Luke 1:78

Authorized King James Version

Through the tender mercy of our God; whereby the dayspring from on high hath visited us,

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
διὰ
Through
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
#2
σπλάγχνα
the tender
an intestine (plural); figuratively, pity or sympathy
#3
ἐλέους
mercy
compassion (human or divine, especially active)
#4
θεοῦ
God
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
#5
ἡμῶν
of our
of (or from) us
#6
ἐν
whereby
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#7
οἷς
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
#8
ἐπεσκέψατο
hath visited
to inspect, i.e., (by implication) to select; by extension, to go to see, relieve
#9
ἡμᾶς
us
us
#10
ἀνατολὴ
the dayspring
a rising of light, i.e., dawn (figuratively); by implication, the east (also in plural)
#11
ἐξ
from
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
#12
ὕψους
on high
elevation, i.e., (abstractly) altitude, (specially), the sky, or (figuratively) dignity

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 mercy 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 historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood mercy. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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