Luke 1:50

KJV

And his mercy [is] on them that fear him from generation to generation.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} his {G846} mercy {G1656} is on them that fear {G5399} him {G846} from {G1519} generation {G1074} to generation {G1074}.

Complete Jewish Bible

and in every generation he has mercy on those who fear him.c

Berean Standard Bible

His mercy extends to those who fear Him, from generation to generation.

American Standard Version

And his mercy is unto generations and generations On them that fear him.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 1:50, a profound declaration within Mary's Magnificat, reveals the enduring and unwavering nature of God's mercy. This verse highlights divine compassion as an eternal attribute, perpetually extended to those who hold God in reverential awe, ensuring His steadfast faithfulness from one generation to the next. It underscores the perpetual grace of God, rooted in His covenant character, offered to all who respond with holy fear and obedience.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is an integral part of [Mary's Magnificat](/luke/1-46-55 "Luke 1:46-55 - Mary's Song of Praise"), a spontaneous and Spirit-inspired hymn of praise Mary utters after her cousin Elizabeth, filled with the Holy Spirit, greets her. The Magnificat (Luke 1:46-55) is deeply saturated with Old Testament themes and echoes, most notably drawing parallels with [Hannah's prayer in 1 Samuel 2](/1_samuel/2-1-10 "1 Samuel 2:1-10 - Hannah's Prayer"). Mary's song celebrates God's faithfulness to His covenant promises, His power to humble the proud and exalt the lowly, and His special care for His people, particularly Israel. Luke 1:50 serves as a theological anchor within this song, articulating the foundational reason for God's actions—His enduring mercy to those who fear Him.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is Judea during the Roman occupation, a period of fervent Messianic expectation among the Jewish people. The concept of God's "mercy" (Hebrew: *chesed*, Greek: *eleos*) was central to Jewish understanding of God's covenant relationship with Israel, signifying His loyal love and faithfulness. The phrase "fear him" (Greek: *phobéō*) in this context does not denote terror but a profound reverence, awe, and respect for God's holiness, power, and authority, which naturally leads to obedience and trust. This reverential fear was considered the [beginning of wisdom](/proverbs/9-10 "Proverbs 9:10 - The Fear of the Lord is the Beginning of Wisdom") and a hallmark of true piety within Jewish culture. Mary, as a devout Jewish woman, would have understood God's mercy as both a personal experience and a historical reality for her people, extending through their lineage.
* **Key Themes:** Luke 1:50 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the Magnificat and the broader Gospel of Luke. Firstly, it highlights **God's Enduring Mercy and Covenant Faithfulness**, emphasizing that His compassion is not fleeting but steadfast, extending through all ages and to all who align themselves with Him. This is a perpetual and consistent attribute of His character. Secondly, the verse underscores the theme of **Reverential Fear**, clarifying that God's mercy is specifically directed "on them that fear him." This "fear" is a humble and obedient posture before God, recognizing His sovereignty and goodness, which is consistently presented in Scripture as the proper response to divine holiness. Thirdly, it speaks to **Intergenerational Faithfulness**, asserting that God's blessings and character are transmitted "from generation to generation," affirming the continuity of God's promises and His unwavering commitment to those who honor Him throughout history.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **mercy (Greek, _éleos'_):** This term (G1656) signifies more than mere pity; it denotes active compassion, kindness, and often, covenant loyalty. In the Septuagint (the Greek Old Testament), *éleos* frequently translates the Hebrew *chesed*, which encapsulates God's steadfast love, faithfulness, and unwavering commitment to His covenant people. Thus, Mary's declaration speaks of God's active, faithful, and compassionate intervention on behalf of those He is in a relationship with.
* **fear (Greek, _phobéō'_):** The verb *phobéō* (G5399) means "to frighten" or, in the passive voice, "to be alarmed." However, in this context, especially when referring to God, it carries the nuanced meaning of "to be in awe of" or "to revere." It describes a profound respect, honor, and humble submission to God's authority and holiness, rather than a paralyzing terror. This reverential fear leads to obedience and trust, recognizing God's omnipotence and goodness.
* **generation (Greek, _geneá'_):** The noun *geneá* (G1074) refers to a generation, an age, or a period of time, as well as the persons living within that period. Its repetition, "from generation to generation," emphasizes the perpetual, continuous, and unending nature of God's mercy. It highlights the intergenerational aspect of God's covenant promises and His faithfulness, extending His blessings and character across successive ages.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And his mercy is on them":** This clause begins by asserting the active presence and application of God's mercy. The "his" refers directly to God, whose character is defined by this profound compassion and covenant loyalty. The phrase "is on them" suggests a protective, encompassing, and beneficial outpouring of this divine attribute upon a specific group.
* **"that fear him":** This phrase identifies the recipients of God's enduring mercy. It is not indiscriminately given but is specifically directed towards those who respond to God with reverential awe, respect, and humble obedience. This "fear" is the appropriate and wise response to the holy and sovereign God, leading to a life lived in accordance with His will.
* **"from generation to generation":** This concluding phrase powerfully emphasizes the perpetual and unending nature of God's mercy. It signifies that His compassion and faithfulness are not temporary or limited to a single era but extend continuously through all ages, across successive generations. It speaks to the enduring legacy of God's character and His unwavering commitment to His people throughout salvation history.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 1:50 employs several literary devices to convey its profound theological truth. The most prominent is **Emphasis** through the repetition of the phrase "from generation to generation," which powerfully underscores the eternal and unending nature of God's mercy. This repetition serves to assure the listener of the unwavering constancy of divine compassion across all time. Furthermore, the verse utilizes **Theological Parallelism** by echoing and affirming Old Testament themes concerning God's steadfast love (*chesed*) and the blessings bestowed upon those who "fear the Lord." This connection grounds Mary's prophetic utterance in the long-standing tradition of God's covenant faithfulness to His people, demonstrating continuity between the Old and New Covenants. The verse also implicitly uses **Attribute Personification**, where "mercy" is presented as an active, almost tangible force that rests "on them," highlighting its dynamic and protective quality.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 1:50 serves as a profound theological statement about the very character of God. It asserts that mercy is not merely an occasional act but an inherent and enduring attribute of the Divine, flowing from His covenant faithfulness. This verse encapsulates the biblical truth that God's steadfast love (Hebrew *chesed*) is perpetually available to those who respond to Him with humble reverence and obedience. It grounds the hope of salvation in God's unchanging nature, assuring believers that His compassion is as constant as His being. Mary's declaration, therefore, is a testament to God's unwavering commitment to His promises, extending His grace and blessings across all time to those who acknowledge and honor Him.

* [Psalm 103:17](/psalm/103-17 "Psalm 103:17 - God's Mercy to Those Who Fear Him")
* [Deuteronomy 5:29](/deuteronomy/5-29 "Deuteronomy 5:29 - Fear God to Prosper")
* [Exodus 20:6](/exodus/20-6 "Exodus 20:6 - God's Mercy to a Thousand Generations")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 1:50 offers immense comfort and profound challenge to believers today. It assures us that God's mercy is not a fleeting emotion or a temporary disposition but an eternal attribute of His character, as constant and reliable as His very being. For those who acknowledge His sovereignty, live in reverential awe, and seek to walk in obedience to His will—those who truly "fear Him"—His compassion is guaranteed and extends not only to them but also to their descendants. This promise highlights the beautiful intergenerational aspect of faith, where the blessings and faithfulness of God build upon the legacy of those who honored Him before us and extend to those who will follow. It encourages us to cultivate a posture of deep reverence, trust, and obedience towards God, knowing that such a relationship opens the door to His boundless and everlasting mercy, fostering a legacy of faith that impacts future generations.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding God's mercy as "from generation to generation" impact your view of His faithfulness in your own life and for your descendants?**
* **What does "fearing God" truly mean in your daily walk, and how does it manifest in your actions and attitudes towards Him and others?**
* **In what ways can you actively cultivate a legacy of reverential fear and trust in God for future generations within your family or community?**

### FAQ
**What is the "fear of the Lord" mentioned in this verse?**

Answer: The "fear of the Lord" in Luke 1:50, and throughout Scripture, is not a cowering terror or dread of punishment. Instead, it signifies a profound and holy reverence, awe, and respect for God's immense power, holiness, and majesty. It is a recognition of His supreme authority and goodness that leads to humble submission, obedience, and trust. This reverential fear is consistently portrayed as the [beginning of wisdom and knowledge](/proverbs/9-10 "Proverbs 9:10 - The Fear of the Lord is the Beginning of Wisdom") and the foundation for a right relationship with God. It motivates a desire to please Him and live in accordance with His will, knowing that His ways are always good and just.

**How does God's mercy extend "from generation to generation"?**

Answer: God's mercy extending "from generation to generation" signifies His enduring covenant faithfulness and unchanging character throughout history. It means that His compassion, steadfast love, and commitment to His promises are not limited to a single period or group of people but are perpetually available and passed down through successive generations of those who fear Him. This concept underscores the continuity of God's redemptive plan and His unwavering commitment to bless and preserve His people across time. It speaks to the legacy of faith, where the blessings of God experienced by one generation can be a foundation for the next, demonstrating that God's character is consistent and reliable through all ages, as affirmed in [Psalm 100:5](/psalm/100-5 "Psalm 100:5 - God's Enduring Mercy").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Mary's Magnificat, and specifically Luke 1:50, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While Mary sings of God's mercy to those who fear Him "from generation to generation" within the context of the Abrahamic covenant, the coming of Jesus radically expands and redefines the scope of that mercy. Christ is the very embodiment of God's [active compassion](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God So Loved the World"), the ultimate expression of divine *éleos*. Through His incarnation, life, atoning death, and glorious resurrection, Jesus provides the means by which humanity can truly "fear God" in a new and intimate way—not through terror, but through a Spirit-enabled reverence that leads to adoption as [sons and daughters](/romans/8-15 "Romans 8:15 - Spirit of Adoption"). The mercy promised "from generation to generation" is now made available to all people, of every nation and tribe, who believe in Him, transcending ethnic or national boundaries. He is the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), securing eternal mercy and a new covenant based on better promises, ensuring that God's steadfast love is poured out on all who are [in Christ Jesus](/2_corinthians/5-17 "2 Corinthians 5:17 - New Creation in Christ") for all generations to come.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Psalms 103:17

But the mercy of the LORD [is] from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear him, and his righteousness unto children's children;

Psalms 103:18

To such as keep his covenant, and to those that remember his commandments to do them.

Exodus 20:6

And shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments.

Genesis 17:7

¶ And I will establish my covenant between me and thee and thy seed after thee in their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be a God unto thee, and to thy seed after thee.

Psalms 118:4

Let them now that fear the LORD say, that his mercy [endureth] for ever.

Psalms 145:19

He will fulfil the desire of them that fear him: he also will hear their cry, and will save them.

Exodus 34:6

And the LORD passed by before him, and proclaimed, The LORD, The LORD God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth,