Luke 1:78
Through the tender mercy of our God; whereby the dayspring from on high hath visited us,
Original Language Analysis
διὰ
Through
G1223
διὰ
Through
Strong's:
G1223
Word #:
1 of 12
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
σπλάγχνα
the tender
G4698
σπλάγχνα
the tender
Strong's:
G4698
Word #:
2 of 12
an intestine (plural); figuratively, pity or sympathy
θεοῦ
God
G2316
θεοῦ
God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
4 of 12
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
οἷς
G3739
οἷς
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
7 of 12
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
ἐπεσκέψατο
hath visited
G1980
ἐπεσκέψατο
hath visited
Strong's:
G1980
Word #:
8 of 12
to inspect, i.e., (by implication) to select; by extension, to go to see, relieve
ἀνατολὴ
the dayspring
G395
ἀνατολὴ
the dayspring
Strong's:
G395
Word #:
10 of 12
a rising of light, i.e., dawn (figuratively); by implication, the east (also in plural)
Cross References
2 Peter 1:19We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts:Malachi 4:2But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings; and ye shall go forth, and grow up as calves of the stall.Colossians 3:12Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;Ephesians 5:14Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light.Numbers 24:17I shall see him, but not now: I shall behold him, but not nigh: there shall come a Star out of Jacob, and a Sceptre shall rise out of Israel, and shall smite the corners of Moab, and destroy all the children of Sheth.Philippians 2:1If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies,Revelation 22:16I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star.Isaiah 11:1And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots:1 John 3:17But whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?Zechariah 6:12And speak unto him, saying, Thus speaketh the LORD of hosts, saying, Behold the man whose name is The BRANCH; and he shall grow up out of his place, and he shall build the temple of the LORD:
Historical Context
The imagery of sunrise after darkness resonated with Israel's hope for deliverance. Christ as 'dayspring' fulfilled prophecies of light coming to those in darkness (Isa 9:2; 60:1-2; Mal 4:2). His advent brought spiritual illumination after centuries of prophetic silence.
Questions for Reflection
- What does the image of 'dayspring' or sunrise teach about Christ's coming and work?
- How does salvation originating in God's 'tender mercy' shape our understanding of its source?
- What does it mean that Christ 'visited' humanity from heaven?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Salvation comes 'through the tender mercy of our God' whereby 'the dayspring from on high hath visited us.' 'Tender mercy' (Greek 'splagchna eleous,' bowels of mercy) indicates deep compassion. 'Dayspring' (anatole) means sunrise/dawn, symbolizing Christ as light breaking into darkness. The phrase 'from on high' emphasizes heaven as the source—salvation descends from God, not ascending from humanity. The verb 'visited' (episkeptomai) indicates divine intervention in human affairs. This verse beautifully expresses that salvation originates entirely in God's compassionate initiative, bringing light to those in darkness. Christ's coming is compared to sunrise—inevitable, powerful, illuminating, life-giving.