Luke 1:69

KJV

And hath raised up an horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David;

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} hath raised up {G1453} an horn {G2768} of salvation {G4991} for us {G2254} in {G1722} the house {G3624} of his {G846} servant {G3816} David {G1138};

Complete Jewish Bible

by raising up for us a mighty Deliverer who is a descendant of his servant David.

Berean Standard Bible

He has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of His servant David,

American Standard Version

And hath raised up a horn of salvation for us In the house of his servant David

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 1:69, a pivotal declaration within Zechariah's prophetic song, the Benedictus, proclaims the arrival of the Messiah as a mighty and powerful deliverer. This verse identifies the promised Savior as the "horn of salvation," emphasizing divine strength and authority, and explicitly links His advent to the lineage of God's servant, King David, thereby affirming the fulfillment of ancient covenantal promises concerning the Messiah's royal descent and redemptive work for humanity.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is an integral part of Zechariah's inspired prophecy and hymn of praise, often referred to as the Benedictus, recorded in [Luke 1:68-79](/luke/1-68-79 "Luke 1:68-79 - Zechariah's Prophecy"). Uttered immediately after his tongue was miraculously loosed following the birth and naming of his son, John the Baptist, Zechariah, "filled with the Holy Spirit" ([Luke 1:67](/luke/1-67 "Luke 1:67 - Zechariah Filled with the Holy Spirit")), bursts forth in prophetic praise. His words transition from the immediate miracle of John's birth to the greater redemptive work of the coming Messiah. Luke 1:69 specifically introduces the nature of this Messiah's power and His connection to Israel's historical covenant with David, setting the stage for the Gospel narrative's unfolding of Jesus' identity and mission.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** First-century Judaism was deeply steeped in messianic expectation, fueled by centuries of prophetic promises. The people lived under Roman occupation, longing for a deliverer who would restore Israel's sovereignty and glory. The imagery of a "horn" (Hebrew: *qeren*) was a potent symbol in the ancient Near East, representing strength, power, dignity, and kingly authority. Animals used their horns for defense and dominance, making it a natural metaphor for a mighty protector or ruler. The phrase "house of his servant David" directly invokes the [Davidic Covenant](/2_samuel/7-12-16 "2 Samuel 7:12-16 - God's Covenant with David"), a cornerstone of Israelite messianic hope, which promised an eternal dynasty through David's lineage. This context highlights the profound significance of Zechariah's prophecy, affirming that God was acting according to His ancient promises, not merely to deliver Israel politically, but to bring about a far greater salvation.
* **Key Themes:** Luke 1:69 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within Luke's Gospel and the broader biblical narrative. It underscores **God's unwavering faithfulness** to His covenant promises, demonstrating that the long-awaited Messiah would indeed come from the promised Davidic line, as foretold in passages like [2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12-16 "2 Samuel 7:12-16 - The Davidic Covenant") and [Isaiah 9:6-7](/isaiah/9-6-7 "Isaiah 9:6-7 - The Prophecy of the Messiah's Reign"). The phrase "horn of salvation" introduces the theme of **divine power and deliverance**, portraying the Messiah not as a weak figure, but as a mighty rescuer capable of ultimate salvation. This concept of salvation encompasses spiritual redemption from sin and death, transcending mere political liberation. Furthermore, the explicit mention of "the house of his servant David" reinforces the theme of **Messianic kingship**, establishing Jesus' legitimate claim to the throne of Israel and His role as the rightful King, a truth echoed in genealogies like [Matthew 1:1-17](/matthew/1-1-17 "Matthew 1:1-17 - The Genealogy of Jesus Christ") and [Luke 3:23-38](/luke/3-23-38 "Luke 3:23-38 - The Genealogy of Jesus").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **horn (Greek, _kéras'_):** From a primary root meaning "the hair of the head," this word literally refers to an animal's horn. Figuratively, as used here, it denotes strength, power, dignity, and dominion. In the Old Testament, the "horn" is often a symbol of a king's power or a nation's might, and God Himself is referred to as the "horn of salvation" for His people ([Psalm 18:2](/psalm/18-2 "Psalm 18:2 - God, My Horn of Salvation")). Zechariah's use of this term for the coming Messiah signifies a powerful, authoritative, and victorious deliverer.
* **raised up (Greek, _egeírō'_):** This verb means to waken, rouse, lift up, raise (again, up), or cause to arise. It implies a divine, active intervention. It's not a passive emergence but an intentional act of God to bring forth this powerful deliverer. The use of "hath raised up" in the perfect tense indicates a completed action with ongoing results, emphasizing the certainty and divine initiative behind the Messiah's coming.
* **salvation (Greek, _sōtēría'_):** This term refers to rescue or safety, encompassing both physical and moral deliverance. It denotes the act of saving or being saved from danger, destruction, or spiritual peril. In this context, it points to the comprehensive deliverance from sin, death, and the power of darkness that the Messiah would bring, fulfilling the deepest needs of humanity.
* **house (Greek, _oîkos'_):** While literally meaning a dwelling or home, "house" here implies a family, lineage, or dynasty. "In the house of his servant David" specifically refers to the royal line or family of King David, emphasizing the Messiah's genealogical connection to the Davidic covenant.
* **servant (Greek, _paîs'_):** This word can mean a boy, child, or more specifically, a slave or servant. When applied to a king's attendant or, preeminently, to God's minister, it denotes a position of humble yet privileged service. Here, "his servant David" highlights David's faithful relationship with God, through whom the messianic promise was given.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And hath raised up":** This opening phrase immediately establishes divine agency. The raising of this "horn" is not a human endeavor but a sovereign act of God. The perfect tense verb "hath raised up" (Greek: *ēgeiren*) points to a past action with continuing effects, signifying that God's plan for salvation is already in motion and its results are enduring. It underscores the certainty and divine origin of the Messiah's advent.
* **"an horn of salvation for us":** This is the central metaphor of the verse. The "horn" symbolizes immense strength, power, and authority, often associated with kingship and victory in the ancient world. When combined with "of salvation," it describes a powerful deliverer who brings rescue and safety. "For us" indicates that this salvation is personal and beneficial to humanity, particularly to Israel as the primary recipients of the covenant promises, but ultimately extending to all who believe. This "horn" is the embodiment of God's saving power.
* **"in the house of his servant David;":** This clause provides the crucial genealogical and covenantal context. It specifies that this powerful Savior would emerge from the lineage of King David, fulfilling the ancient promise God made to David in [2 Samuel 7](/2_samuel/7 "2 Samuel 7 - The Davidic Covenant"). The phrase "his servant David" emphasizes David's faithful relationship with God and the divine initiative behind the covenant. This detail grounds the abstract prophecy in concrete historical reality, confirming Jesus' identity as the long-awaited Davidic Messiah.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 1:69 is rich with literary devices that amplify its theological significance. The most prominent is **Metaphor**, specifically in the phrase "horn of salvation." A horn, literally an animal's appendage, is used to represent strength, power, and kingly authority, thereby portraying the Messiah as a mighty, victorious deliverer. This metaphor is deeply rooted in Old Testament imagery, making it a powerful **Allusion** to passages where God Himself is described as the "horn of His people" ([Psalm 18:2](/psalm/18-2 "Psalm 18:2 - God, My Horn of Salvation")) or where the Messiah is prophesied to be a powerful ruler from David's line ([Psalm 132:17](/psalm/132-17 "Psalm 132:17 - God Will Raise Up a Horn for David")). Furthermore, the entire verse functions as **Prophecy**, a divinely inspired declaration of future events that finds its fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The mention of "the house of his servant David" also serves as **Synecdoche**, where "house" (a part) stands for the entire lineage or dynasty of David (the whole), emphasizing the fulfillment of the Davidic Covenant through Jesus' ancestry.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 1:69 stands as a profound theological statement, affirming God's active involvement in human history to bring about salvation. It highlights the continuity between Old Testament prophecy and New Testament fulfillment, demonstrating that God's plan for redemption is meticulously orchestrated and faithfully executed. The "horn of salvation" underscores the nature of this salvation as powerful, decisive, and divinely initiated, not a weak or tentative rescue. By explicitly linking this "horn" to the "house of his servant David," the verse firmly establishes Jesus' identity as the promised Messiah, the rightful heir to David's throne, and the one through whom God's covenant promises of an eternal kingdom would be realized. This connection assures believers that our salvation is rooted in God's eternal faithfulness and the unshakeable authority of Christ.

* [Psalm 18:2](/psalm/18-2 "God, My Horn of Salvation")
* [2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12-16 "The Davidic Covenant")
* [Acts 13:22-23](/acts/13-22-23 "God's Promise to David Fulfilled in Jesus")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 1:69 offers profound comfort and assurance to believers today. It reminds us that God is actively involved in our lives, not as a distant observer, but as a powerful deliverer who has "raised up an horn of salvation" for us. This verse invites us to trust in the strength and authority of Jesus Christ, knowing that He is fully capable of delivering us from every spiritual enemy—sin, death, and the power of darkness. In a world often characterized by fear, uncertainty, and spiritual struggle, Zechariah's prophecy serves as a beacon of hope, grounding our faith in the historical reality of God's fulfilled promises. It encourages us to find our ultimate security and peace in the mighty Savior who was prophesied long ago and has indeed come as our "horn of salvation," providing comprehensive and eternal rescue.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding the "horn of salvation" deepen your appreciation for Christ's power and ability to deliver you?**
* **In what specific areas of your life do you need to trust God's "raised up horn of salvation" for deliverance and strength?**
* **How does the fulfillment of the Davidic covenant in Jesus, as highlighted in this verse, strengthen your faith in God's faithfulness to His promises?**
* **What does it mean for your daily life to know that your salvation is secured by a "mighty" Savior, rather than a weak one?**

### FAQ

**What does "horn of salvation" mean in this context?**

Answer: The phrase "horn of salvation" is a powerful metaphor rooted in ancient Near Eastern and biblical imagery. A "horn" symbolizes strength, power, dignity, and kingly authority. When combined with "salvation," it describes a mighty, victorious deliverer who brings rescue and safety. It signifies that the coming Messiah would not be a weak or ordinary figure, but a divinely empowered and authoritative Savior, capable of bringing about comprehensive deliverance from sin, death, and all spiritual enemies. This imagery echoes Old Testament passages where God Himself is called the "horn of salvation" for His people, emphasizing His unwavering power to save.

**Why is "the house of his servant David" specifically mentioned?**

Answer: The mention of "the house of his servant David" is crucial because it directly references the Davidic Covenant, a foundational promise God made to King David in [2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12-16 "2 Samuel 7:12-16 - The Davidic Covenant"). In this covenant, God promised David that his "house" (dynasty), his "kingdom," and his "throne" would be established forever through his descendants. By stating that the "horn of salvation" would be raised up "in the house of his servant David," Zechariah's prophecy affirms that the Messiah would be a direct descendant of David, thereby fulfilling centuries of messianic expectation and establishing Jesus' legitimate claim to the throne of Israel as the rightful King. This lineage is a key theological and historical marker for Jesus' identity as the Christ.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 1:69 finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the very "horn of salvation" that God "raised up" from the "house of his servant David." Jesus, born of the Virgin Mary, was indeed a direct descendant of David, as attested by the genealogies in [Matthew 1:1-17](/matthew/1-1-17 "Matthew 1:1-17 - The Genealogy of Jesus Christ") and [Luke 3:23-38](/luke/3-23-38 "The Genealogy of Jesus"). His entire life, ministry, sacrificial death on the cross, and triumphant resurrection demonstrate the immense power and authority of this "horn of salvation." Through His atoning work, Jesus conquered sin, death, and the devil ([Hebrews 2:14-15](/hebrews/2-14-15 "Jesus' Victory Over Death")), providing complete and eternal salvation for all who believe. He is not merely a symbolic figure but the living embodiment of God's saving strength, reigning now as King of kings and Lord of lords ([Revelation 19:16](/revelation/19-16 "King of Kings and Lord of Lords")), having fulfilled every promise made to David and bringing about the spiritual kingdom that Zechariah's prophecy anticipated.

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 18:2

The LORD [is] my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, [and] my high tower.

Ezekiel 29:21

In that day will I cause the horn of the house of Israel to bud forth, and I will give thee the opening of the mouth in the midst of them; and they shall know that I [am] the LORD.

1 Samuel 2:10

The adversaries of the LORD shall be broken to pieces; out of heaven shall he thunder upon them: the LORD shall judge the ends of the earth; and he shall give strength unto his king, and exalt the horn of his anointed.

2 Samuel 22:3

The God of my rock; in him will I trust: [he is] my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my high tower, and my refuge, my saviour; thou savest me from violence.

Isaiah 9:6

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

Isaiah 9:7

Of the increase of [his] government and peace [there shall be] no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.

1 Samuel 2:1

¶ And Hannah prayed, and said, My heart rejoiceth in the LORD, mine horn is exalted in the LORD: my mouth is enlarged over mine enemies; because I rejoice in thy salvation.