Luke Chapter 1 · Verse 79
To give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.
Original Language Analysis
ἐπιφᾶναι
To give light
G2014
ἐπιφᾶναι
To give light
Strong's:
G2014
Word #:
1 of 16
to shine upon, i.e., become (literally) visible or (figuratively) known
τοῖς
G3588
τοῖς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
2 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
σκότει
darkness
G4655
σκότει
darkness
Strong's:
G4655
Word #:
4 of 16
shadiness, i.e., obscurity (literally or figuratively)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
5 of 16
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
σκιᾷ
in the shadow
G4639
σκιᾷ
in the shadow
Strong's:
G4639
Word #:
6 of 16
"shade" or a shadow (literally or figuratively (darkness of error or an adumbration))
θανάτου
of death
G2288
θανάτου
of death
Strong's:
G2288
Word #:
7 of 16
(properly, an adjective used as a noun) death (literally or figuratively)
καθημένοις
to them that sit
G2521
καθημένοις
to them that sit
Strong's:
G2521
Word #:
8 of 16
and ???? (to sit; akin to the base of g1476); to sit down; figuratively, to remain, reside
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κατευθῦναι
to guide
G2720
κατευθῦναι
to guide
Strong's:
G2720
Word #:
10 of 16
to straighten fully, i.e., (figuratively) direct
τοὺς
G3588
τοὺς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
εἰς
into
G1519
εἰς
into
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
14 of 16
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
Cross References
Isaiah 9:2The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined.Matthew 4:16The people which sat in darkness saw great light; and to them which sat in the region and shadow of death light is sprung up.Acts 26:18To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.Isaiah 42:7To open the blind eyes, to bring out the prisoners from the prison, and them that sit in darkness out of the prison house.Ephesians 5:8For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light:John 12:46I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness.John 8:12Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.Psalms 107:14He brought them out of darkness and the shadow of death, and brake their bands in sunder.John 9:5As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.Psalms 107:10Such as sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, being bound in affliction and iron;
Historical Context
This prophecy comes at the end of Zechariah's Benedictus (Luke 1:68-79), spoken when John was named and Zechariah's speech restored. The imagery would resonate deeply with first-century Jews suffering under Roman occupation—darkness and death's shadow were lived realities. However, Zechariah identifies spiritual darkness as humanity's deeper problem, needing divine light for rescue. Isaiah's prophecies of light coming to those in darkness (Isaiah 9:2, 42:6-7, 60:1-3) were understood as messianic promises. Jesus later identifies Himself as 'the light of the world' (John 8:12, 9:5), fulfilling this prophecy.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the imagery of light versus darkness and death's shadow describe humanity's spiritual condition apart from Christ?
- What does the phrase 'guide our feet into the way of peace' teach about Christ's mission beyond mere rescue from darkness?
Analysis & Commentary
Zechariah prophesies that Messiah will give 'light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.' The imagery combines Isaiah 9:2 (light to those in darkness) with Psalm 107:10-14 (shadow of death). Darkness represents sin, ignorance, and spiritual death; light represents revelation, truth, and life. The 'shadow of death' (Greek 'skia thanatou,' σκιᾷ θανάτου) depicts humanity's desperate condition—not merely walking in darkness but sitting in death's shadow, helpless and hopeless. Christ's coming brings light that reveals truth, dispels darkness, and guides into peace (reconciliation with God).