Luke 1:68

KJV

Blessed [be] the Lord God of Israel; for he hath visited and redeemed his people,

KJV (with Strong's)

Blessed {G2128} be the Lord {G2962} God {G2316} of Israel {G2474}; for {G3754} he hath visited {G1980} and {G2532} redeemed {G3085} his {G846} people {G2992}{G4160},

Complete Jewish Bible

"Praised be ADONAI, the God of Isra'el, because he has visited and made a ransom to liberate his people

Berean Standard Bible

“Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel, because He has visited and redeemed His people.

American Standard Version

Blessedbethe Lord, the God of Israel; For he hath visited and wrought redemption for his people,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 1:68 serves as the triumphant opening declaration of Zechariah's prophetic hymn, often known as the 'Benedictus.' After nine months of divinely imposed silence due to his initial disbelief regarding the miraculous conception of his son, John the Baptist, Zechariah's speech is miraculously restored at John's circumcision. His very first words are an overflowing outpouring of praise, acknowledging the Lord God of Israel's profound faithfulness and active intervention in history, specifically His long-awaited visitation and redemptive work on behalf of His covenant people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated at a pivotal moment within the opening chapter of Luke's Gospel, which meticulously details the miraculous births of John the Baptist and Jesus Christ. Zechariah, a priest, and his elderly, barren wife Elisabeth had been told by the angel Gabriel that they would conceive a son, John, who would serve as the forerunner to the Messiah. Zechariah's skepticism led to a period of muteness, a divine sign that underscored the certainty of Gabriel's prophecy. Following the birth of John and the public affirmation of his name, Zechariah's tongue was supernaturally loosed. Filled with the Holy Spirit, his immediate response was this powerful prophetic utterance, the 'Benedictus' (Luke 1:67-79), which begins with this verse of praise. It marks the transition from the private miraculous events surrounding John's birth to a public declaration of God's redemptive plan, signaling the imminent fulfillment of centuries of messianic prophecy.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Zechariah's prophecy emerges from a period of profound expectation and longing within Israel. For approximately 400 years, there had been no prophetic voice from God, a silence that heightened the anticipation for divine intervention. Israel was under Roman occupation, yearning for political and spiritual liberation, and the promises of a Messiah were deeply ingrained in their national consciousness. Zechariah, as a priest, represented the religious establishment, and his prophecy, delivered in the Temple tradition, would have resonated deeply with a people steeped in the Old Testament covenants. The act of circumcision and naming on the eighth day was a foundational covenant practice, and the public affirmation of John's name, against family tradition, underscored the divine origin of this child and the unfolding of God's unique plan.
* **Key Themes:** Luke 1:68 introduces and encapsulates several profound theological and narrative themes that permeate Zechariah's prophecy and the broader Gospel of Luke. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Blessing and Praise**, establishing a tone of profound gratitude and worship for God's inherent goodness and mighty acts of intervention. Secondly, the phrase "he hath visited" underscores **God's Active Visitation and Intervention**. This is not a passive observation but a deliberate, saving act of God drawing near to His people, culminating in the incarnation of [Jesus Christ, God dwelling among humanity](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh"). Thirdly, the core message of "redeemed his people" speaks to **Redemption and Deliverance**. This theme echoes the historical deliverance of Israel from Egyptian bondage (as seen in [Exodus 15:13](/exodus/15-13 "Exodus 15:13 - God's Redemption of Israel")) and points forward to the spiritual liberation from sin and oppression offered through the Messiah. Finally, the entire prophecy, beginning with this verse, powerfully affirms **God's Unwavering Covenant Faithfulness**, demonstrating that God remembers His holy covenant, particularly the promises made to [Abraham](/luke/1-73 "Luke 1:73 - God's Oath to Abraham") and David, and is now fulfilling His word through the coming Messiah (as prophesied in [2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12-16 "2 Samuel 7:12-16 - The Davidic Covenant")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Blessed (Greek, _eulogētós_):** This word, derived from a verb meaning "to speak well of" or "to praise," signifies "adorable." In this context, it is an acclamation of God's inherent worthiness of praise and adoration. It denotes God as the one who is to be praised, rather than one who receives a blessing from humans. It speaks to His divine nature and His praiseworthy actions.
* **Visited (Greek, _episképtomai_):** More than a casual call, this term implies an active, purposeful inspection or intervention, often with the specific intent to help, deliver, or inquire after someone's welfare. Theologically, it denotes God's gracious and saving intervention on behalf of His people, signifying His personal presence and care, particularly in a time of need or distress.
* **Redeemed (Greek, _lýtrōsis_):** This noun refers to a "ransoming" or "liberation," typically achieved through the payment of a ransom or a price. It evokes the imagery of buying back slaves or captives from bondage. In Zechariah's prophecy, it points to God's act of setting His people free from various forms of spiritual and physical bondage, echoing the Old Testament concept of deliverance and anticipating the ultimate redemption through the Messiah.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Blessed be the Lord God of Israel;":** Zechariah begins with an immediate and fervent doxology, an expression of praise directed towards God. The phrase "Lord God of Israel" emphasizes God's covenant relationship with His chosen people, highlighting His uniqueness and His historical faithfulness to them. This opening sets the tone for the entire Benedictus, framing it as a hymn of worship for God's character and actions.
* **"for he hath visited and redeemed his people,":** This clause provides the foundational reason for Zechariah's praise. The conjunction "for" (Greek, _hóti_) introduces the cause or justification for the blessing. God's "visitation" signifies His active, personal, and saving intervention into the affairs of His people, bringing an end to a long period of waiting and silence. This visitation is intrinsically linked to "redemption," which speaks of liberation and deliverance from bondage. Together, these actions confirm God's unwavering commitment to His covenant promises and His active work to bring salvation to His people.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 1:68 employs several significant literary devices. **Doxology** is immediately evident, as the verse opens with an explicit declaration of praise and blessing directed toward God. This sets the tone for the entire prophetic hymn that follows. The use of **Hebraism** is also present, particularly in the phrase "Lord God of Israel," which echoes the covenantal language and titles for God found throughout the Old Testament, reinforcing God's historical relationship with His people. Furthermore, the verse functions as a powerful **Prophetic Declaration**, not merely reflecting on past events but announcing the imminent fulfillment of God's redemptive plan through the coming Messiah. The words "visited" and "redeemed" also carry deep **Theological Symbolism**, representing God's active presence and His saving work, which will culminate in the person and work of Jesus Christ.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 1:68 stands as a profound theological statement, encapsulating God's active involvement in human history and His unwavering commitment to His covenant promises. Zechariah's outburst of praise is rooted in the understanding that God is not a distant deity, but one who actively "visits" His people, drawing near to them in their need. This "visitation" is always purposeful, leading to "redemption"—a liberation from bondage, whether spiritual, physical, or political. This verse connects the immediate context of John's birth to the broader sweep of salvation history, affirming that the long-awaited divine intervention, promised through the prophets, is now dawning. It underscores the theme of God's faithfulness to His covenant with Israel, demonstrating that His promises, though seemingly delayed, are ultimately fulfilled in His perfect timing, bringing about a profound and comprehensive deliverance for His chosen people.

* [Psalm 106:4-5](/psalms/106-4-5 "Psalm 106:4-5 - Remember Me, O Lord")
* [Exodus 3:7-8](/exodus/3-7-8 "Exodus 3:7-8 - God Hears and Delivers")
* [Galatians 4:4-5](/galatians/4-4-5 "Galatians 4:4-5 - God Sent His Son for Redemption")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 1:68 offers a timeless reminder of God's active and redemptive presence in the world and in our individual lives. Zechariah's immediate response of praise, after a period of silence and doubt, serves as a powerful model for believers today. It calls us to cultivate a posture of profound gratitude and worship, recognizing that God is continually at work, fulfilling His purposes and drawing near to His people. Just as God "visited and redeemed" Israel in the advent of John and Jesus, He continues to visit us with His grace, mercy, and liberating power. This verse encourages us to trust in God's unwavering faithfulness, even when circumstances seem bleak or His promises appear delayed. It invites us to reflect on the ways God has "visited" and "redeemed" us, whether from sin, despair, or difficult circumstances, fostering a deeper confidence in His ongoing work of salvation and restoration in our lives and in the world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Zechariah's immediate praise, after a period of doubt and silence, challenge or encourage your own response to God's faithfulness?**
* **In what specific ways have you experienced God "visiting" or actively intervening in your life, bringing about a form of "redemption" or deliverance?**
* **How does understanding God's historical faithfulness to Israel, as highlighted in this verse, strengthen your trust in His promises for your future?**
* **What practical steps can you take to cultivate a more consistent attitude of praise and thanksgiving for God's active presence and redemptive work?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of Zechariah's prophecy beginning with "Blessed be the Lord God of Israel"?**

Answer: Zechariah's prophecy, known as the Benedictus, begins with a doxology ("Blessed be the Lord God of Israel") to immediately establish that the unfolding events are not random occurrences but the direct, purposeful, and praiseworthy work of God. It highlights God's covenant faithfulness to Israel and sets a tone of worship and gratitude for His active intervention in human history. This opening underscores that God is the primary actor and the source of all blessing and redemption, fulfilling His ancient promises.

**What does "he hath visited and redeemed his people" mean in this context?**

Answer: The phrase "he hath visited and redeemed his people" signifies God's active and gracious intervention. "Visited" (Greek, _episképtomai_) implies more than a casual call; it means God has drawn near with a specific purpose to observe, care for, and deliver His people. This visitation culminates in the incarnation of [Jesus Christ](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh"), the ultimate act of God dwelling among humanity. "Redeemed" (Greek, _lýtrōsis_) refers to liberation achieved through a ransom, echoing the Old Testament deliverance from slavery (like [Exodus 6:6](/exodus/6-6 "Exodus 6:6 - God's Promise of Redemption")). In Zechariah's prophecy, it points to the spiritual and physical liberation that the coming Messiah would bring, fulfilling God's promise to free His people from the dominion of sin and their enemies.

**How does Luke 1:68 foreshadow the coming of Jesus Christ?**

Answer: Luke 1:68 profoundly foreshadows Jesus Christ by declaring that God has "visited and redeemed his people." While Zechariah's son, John, would prepare the way, it is Jesus who is the ultimate fulfillment of this visitation and redemption. Jesus's birth, life, death, and resurrection constitute God's supreme "visitation" to humanity, bringing salvation directly. His sacrificial death on the cross serves as the ultimate "redemption," paying the price for humanity's sin and liberating all who believe from spiritual bondage, as articulated in passages like [Ephesians 1:7](/ephesians/1-7 "Ephesians 1:7 - Redemption Through Christ's Blood"). Thus, Zechariah's words, inspired by the Holy Spirit, look beyond John to the greater work of the Messiah.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 1:68, Zechariah's Spirit-filled declaration, finds its profound and ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. When Zechariah proclaims that God "hath visited and redeemed his people," he is speaking prophetically of the Incarnation and the atoning work of the Messiah. The divine "visitation" is not merely an appearance but God Himself taking on flesh, dwelling among humanity in the person of [Jesus, the Word made flesh](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh"). This is the ultimate act of God drawing near to His creation, entering into human experience to accomplish salvation. Furthermore, the "redemption" Zechariah speaks of is fully realized through Christ's sacrificial death on the cross, where He paid the ultimate price to liberate humanity from the bondage of sin and death. As [Romans 3:24](/romans/3-24 "Romans 3:24 - Justification by Grace Through Christ") declares, we are "justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus." Zechariah's prophecy, therefore, serves as a powerful overture to the Gospel narrative, pointing directly to the one who would truly "take away the sin of the world" ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")) and secure an eternal redemption for all who believe ([Hebrews 9:12](/hebrews/9-12 "Hebrews 9:12 - Christ's Eternal Redemption")).

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 106:48

Blessed [be] the LORD God of Israel from everlasting to everlasting: and let all the people say, Amen. Praise ye the LORD.

Luke 7:16

And there came a fear on all: and they glorified God, saying, That a great prophet is risen up among us; and, That God hath visited his people.

Psalms 41:13

Blessed [be] the LORD God of Israel from everlasting, and to everlasting. Amen, and Amen.

Exodus 4:31

And the people believed: and when they heard that the LORD had visited the children of Israel, and that he had looked upon their affliction, then they bowed their heads and worshipped.

Psalms 111:9

He sent redemption unto his people: he hath commanded his covenant for ever: holy and reverend [is] his name.

Exodus 3:16

¶ Go, and gather the elders of Israel together, and say unto them, The LORD God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, of Isaac, and of Jacob, appeared unto me, saying, I have surely visited you, and [seen] that which is done to you in Egypt:

Exodus 3:17

And I have said, I will bring you up out of the affliction of Egypt unto the land of the Canaanites, and the Hittites, and the Amorites, and the Perizzites, and the Hivites, and the Jebusites, unto a land flowing with milk and honey.