Luke 1:50

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

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

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

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

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

Luke 1:50 (KJV) declares a profound truth about God's character, forming a central part of Mary's prophetic song, the Magnificat. This verse highlights the enduring and unwavering nature of divine compassion, extended specifically to those who hold God in reverential awe.

Context

This verse is nestled within Mary's Magnificat (Luke 1:46-55), a spontaneous hymn of praise she utters after being greeted by her cousin Elizabeth, whose unborn child (John the Baptist) leaps in her womb. Mary's song is deeply rooted in Old Testament themes, particularly echoing Hannah's prayer in 1 Samuel 2. It celebrates God's faithfulness to His covenant promises, His power to humble the proud and exalt the lowly, and His special care for Israel.

Key Themes

  • God's Enduring Mercy: The phrase "from generation to generation" underscores the perpetual and consistent nature of God's compassion. His mercy is not fleeting but steadfast, extending through all ages and to all who align themselves with Him.
  • Reverential Fear: God's mercy is specifically directed "on them that fear him." This "fear" (Greek: phobos) is not terror, but a profound reverence, respect, and awe that leads to obedience and trust in God's authority and goodness. It is a recognition of His holiness and power.
  • Covenant Faithfulness: Mary's song, and this verse within it, reaffirms God's unwavering commitment to His promises made to Abraham and his descendants. It speaks to God's consistent character throughout salvation history.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "mercy" here is eleos (ἔλεος), which goes beyond mere pity to denote active compassion and kindness, often tied to God's covenant loyalty (Hebrew: chesed). The phrase "fear him" (Greek: phoboumenois) describes those who possess a holy awe and respect for God, which is consistently presented in Scripture as the beginning of wisdom and knowledge.

Significance and Application

Luke 1:50 offers immense comfort and assurance to believers today. It reminds us that God's mercy is not a temporary disposition but an eternal attribute of His character. For those who acknowledge His sovereignty and seek to live in accordance with His will – those who "fear Him" in a reverential sense – His compassion is guaranteed and generational. This promise highlights the intergenerational aspect of faith, where the blessings and faithfulness of God extend from one generation to the next, building upon the legacy of those who honored Him before.

This verse encourages us to cultivate a posture of reverence and obedience towards God, knowing that such a relationship opens the door to His boundless and everlasting mercy. It echoes the promise in Psalm 103:17, "But the mercy of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear him", reinforcing a consistent biblical truth.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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,

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