Luke 1:71
That we should be saved from our enemies, and from the hand of all that hate us;
Original Language Analysis
σωτηρίαν
That we should be saved
G4991
σωτηρίαν
That we should be saved
Strong's:
G4991
Word #:
1 of 11
rescue or safety (physically or morally)
ἐκ
from
G1537
ἐκ
from
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
2 of 11
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
ἐχθρῶν
enemies
G2190
ἐχθρῶν
enemies
Strong's:
G2190
Word #:
3 of 11
hateful (passively, odious, or actively, hostile); usually as a noun, an adversary (especially satan)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
5 of 11
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἐκ
from
G1537
ἐκ
from
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
6 of 11
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
χειρὸς
the hand
G5495
χειρὸς
the hand
Strong's:
G5495
Word #:
7 of 11
the hand (literally or figuratively (power); especially (by hebraism) a means or instrument)
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 11
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Psalms 106:10And he saved them from the hand of him that hated them, and redeemed them from the hand of the enemy.Jeremiah 23:6In his days Judah shall be saved, and Israel shall dwell safely: and this is his name whereby he shall be called, THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS.Deuteronomy 33:29Happy art thou, O Israel: who is like unto thee, O people saved by the LORD, the shield of thy help, and who is the sword of thy excellency! and thine enemies shall be found liars unto thee; and thou shalt tread upon their high places.Ezekiel 34:28And they shall no more be a prey to the heathen, neither shall the beast of the land devour them; but they shall dwell safely, and none shall make them afraid.Jeremiah 32:37Behold, I will gather them out of all countries, whither I have driven them in mine anger, and in my fury, and in great wrath; and I will bring them again unto this place, and I will cause them to dwell safely:Luke 1:74That he would grant unto us, that we being delivered out of the hand of our enemies might serve him without fear,Ezekiel 34:25And I will make with them a covenant of peace, and will cause the evil beasts to cease out of the land: and they shall dwell safely in the wilderness, and sleep in the woods.
Historical Context
First-century Jews groaned under Roman occupation and anticipated Messiah's political deliverance. Yet Jesus's salvation would prove far greater—conquering sin and death rather than merely Rome. This spiritual interpretation doesn't negate physical deliverance but transcends it.
Questions for Reflection
- What are the ultimate 'enemies' from which Christ delivers believers?
- How does spiritual salvation surpass political or physical deliverance?
- Why did many Jews fail to recognize Jesus because they expected different enemies to be defeated?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Salvation defined as deliverance 'from our enemies, and from the hand of all that hate us' initially suggests political liberation, yet ultimately refers to spiritual salvation from sin, Satan, and death—humanity's true enemies. While Zacharias's Jewish audience longed for freedom from Rome, the deeper fulfillment addresses bondage to sin (Rom 6:6-7) and Satan's dominion (Col 1:13). The comprehensive phrase 'all that hate us' encompasses every hostile spiritual force. This demonstrates how God's promises have both immediate, partial fulfillment and ultimate, complete fulfillment in Christ. True salvation addresses not merely temporal oppression but eternal bondage to sin and its consequences.