Luke 1:72
To perform the mercy promised to our fathers, and to remember his holy covenant;
Original Language Analysis
ποιῆσαι
To perform
G4160
ποιῆσαι
To perform
Strong's:
G4160
Word #:
1 of 11
to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)
μετὰ
promised to
G3326
μετὰ
promised to
Strong's:
G3326
Word #:
3 of 11
properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 11
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πατέρων
fathers
G3962
πατέρων
fathers
Strong's:
G3962
Word #:
5 of 11
a "father" (literally or figuratively, near or more remote)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
7 of 11
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
μνησθῆναι
to remember
G3415
μνησθῆναι
to remember
Strong's:
G3415
Word #:
8 of 11
to bear in mind, i.e., recollect; by implication, to reward or punish
διαθήκης
covenant
G1242
διαθήκης
covenant
Strong's:
G1242
Word #:
9 of 11
properly, a disposition, i.e., (specially) a contract (especially a devisory will)
Cross References
Psalms 106:45And he remembered for them his covenant, and repented according to the multitude of his mercies.Leviticus 26:42Then will I remember my covenant with Jacob, and also my covenant with Isaac, and also my covenant with Abraham will I remember; and I will remember the land.Micah 7:20Thou wilt perform the truth to Jacob, and the mercy to Abraham, which thou hast sworn unto our fathers from the days of old.Romans 11:28As concerning the gospel, they are enemies for your sakes: but as touching the election, they are beloved for the fathers' sakes.Ezekiel 16:60Nevertheless I will remember my covenant with thee in the days of thy youth, and I will establish unto thee an everlasting covenant.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 28:14And thy seed shall be as the dust of the earth, and thou shalt spread abroad to the west, and to the east, and to the north, and to the south: and in thee and in thy seed shall all the families of the earth be blessed.
Historical Context
The covenant with Abraham (Gen 12, 15, 17), reaffirmed to Isaac and Jacob, promised blessing to all nations through their seed. God's faithfulness to these ancient promises, despite Israel's unfaithfulness, demonstrates the unconditional nature of His covenant commitment. Jesus's coming fulfills these centuries-old promises.
Questions for Reflection
- How does understanding salvation as covenant fulfillment change our view of its source?
- What does God's 'remembering' His covenant teach about His faithfulness?
- How does recognizing salvation as 'mercy' affect our response to it?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Salvation comes 'to perform the mercy promised to our fathers, and to remember his holy covenant.' This emphasizes that God's saving work flows from covenant faithfulness, not human merit. The word 'perform' (Greek 'poiesai') indicates accomplishment and completion—God bringing to fulfillment what He promised. 'Mercy' emphasizes the gracious character of salvation—unearned and undeserved. God's 'remembering' His covenant doesn't mean He forgot, but that He acts according to His covenant commitments. This verse articulates covenant theology: God saves because He promised, and He keeps His word. Salvation originates in God's sovereign, gracious promise to the patriarchs.