Luke 1:70
As he spake by the mouth of his holy prophets, which have been since the world began:
Original Language Analysis
διὰ
by
G1223
διὰ
by
Strong's:
G1223
Word #:
3 of 11
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
στόματος
the mouth
G4750
στόματος
the mouth
Strong's:
G4750
Word #:
4 of 11
the mouth (as if a gash in the face); by implication, language (and its relations); figuratively, an opening (in the earth); specially, the front or e
τῶν
which
G3588
τῶν
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 11
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἁγίων
holy
G40
ἁγίων
holy
Strong's:
G40
Word #:
6 of 11
sacred (physically, pure, morally blameless or religious, ceremonially, consecrated)
τῶν
which
G3588
τῶν
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 11
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀπ'
have been since
G575
ἀπ'
have been since
Strong's:
G575
Word #:
8 of 11
"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
αἰῶνος
the world began
G165
αἰῶνος
the world began
Strong's:
G165
Word #:
9 of 11
properly, an age; by extension, perpetuity (also past); by implication, the world; specially (jewish) a messianic period (present or future)
Cross References
2 Peter 1:21For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.Romans 1:2(Which he had promised afore by his prophets in the holy scriptures,)Acts 28:25And when they agreed not among themselves, they departed, after that Paul had spoken one word, Well spake the Holy Ghost by Esaias the prophet unto our fathers,
Historical Context
From Genesis 3:15's first messianic promise through all subsequent prophets, God consistently revealed His redemptive plan. Zacharias, as a priest familiar with Scripture, recognized that recent events fulfilled this ancient, unified testimony. The phrase 'since the world began' emphasizes God's eternal purpose in redemption.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the unity of prophetic witness strengthen confidence in God's plan?
- What does it mean that God's salvation was proclaimed 'since the world began'?
- How does Jesus fulfill the testimony of all the prophets?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
God's speaking 'by the mouth of his holy prophets, which have been since the world began' establishes the continuity of redemptive revelation from creation onward. The phrase demonstrates that God's salvific purposes, now being fulfilled, were consistently proclaimed throughout Old Testament history. The designation 'holy prophets' emphasizes their divine authorization and the sacred character of their message. This verse supports the Reformed principle of the organic unity of Scripture—all prophets proclaim the same redemptive message pointing to Christ. Zacharias interprets Jesus's coming as fulfillment of all prior prophecy, not a new or separate plan.