Luke 1:54
He hath holpen his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy;
Original Language Analysis
ἀντελάβετο
He hath holpen
G482
ἀντελάβετο
He hath holpen
Strong's:
G482
Word #:
1 of 6
to take hold of in turn, i.e., succor; also to participate
Ἰσραὴλ
Israel
G2474
Ἰσραὴλ
Israel
Strong's:
G2474
Word #:
2 of 6
israel (i.e., jisrael), the adopted name of jacob, including his descendants (literally or figuratively)
παιδὸς
servant
G3816
παιδὸς
servant
Strong's:
G3816
Word #:
3 of 6
a boy (as often beaten with impunity), or (by analogy), a girl, and (genitive case) a child; specially, a slave or servant (especially a minister to a
αὐτοῦ
G846
αὐτοῦ
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
4 of 6
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
Psalms 98:3He hath remembered his mercy and his truth toward the house of Israel: all the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God.Micah 7:20Thou wilt perform the truth to Jacob, and the mercy to Abraham, which thou hast sworn unto our fathers from the days of old.Isaiah 44:21Remember these, O Jacob and Israel; for thou art my servant: I have formed thee; thou art my servant: O Israel, thou shalt not be forgotten of me.Jeremiah 31:20Is Ephraim my dear son? is he a pleasant child? for since I spake against him, I do earnestly remember him still: therefore my bowels are troubled for him; I will surely have mercy upon him, saith the LORD.
Historical Context
Written during Roman occupation when Israel seemed forgotten, Mary's words affirm God's covenant faithfulness. Jesus's birth fulfills centuries of promises to Israel, demonstrating that God never abandons His covenant people even through long periods of apparent silence.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's covenant faithfulness encourage us during apparent divine silence?
- What does it mean that God remembers His mercy and acts accordingly?
- How does Jesus's birth fulfill God's promises to Israel?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Mary declares God's help of 'his servant Israel' in remembrance of mercy, connecting her personal experience to national covenant promises. The phrase 'holpen' (Greek 'antelabeto') means to take hold of, support, or help—God actively intervenes for His people. Calling Israel 'his servant' echoes Isaiah 41:8-9 and affirms the nation's covenant relationship despite unfaithfulness. 'In remembrance of his mercy' indicates God acts according to His covenant promises, not Israel's merit. This demonstrates Reformed covenant theology—God's faithfulness to His word and His people based on His character, not their worthiness. Mary understands Jesus's coming as fulfillment of God's ancient promises.