Luke 1:79

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Luke 1:79 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

to shine on those who live in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the path of peace.”

King James Version KJV

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

American Standard Version ASV

To shine upon them that sit in darkness and the shadow of death; To guide our feet into the way of peace.

Bible in Basic English BBE

To give light to those in dark places, and in the shade of death, so that our feet may be guided into the way of peace.

Free Bible Version FBV

to shine on those who live in darkness and under the shadow of death, and to guide us along the path of peace.”

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

To giue light to them that sit in darknes, and in the shadow of death, and to guide our feete into the way of peace.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

To give light to those sitting in darkness and death-shade, To guide our feet to a way of peace.'

World English Bible WEB

to shine on those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death; to guide our feet into the way of peace.”

Noah Webster Bible WBS

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

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

To enlighten them that sit in darkness, and in the shadow of death: to direct our feet into the way of peace.

Translation for Translators T4T

People who do not know God [MET] are like those who sit in the darkness. They are afraid [MTY] that they will soon die. But when the Messiah tells us God’s message, it will be like causing such people to see a bright light. He will guide us [SYN] so that we will be living peacefully.”

Plain English Version PEV

That light will shine for everybody. Some people are like they are in the dark. They think they will die soon. But that light will shine on everybody. It will show us how to live in a happy and quiet way.”

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Berean Amplified Bible — Luke 1:79

BAB

Word Study

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Luke 1:79 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

GRK επιφαναι τοις εν σκοτει και σκια θανατου καθημενοις του κατευθυναι τους ποδας ημων εις οδον ειρηνης

επιφαναι epiphainō G2014 to appear Verb-AAN

τοις ho G3588 the/this/who Art-DPM

εν en G1722 in/on/among Prep

σκοτει skotos G4655 darkness Noun-DSN

και kai G2532 and Conj

σκια skia G4639 shadow Noun-DSF

θανατου thanatos G2288 death Noun-GSM

καθημενοις kathēmai G2521 to sit Verb-PNP-DPM

του ho G3588 the/this/who Art-GSN

κατευθυναι kateuthunō G2720 to guide Verb-AAN

τους ho G3588 the/this/who Art-APM

ποδας pous G4228 foot Noun-APM

ημων egō G1473 I/we Pron-1GP

εις eis G1519 toward Prep

οδον hodos G3598 road Noun-ASF

ειρηνης eirēnē G1515 peace Noun-GSF

Greek Word Study

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Greek Word Reference — Luke 1:79

επιφαναι epiphainō G2014 "to appear" Verb-AAN

To appear or become visible is what this word means, like when Luke 1:79 says that Jesus will give light to those in darkness. It can also mean to shine forth or reveal something, as in Titus 2:11.

Definition: ἐπι-φαίνω [in LXX for עוּר hi., etc. ;] __1. to show forth. __2. (= pass. in cl.) to appear: Act.27:20; with dative of person(s), Luk.1:79; metaphorically, Tit.3:4; with dative, Tit.2:11 (Cremer, 567).† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 4 NT verses. KJV: appear, give light See also: Acts 27:20; Titus 2:11; Titus 3:4.

τοις ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-DPM

The Greek word for 'the' or 'this', used to point out a specific person or thing, like in Acts 17:28. It can also mean 'he', 'she', or 'it'.

Definition: ὁ, ἡ, τό, the prepositive article (ἄρθρον προτακτικόν), originally a demonstr. pron. (so usually in Hom.), in general corresponding to the Eng. definite article. __I. As demonstr. pron. __1. As frequently in Hom., absol., he (she, it), his (etc.): Act.17:28 (quoted from the poet Aratus). __2. Distributive, ὁ μὲν . . . ὁ δέ, the one . . . the other: 1Co.7:7, Gal.4:22; pl., Act.14:4, 17:32, Php.1:16, al.; οἱ μὲν . . . ἄλλοι δέ, Mat.16:14, Jhn.7:12; οἱ μεν̀ . . . ὁδέ, Heb.7:21, 23. __3. In narration (without ὁ μὲν preceding), ὁ δέ, but he: Mat.2:14, Mrk.1:45, Luk.8:21, Jhn.9:38, al. mult. __II. As prepositive article, the, prefixed, __1. to nouns unmodified: ὁ θεός, τὸ φῶς, etc.; to abstract nouns, ἡ σοφία, etc., to pl. nouns which indicate a class, οἱ ἀλώπεκες, foxes, Mat.8:20, al.; to an individual as representing a class, ὁ ἐργάτης, Luk.10:7; with nom. = voc. in addresses, Mat.11:26, Jhn.19:3, Jas.5:1, al.; to things which pertain to one, ἡ χεῖρ, his hand, Mrk.3:1; to names of persons well known or already mentioned; usually to names of countries (originally adjectives), ἡ Ἰουδαία, etc. __2. To modified nouns: with of person(s) pron. genitive, μοῦ, σοῦ, etc.; with poss. pron., ἐμός, σός, etc.; with adj. between the art. and the noun, ὁ ἀγαθὸς ἄνθρωπος, Mat.12:35; the noun foll, by adj., both with art., ὁ ποιμὴν ὁ καλός, Jhn.10:11 (on ὁ ὄχλος πολύς, Jhn.12:9, see M, Pr., 84); before adjectival phrases, ἡ κατ᾽ ἐκλογὴν πρόθεσις, Rom.9:11. __3. To Other parts of speech used as substantives; __(a) neuter adjectives: τ. ἀγαθόν, etc.; __(b) cardinal numerals: ὁ εἶς, οἷ δύο, etc.; __(with) participles: ὁ βαπτίζων (= ὁ Βαπτιστής, Mat.14:2), Mrk.6:14; πᾶς ὁ, with ptcp., every one who, etc.; __(d) adverbs: τὸ πέραν, τὰ νῦν, ὁ ἔσω ἄνθρωπος; __(e) infinitives: nom., τὸ θέλειν, Rom.7:18, al.; genitive, τοῦ, after adjectives, ἄξιον τοῦ πορεύεσθαι, 1Co.16:4; verbs, ἐλαχεν τοῦ θυμιᾶσαι, Luk.1:9; and frequently in a final sense, ἐξῆλθεν ὁ σπείρειν, Mat.13:3 (on the artic. inf., see Bl., §71). __4. In the neut. to sentences, phrases or single words treated as a quotation: τὸ Ἐι δύνῃ, Mrk.9:23; τὸ ἔτι ἅπαξ, Heb.12:27; τὸ ἀνέβη, Eph.4:9, al. __5. To prepositional phrases: οἱ ἀπὸ Ἰταλίας, Heb.13:24; οἱ ἐκ νόμου, Rom.4:14; neut. accusative absol., in adverbial phrases, τὸ καθ᾽ ἡμέραν, daily, Luk.11:3; τὸ κατὰ σάρκα, as regards the flesh, Rom.9:5. __6. To nouns in the genitive, denoting kinship, association, etc.: ὁ τοῦ, the son of (unless context indicates a different relationship), Mat.10:2, al.; τὰ τοῦ θεοῦ, the things that pertain to God, Mat.16:23; τὰ τῆς εἰρήνης, Rom.14:19 (cf. M, Pr., 81ff.; Bl, §§46, 47). (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 7033 NT verses. KJV: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 7:16; 1 Corinthians 11:24.

εν en G1722 "in/on/among" Prep

This word is a preposition that means in, on, or among something. It's used in many places, like Matthew 7:3 and Luke 7:37, to describe a location or relationship. It can also mean by, with, or during.

Definition: ἐν, prep, (the most frequently of all in NT), with dative (= Heb. בְּ, Lat. in, with abl.). __I. Of place, with dative of thing(s), of person(s), in, within, on, at, by, among: ἐν τ. πόλει, Luk.7:37; τ. οφθαλμῷ, Mat.7:3; τ. κοιλίᾳ, Mat.12:40; τ. ὄρει, 2Pe.1:18; τ. θρόνῳ, Rev.3:21; τ. δεξιᾷ τ. θεοῦ, Rom.8:34; ἐν ἡμῖν Abbott-Smith has ὑμῖν., Luk.1:1; of books, ἐν τ. βιβλίῳ, Gal.3:10; τ. νόμῳ, Mat.12:5, al.; ἐν τοῖς τ. Πατρός, in my Father's house (RV; cf. M, Pr., 103), Luk.2:49; trop., of the region of thought or feeling, ἐν τ. καρδίᾳ (-αις), Mat.5:28, 2Co.4:6, al.; τ. συνειδήσεσιν, 2Co.5:11; after verbs of motion, instead of εἰς (constructio praegnans, a usage extended in late Gk. beyond the limits observed in cl.; cf. Bl., §41, 1; M, Th., 12), ἀποστέλλω . . . ἐν, Mat.10:16. δέδωκεν ἐν τ. χειρί (cf. τιθέναι ἐν χερσί, Hom., Il., i, 441, al.), Jhn.3:35; id. after verbs of coming and going (not in cl.), εἰσῆλθε, Luk.9:46; ἐξῆλθεν, Luk.7:17. __II. Of state, condition, form, occupation, etc.: ἐν ζωῇ, Rom.5:10; ἐν τ. θανάτῳ, 1Jn.3:14; ἐν πειρασμοῖς, 1Pe.1:6; ἐν εἰρήνῃ, Mrk.5:25; ἐν δόξῃ, Php.4:19; ἐν πραΰτητι, Jas.3:13; ἐν μυστηρίῳ, 1Co.2:7; ἐν τ. διδαχῇ, Mrk.4:2; of a part as contained in a whole, ἐν τ. ἀμπέλῳ, Jhn.15:4; ἐν ἑνὶ σώματι, Rom.12:4; of accompanying objects or persons (simple dative in cl.), with, ἐν αἵματι, Heb.9:25; ἐν δέκα χιλιάσιν, Luk.14:31 (cf. Ju 14, Act.7:14); similarly (cl.), of clothing, armour, arms, ἐν στολαῖς, Mrk.12:38; ἐν ἐσθῆτι λαμπρᾷ, Jas.2:2; ἐν μαξαίρῃ, Luk.22:49; ἐν ῥάβδῳ, 1Co.4:21 (cf. ἐν τόξοις, Xen., Mem., 3, 9, 2); of manner (cl.), ἐν τάχει (= ταχέως), Luk.18:8 (cf. Bl., §41, 1); of spiritual influence, ἐν πνεύματι, Rom.8:9; ἐν π. ἀκαθάρτῳ, Mrk.1:23; of the mystical relation of the Christian life and the believer himself, to God and Christ (cf. ICC, Ro., 160f.; Mayor on Ju 1; M, Pr., 103): ἐν Χριστῷ, Rom.3:24, 6:11, 1Co.3:1, 4:10, 2Co.12:2, Gal.2:17, Eph.6:21, Col.4:7, 1Th.4:16, al. __III. Of the agent, instrument or means (an extension of cl. ἐν of instr.—see LS, see word Ill—corresponding to similar use of Heb. בְּ), by, with: ἐν ὑμῖν κρίνεται ὁ κόσμος (= cl. παρά, C. dative), 1Co.6:2; ἐν τ. ἄρχοντι τ. δαιμονίων, Mat.9:34; ἐν αἵματι, Heb.9:22; ἐν ὕδατι, Mat.3:11, al.; ἐν μαχαίρᾳ ἀποκτενεῖ (cf. the absol. ἐν μ., ἐν ῥάβδῳ, supr., II, which some would classify here), Rev.13:10 (cf. 6:8). Allied to this usage and distinctly Semitic are the following: ἠγόρασας . . . ἐν τ. αἵματι σου (cf. BDB, see word בְּ, III, 3), Rev.5:9; ὁμολογεῖν ἐν (= Aram. אודי בּ; cf. McNeile on Mt, I.with; M, Pr., 104), Mat.10:32, Luk.12:8; ὀμνύναι ἐν (= cl. accusative, so Jas.5:12), Mat.5:34, al.; also at the rate of, amounting to, Mrk.4:8 (WH; vv. ll., εἰς, ἒν), Act.7:14 (LXX). __IV. Of time, __(a) in or during a period: ἐν τ. ἡμέρᾳ (νυκτί), Jhn.11:9, al.; ἐν σαββάτῳ, Mat.12:2, al.; ἐν τῷ μεταξύ, meanwhile, Jhn.4:31; __(b) at the time of an event: ἐν τ. παρουσίᾳ, 1Co.15:23; ἐν τ. ἀναστάσει, Mat.22:28; __(with) with art. inf., __(α) present (so sometimes in cl., but not as in NT = ἕως; V. M, Pr., 215), while: Mat.13:4, Mrk.6:48, Gal.4:18, al.; __(β) aor., when, after: Luk.9:36, al.; __(d) within (cl.): Mat.27:40, __V. In composition: (1) meaning: (a) with adjectives, it signifies usually the possession of a quality, as ἐνάλιος, ἐν́δοξος; (b) with verbs, continuance in (before ἐν) or motion into (before εἰς), as ἐμμένω, ἐμβαίνω. (ii) Assimilation: ἐν becomes ἐμ- before β, μ, π, φ, ψ; ἐγ- before γ, κ, ξ, χ; ἐλ- before λ. But in the older MSS of NT, followed by modern editions, assimilation is sometimes neglected, as in ἐνγράφω, ἐγκαινίζω, etc. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 2120 NT verses. KJV: about, after, against, + almost, X altogether, among, X as, at, before, between, (here-)by (+ all means), for (… sake of), + give self wholly to, (here-)in(-to, -wardly), X mightily, (because) of, (up-)on, (open-)ly, X outwardly, one, X quickly, X shortly, (speedi-)ly, X that, X there(-in, -on), through(-out), (un-)to(-ward), under, when, where(-with), while, with(-in) See also: 1 Corinthians 1:2; 1 Corinthians 15:17; 1 Peter 1:2.

σκοτει skotos G4655 "darkness" Noun-DSN

Darkness refers to the absence of light, either physical or spiritual, as described in Hebrews 12:18.

Definition: σκότος, -ου, ὁ the more usual cl. form (cf.σ., τό), darkness: Heb.12:18, Rec.† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 31 NT verses. KJV: darkness See also: 1 Corinthians 4:5; Hebrews 12:18; 1 Peter 2:9.

και kai G2532 "and" Conj

And or also, a connecting word used to join ideas or words, like in Matthew 2:18 and Hebrews 1:1.

Definition: καί, conj., and __I. Copulative. __1. Connecting single words; __(a) in general: Mat.2:18, 16:1, Mrk.2:15, Luk.8:15, Heb.1:1, al. mult.; repeated before each of the terms in a series, Mat.23:23, Luk.14:21, Rom.7:12, 9:4, al. __(b) connecting numerals (WM, §37, 4): Jhn.2:20, Act.13:20; __(with) joining terms which are not mutually exclusive, as the part with the whole: Mat.8:33, 26:59, Mrk.16:17, Act.5:29, al. __2. Connecting clauses and sentences: Mat.3:12, Act.5:21, al. mult.; esp. __(a) where, after the simplicity of the popular language, sentences are paratactically joined (WM, §60, 3; M, Pr., 12; Deiss., LAE, 128ff.): Mat.1:21, 7:25, Mrk.9:5, Jhn.10:3, al.; __(b) joining affirmative to negative sentences: Luk.3:14, Jhn.4:11, IIIJhn.10; __(with) consecutive, and so: Mat.5:1, 23:32, Heb.3:19, al.; after imperatives, Mat.4:19, Luk.7:7, al.; __(d) = καίτοι, and yet: Mat.3:14, 6:26, Mrk.12:12, Luk.18:7 (Field, Notes, 72), 1Co.5:2, al.; __(e) beginning an apodosis (= Heb. וְ; so sometimes δέ in cl.), then: Luk.2:21, 7:12, Act.1:10; beginning a question (WM, §53, 3a): Mrk.10:26, Luk.10:29, Jhn.9:36. __3. Epexegetic, and, and indeed, namely (WM, §53, 3c): Luk.3:18, Jhn.1:16, Act.23:6, Rom.1:5, 1Co.3:5, al. __4. In transition: Mat.4:23, Mrk.5:1, 21, Jhn.1:19, al.; so, Hebraistically, καὶ ἐγένετο (וַי:הִי; also ἐγένετο δέ), Mrk.1:9 (cf. Luk.5:1; V. Burton, §§357-60; M, Pr., 14, 16). __5. καὶ . . . καί, both . . . and (for τε . . . καί, see: τε); __(a) connecting single words: Mat.10:28, Mrk.4:41, Rom.11:33, al.; __(b) clauses and sentences: Mrk.9:13, Jhn.7:28, 1Co.1:22, al. __II. Adjunctive, also, even, still: Mat.5:39, 40; Mrk.2:28, al. mult.; esp. with pron., adv., etc., Mat.20:4, Jhn.7:47, al; ὡς κ., Act.11:17; καθὼς κ., Rom.15:7; οὑτω κ., Rom.6:11; διὸ κ., Luk.1:35; ὁ κ. (Deiss., BS, 313ff.), Act.13:9; pleonastically, μετὰ κ.. (Bl., §77, 7; Deiss., BS, 265f,), Php.4:3; τί κ., 1 Co 15:29; ἀλλὰ κ., Luk.14:22, Jhn.5:18, al.; καίγε (M, Pr., 230; Burton, §437), Act.17:27; καίπερ, Heb.5:8; κ. ἐάν, see: ἐάν. ἐάν, contr. fr. εἰ ἄν, conditional particle, representing something as "under certain circumstances actual or liable to happen," but not so definitely expected as in the case of εἰ with ind. (Bl., §65, 4; cf. Jhn.13:17, 1Co.7:36), if haply, if; __1. with subjc. (cl.); __(a) pres.: Mat.6:22, Luk.10:6, Jhn.7:17, Rom.2:25, 26 al.; { __(b) aor. (= Lat. fut. pf.): Mat.4:9 16:26 (cf. ptcp. in Luk.9:25; M, Pr., 230), Mrk.3:24, Luk.14:34, Jhn.5:43, Rom.7:2, al.; = cl. εἰ, with opt., Jhn.9:22 11:57, Act.9:2; as Heb. אִם = ὅταν, Jhn.12:32 14:3, I Jhn.2:28 3:2, Heb.3:7" (LXX) . __2. C. indic, (as in late writers, fr. Arist. on; see WH, App., 171; VD, MGr. 2, App., §77; Deiss., BS, 201f., LAE, 155, 254; M, Pr., 168, 187; Bl., §65, 4); __(a) fut.: Mat.18:19 T, Luk.19:40, Act.7:7; __(b) pres.: 1Th.3:8 (see Milligan, in l.). __3. With other particles: ἐ. καί (Bl., §65, 6), Gal.6:1; ἐ. μή (M, Pr., 185, 187; Bl., l.with), with subjc. pres., Mat.10:13, 1Co.8:8, Jas.2:17, 1Jn.3:21; aor., Mat.6:15, Mrk.3:27, Jhn.3:3, Rom.10:15, Gal.1:8 2:16 (see Lft., Ellic., in ll.); ἐ. τε . . . ἐ. τε, [in LXX for אִם . . . אִם, Est.19:13, al.,] Rom.14:8. __4. = cl. ἄν (which see) after relat. pronouns and adverbs (Tdf., Pr., 96; WH, App., 173; M, Pr., 42f.; Bl., §26, 4; Mayser, 152f.; Deiss., BS, 202ff.): ὃς ἐ., Mat.5:19, Mrk.6:22, 23 Luk.17:32, 1Co.6:18, al.; ὅπου ἐ., Mat.8:19; ὁσάκις ἐ., Rev.11:6; οὗ ἐ., 1Co.16:6; καθὸ ἐ., 2Co.8:12; ὅστις ἐ., Gal.5:10. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 5212 NT verses. KJV: and, also, both, but, even, for, if, or, so, that, then, therefore, when, yet See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 10:4; 1 Corinthians 16:1.

σκια skia G4639 "shadow" Noun-DSF

The Greek word for shadow is used to describe both literal shade and figurative darkness, such as the shadow of death or error, as seen in Matthew 4:16 and Mark 4:32.

Definition: σκιά, -ᾶς, ἡ [in LXX chiefly for צֵל, 4Ki.20:9 ff., Psa.57:1, al.; but σ. and σ. θανάτου are also used for צַלְמָוֶת, Job.3:5, Psa.3:4, Isa.9:2 (1) (see ICC, in l), al. ;] __1. shadow, shade, caused by interception of light: Mrk.4:32, Act.5:15; metaphorically, σ. θανάτου, of ignorance and error, Mat.4:16, Luk.1:79" (LXX) . __2. a shadow, the image or outline cast by an object: figuratively, ὑπόδειγμα καὶ σ., Heb.8:5; opposite to σῶμα, Col.2:17; opposite to εἰκών, Heb.10:1.† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 7 NT verses. KJV: shadow See also: Acts 5:15; Hebrews 10:1; Hebrews 8:5.

θανατου thanatos G2288 "death" Noun-GSM

This word means death, whether it's physical or spiritual. It's used in many places, like John 11:13 and Romans 8:38, to describe the end of life or separation from God. It's the opposite of life.

Definition: θάνατος, -ου, ὁ (θνήσκω), [in LXX chiefly for מָוֶת ,מוּת, sometimes דֶּבֶר ;] death; __1. of the death of the body, whether natural or violent: Jhn.11:13, Php.2:27, Heb.7:23, al; opposite to ζωή, Rom.8:38, Php.1:20; of the death of Christ, Rom.5:10, Php.3:10, Heb.2:9; ῥυέσθαι (σώζειν) ἐκ θ., 2Co.1:10, Heb.5:7; περίλυπος ἕως θανάτου, Mat.26:38, Mrk.14:34; μέχρι (ἄχρι), Php.2:8, Rev.2:10; πληγὴ θανάτου, a deadly wound. Rev.13:3; ἰδεῖν θάνατον, Luk.2:26, Heb.11:5; γεύεσθαι θανάτου, Mrk.9:1; ἔνοχος θανάτου, Mrk.14:64; θανάτῳ τελευτᾶν ( Exo.21:17, מוּת יוּמָת), Mrk.7:10; death personified, Rom.6:9, 1Co.15:26, Rev.21:4; pl., of deadly perils, 2Co.11:23. __2. Of spiritual death: Jhn.5:24 8:51, Rom.7:10, Jas.1:15, 5:20, 1Jn.3:14 5:16, al.; of eternal death, Rom.1:32 7:5, al.; ὁ θ. ὁ δεύτερος, Rev.2:11 21:8 (cf. Cremer, 283ff.; DB, iii, 114ff.; DCG, i, 791f.). (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 106 NT verses. KJV: X deadly, (be…) death See also: 1 Corinthians 3:22; Mark 7:10; Hebrews 2:9.

καθημενοις kathēmai G2521 "to sit" Verb-PNP-DPM

The Greek word for to sit, used in Matthew 11:16 and many other places to describe people sitting or being seated. It can also mean to remain or reside in a place, and is often used to describe people gathering or meeting together. This word is commonly used in the New Testament to describe various scenes and settings.

Definition: κάθ-ημαι [in LXX chiefly for יָשַׁב ;] in cl. present and imperfect only (prop. pf. and plpf. of καθέζομαι; cf. Bl., § 24), in LXX and NT fut. also, to sit, be seated: Mat.11:16 22:44" (LXX), Mrk.2:6, Jhn.6:3, Act.2:2, Jas.2:3 (on the vulgar imper. κάθου, see Kennedy, Sources, 162), Rev.4:3, al.; before prep. with accusative, ἐπί, Mat.9:9, Mrk.2:14, Jhn.12:16; παρά, Mat.13:1, Mrk.10:46; περί, Mrk.3:32, 34; πρός, Luk.22:56; ὑπό, Jas.2:3; εἰς, Mrk.13:3; μετά, with genitive of person(s), Mat.26:58; ἐκ δεξιῶν, Mat.22:44; ἐπάνω, with genitive, Mat.28:2; ἀπέναντι, with genitive, Mat.27:61; ἐπί, with dative, Act.3:10; id. with genitive, Act.8:28; ἐκεῖ, Mat.15:29; pleonastic (M, Pr., 230, 241; Dalman, Words, 22), Mat.13:2, Act.23:3, Rev.18:7; metaphorically, Mat.4:16, Luk.1:79" (LXX) ; of one's domicile (Neh.11:6, Sir.50:26; Hdt., v, 63), Luk.21:31, Act.2:2, Rev.14:6 (cf. συν-κάθημαι) (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 87 NT verses. KJV: dwell, sit (by, down) See also: 1 Corinthians 14:30; Matthew 15:29; Hebrews 1:13.

του ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-GSN

The Greek word for 'the' or 'this', used to point out a specific person or thing, like in Acts 17:28. It can also mean 'he', 'she', or 'it'.

Usage: Occurs in 7033 NT verses. KJV: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 7:16; 1 Corinthians 11:24.

κατευθυναι kateuthunō G2720 "to guide" Verb-AAN

To guide means to direct or lead someone on a path, like in 1 Thessalonians 3:11. It can also mean to make something straight or right, like in Luke 1:79.

Definition: κατ-ευθύνω [in LXX for כּוּן ni., hi., etc. ;] to make or keep straight, direct, guide: metaphorically, τ. ὁδόν, 1Th.3:11; τ. πόδας εἰς ὁδὸν εἰρήνης, Luk.1:79; τ. καρδίας εἰς τ. ἀγάπην, 2Th.3:5.† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 3 NT verses. KJV: guide, direct See also: 1 Thessalonians 3:11; 2 Thessalonians 3:5; Luke 1:79.

τους ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-APM

The Greek word for 'the' or 'this', used to point out a specific person or thing, like in Acts 17:28. It can also mean 'he', 'she', or 'it'.

Usage: Occurs in 7033 NT verses. KJV: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 7:16; 1 Corinthians 11:24.

ποδας pous G4228 "foot" Noun-APM

The Greek word for 'foot' is used literally and figuratively in the Bible, as seen in Matthew 4:6 and Mark 9:45. It can refer to a person's foot or an animal's foot, and is also used symbolically in Romans 16:20 and 1 Corinthians 15:25.

Definition: πούς, ποδός, ὁ [in LXX chiefly for רֶגֶל ;] a foot, both of men and beasts: Mat.4:6 (LXX), Mrk.9:45, Luk.1:79, Jhn.11:44, Act.7:5, al.; ὑπο τοὺς π., Rom.16:20, 1Co.15:25 15:27 Eph.1:22, Heb.2:8; ὑποκάτω τῶν π., Mat.22:44 (LXX); πρὸς (παρὰ) τοὺς π., Mrk.5:22, Luk.8:41, al.; figuratively, Mat.15:30, Luk.10:39, Act.5:2, al.; ἔμπροσθεν τῶν π., Rev.3:9 19:10, al.; ἐπὶ τοὺς π., Act.10:25. By meton., of a person in motion (Psa.119:101): Luk.1:79, Act.5:9, Rom.3:15 10:15, Heb.12:13 (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 86 NT verses. KJV: foot(-stool) See also: 1 Corinthians 12:15; Luke 4:11; Hebrews 1:13.

ημων egō G1473 "I/we" Pron-1GP

This is a pronoun meaning I or me, used by the speaker to refer to themselves. It is often used in the Bible to emphasize the speaker's identity.

Definition: ἐγώ, genitive, etc., ἐμοῦ, ἐμοί, ἐμέ (enclitic μου, μοι, με), pl. ἡμεῖς, -ῶν, -ῖν, -ᾶς, of person(s) pron. I. __(a) The nom. is usually emphatic, when expressed as subjc, as in Mat.3:11, Mrk.1:8, Luk.3:16, al. But often there is no apparent emphasis, as Mat.10:16, Jhn.10:17; ἰδοὺ ἐ. (= Heb. הִנֵּנִי, cf. 1Ki.3:8), Act.9:10; ἐ. (like Heb. אֲנִי), I am, Jhn.1:23 (LXX), Act.7:32 (LXX). __(b) The enclitic forms (see supr.) are used with nouns, adjectives, verbs, adverbs, where there is no emphasis: ἐν τ. πατρί μου, Jhn.14:20; μου τ. λόγους, Mat.7:24; ὀπίσω μου, Mat.3:11; ἰσχυρότερός μου, ib.; λέγει μοι, Rev.5:5; also with the prep. πρός, as Mrk.9:19, al. The full forms (ἐμοῦ, etc.) are used with the other prepositions, as δι᾽ ἐμοῦ, ἐν ἐμοί, εἰς ἐμέ, etc., also for emphasis, as Luk.10:16, Jhn.7:23, Mrk.14:7, al. __(with) The genitive μου and ἡμῶν are often used for the poss. pronouns ἐμός, ἡμέτερος: τ. λαόν μου, Mat.2:6; μου τῂ ἀπιστιᾳ, Mrk.9:24. __(d) τί ἐμοὶ καὶ σοί ( = Heb. מַה־לִי וָלָךְ, Jdg.11:12, al.), i.e. what have we in common: Mat.8:29, Mrk.1:24, 5:7, Luk.8:28, Jhn.2:4; τί γάρ μοι, 1Co.5:2. __(e) The interchange of ἐγώ and ἡμεῖς, common in π., appears in Pauline Epp. (see M, Pr., 86f., M, Th., 131f.). __(f) κἀγώ (= καὶ ἐγώ), and I, even I, I also: Mat.2:8, Luk.2:48, Jhn.6:56, Rom.3:7, 1Co.7:40, al.; κἀγώ . . . καί, both . . . and, Jhn.7:28. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 1872 NT verses. KJV: I, me See also: 1 Corinthians 1:2; 1 Corinthians 16:24; 1 Peter 1:3.

εις eis G1519 "toward" Prep

This word means toward or into, indicating direction or purpose, as seen in Matthew 8:23 and Mark 1:45. It can also imply a sense of movement or action. The KJV translates it in various ways.

Definition: εἰς, prep. with accusative, expressing entrance, direction, limit, into, unto, to, upon, towards, for, among (Lat. in, with accusative). __I. Of place. __1. After verbs of motion; __(a) of entrance into: Mat.8:23, 9:7, Mrk.1:45, Luk.2:15, 8:31, al.; __(b) of approach, to or towards: Mrk.11:1, Luk.6:8, 19:28, Jhn.11:31, 21:6, al.; __(with) before pl. and collective nouns, among: Mrk.4:7, 8:19, 20, Luk.11:49, Jhn.21:23, al.; __(d) Of a limit reached, unto, on, upon: Mat.8:18, 21:1, Mrk.11:1, 13:16, Luk.14:10, Jhn.6:3, 11:32, al.; with accusative of person(s) (as in Ep. and Ion.), Act.23:15, Rom.5:12, 16:19, 2Co.10:14; __(e) elliptical: ἐπιστολαὶ εἰς Δαμασκόν, Act.9:2; ἡ διακονία μου ἡ εἰς Ἱ., Rom.15:31; metaphorically, of entrance into a certain state or condition, or of approach or direction towards some end (Thayer, B, i, 1; ii, 1), εἰς τ. ὄνομα, M, Pr., 200. __2. Of direction; __(a) after verbs of seeing: Mat.6:26, Mrk.6:41, Luk.9:16, 62, Jhn.13:22, al.; metaphorically, of the mind, Heb.11:26, 12:2, al.; __(b) after verbs of speaking: Mat.13:10, 14:9, 1Th.2:9, al. __3. After verbs of rest; __(a) in "pregnant" construction, implying previous motion (cl.; see WM, 516; Bl., §39, 3; M, Pr., 234f.): Mat.2:23, 4:13, 2Th.2:4, 2Ti.1:11, Heb.11:9, al.; __(b) by an assimilation general in late Gk (see Bl., M, Pr., ll. with) = ἐν: Luk.1:44, 4:23, Act.20:16, 21:17, Jhn.1:18 (but see Westc, in l.), al. __II. Of time, for, unto; __1. accentuating the duration expressed by the accusative: εἰς τ. αἰῶνα, Mat.21:19; εἰς γενεὰς καὶ γ., Luk.1:50; εἰς τ. διηνεκές, Heb.7:3, al. __2. Of a point or limit of time, unto, up to, until: Mat.6:34, Act.4:3, 25:21, Php.1:10, 2:16, 1Th.4:15, 2Ti.1:12; of entrance into a future period, σεις τὸ μέλλον (see: μέλλω), next (year), Luk.13:9 (but with ICC, in l.); εἰς τ. μεταξὺ σάββατον, on the next Sabbath, Act.13:42; εἰς τὸ πάλιν (see: πάλιν, 2Co.13:2. __III. Of result, after verbs of changing, joining, dividing, etc.: στρέφειν εἰς, Rev.11:6; μετας-, Act.2:20, Jas.4:9; μεταλλάσσειν, Rom.1:26; σχίζειν εἰς δύο, Mat.27:51, al.; predicatively with εἴναι, Act.8:23. __IV. Of relation, to, towards, for, in regard to (so in cl., but more frequently in late Gk., εἰς encroaching on the simple dative, which it has wholly displaced in MGr.; Jannaris, Gr., §1541; Robertson, Gr., 594; Deiss., BS, 117f.): Luk.7:30, Rom.4:20, 15:2, 26, 1Co.16:1, Eph.3:16, al.; ἀγάπη εἰς, Rom.5:8, al.; χρηστός, Eph.4:32; φρονεῖν εἰς, Rom.12:16; θαρρεῖν, 2Co.10:1. __V. Of the end or object: εὔθετος εἰς, Luk.14:34; σόφος, Rom.16:19; ἰσχύειν, Mat.5:13; εἰς τοῦτο, Mrk.1:38, al.; ἀφορίζειν εἰς, Rom.1:1; indicating purpose, εἰς φόβον, Rom.8:15; εἰς ἔνδειξιν, Rom.3:25; εἰς τό, with inf. (= ἵνα or ὥστε; Bl., §71, 5; M, Pr., 218ff.): Mat.20:19, Rom.1:11, 1Co.9:18, al. __VI. Adverbial phrases: εἰς τέλος, εἰς τὸ πάλιν, etc (see: τέλος, πάλιν, etc.). (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 1512 NT verses. KJV: (abundant-)ly, against, among, as, at, (back-)ward, before, by, concerning, + continual, + far more exceeding, for (intent, purpose), fore, + forth, in (among, at, unto, -so much that, -to), to the intent that, + of one mind, + never, of, (up-)on, + perish, + set at one again, (so) that, therefore(-unto), throughout, til, to (be, the end, -ward), (here-)until(-to), …ward, (where-)fore, with See also: 1 Corinthians 1:9; 1 Timothy 1:16; 1 Peter 1:2.

οδον hodos G3598 "road" Noun-ASF

This word for road or path is used in Matthew 2:12 and Mark 10:46 to describe a physical route or way. It can also mean a mode or means of doing something.

Definition: ὁδός, -οῦ, ἡ, [in LXX chiefly (very freq.) for דֶּרֶךְ ;] __1. a way, path, road: Mat.2:12, Mrk.10:46, Luk.3:5 al.; κατὰ τὴν ὁ., Luk.10:4, al.; παρὰ τὴν ὁ., Mat.13:4, al.; with genitive of person(s), (subj.), τὴν ὁ. ἑτοιμάζειν (fig.), Mat.3:3, Mrk.1:3, al.; with genitive term. (obj.), ἐθνῶν, Mat.10:5; τ. ἁγίων (figuratively), Heb.9:8; accusative, ὁδόν, with force of prep. (like Heb. דֶּרֶךְ; Bl., §34, 8; 35, 5), ὁ. θαλάσσης, Mat.4:15 (LXX). __2. A traveller's way, journey: ἐν τ. ὁ., Mat.5:25, Mrk.8:27, al.; ἐξ ὁ., Luk.11:6; εἰς ὁ., Mat.10:10; τ. ὁδὸν πορεύεσθαι, Act.8:39; ὁ. ἡμέρας, Luk.2:44; ὁδὸν ποιεῖν (= cl., ὁ. ποιεῖσθαι; V. Field, Notes, 25), to make one's way, i.e. proceed on one's journey, Mrk.2:23. __3. Metaphorical (cl.; but esp. frequently in Heb.; see Cremer, 442ff.), of a course of conduct, a way of thinking or acting: Act.14:16, 1Co.4:17 12:31, Jas.1:8 5:20; τοῦ Κάϊν, Ju 11; τ. Βαλαάμ, 2Pe.2:15; εἰρήνης, Rom.3:17; ζωῆς, Act.2:28; ἡ ὁ. ἡ ἀπάγουσα εἰς τ. ζωήν (Dalman, Words, 160), Mat.7:14; τ. δικαιοσύνης, Mat.21:32; σωτηρίας, Act.16:17; αἱ ὁ. τ. θεοῦ (κυρίου), Act.13:10, Rom.11:33, Rev.15:3 (cf. Hos.14:9 Psa.94 (95):10, Sir.39:24, al.); ἡ ὁ. τ. θεοῦ (the way approved by God), Mat.22:16, Mrk.12:14, Luk.20:21; id., of the Christian religion, Act.18:26; so, absol., ἡ ὁ., Act.9:2 19:9, 23 24:22; of Christ as the means of approach to God, Jhn.14:6. __4. Ellipsis of ὁ.: ποίας (sc. ὁδοῦ), Luk.5:19; ἐκείνης, ib. 19:4 (see Bl., §36, 13; 44, 1). (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 99 NT verses. KJV: journey, (high-)way See also: 1 Corinthians 4:17; Luke 11:6; Hebrews 3:10.

ειρηνης eirēnē G1515 "peace" Noun-GSF

This word means peace, and is used in the Bible to describe a state of harmony, prosperity, or freedom from war. For example, in Luke 14:32 and Romans 14:17, it's used to talk about peace between people or nations. It's like saying 'let's have peace and quiet, and live in rest and harmony'.

Definition: εἰρήνη, -ης, ἡ, [in LXX chiefly for שָׁלוֹם ;] peace; __1. of public peace, freedom from war: Luk.14:32, Act.12:20 24:2; of the church, Ac 9:31. __2. Of peace between persons, concord, agreement : Mat.10:34, Luk.12:51, Rom.14:17, 1Co.7:15, Gal.5:22, Jas.3:18; ζητεῖν εἰ., 1Pe.3:11; διώκειν, 2Ti.2:22; ib. before μετὰ πάντων, Heb.12:14; by meton., of him who brings peace, Eph.2:14. __3. As in LXX (= Heb. שָׁלוֹם, Aram. שְׁלָם), of a state of security and safety: Jhn.16:33, Rom.2:10, 1Th.5:3,́ whence the formulae, ὕπαγε (πορεύου) εἰς εἰ, Mrk.5:34, Luk.7:50 (cf. 1Ki.1:17, al.; לְכִי לְשָׁלוֹם); εἰ. ὑμῖν (שָׁלוֹם לָכֶם), Jhn.20:19, 21, 26; ἀπολύειν ἐν εἰ., Luk.2:29, cf. 1Co.16:11; ἡ εἰ. ὑμῶν, Mat.10:13, Luk.10:6; υἱὸς εἰρήνης, ib. __4. Of spiritual peace, the peace of Christ's kingdom (DCG, ii, 330f.): Luk.1:79 2:14 Jhn.16:33, Rom.2:10 5:1 8:6, al.; ὁ κύριος τῆς εἰ., 2Th.3:16; ὁ θεὸς τῆς εἰ., Rom.15:33 16:20, 2Co.13:11, al.; in epistolary salutations, Rom.1:7, 1Co.1:3, Gal.1:3, 1Th.1:1, 1Pe.1:2, 2Jo.3, Rev.1:4, al. (see Cremer, 244). (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 86 NT verses. KJV: one, peace, quietness, rest, + set at one again See also: 1 Corinthians 1:3; Hebrews 13:20; 1 Peter 1:2.

Study Notes — Luke 1:79

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Luke 1:79 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Luke 1:79
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Luke 1:79
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Luke 1:79
Trapp's Commentary on Luke 1:79
Ellicott's Commentary on Luke 1:79
Cambridge Bible on Luke 1:79
Barnes' Notes on Luke 1:79
Whedon's Commentary on Luke 1:79
Sermons on Luke 1:79

Context — Zechariah’s Song

77to give to His people the knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of their sins, 78because of the tender mercy of our God, by which the Dawn will visit us from on high,

79to shine on those who live in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the path of peace.”

80And the child grew and became strong in spirit; and he lived in the wilderness until the time of his public appearance to Israel.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Isaiah 9:2	The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death, a light has dawned.
2	Matthew 4:16	the people living in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death, a light has dawned.”
3	Acts 26:18	to open their eyes, so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those sanctified by faith in Me.’
4	Isaiah 42:7	to open the eyes of the blind, to bring prisoners out of the dungeon and those sitting in darkness out from the prison house.
5	Ephesians 5:8	For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light,
6	John 12:46	I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in Me should remain in darkness.
7	Psalms 107:14	He brought them out of darkness and the shadow of death and broke away their chains.
8	John 8:12	Once again, Jesus spoke to the people and said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows Me will never walk in the darkness, but will have the light of life.”
9	John 9:5	While I am in the world, I am the light of the world.”
10	Psalms 107:10	Some sat in darkness and in the shadow of death, prisoners in affliction and chains,

Luke 1:79 Summary

[This verse is talking about how Jesus comes to bring light to people who are living in darkness and don't know God. He guides us on a path of peace, which means we can have peace with God and with others, as promised in Romans 5:1 and Matthew 5:9. Jesus is the one who shines His light on us and shows us the way to go, so we can trust Him to lead us. By following Jesus, we can experience the peace that He promises, and we can reflect this peace to those around us.]

Frequently Asked Questions

What is meant by 'those who live in darkness and in the shadow of death' in Luke 1:79?

This phrase refers to people who are living without God's light and are under the threat of spiritual death, as seen in Ephesians 2:1-3 and 1 John 1:5-7, where it is clear that those who do not know God are in darkness.

How does God guide our feet into the path of peace?

According to Psalm 119:105, God's word is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path, guiding us in the way of peace, which is also promised in Isaiah 26:3 and John 14:27.

What is the significance of 'the path of peace' in this verse?

The path of peace refers to the way of salvation and righteousness, as seen in Romans 5:1, where we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, and in Matthew 5:9, where the peacemakers are called children of God.

How does this verse relate to the overall message of the Gospel of Luke?

This verse is part of the larger narrative of Luke, which emphasizes the coming of Jesus as the bringer of light and salvation to a world in darkness, as seen in Luke 4:18-19, where Jesus reads from Isaiah 61:1-2 about His mission to bring light to the poor and oppressed.

Reflection Questions

What are some areas in my life where I am living in darkness, and how can I invite God's light to shine in those places?
How can I trust God to guide my feet into the path of peace when I am faced with difficult decisions or uncertain circumstances?
What does it mean for me to walk in the path of peace, and how can I reflect this peace to those around me?
In what ways can I be a light to others who are living in darkness, and how can I point them to the path of peace?

Gill's Exposition on Luke 1:79

To give light to them that sit in darkness,.... God's elect among the Jews, who were not only in a state of unregeneracy, which is a state of darkness, ignorance, and unbelief; but in the darkness of

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Luke 1:79

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; Here are the dying echoes of this song: and very beautiful are these

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Luke 1:79

Here Zacharias showeth us the end why God visited us with his Son, the Branch, the Light, the Dayspring, the Sun of righteousness. Men were in the darkness of sin and ignorance, dead in trespasses and sins, at war and enmity with God; Christ came to give them the light of gospel revelations, the light of spiritual comfort and salvation, to purchase peace, and to direct them how to walk that they might have peace with God, and at last enter into peace. This he did to the Jews first, then to the Gentiles: see ,2 60:1,19.

Trapp's Commentary on Luke 1:79

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. Ver. 79. That sit in darkness] This imports, 1. continuance; 2. content. To guide our feet] The superstitious pagans thought that their goddess Vibilia kept them in their right way when they travelled: but we have a better guide to God. Arnob. advers. Gent. lib, 4.

Ellicott's Commentary on Luke 1:79

(79) To give light to them that sit in darkness.—The words are an echo of those of Isa 9:2, which we have already met with in Matthew 4:16, where see Note. Here they carry on the thought of the sunrise lighting up the path of those who had sat all night long in the dark ravine, and whose feet were now guided into “the way of peace,” that word including, as it always did, with the Hebrew, every form of blessedness.

Cambridge Bible on Luke 1:79

79. in the shadow of death] The Hebrew Tsalmaveth. Job 10:21; Job 38:17; Psalms 23:4; Psalms 107:10; Isaiah 9:2; Matthew 4:16, &c.

Barnes' Notes on Luke 1:79

To give light ... - See the notes at Matthew 4:16. To guide our feet ... - The figure in these verses is taken from travelers, who, being overtaken by night, know not what to do, and who wait

Whedon's Commentary on Luke 1:79

79. To them that sit in darkness—The image is here completed. The people are sitting in sullen darkness, the darkness even of death, and the dayspring pours down its splendour from the eastern sky upon them.

Sermons on Luke 1:79

	Sermon	Description
	Thy Love to Me Was Wonderful by C.H. Spurgeon	In this sermon on blindness, the preacher delves into the concept of 'tuphlos' which can refer to both literal and spiritual blindness. It is used to describe one's mind as ignoran
	John the Baptist Is Born Luke 1:57-80 by David Servant	David Servant preaches about the miraculous birth of John the Baptist, emphasizing how God had a special plan for him even before he was born. John's circumcision marked him as one
	Freedom From Bondage Romans 8 - Part 1 by Leonard Ravenhill	In this sermon, the preacher shares a story about a garbage collector who had been rescued from a troubled life. The preacher describes a powerful moment during a church service wh
	His Light Shines by Basilea Schlink	This sermon focuses on the darkness that may surround us during Christmas, whether in the world situation or in our personal relationships and hearts. It highlights the prophecy of
	The Three Hours' Darkness by C.H. Spurgeon	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of Jesus speaking to bring light to dark hearts. He highlights the significance of Jesus' cry of abandonment on the cross, sta
	What Child Is This? the Benedictus by J. Glyn Owen	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the prevailing conditions of desolation and darkness in the world during the time of Zechariah. He emphasizes the need for salvation from enem
	(The Word for Today) Isaiah 9:2 - Part 1 by Chuck Smith	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the parallels between the current state of society and the biblical story of Judah's idolatry and turning away from God. He condemns the pre