Luke 1:50
And his mercy is on them that fear him from generation to generation.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 10
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
2 of 10
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
αὐτόν
him
G846
αὐτόν
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
4 of 10
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
εἰς
from
G1519
εἰς
from
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
5 of 10
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
γενεῶν
generation
G1074
γενεῶν
generation
Strong's:
G1074
Word #:
6 of 10
a generation; by implication, an age (the period or the persons)
γενεῶν
generation
G1074
γενεῶν
generation
Strong's:
G1074
Word #:
7 of 10
a generation; by implication, an age (the period or the persons)
τοῖς
G3588
τοῖς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 10
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Exodus 20:6And shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments.Genesis 17:7And I will establish my covenant between me and thee and thy seed after thee in their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be a God unto thee, and to thy seed after thee.Psalms 118:4Let them now that fear the LORD say, that his mercy endureth for ever.Psalms 145:19He will fulfil the desire of them that fear him: he also will hear their cry, and will save them.Psalms 31:19Oh how great is thy goodness, which thou hast laid up for them that fear thee; which thou hast wrought for them that trust in thee before the sons of men!Psalms 103:11For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward them that fear him.Psalms 115:13He will bless them that fear the LORD, both small and great.Revelation 19:5And a voice came out of the throne, saying, Praise our God, all ye his servants, and ye that fear him, both small and great.Psalms 147:11The LORD taketh pleasure in them that fear him, in those that hope in his mercy.Psalms 85:9Surely his salvation is nigh them that fear him; that glory may dwell in our land.
Historical Context
Mary's words echo Psalm 103:17, demonstrating her grounding in Scripture and covenant theology. God's mercy to her continues His pattern of covenant faithfulness to Abraham's seed (Luke 1:54-55), showing the unity of redemptive history.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's mercy extend across generations through covenant faithfulness?
- What is the relationship between fearing God and receiving His mercy?
- How does your experience of God's grace connect to His work throughout history?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Mary's declaration that God's 'mercy is on them that fear him from generation to generation' expresses covenant theology—God's mercy extends to those who fear Him across all generations. The phrase 'fear him' doesn't mean terror but reverential awe and obedient trust. This mercy isn't universal but particular, directed to those who fear Him, consistent with God's covenant promises. The phrase 'from generation to generation' (literally 'to generations and generations') emphasizes the continuity of God's covenant faithfulness. Mary understands her experience within salvation history—God's mercy to her connects to His eternal pattern of showing mercy to His covenant people. This Reformed understanding sees salvation as God's work spanning history.