Luke 1:33
And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 16
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἐπὶ
over
G1909
ἐπὶ
over
Strong's:
G1909
Word #:
3 of 16
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
οἶκον
the house
G3624
οἶκον
the house
Strong's:
G3624
Word #:
5 of 16
a dwelling (more or less extensive, literal or figurative); by implication, a family (more or less related, literally or figuratively)
Ἰακὼβ
of Jacob
G2384
Ἰακὼβ
of Jacob
Strong's:
G2384
Word #:
6 of 16
jacob (i.e., ja`akob), the progenitor of the israelites
εἰς
for
G1519
εἰς
for
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
7 of 16
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τοὺς
G3588
τοὺς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
αἰῶνας
ever
G165
αἰῶνας
ever
Strong's:
G165
Word #:
9 of 16
properly, an age; by extension, perpetuity (also past); by implication, the world; specially (jewish) a messianic period (present or future)
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
10 of 16
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
βασιλείας
kingdom
G932
βασιλείας
kingdom
Strong's:
G932
Word #:
12 of 16
properly, royalty, i.e., (abstractly) rule, or (concretely) a realm (literally or figuratively)
αὐτοῦ
of his
G846
αὐτοῦ
of his
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
13 of 16
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
Cross References
Daniel 2:44And in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed: and the kingdom shall not be left to other people, but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand for ever.Hebrews 1:8But unto the Son he saith, Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of thy kingdom.Daniel 7:27And the kingdom and dominion, and the greatness of the kingdom under the whole heaven, shall be given to the people of the saints of the most High, whose kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and all dominions shall serve and obey him.2 Samuel 7:16And thine house and thy kingdom shall be established for ever before thee: thy throne shall be established for ever.Revelation 11:15And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever.Matthew 28:18And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.Psalms 45:6Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: the sceptre of thy kingdom is a right sceptre.Micah 4:7And I will make her that halted a remnant, and her that was cast far off a strong nation: and the LORD shall reign over them in mount Zion from henceforth, even for ever.Daniel 7:18But the saints of the most High shall take the kingdom, and possess the kingdom for ever, even for ever and ever.Galatians 3:29And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.
Historical Context
Jewish expectation focused on Messiah's political reign over Israel, but Gabriel's words point to an eternal, spiritual kingdom. The promise of endless reign echoes 2 Samuel 7:12-16 where God promised David an everlasting dynasty, fulfilled ultimately in Christ.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Christ's eternal kingdom differ from Israel's expectations of political messianic rule?
- What does it mean that Christ's kingdom has no end while earthly kingdoms rise and fall?
- How should Christ's present kingship shape how we live today?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Gabriel's prophecy that Jesus 'shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever' and that 'of his kingdom there shall be no end' establishes Christ's eternal kingship. The phrase 'house of Jacob' connects Jesus to Israel's covenant promises while 'for ever' transcends ethnic boundaries to God's eternal kingdom. The emphasis on endless reign distinguishes Christ's kingdom from all earthly kingdoms that rise and fall. From a Reformed perspective, this prophesies Christ's mediatorial kingship that will culminate in delivering the kingdom to the Father (1 Cor 15:24-28). Jesus's reign isn't merely spiritual or future—it began at His resurrection and continues eternally.