Luke 1:77
To give knowledge of salvation unto his people by the remission of their sins,
Original Language Analysis
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 11
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
δοῦναι
To give
G1325
δοῦναι
To give
Strong's:
G1325
Word #:
2 of 11
to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)
γνῶσιν
knowledge
G1108
γνῶσιν
knowledge
Strong's:
G1108
Word #:
3 of 11
knowing (the act), i.e., (by implication) knowledge
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 11
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
λαῷ
people
G2992
λαῷ
people
Strong's:
G2992
Word #:
6 of 11
a people (in general; thus differing from g1218, which denotes one's own populace)
αὐτῶν
of their
G846
αὐτῶν
of their
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
7 of 11
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
Cross References
Acts 5:31Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins.Acts 10:43To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins.Acts 2:38Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.Acts 3:19Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord;John 1:34And I saw, and bare record that this is the Son of God.John 1:29The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.Luke 3:6And all flesh shall see the salvation of God.Luke 3:3And he came into all the country about Jordan, preaching the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins;Jeremiah 31:34And they shall teach no more every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the LORD: for they shall all know me, from the least of them unto the greatest of them, saith the LORD: for I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more.Ephesians 1:7In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;
Historical Context
John's baptism of repentance prepared people to recognize their sin and need for cleansing, pointing forward to Christ's actual sin-bearing work. His ministry created awareness that salvation means forgiveness, not merely political deliverance.
Questions for Reflection
- How does knowledge of sin and need for forgiveness prepare people to receive salvation?
- What is the difference between intellectual knowledge of salvation and experiential knowledge?
- Why is remission of sins central to salvation rather than merely one benefit?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
John's mission is 'to give knowledge of salvation unto his people by the remission of their sins.' This defines salvation in terms of forgiveness—remission (Greek 'aphesis,' release/cancellation) of sins. Knowledge of salvation isn't mere intellectual awareness but experiential understanding that sins are forgiven. John's preparatory ministry would make people conscious of sin and need for forgiveness, preparing them to receive Christ who actually accomplishes remission. The phrase 'his people' indicates particular, not universal salvation—God saves those who are His. This verse shows that true salvation requires both consciousness of sin and knowledge of forgiveness through Christ.