Luke 1:79
New International Version
to shine on those living in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the path of peace.”

New Living Translation
to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, and to guide us to the path of peace.”

English Standard Version
to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.”

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

Berean Literal Bible
to shine upon those sitting in darkness and in the shadow of death, to direct our feet into the way of peace."

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

New King James Version
To give light to those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death, To guide our feet into the way of peace.”

New American Standard Bible
To shine on those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death, To guide our feet into the way of peace.”

NASB 1995
TO SHINE UPON THOSE WHO SIT IN DARKNESS AND THE SHADOW OF DEATH, To guide our feet into the way of peace.”

NASB 1977
TO SHINE UPON THOSE WHO SIT IN DARKNESS AND THE SHADOW OF DEATH, To guide our feet into the way of peace.”

Legacy Standard Bible
TO SHINE UPON THOSE WHO SIT IN DARKNESS AND THE SHADOW OF DEATH, To direct our feet into the way of peace.”

Amplified Bible
TO SHINE UPON THOSE WHO SIT IN DARKNESS AND IN THE SHADOW OF DEATH, To guide our feet [in a straight line] into the way of peace and serenity.”

Christian Standard Bible
to shine on those who live in darkness and the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
to shine on those who live in darkness and the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.

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

Contemporary English Version
On us who live in the dark shadow of death this light will shine to guide us into a life of peace.

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

GOD'S WORD® Translation
He will give light to those who live in the dark and in death's shadow. He will guide us into the way of peace."

Good News Translation
and to shine from heaven on all those who live in the dark shadow of death, to guide our steps into the path of peace."

International Standard Version
to shine on those who sit in darkness and in death's shadow, and to guide our feet into the way of peace."

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

NET Bible
to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace."

New Heart English Bible
to shine on those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death; to guide our feet into the way of peace."

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

Weymouth New Testament
Dawning on those who now dwell in the darkness and shadow of death--To direct our feet into the path of peace."

World English Bible
to shine on those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death; to guide our feet into the way of peace.”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
To give light to those sitting in darkness and death-shade, "" To guide our feet to a way of peace.”

Berean Literal Bible
to shine upon those sitting in darkness and in the shadow of death, to direct our feet into the way of peace."

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

Smith's Literal Translation
To shine forth to those in darkness and sitting in the shadow of death, to direct our feet in the way of peace.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
To enlighten them that sit in darkness, and in the shadow of death: to direct our feet into the way of peace.

Catholic Public Domain Version
to illuminate those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, and to direct our feet in the way of peace.”

New American Bible
to shine on those who sit in darkness and death’s shadow, to guide our feet into the path of peace.”

New Revised Standard Version
to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
To give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
“To enlighten those who were sitting in darkness and in the shadow of death, that he may direct our feet in the path of peace.”
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, by guiding our feet in the way of peace.

Godbey New Testament
to appear unto those sitting in darkness and in the shadow of death, to direct our feet in the way of peace.

Haweis New Testament
to illumine those who sat in darkness, and in the shadow of death, to direct our feet into the way of peace.

Mace New Testament
to enlighten those, who are in darkness, and in the shadow of death, and to direct our steps into the ways of peace."

Weymouth New Testament
Dawning on those who now dwell in the darkness and shadow of death--To direct our feet into the path of peace."

Worrell New Testament
to shine upon those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace."

Worsley New Testament
to enlighten them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to direct our feet into the way of peace."

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Zechariah's Song
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
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.

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.”

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.”

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.

Isaiah 60:1-2
Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD rises upon you. / For behold, darkness covers the earth, and thick darkness is over the peoples; but the LORD will rise upon you, and His glory will appear over you.

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.

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 12:46
I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in Me should remain in darkness.

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.

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.’

Psalm 107:10-14
Some sat in darkness and in the shadow of death, prisoners in affliction and chains, / because they rebelled against the words of God and despised the counsel of the Most High. / He humbled their hearts with hard labor; they stumbled, and there was no one to help. ...

Ephesians 5:8
For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light,

Colossians 1:13
He has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of His beloved Son,

Isaiah 49:9
to say to the prisoners, ‘Come out,’ and to those in darkness, ‘Show yourselves.’ They will feed along the pathways, and find pasture on every barren hill.

1 John 1:5-7
And this is the message we have heard from Him and announce to you: God is light, and in Him there is no darkness at all. / If we say we have fellowship with Him yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. / But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin.


Treasury of Scripture

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

give.

Luke 2:32
A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.

Isaiah 9:2
The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined.

Isaiah 42:7,16
To open the blind eyes, to bring out the prisoners from the prison, and them that sit in darkness out of the prison house…

and.

Job 3:5
Let darkness and the shadow of death stain it; let a cloud dwell upon it; let the blackness of the day terrify it.

Job 10:22
A land of darkness, as darkness itself; and of the shadow of death, without any order, and where the light is as darkness.

Psalm 23:4
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

to guide.

Psalm 25:8-10,12
Good and upright is the LORD: therefore will he teach sinners in the way…

Psalm 85:10-13
Mercy and truth are met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other

Proverbs 3:17
Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace.

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Dark Darkness Dawning Death Death-Shade Direct Dwell Feet Guide Guided Light Path Peace Places Shade Shades Shadow Shine Sit Sitting Way
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Dark Darkness Dawning Death Death-Shade Direct Dwell Feet Guide Guided Light Path Peace Places Shade Shades Shadow Shine Sit Sitting Way
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.














to shine on those who live in darkness
This phrase speaks to the illuminating power of Christ's presence in a world overshadowed by sin and ignorance. The Greek word for "shine" (ἐπιφᾰ́νω) suggests a sudden and glorious appearance, akin to a sunrise dispelling the night. Historically, darkness symbolizes spiritual blindness and separation from God. The imagery here is reminiscent of Isaiah 9:2, where a great light shines on those walking in darkness, pointing to the messianic hope fulfilled in Jesus.

and in the shadow of death
The "shadow of death" is a powerful metaphor for the fear and inevitability of death that looms over humanity. In Hebrew thought, as seen in Psalm 23:4, this phrase conveys the deepest distress and danger. Christ's coming is portrayed as a light that penetrates even the darkest fears, offering hope and eternal life. This reflects the victory over death that Jesus secures through His resurrection.

to guide our feet
The Greek word for "guide" (κατευθύνω) implies leading or directing with purpose and care. This guidance is not just a general direction but a personal and intentional leading by Christ Himself. The imagery of guiding feet suggests a journey or path, emphasizing the Christian walk of faith. Historically, this reflects the shepherding role of God, as seen in Psalm 119:105, where His word is a lamp to our feet.

into the path of peace
The "path of peace" signifies a way of life characterized by reconciliation with God and others. The Greek word for "peace" (εἰρήνη) encompasses not only the absence of conflict but also the presence of wholeness and well-being. In the biblical context, peace is a hallmark of the Kingdom of God, promised by the prophets and realized in Christ. This path contrasts with the turmoil of sin and the world, offering believers a transformative journey towards spiritual and relational harmony.

(79) To give light to them that sit in darkness.--The words are an echo of those of Isaiah 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.

Verse 79. - To give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death. It would seem that for a moment the Hebrew priest saw beyond the narrow horizon of Israel, and that here, in the close of his glorious song, he caught sight of the distant far-reaching isles of the Gentiles, over which so deep a darkness brooded for ages.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
to shine on
ἐπιφᾶναι (epiphanai)
Verb - Aorist Infinitive Active
Strong's 2014: From epi and phaino; to shine upon, i.e. Become visible or known.

those who
τοῖς (tois)
Article - Dative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

live
καθημένοις (kathēmenois)
Verb - Present Participle Middle or Passive - Dative Masculine Plural
Strong's 2521: To sit, be seated, enthroned; I dwell, reside. From kata; and hemai; to sit down; figuratively, to remain, reside.

in
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.

darkness
σκότει (skotei)
Noun - Dative Neuter Singular
Strong's 4655: Darkness, either physical or moral. From the base of skia; shadiness, i.e. Obscurity.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

in [the] shadow
σκιᾷ (skia)
Noun - Dative Feminine Singular
Strong's 4639: Apparently a primary word; 'shade' or a shadow (darkness of error or an adumbration).

of death,
θανάτου (thanatou)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 2288: Death, physical or spiritual. From thnesko; death.

to guide
κατευθῦναι (kateuthynai)
Verb - Aorist Infinitive Active
Strong's 2720: (a) I make straight, (b) met: I put in the right way, direct. From kata and euthuno; to straighten fully, i.e. direct.

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.

feet
πόδας (podas)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Plural
Strong's 4228: The foot. A primary word; a 'foot'.

into
εἰς (eis)
Preposition
Strong's 1519: A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases.

[the] path
ὁδὸν (hodon)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3598: A way, road, journey, path. Apparently a primary word; a road; by implication, a progress; figuratively, a mode or means.

of peace.”
εἰρήνης (eirēnēs)
Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 1515: Probably from a primary verb eiro; peace; by implication, prosperity.


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NT Gospels: Luke 1:79 To shine on those who sit (Luke Lu Lk)
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