Luke 1
1
1Since many have undertaken to compile a narrative of the events that have been fulfilled among us,#Acts 1:1; 1 Cor 15:3. 2just as those who were eyewitnesses from the beginning and ministers of the word have handed them down to us,#24:48; Jn 15:27; Acts 1:21–22. 3I too have decided, after investigating everything accurately anew, to write it down in an orderly sequence for you, most excellent Theophilus, 4so that you may realize the certainty of the teachings you have received.
II. THE INFANCY NARRATIVE#1:5–2:52] Like the Gospel according to Matthew, this gospel opens with an infancy narrative, a collection of stories about the birth and childhood of Jesus. The narrative uses early Christian traditions about the birth of Jesus, traditions about the birth and circumcision of John the Baptist, and canticles such as the Magnificat (Lk 1:46–55) and Benedictus (Lk 1:67–79), composed of phrases drawn from the Greek Old Testament. It is largely, however, the composition of Luke who writes in imitation of Old Testament birth stories, combining historical and legendary details, literary ornamentation and interpretation of scripture, to answer in advance the question, “Who is Jesus Christ?” The focus of the narrative, therefore, is primarily christological. In this section Luke announces many of the themes that will become prominent in the rest of the gospel: the centrality of Jerusalem and the temple, the journey motif, the universality of salvation, joy and peace, concern for the lowly, the importance of women, the presentation of Jesus as savior, Spirit-guided revelation and prophecy, and the fulfillment of Old Testament promises. The account presents parallel scenes (diptychs) of angelic announcements of the birth of John the Baptist and of Jesus, and of the birth, circumcision, and presentation of John and Jesus. In this parallelism, the ascendency of Jesus over John is stressed: John is prophet of the Most High (Lk 1:76); Jesus is Son of the Most High (Lk 1:32). John is great in the sight of the Lord (Lk 1:15); Jesus will be Great (a LXX attribute, used absolutely, of God) (Lk 1:32). John will go before the Lord (Lk 1:16–17); Jesus will be Lord (Lk 1:43; 2:11).
Announcement of the Birth of John. 5In the days of Herod, King of Judea,#In the days of Herod, King of Judea: Luke relates the story of salvation history to events in contemporary world history. Here and in Lk 3:1–2 he connects his narrative with events in Palestinian history; in Lk 2:1–2 and Lk 3:1 he casts the Jesus story in the light of events of Roman history. Herod the Great, the son of the Idumean Antipater, was declared “King of Judea” by the Roman Senate in 40 B.C., but became the undisputed ruler of Palestine only in 37 B.C. He continued as king until his death in 4 B.C. Priestly division of Abijah: a reference to the eighth of the twenty-four divisions of priests who, for a week at a time, twice a year, served in the Jerusalem temple. there was a priest named Zechariah of the priestly division of Abijah; his wife was from the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth.#1 Chr 24:10. 6Both were righteous in the eyes of God, observing all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blamelessly. 7But they had no child,#They had no child: though childlessness was looked upon in contemporaneous Judaism as a curse or punishment for sin, it is intended here to present Elizabeth in a situation similar to that of some of the great mothers of important Old Testament figures: Sarah (Gn 15:3; 16:1); Rebekah (Gn 25:21); Rachel (Gn 29:31; 30:1); the mother of Samson and wife of Manoah (Jgs 13:2–3); Hannah (1 Sm 1:2). because Elizabeth was barren and both were advanced in years.#Gn 18:11; Jgs 13:2–5; 1 Sm 1:5–6. 8Once when he was serving as priest in his division’s turn before God, 9according to the practice of the priestly service, he was chosen by lot to enter the sanctuary of the Lord to burn incense.#Ex 30:7. 10Then, when the whole assembly of the people was praying outside at the hour of the incense offering, 11the angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing at the right of the altar of incense. 12Zechariah was troubled by what he saw, and fear came upon him. 13But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid,#Do not be afraid: a stereotyped Old Testament phrase spoken to reassure the recipient of a heavenly vision (Gn 15:1; Jos 1:9; Dn 10:12, 19 and elsewhere in Lk 1:30; 2:10). You shall name him John: the name means “Yahweh has shown favor,” an indication of John’s role in salvation history. Zechariah, because your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall name him John.#1:57, 60, 63; Mt 1:20–21. 14And you will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth, 15for he will be great in the sight of [the] Lord. He will drink neither wine nor strong drink.#He will drink neither wine nor strong drink: like Samson (Jgs 13:4–5) and Samuel (1 Sm 1:11 LXX and 4QSama), John is to be consecrated by Nazirite vow and set apart for the Lord’s service. He will be filled with the holy Spirit even from his mother’s womb,#7:33; Nm 6:1–21; Jgs 13:4; 1 Sm 1:11 LXX. 16and he will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God. 17He will go before him in the spirit and power of Elijah#He will go before him in the spirit and power of Elijah: John is to be the messenger sent before Yahweh, as described in Mal 3:1–2. He is cast, moreover, in the role of the Old Testament fiery reformer, the prophet Elijah, who according to Mal 3:23 (4:5) is sent before “the great and terrible day of the Lord comes.” to turn the hearts of fathers toward children and the disobedient to the understanding of the righteous, to prepare a people fit for the Lord.”#Sir 48:10; Mal 3:1; 3:23–24; Mt 11:14; 17:11–13. 18Then Zechariah said to the angel, “How shall I know this? For I am an old man, and my wife is advanced in years.” 19And the angel said to him in reply, “I am Gabriel,#I am Gabriel: “the angel of the Lord” is identified as Gabriel, the angel who in Dn 9:20–25 announces the seventy weeks of years and the coming of an anointed one, a prince. By alluding to Old Testament themes in Lk 1:17, 19 such as the coming of the day of the Lord and the dawning of the messianic era, Luke is presenting his interpretation of the significance of the births of John and Jesus. who stand before God. I was sent to speak to you and to announce to you this good news.#Dn 8:16; 9:21. 20But now you will be speechless and unable to talk#You will be speechless and unable to talk: Zechariah’s becoming mute is the sign given in response to his question in v. 18. When Mary asks a similar question in Lk 1:34, unlike Zechariah who was punished for his doubt, she, in spite of her doubt, is praised and reassured (Lk 1:35–37). until the day these things take place, because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled at their proper time.”#1:45.
21Meanwhile the people were waiting for Zechariah and were amazed that he stayed so long in the sanctuary. 22But when he came out, he was unable to speak to them, and they realized that he had seen a vision in the sanctuary. He was gesturing to them but remained mute. 23Then, when his days of ministry were completed, he went home. 24After this time his wife Elizabeth conceived, and she went into seclusion for five months, saying, 25“So has the Lord done for me at a time when he has seen fit to take away my disgrace before others.”#Gn 30:23.
Announcement of the Birth of Jesus.#The announcement to Mary of the birth of Jesus is parallel to the announcement to Zechariah of the birth of John. In both the angel Gabriel appears to the parent who is troubled by the vision (Lk 1:11–12, 26–29) and then told by the angel not to fear (Lk 1:13, 30). After the announcement is made (Lk 1:14–17, 31–33) the parent objects (Lk 1:18, 34) and a sign is given to confirm the announcement (Lk 1:20, 36). The particular focus of the announcement of the birth of Jesus is on his identity as Son of David (Lk 1:32–33) and Son of God (Lk 1:32, 35). 26In the sixth month, the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a town of Galilee called Nazareth, 27to a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph, of the house of David, and the virgin’s name was Mary.#2:5; Mt 1:16, 18. 28And coming to her, he said, “Hail, favored one! The Lord is with you.”#Jgs 6:12; Ru 2:4; Jdt 13:18. 29But she was greatly troubled at what was said and pondered what sort of greeting this might be. 30Then the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. 31#Gn 16:11; Jgs 13:3; Is 7:14; Mt 1:21–23. Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name him Jesus. 32#2 Sm 7:12, 13, 16; Is 9:7. He will be great and will be called Son of the Most High,#Son of the Most High: cf. Lk 1:76 where John is described as “prophet of the Most High.” “Most High” is a title for God commonly used by Luke (Lk 1:35, 76; 6:35; 8:28; Acts 7:48; 16:17). and the Lord God will give him the throne of David his father, 33and he will rule over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.”#Dn 2:44; 7:14; Mi 4:7; Mt 28:18. 34But Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I have no relations with a man?”#Mary’s questioning response is a denial of sexual relations and is used by Luke to lead to the angel’s declaration about the Spirit’s role in the conception of this child (Lk 1:35). According to Luke, the virginal conception of Jesus takes place through the holy Spirit, the power of God, and therefore Jesus has a unique relationship to Yahweh: he is Son of God. 35And the angel said to her in reply, “The holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. Therefore the child to be born will be called holy, the Son of God.#Mt 1:20. 36And behold, Elizabeth, your relative, has also conceived#The sign given to Mary in confirmation of the angel’s announcement to her is the pregnancy of her aged relative Elizabeth. If a woman past the childbearing age could become pregnant, why, the angel implies, should there be doubt about Mary’s pregnancy, for nothing will be impossible for God. a son in her old age, and this is the sixth month for her who was called barren; 37for nothing will be impossible for God.”#Gn 18:14; Jer 32:27; Mt 19:26. 38Mary said, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word.” Then the angel departed from her.
Mary Visits Elizabeth. 39During those days Mary set out and traveled to the hill country in haste to a town of Judah, 40where she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. 41When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the infant leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth, filled with the holy Spirit,#1:15; Gn 25:22 LXX. 42cried out in a loud voice and said, “Most blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb.#11:27–28; Jgs 5:24; Jdt 13:18; Dt 28:4. 43And how does this happen to me, that the mother of my Lord#Even before his birth, Jesus is identified in Luke as the Lord. should come to me? 44For at the moment the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the infant in my womb leaped for joy. 45Blessed are you who believed#Blessed are you who believed: Luke portrays Mary as a believer whose faith stands in contrast to the disbelief of Zechariah (Lk 1:20). Mary’s role as believer in the infancy narrative should be seen in connection with the explicit mention of her presence among “those who believed” after the resurrection at the beginning of the Acts of the Apostles (Acts 1:14). that what was spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled.”#1:20.
The Canticle of Mary. 46#1 Sm 2:1–10. And Mary said:#Although Mary is praised for being the mother of the Lord and because of her belief, she reacts as the servant in a psalm of praise, the Magnificat. Because there is no specific connection of the canticle to the context of Mary’s pregnancy and her visit to Elizabeth, the Magnificat (with the possible exception of v. 48) may have been a Jewish Christian hymn that Luke found appropriate at this point in his story. Even if not composed by Luke, it fits in well with themes found elsewhere in Luke: joy and exultation in the Lord; the lowly being singled out for God’s favor; the reversal of human fortunes; the fulfillment of Old Testament promises. The loose connection between the hymn and the context is further seen in the fact that a few Old Latin manuscripts identify the speaker of the hymn as Elizabeth, even though the overwhelming textual evidence makes Mary the speaker.
“My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord;#Ps 35:9; Is 61:10; Heb 3:18.
47my spirit rejoices in God my savior.#Ti 3:4; Jude 25.
48For he has looked upon his handmaid’s lowliness;
behold, from now on will all ages call me blessed.#11:27; 1 Sm 1:11; 2 Sm 16:12; 2 Kgs 14:26; Ps 113:7.
49The Mighty One has done great things for me,
and holy is his name.#Dt 10:21; Ps 71:19; 111:9; 126:2–3.
50His mercy is from age to age
to those who fear him.#Ps 89:2; 103:13, 17.
51He has shown might with his arm,
dispersed the arrogant of mind and heart.#Ps 89:10; 118:15; Jer 32:17 (39:17 LXX).
52He has thrown down the rulers from their thrones
but lifted up the lowly.#1 Sm 2:7; 2 Sm 22:28; Jb 5:11; 12:19; Ps 147:6; Sir 10:14; Jas 4:6; 1 Pt 5:5.
53The hungry he has filled with good things;
the rich he has sent away empty.#1 Sm 2:5; Ps 107:9.
54He has helped Israel his servant,
remembering his mercy,#Ps 98:3; Is 41:8–9.
55according to his promise to our fathers,
to Abraham and to his descendants forever.”#Gn 13:15; 17:7; 18:18; 22:17–18; Mi 7:20.
56Mary remained with her about three months and then returned to her home.
The Birth of John.#The birth and circumcision of John above all emphasize John’s incorporation into the people of Israel by the sign of the covenant (Gn 17:1–12). The narrative of John’s circumcision also prepares the way for the subsequent description of the circumcision of Jesus in Lk 2:21. At the beginning of his two-volume work Luke shows those who play crucial roles in the inauguration of Christianity to be wholly a part of the people of Israel. At the end of the Acts of the Apostles (Acts 21:20; 22:3; 23:6–9; 24:14–16; 26:2–8, 22–23) he will argue that Christianity is the direct descendant of Pharisaic Judaism. 57When the time arrived for Elizabeth to have her child she gave birth to a son. 58Her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had shown his great mercy toward her, and they rejoiced with her.#1:14. 59#The practice of Palestinian Judaism at this time was to name the child at birth; moreover, though naming a male child after the father is not completely unknown, the usual practice was to name the child after the grandfather (see Lk 1:61). The naming of the child John and Zechariah’s recovery from his loss of speech should be understood as fulfilling the angel’s announcement to Zechariah in Lk 1:13, 20. When they came on the eighth day to circumcise#2:21; Gn 17:10, 12; Lv 12:3. the child, they were going to call him Zechariah after his father, 60but his mother said in reply, “No. He will be called John.”#1:13. 61But they answered her, “There is no one among your relatives who has this name.” 62So they made signs, asking his father what he wished him to be called. 63He asked for a tablet and wrote, “John is his name,” and all were amazed. 64Immediately his mouth was opened, his tongue freed, and he spoke blessing God.#1:20. 65Then fear came upon all their neighbors, and all these matters were discussed throughout the hill country of Judea. 66All who heard these things took them to heart, saying, “What, then, will this child be?” For surely the hand of the Lord was with him.
The Canticle of Zechariah. 67Then Zechariah his father, filled with the holy Spirit, prophesied, saying:
68#Like the canticle of Mary (Lk 1:46–55) the canticle of Zechariah is only loosely connected with its context. Apart from Lk 1:76–77, the hymn in speaking of a horn for our salvation (Lk 1:69) and the daybreak from on high (Lk 1:78) applies more closely to Jesus and his work than to John. Again like Mary’s canticle, it is largely composed of phrases taken from the Greek Old Testament and may have been a Jewish Christian hymn of praise that Luke adapted to fit the present context by inserting Lk 1:76–77 to give Zechariah’s reply to the question asked in Lk 1:66. “Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel,
for he has visited and brought redemption to his people.#7:16; Ps 41:13; 72:18; 106:48; 111:9.
69#A horn for our salvation: the horn is a common Old Testament figure for strength (Ps 18:3; 75:5–6; 89:18; 112:9; 148:14). This description is applied to God in Ps 18:2 and is here transferred to Jesus. The connection of the phrase with the house of David gives the title messianic overtones and may indicate an allusion to a phrase in Hannah’s song of praise (1 Sm 2:10), “the horn of his anointed.” He has raised up a horn for our salvation
within the house of David his servant,#Ps 18:3.
70even as he promised through the mouth of his holy prophets from of old:
71salvation from our enemies and from the hand of all who hate us,#Ps 106:10.
72to show mercy to our fathers#Gn 17:7; Lv 26:42; Ps 105:8–9; Mi 7:20.
and to be mindful of his holy covenant#Ps 106:45–46.
73and of the oath he swore to Abraham our father,#Gn 22:16–17.
and to grant us that, 74rescued from the hand of enemies,
without fear we might worship him 75in holiness and righteousness
before him all our days.#Ti 2:12.
76And you, child, will be called prophet of the Most High,
for you will go before the Lord#You will go before the Lord: here the Lord is most likely a reference to Jesus (contrast Lk 1:15–17 where Yahweh is meant) and John is presented as the precursor of Jesus. to prepare his ways,#Is 40:3; Mal 3:1; Mt 3:3; 11:10.
77to give his people knowledge of salvation
through the forgiveness of their sins,
78because of the tender mercy of our God#Is 60:1–2.
by which the daybreak from on high#The daybreak from on high: three times in the LXX (Jer 23:5; Zec 3:8; 6:12), the Greek word used here for daybreak translates the Hebrew word for “scion, branch,” an Old Testament messianic title. will visit us#Mal 3:20.
79to shine on those who sit in darkness and death’s shadow,
to guide our feet into the path of peace.”
80The child grew and became strong in spirit, and he was in the desert until the day of his manifestation to Israel.#2:40; Mt 3:1.
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Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, Inc
Luke 1
1
Dedication to Theophilus
1Forasmuch as many have taken in hand to set forth in order a declaration of those things which are most surely believed among us, 2even as they delivered them unto us, which from the beginning were eyewitnesses, and ministers of the word; 3it seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of#1.3 having had perfect understanding of or having investigated carefully. all things from the very first, to write unto thee in order, most excellent The-oph´ilus, 4that thou mightest know the certainty of those things, wherein thou hast been instructed.
The Birth of John the Baptist Foretold
5 #
1 Chr 24.10. There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judea, a certain priest named Zechari´ah, of the course of Abi´jah: and his wife was of the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elisabeth. 6And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless. 7And they had no child, because that Elisabeth was barren; and they both were now well stricken in years.
8And it came to pass, that, while he executed the priest's office before God in the order of his course, 9according to the custom of the priest's office, his lot was to burn incense when he went into the temple of the Lord. 10And the whole multitude of the people were praying without at the time of incense. 11And there appeared unto him an angel of the Lord standing on the right side of the altar of incense. 12And when Zechari´ah saw him, he was troubled, and fear fell upon him. 13But the angel said unto him, Fear not, Zechari´ah: for thy prayer is heard; and thy wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John. 14And thou shalt have joy and gladness; and many shall rejoice at his birth. 15#Num 6.3. For he shall be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink; and he shall be filled with the Holy Ghost, even from his mother's womb. 16And many of the children of Israel shall he turn to the Lord their God. 17#Mal 4.5,6. And he shall go before him in the spirit and power of Eli´jah, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to make ready a people prepared for the Lord. 18And Zechari´ah said unto the angel, Whereby shall I know this? for I am an old man, and my wife well stricken in years. 19#Dan 8.16; 9.21. And the angel answering said unto him, I am Gabriel, that stand in the presence of God; and am sent to speak unto thee, and to show thee these glad tidings. 20And, behold, thou shalt be dumb, and not able to speak, until the day that these things shall be performed, because thou believest not my words, which shall be fulfilled in their season. 21And the people waited for Zechari´ah, and marveled that he tarried so long in the temple. 22And when he came out, he could not speak unto them: and they perceived that he had seen a vision in the temple; for he beckoned unto them, and remained speechless. 23And it came to pass, that, as soon as the days of his ministration were accomplished, he departed to his own house.
24And after those days his wife Elisabeth conceived, and hid herself five months, saying, 25Thus hath the Lord dealt with me in the days wherein he looked on me, to take away my reproach among men.
Jesus' Birth Foretold
26And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth, 27#Matt 1.18. to a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin's name was Mary. 28And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favored, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women. 29And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be. 30And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favor with God. 31#Matt 1.21. And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name Jesus. 32#Isa 9.7. He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: 33and he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end. 34Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man? 35And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God. 36And, behold, thy cousin Elisabeth, she hath also conceived a son in her old age; and this is the sixth month with her, who was called barren. 37#Gen 18.14. For with God nothing shall be impossible. 38And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her.
Mary Visits Elisabeth
39And Mary arose in those days, and went into the hill country with haste, into a city of Judah; 40and entered into the house of Zechari´ah, and saluted Elisabeth. 41And it came to pass, that, when Elisabeth heard the salutation of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elisabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost: 42and she spake out with a loud voice, and said, Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb. 43And whence is this to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? 44For, lo, as soon as the voice of thy salutation sounded in mine ears, the babe leaped in my womb for joy. 45And blessed is she that believed: for there shall be a performance of those things which were told her from the Lord. 46#1 Sam 2.1-10. And Mary said,
My soul doth magnify the Lord,
47and my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour.
48For he hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden:
for, behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed.
49For he that is mighty hath done to me great things;
and holy is his name.
50And his mercy is on them that fear him
from generation to generation.
51He hath showed strength with his arm;
he hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts.
52He hath put down the mighty from their seats,
and exalted them of low degree.
53He hath filled the hungry with good things;
and the rich he hath sent empty away.
54He hath holpen his servant Israel,
in remembrance of his mercy;
55 #
Gen 17.7. as he spake to our fathers,
to Abraham, and to his seed for ever.
56And Mary abode with her about three months, and returned to her own house.
The Birth of John the Baptist
57Now Elisabeth's full time came that she should be delivered; and she brought forth a son. 58And her neighbors and her cousins heard how the Lord had showed great mercy upon her; and they rejoiced with her. 59#Lev 12.3. And it came to pass, that on the eighth day they came to circumcise the child; and they called him Zechari´ah, after the name of his father. 60And his mother answered and said, Not so; but he shall be called John. 61And they said unto her, There is none of thy kindred that is called by this name. 62And they made signs to his father, how he would have him called. 63And he asked for a writing table, and wrote, saying, His name is John. And they marveled all. 64And his mouth was opened immediately, and his tongue loosed, and he spake, and praised God. 65And fear came on all that dwelt round about them: and all these sayings were noised abroad throughout all the hill country of Judea. 66And all they that heard them laid them up in their hearts, saying, What manner of child shall this be? And the hand of the Lord was with him.
Zechariah's Prophecy
67And his father Zechari´ah was filled with the Holy Ghost, and prophesied, saying,
68Blessed be the Lord God of Israel;
for he hath visited and redeemed his people,
69and hath raised up a horn of salvation for us
in the house of his servant David;
70as he spake by the mouth of his holy prophets,
which have been since the world began:
71that we should be saved from our enemies,
and from the hand of all that hate us;
72to perform the mercy promised to our fathers,
and to remember his holy covenant;
73the oath which he sware to our father Abraham,
74that he would grant unto us, that we, being delivered out of the hand of our enemies,
might serve him without fear,
75in holiness and righteousness before him, all the days of our life.
76 #
Mal 3.1. And thou, child, shalt be called the prophet of the Highest:
for thou shalt go before the face of the Lord to prepare his ways;
77to give knowledge of salvation unto his people
by the remission of their sins,
78through the tender mercy of our God;
whereby the dayspring from on high hath visited us,
79 #
Isa 9.2. to give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death,
to guide our feet into the way of peace.
80And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, and was in the deserts till the day of his showing unto Israel.
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King James Version 1611, spelling, punctuation and text formatting modernized by ABS in 1962; typesetting © 2010 American Bible Society.