Luke 3:6
And all flesh shall see the salvation of God.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 8
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ὄψεται
shall see
G3700
ὄψεται
shall see
Strong's:
G3700
Word #:
2 of 8
to gaze (i.e., with wide-open eyes, as at something remarkable; and thus differing from g0991, which denotes simply voluntary observation; and from g1
σὰρξ
flesh
G4561
σὰρξ
flesh
Strong's:
G4561
Word #:
4 of 8
flesh (as stripped of the skin), i.e., (strictly) the meat of an animal (as food), or (by extension) the body (as opposed to the soul (or spirit), or
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 8
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Isaiah 52:10The LORD hath made bare his holy arm in the eyes of all the nations; and all the ends of the earth shall see the salvation of our God.Isaiah 40:5And the glory of the LORD shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it.Isaiah 49:6And he said, It is a light thing that thou shouldest be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to restore the preserved of Israel: I will also give thee for a light to the Gentiles, that thou mayest be my salvation unto the end of the earth.Romans 10:18But I say, Have they not heard? Yes verily, their sound went into all the earth, and their words unto the ends of the world.Romans 10:12For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him.
Historical Context
John's quotation from Isaiah 40:5 extends beyond Israel to encompass all humanity. This universal scope challenged Jewish exclusivism while encouraging Gentile inclusion. The gospel's spread to all nations fulfilled this prophecy, demonstrating God's salvation transcends ethnic boundaries.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the universal scope of salvation ('all flesh') challenge ethnic or cultural exclusivism?
- What is the difference between universal opportunity to see salvation and universal salvation?
- How does Christ's salvation being 'of God' emphasize its divine source and accomplishment?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The climactic promise 'and all flesh shall see the salvation of God' declares the universal scope of God's redemptive work. The phrase 'all flesh' indicates every ethnic group and social class will have opportunity to witness God's salvation in Christ. This doesn't promise universal salvation but universal revelation and opportunity. The salvation is specifically 'of God'—originating in His initiative, accomplished by His power, demonstrating His character. That all flesh will 'see' implies both physical witnessing of Christ's ministry and spiritual perception of salvation's availability. This fulfills the Abrahamic promise that all nations would be blessed through his seed (Gen 12:3; 22:18). John's ministry inaugurates this universal offer.