Luke 1:68
Blessed be the Lord God of Israel; for he hath visited and redeemed his people,
Original Language Analysis
κύριος
be the Lord
G2962
κύριος
be the Lord
Strong's:
G2962
Word #:
2 of 14
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 14
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θεὸς
God
G2316
θεὸς
God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
4 of 14
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 14
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Ἰσραήλ
of Israel
G2474
Ἰσραήλ
of Israel
Strong's:
G2474
Word #:
6 of 14
israel (i.e., jisrael), the adopted name of jacob, including his descendants (literally or figuratively)
ὅτι
for
G3754
ὅτι
for
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
7 of 14
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
ἐπεσκέψατο
he hath visited
G1980
ἐπεσκέψατο
he hath visited
Strong's:
G1980
Word #:
8 of 14
to inspect, i.e., (by implication) to select; by extension, to go to see, relieve
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
9 of 14
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἐποίησεν
G4160
ἐποίησεν
Strong's:
G4160
Word #:
10 of 14
to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
12 of 14
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Psalms 106:48Blessed be the LORD God of Israel from everlasting to everlasting: and let all the people say, Amen. Praise ye the LORD.Luke 7:16And there came a fear on all: and they glorified God, saying, That a great prophet is risen up among us; and, That God hath visited his people.Psalms 41:13Blessed be the LORD God of Israel from everlasting, and to everlasting. Amen, and Amen.Psalms 111:9He sent redemption unto his people: he hath commanded his covenant for ever: holy and reverend is his name.Exodus 4:31And the people believed: and when they heard that the LORD had visited the children of Israel, and that he had looked upon their affliction, then they bowed their heads and worshipped.1 Kings 1:48And also thus said the king, Blessed be the LORD God of Israel, which hath given one to sit on my throne this day, mine eyes even seeing it.Ephesians 1:3Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:Luke 2:38And she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem.Ephesians 1:7In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;1 Chronicles 29:20And David said to all the congregation, Now bless the LORD your God. And all the congregation blessed the LORD God of their fathers, and bowed down their heads, and worshipped the LORD, and the king.
Historical Context
After nine months of divinely-imposed silence (Luke 1:20), Zacharias spoke this prophecy at John's circumcision and naming. The Benedictus reflects Jewish liturgical forms and echoes psalms, prophets, and covenant promises. Zacharias connects current events to the 'oath which he sware to our father Abraham' (v.73), demonstrating continuity between Old and New Testaments. His prophecy anticipates political deliverance ('saved from our enemies,' v.71) while ultimately pointing to spiritual salvation ('to give knowledge of salvation unto his people by the remission of their sins,' v.77).
Questions for Reflection
- How does Zacharias's prophecy demonstrate the unity of Scripture and God's faithfulness across generations?
- What is the relationship between the political deliverance first-century Jews expected and the spiritual salvation Jesus actually brought?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Zacharias's prophecy, called the Benedictus, begins 'Blessed be the Lord God of Israel; for he hath visited and redeemed his people' (εὐλογητὸς κύριος ὁ θεὸς τοῦ Ἰσραήλ, ὅτι ἐπεσκέψατο καὶ ἐποίησεν λύτρωσιν τῷ λαῷ αὐτοῦ). The verb 'episkeptomai' (ἐπισκέπτομαι, 'visited') indicates divine intervention—God personally coming to help. The term 'lytrōsis' (λύτρωσις, 'redemption') refers to releasing captives through payment of ransom, pointing to Christ's atoning work. Zacharias interprets recent events through Israel's covenant history, seeing John and Jesus as fulfillment of Abrahamic and Davidic promises. The aorist tenses treat future events as accomplished facts because God's purposes are certain.