Luke 7:16
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Luke 7:16
16 And there came a fear on all: and they glorified God, saying, That a great prophet is risen up among us; and, That God hath visited his people.
Chapter Context
Luke 7 is a historical gospel chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of obedience, discipleship, love. Written during the late first century CE (c. 80-85 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Written when Christians needed to understand their place in the Roman world.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-50: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it addresses timeless questions about faith, suffering, and divine purpose. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Luke and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Luke 7:16
16 And there came a fear on all: and they glorified God, saying, That a great prophet is risen up among us; and, That God hath visited his people.
Analysis
After the resurrection miracle, people responded: 'There came a fear on all: and they glorified God, saying, That a great prophet is risen up among us; and, That God hath visited his people.' The 'fear' (Greek 'phobos,' φόβος) is holy awe, not terror—appropriate response to divine power. They glorified God, recognizing Jesus' power as divine. Calling Him 'a great prophet' shows partial understanding—He was more than a prophet, but they recognized God working through Him. The phrase 'God hath visited his people' (Greek 'epeskepsato ho theos ton laon autou,' ἐπεσκέψατο ὁ θεὸς τὸν λαὸν αὐτοῦ) means God intervened redemptively in human history.
Historical Context
The phrase 'God hath visited his people' echoes Exodus 4:31 (God visiting Israel in Egyptian bondage) and reflects Jewish hope that God would again intervene in their oppression (now Roman). Prophetic expectation included divine visitation in the messianic age. The people correctly recognized God's presence in Jesus, though they didn't yet understand the full incarnation—God didn't merely visit through Jesus but came as Jesus. Their response—fear, praise, recognition of divine action—was appropriate. This miracle confirmed Jesus as more than a teacher; He wielded divine power over death itself.
Reflection
- What does the crowd's response of fear and glorifying God teach about proper reaction to divine power?
- How does the recognition that 'God hath visited his people' point toward understanding the incarnation—God present in Christ?
Word Studies
- God: Θεός (Theos) G2316 - God
Cross-References
- Prophecy: Matthew 21:11
- Resurrection: Luke 7:39, Jeremiah 33:9
- References God: Luke 1:68, 2:20, Psalms 65:9
- Glory: Matthew 9:8, 15:31
- Parallel theme: Luke 1:65, Exodus 4:31