Luke 1:79

Authorized King James Version

To give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
ἐπιφᾶναι
To give light
to shine upon, i.e., become (literally) visible or (figuratively) known
#2
τοῖς
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#3
ἐν
in
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#4
σκότει
darkness
shadiness, i.e., obscurity (literally or figuratively)
#5
καὶ
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#6
σκιᾷ
in the shadow
"shade" or a shadow (literally or figuratively (darkness of error or an adumbration))
#7
θανάτου
of death
(properly, an adjective used as a noun) death (literally or figuratively)
#8
καθημένοις
to them that sit
and ???? (to sit; akin to the base of g1476); to sit down; figuratively, to remain, reside
#9
τοῦ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#10
κατευθῦναι
to guide
to straighten fully, i.e., (figuratively) direct
#11
τοὺς
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#12
πόδας
feet
a "foot" (figuratively or literally)
#13
ἡμῶν
our
of (or from) us
#14
εἰς
into
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
#15
ὁδὸν
the way
a road; by implication, a progress (the route, act or distance); figuratively, a mode or means
#16
εἰρήνης
of peace
peace (literally or figuratively); by implication, prosperity

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 peace 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 peace. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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