Luke 1:55
As he spake to our fathers, to Abraham, and to his seed for ever.
Original Language Analysis
πρὸς
to
G4314
πρὸς
to
Strong's:
G4314
Word #:
3 of 15
a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,
τοὺς
G3588
τοὺς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πατέρας
fathers
G3962
πατέρας
fathers
Strong's:
G3962
Word #:
5 of 15
a "father" (literally or figuratively, near or more remote)
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
9 of 15
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
σπέρματι
seed
G4690
σπέρματι
seed
Strong's:
G4690
Word #:
11 of 15
something sown, i.e., seed (including the male "sperm"); by implication, offspring; specially, a remnant (figuratively, as if kept over for planting)
αὐτοῦ
to his
G846
αὐτοῦ
to his
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
12 of 15
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
for
G1519
εἰς
for
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
13 of 15
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
Cross References
Genesis 17:19And God said, Sarah thy wife shall bear thee a son indeed; and thou shalt call his name Isaac: and I will establish my covenant with him for an everlasting covenant, and with his seed after him.Genesis 26:4And I will make thy seed to multiply as the stars of heaven, and will give unto thy seed all these countries; and in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed;Genesis 12:3And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.Genesis 22:18And in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed; because thou hast obeyed my voice.
Historical Context
God's promise to Abraham initiated the covenant relationship that culminates in Christ. Mary, as a Jewish woman steeped in Scripture, understood her role in this covenant history. The promise 'to his seed' (singular) points ultimately to Christ (Gal 3:16), through whom all nations are blessed.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the Abrahamic covenant connect Old Testament promises to New Testament fulfillment?
- What does it mean to be part of Abraham's spiritual seed through faith?
- How does recognizing God's eternal covenant encourage perseverance in faith?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Mary specifies that God spoke mercy 'to our fathers, to Abraham, and to his seed for ever,' grounding Jesus's coming in the Abrahamic covenant (Gen 12:1-3; 17:7). The promise extends beyond ethnic Israel to all who share Abraham's faith (Gal 3:7, 29). The phrase 'for ever' establishes the eternal nature of God's covenant—not limited to one generation or era but extending throughout all ages. This verse demonstrates the unity of Scripture and redemptive history—God's promise to Abraham finds fulfillment in Christ. Mary's theology recognizes continuity between Old and New Testaments, both revealing God's sovereign grace in saving His chosen people.