Luke 1:78
New International Version
because of the tender mercy of our God, by which the rising sun will come to us from heaven

New Living Translation
Because of God’s tender mercy, the morning light from heaven is about to break upon us,

English Standard Version
because of the tender mercy of our God, whereby the sunrise shall visit us from on high

Berean Standard Bible
because of the tender mercy of our God, by which the Dawn will visit us from on high,

Berean Literal Bible
through the affections of compassion of our God, in which the Sunrise will visit us from on high,

King James Bible
Through the tender mercy of our God; whereby the dayspring from on high hath visited us,

New King James Version
Through the tender mercy of our God, With which the Dayspring from on high has visited us;

New American Standard Bible
Because of the tender mercy of our God, With which the Sunrise from on high will visit us,

NASB 1995
Because of the tender mercy of our God, With which the Sunrise from on high will visit us,

NASB 1977
Because of the tender mercy of our God, With which the Sunrise from on high shall visit us,

Legacy Standard Bible
Because of the tender mercy of our God, With which the Sunrise from on high will visit us,

Amplified Bible
Because of the tender mercy of our God, With which the Sunrise (the Messiah) from on high will dawn and visit us,

Christian Standard Bible
Because of our God’s merciful compassion, the dawn from on high will visit us

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Because of our God’s merciful compassion, the Dawn from on high will visit us

American Standard Version
Because of the tender mercy of our God, Whereby the dayspring from on high shall visit us,

Contemporary English Version
God's love and kindness will shine upon us like the sun that rises in the sky.

English Revised Version
Because of the tender mercy of our God, Whereby the dayspring from on high shall visit us,

GOD'S WORD® Translation
A new day will dawn on us from above because our God is loving and merciful.

Good News Translation
Our God is merciful and tender. He will cause the bright dawn of salvation to rise on us

International Standard Version
Because of the tender mercy of our God, his light from on high has visited us,

Majority Standard Bible
because of the tender mercy of our God, by which the Dawn will visit us from on high,

NET Bible
Because of our God's tender mercy the dawn will break upon us from on high

New Heart English Bible
because of the tender mercy of our God, whereby the dawn from on high will visit us,

Webster's Bible Translation
Through the tender mercy of our God; by which the day-spring from on high hath visited us,

Weymouth New Testament
Through the tender compassion of our God, Through which the daybreak from on high will come to us,

World English Bible
because of the tender mercy of our God, by which the dawn from on high will visit us,
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
Through the yearnings of our God, "" In which the rising from on high looked on us,

Berean Literal Bible
through the affections of compassion of our God, in which the Sunrise will visit us from on high,

Young's Literal Translation
Through the tender mercies of our God, In which the rising from on high did look upon us,

Smith's Literal Translation
Through the bowels of mercy of our God; by which the rising of the sun of sublimity has reviewed us,
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Through the bowels of the mercy of our God, in which the Orient from on high hath visited us:

Catholic Public Domain Version
through the heart of the mercy of our God, by which, descending from on high, he has visited us,

New American Bible
because of the tender mercy of our God by which the daybreak from on high will visit us

New Revised Standard Version
By the tender mercy of our God, the dawn from on high will break upon us,
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Through the mercy and kindness of our God; whereby we shall be visited by a ray from above,

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
“In the compassions of the mercy of our God in which The Manifestation from Heaven will visit us,”
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
through the tender mercies of our God; by which the dawn from on high has visited us,

Godbey New Testament
through the bowels of mercy of our God, in which the dayspring from on high looked upon us,

Haweis New Testament
through the bowels of mercy of our God; with which he hath visited us, as the dawn of the morning from on high,

Mace New Testament
through the tender mercy of our God, by which the rising sun has visited us from on high,

Weymouth New Testament
Through the tender compassion of our God, Through which the daybreak from on high will come to us,

Worrell New Testament
because of the tender compassions of the mercy of our God, wherein the day-spring from on high shall visit us,

Worsley New Testament
in the remission of their sins, through the tender mercy of our God, whereby the day-spring hath visited us from on high,

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



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.”…

Cross References
Malachi 4:2
“But for you who fear My name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its wings, and you will go out and leap like calves from the stall.

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.

Isaiah 60:1
Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD rises upon you.

2 Peter 1:19
We also have the word of the prophets as confirmed beyond doubt. And you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts.

John 1:4-5
In Him was life, and that life was the light of men. / The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

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.”

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.”

Ephesians 5:14
So it is said: “Wake up, O sleeper, rise up from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.”

Isaiah 42:6-7
“I, the LORD, have called you for a righteous purpose, and I will take hold of your hand. I will keep you and appoint you to be a covenant for the people and a light to the nations, / to open the eyes of the blind, to bring prisoners out of the dungeon and those sitting in darkness out from the prison house.

Isaiah 49:6
He says: “It is not enough for You to be My Servant, to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to restore the protected ones of Israel. I will also make You a light for the nations, to bring My salvation to the ends of the earth.”

Zechariah 3:8
Hear now, O high priest Joshua, you and your companions seated before you, who are indeed a sign. For behold, I am going to bring My servant, the Branch.

Zechariah 6:12
And you are to tell him that this is what the LORD of Hosts says: ‘Here is a man whose name is the Branch, and He will branch out from His place and build the temple of the LORD.

Numbers 24:17
I see him, but not now; I behold him, but not near. A star will come forth from Jacob, and a scepter will arise from Israel. He will crush the skulls of Moab and strike down all the sons of Sheth.

Revelation 22:16
“I, Jesus, have sent My angel to give you this testimony for the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, the bright Morning Star.”

Psalm 84:11
For the LORD God is a sun and a shield; the LORD gives grace and glory; He withholds no good thing from those who walk with integrity.


Treasury of Scripture

Through the tender mercy of our God; whereby the dayspring from on high has visited us,

tender.

Psalm 25:6
Remember, O LORD, thy tender mercies and thy lovingkindnesses; for they have been ever of old.

Isaiah 63:7,15
I will mention the lovingkindnesses of the LORD, and the praises of the LORD, according to all that the LORD hath bestowed on us, and the great goodness toward the house of Israel, which he hath bestowed on them according to his mercies, and according to the multitude of his lovingkindnesses…

John 3:16
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

day-spring.

Numbers 24:17
I shall see him, but not now: I shall behold him, but not nigh: there shall come a Star out of Jacob, and a Sceptre shall rise out of Israel, and shall smite the corners of Moab, and destroy all the children of Sheth.

Isaiah 11:1
And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots:

Zechariah 3:8
Hear now, O Joshua the high priest, thou, and thy fellows that sit before thee: for they are men wondered at: for, behold, I will bring forth my servant the BRANCH.

Jump to Previous
Account Bowels Compassion Dawn Daybreak Dayspring Day-Spring Heaven High Loving Mercy Rising Sun Sunrise Tender Visit Visited Whereby Wherein
Jump to Next
Account Bowels Compassion Dawn Daybreak Dayspring Day-Spring Heaven High Loving Mercy Rising Sun Sunrise Tender Visit Visited Whereby Wherein
Luke 1
1. The preface of Luke to his whole gospel.
5. The conception of John the Baptist;
26. and of Jesus.
39. The prophecy of Elisabeth and of Mary, concerning Jesus.
57. The nativity and circumcision of John.
67. The prophecy of Zachariah, both of Jesus,
76. and of John.














because of the tender mercy
The phrase "because of the tender mercy" highlights the profound compassion and loving-kindness of God. The Greek word for "tender mercy" is "σπλάγχνα" (splanchna), which literally refers to the inward parts or bowels, considered the seat of emotions in ancient times. This term conveys a deep, visceral compassion, emphasizing that God's mercy is not just a distant or abstract concept but a heartfelt, intimate concern for humanity. In the scriptural context, God's mercy is a recurring theme, underscoring His willingness to forgive and restore His people despite their shortcomings. Historically, this mercy is seen as a fulfillment of God's covenant promises to Israel, demonstrating His unwavering faithfulness.

of our God
The phrase "of our God" personalizes the relationship between the divine and the believers. It signifies ownership and belonging, reminding the reader that God is not a distant deity but a personal God who is actively involved in the lives of His people. The possessive "our" indicates a communal relationship, reflecting the covenantal bond between God and His people. In the broader biblical narrative, this relationship is foundational, as God consistently reveals Himself as the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and by extension, the God of all who follow Him.

by which the Dawn
The term "Dawn" is translated from the Greek word "ἀνατολή" (anatole), which can mean "rising" or "east." This word is often used metaphorically in the Bible to signify new beginnings, hope, and the coming of light after darkness. In the context of Luke 1:78, "the Dawn" is a messianic reference, symbolizing the arrival of Jesus Christ, who is the Light of the World. This imagery is rich in scriptural significance, as it echoes prophecies from the Old Testament, such as Malachi 4:2, which speaks of the "Sun of Righteousness" rising with healing. The Dawn represents the breaking of spiritual darkness and the ushering in of a new era of salvation and grace.

will visit us
The phrase "will visit us" is derived from the Greek word "ἐπισκέπτομαι" (episkeptomai), meaning to look upon, care for, or inspect. This term conveys the idea of divine intervention and care, suggesting that God is not passive but actively engages with His creation. In the biblical context, God's visitation often implies a significant act of deliverance or judgment. Here, it is a visitation of grace and redemption, as God incarnates in the person of Jesus Christ to bring salvation to humanity. This visitation fulfills the long-awaited hope of Israel and extends God's mercy to all nations.

from on high
The phrase "from on high" indicates the divine origin of the visitation. It underscores the transcendence and majesty of God, who intervenes in human history from His exalted position. The Greek term "ὕψος" (hypsos) refers to height or elevation, emphasizing the heavenly realm from which God's redemptive plan is initiated. This phrase assures believers of the divine authority and power behind the coming of Christ, reinforcing the truth that salvation is a gift from above, not a human achievement. In the broader scriptural narrative, this concept is echoed in passages like James 1:17, which speaks of every good and perfect gift coming from above, from the Father of lights.

(78) Through the tender mercy.--Literally, on account of the bowels of mercy of our God. After this manner the Jews spoke of what we should call "the heart" of God. The word was a favourite one with St. Paul, as in the Greek of 2Corinthians 7:15; Philippians 1:8, Php_2:1; Colossians 3:12. The pity that moved the heart of God is thought of, not as the instrument through which, but that on account of which, the work of the Baptist was to be accomplished.

The dayspring from on high.--The English word expresses the force of the Greek very beautifully. The dawn is seen in the East rising upward, breaking through the darkness. We must remember, however, that the word had acquired another specially Messianic association, through its use in the LXX. version as the equivalent for the "Branch," "that which springs upward," of Jeremiah 23:5; Zechariah 3:8. Here the thought of the sunrise is prominent, and it connects itself with such predictions as, "The glory of the Lord hath risen upon thee" (Isaiah 60:1), "The sun of righteousness shall rise" (Malachi 4:2). What had become a Messianic name is taken in its primary sense, and turned into a parable. . . .

Verse 78. - Through the tender mercy of our God. And, goes on Zacharias in his noble hymn, all this tender care for Israel (but really for mankind, though perhaps the speaker of the hymn scarcely guessed it) is owing to the deep love of God. Whereby the Dayspring from on high hath visited us. The beautiful imagery here is derived from the magnificence of an Eastern sunrise. In his temple service at Jerusalem the priest must have seen the ruddy dawn rise grandly over the dark chain of the distant mountains, and lighting up with a blaze of golden glory the everlasting hills as they stood round about Jerusalem. The thought which pictured the advent of Messiah as a sunrise was a favorite one with the prophets. We see it in such prophecies of Isaiah and Malachi as, "Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee. For behold... Gentiles shall come to thy light, and kings to the brightness of the; rising" (Isaiah 60:1-3). "Unto you that fear my Name shall the Sun of Righteousness arise with healing in his wings" (Malachi 4:2).

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
because of
διὰ (dia)
Preposition
Strong's 1223: A primary preposition denoting the channel of an act; through.

[the] tender
σπλάγχνα (splanchna)
Noun - Accusative Neuter Plural
Strong's 4698: Probably strengthened from splen; an intestine; figuratively, pity or sympathy.

mercy
ἐλέους (eleous)
Noun - Genitive Neuter Singular
Strong's 1656: Pity, mercy, compassion. Of uncertain affinity; compassion.

of our
ἡμῶν (hēmōn)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 1st Person Plural
Strong's 1473: I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.

God,
Θεοῦ (Theou)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 2316: A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.

by
ἐν (en)
Preposition
Strong's 1722: In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.

which
οἷς (hois)
Personal / Relative Pronoun - Dative Neuter Plural
Strong's 3739: Who, which, what, that.

[the] Dawn
ἀνατολὴ (anatolē)
Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 395: From anatello; a rising of light, i.e. Dawn; by implication, the east.

will visit
ἐπισκέψεται (episkepsetai)
Verb - Future Indicative Middle - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1980: To look upon, visit, look out, select.

us
ἡμᾶς (hēmas)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative 1st Person Plural
Strong's 1473: I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.

from
ἐξ (ex)
Preposition
Strong's 1537: From out, out from among, from, suggesting from the interior outwards. A primary preposition denoting origin, from, out.

on high,
ὕψους (hypsous)
Noun - Genitive Neuter Singular
Strong's 5311: Height, heaven; dignity, eminence. From a derivative of huper; elevation, i.e. altitude, the sky, or dignity.


Links
Luke 1:78 NIV
Luke 1:78 NLT
Luke 1:78 ESV
Luke 1:78 NASB
Luke 1:78 KJV

Luke 1:78 BibleApps.com
Luke 1:78 Biblia Paralela
Luke 1:78 Chinese Bible
Luke 1:78 French Bible
Luke 1:78 Catholic Bible

NT Gospels: Luke 1:78 Because of the tender mercy of our (Luke Lu Lk)
Luke 1:77
Top of Page
Top of Page