Testament prophecy while establishing New Testament realities?
- What does the emphasis on turning fathers' hearts to children suggest about the spiritual preparation needed for receiving the Messiah?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
John would go before the Lord 'in the spirit and power of Elijah' to turn hearts. This explicitly identifies John as the prophesied Elijah figure from Malachi 4:5-6, who would prepare the way for the Messiah. The 'spirit and power' (Greek 'pneumati kai dynamei,' πνεύματι καὶ δυνάμει) refers not to Elijah's reincarnation but to the same Holy Spirit anointing and prophetic authority. The mission involves reconciliation—'turn the hearts of the fathers to the children'—restoring covenant relationships broken by sin and preparing a people spiritually ready for the Lord's coming.