Luke 1:70

Authorized King James Version

As he spake by the mouth of his holy prophets, which have been since the world began:

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
καθὼς
As
just (or inasmuch) as, that
#2
ἐλάλησεν
he spake
to talk, i.e., utter words
#3
διὰ
by
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
#4
στόματος
the mouth
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
#5
τῶν
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#6
ἁγίων
G40
holy
sacred (physically, pure, morally blameless or religious, ceremonially, consecrated)
#7
τῶν
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#8
ἀπ'
have been since
"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
#9
αἰῶνος
the world began
properly, an age; by extension, perpetuity (also past); by implication, the world; specially (jewish) a messianic period (present or future)
#10
προφητῶν
prophets
a foreteller ("prophet"); by analogy, an inspired speaker; by extension, a poet
#11
αὐτοῦ
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

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Luke Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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