Luke 1:70

KJV

As he spake by the mouth of his holy prophets, which have been since the world began:

KJV (with Strong's)

As {G2531} he spake {G2980} by {G1223} the mouth {G4750} of his {G846} holy {G40} prophets {G4396}, which {G3588} have been since {G575} the world began {G165}:

Complete Jewish Bible

It is just as he has spoken through the mouth of the prophets from the very beginning --

Berean Standard Bible

as He spoke through His holy prophets, those of ages past,

American Standard Version

(As he spake by the mouth of his holy prophets that have been from of old),

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 1:70, part of Zechariah's Spirit-filled prophecy known as the Benedictus, declares that the redemptive work unfolding through John the Baptist and the imminent Messiah is not a new or sudden development, but the faithful culmination of God's ancient promises. It emphasizes that God has consistently revealed His sovereign plan of salvation through His consecrated messengers, the prophets, from the earliest times, underscoring the divine origin and historical continuity of His redemptive purposes.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Luke 1:70 is embedded within Zechariah's prophetic song, the Benedictus, recorded in [Luke 1:68-79](/luke/1-68-79 "Luke 1:68-79 - Zechariah's Benedictus"). This inspired utterance follows the miraculous birth of John the Baptist and the restoration of Zechariah's speech, which had been divinely silenced due to his unbelief concerning the angel Gabriel's prophecy ([Luke 1:20](/luke/1-20 "Luke 1:20 - Zechariah's Mute Punishment")). Filled with the Holy Spirit ([Luke 1:67](/luke/1-67 "Luke 1:67 - Zechariah Filled with the Holy Spirit")), Zechariah's prophecy immediately praises God for "visiting and redeeming His people" ([Luke 1:68](/luke/1-68 "Luke 1:68 - God's Redemption of His People")), then transitions to affirm that this redemption is the fulfillment of long-standing divine promises. Verse 70 specifically grounds the present events—the coming of the Messiah and His forerunner—firmly within the historical continuum of God's revelation through the prophets, preparing the reader for the unfolding narrative of Jesus' life and ministry as the ultimate fulfillment of these ancient words.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** First-century Judaism was deeply steeped in the prophetic tradition, eagerly anticipating the arrival of the Messiah. The Jewish people held the Old Testament prophets in high esteem, viewing their words as divinely inspired and authoritative. There was a strong expectation that the Messiah would bring about a new era of salvation and deliverance, often understood in political and nationalistic terms, but fundamentally rooted in the covenant promises made to Abraham ([Genesis 12:1-3](/genesis/12-1-3 "Genesis 12:1-3 - The Abrahamic Covenant")) and David ([2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12-16 "2 Samuel 7:12-16 - The Davidic Covenant")). Zechariah's prophecy, delivered in a time when many felt God's direct prophetic voice had been silent for centuries (since Malachi), would have resonated powerfully with this cultural longing, affirming that God was indeed acting in history precisely as He had promised through His ancient spokesmen.
* **Key Themes:** Luke 1:70 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Luke's Gospel and the broader biblical narrative. It highlights the **Divine Revelation and Authority of Scripture**, emphasizing that God's plan is not arbitrary but is revealed through chosen instruments—His "holy prophets." This underscores the **Continuity of God's Redemptive Plan**, demonstrating that the events surrounding Jesus are not isolated occurrences but are part of a meticulously orchestrated divine strategy that spans generations, "since the world began." Furthermore, the verse sets the stage for the crucial theme of **Fulfillment of Prophecy**, a cornerstone of Luke's presentation of Jesus as the Messiah. Luke consistently portrays Jesus' life, death, and resurrection as the direct fulfillment of what "was spoken by the Lord through the prophet" ([Luke 1:45](/luke/1-45 "Luke 1:45 - Elizabeth's Prophecy of Fulfillment"), [Luke 24:44](/luke/24-44 "Luke 24:44 - Jesus Explains the Scriptures")). Zechariah's words here serve as a foundational statement, assuring the reader that God's ancient promises are now being brought to fruition.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **spake (Greek, _laléō_):** This verb signifies "to talk, i.e. utter words." In the context of divine communication, it emphasizes that God's message was not merely a thought or an impression, but a clear, articulate, and deliberate verbal utterance. It highlights the active and direct nature of God's communication through His chosen messengers, the prophets.
* **mouth (Greek, _stóma_):** Literally referring to the physical mouth, this term is used here figuratively to denote the channel or instrument through which the divine message was conveyed. The phrase "by the mouth of" underscores the direct and authoritative agency of the prophets as God's spokesmen, ensuring that the message was precisely as God intended, not merely human opinion or interpretation.
* **world began (Greek, _aiṓn_):** Derived from a word meaning "age" or "perpetuity," _aiṓn_ in this context, especially when preceded by _apó_ ("from"), refers to "from of old," or "from ancient times." It does not necessarily mean from the absolute beginning of creation, but rather from a very distant past, emphasizing the deep historical roots and timeless nature of God's redemptive plan and prophetic revelation, stretching back through generations.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"As he spake":** This opening phrase establishes God as the primary agent of communication. It implies a consistent, deliberate, and authoritative act of speaking, setting the stage for the divine origin of the prophetic message. It is God who initiates and directs the revelation.
* **"by the mouth of his holy prophets":** This clause identifies the instruments through which God spoke. The "mouth" signifies direct verbal communication, while "his holy prophets" emphasizes their divine appointment and consecration. They were not merely wise men, but consecrated individuals set apart by God to deliver His precise message, ensuring its purity and authority.
* **"which have been since the world began":** This final phrase underscores the profound antiquity and continuity of God's prophetic revelation. It signifies that God's redemptive plan is not a recent improvisation but a timeless, consistent purpose, revealed progressively through history from ancient times. This long history of divine communication lends immense weight and credibility to the current fulfillment.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 1:70 employs several literary devices to enhance its meaning and impact. **Metonymy** is evident in the phrase "by the mouth of his holy prophets," where "mouth" stands in for the entire act of speaking or the spoken word itself, emphasizing the direct and vocal nature of the divine message. The phrase "holy prophets" employs **Epithet**, an adjective (holy) consistently used to describe a person or thing, highlighting their consecrated status and the divine source of their message. Furthermore, the entire verse functions as a powerful statement of **Foreshadowing** and **Prolepsis**, anticipating the subsequent narrative of Jesus' life and ministry as the ultimate fulfillment of these ancient prophecies. It sets the theological framework for understanding the New Testament as the culmination of God's long-revealed plan, creating a sense of divine order and purpose in the unfolding events.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 1:70 serves as a foundational theological statement, asserting the divine inspiration and historical continuity of God's redemptive plan. It affirms that God is a God who speaks, and His words are true and powerful, spanning generations. This verse grounds the New Testament narrative firmly in the Old Testament, demonstrating that the coming of Christ was not an unexpected event but the meticulously planned and long-anticipated climax of God's covenant promises. It assures believers that God's faithfulness endures through all ages, and His purposes, once declared, will inevitably come to pass. This continuity provides immense confidence in the reliability of God's Word and the certainty of His ultimate triumph.

* [Acts 3:21](/acts/3-21 "Acts 3:21 - Christ's Return and Prophetic Fulfillment")
* [Romans 1:2](/romans/1-2 "Romans 1:2 - The Gospel Promised Through Prophets")
* [Hebrews 1:1-2](/hebrews/1-1-2 "Hebrews 1:1-2 - God's Revelation Through Prophets and Son")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 1:70 offers profound assurance of God's unwavering faithfulness and the reliability of His Word. In a world characterized by uncertainty and shifting truths, this verse anchors our faith in a God who has a timeless plan and consistently communicates it. It reminds us that our present circumstances, and indeed the entire sweep of human history, are not random but are unfolding within the sovereign framework of God's redemptive purposes. Just as Zechariah's generation witnessed the fulfillment of prophecies stretching back "since the world began," we too can trust that God is actively working to bring all His promises to fruition, including those concerning the future return of Christ and the establishment of His eternal kingdom. This should inspire a deep sense of peace, confidence, and eager anticipation in our walk with God, knowing that His Word is eternally settled and His plans are perfect.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding the long history of God's prophetic revelation impact your trust in His current work in your life and the world?**
* **In what ways does this verse encourage you to view the Bible as a unified story of God's redemptive plan, rather than a collection of disconnected narratives?**
* **What specific promises of God are you currently holding onto, and how does the fulfillment of ancient prophecies strengthen your hope for their realization?**

### FAQ

**What does "since the world began" truly mean in this context?**

Answer: The phrase "since the world began" (Greek: _ap' aiōnos_) does not necessarily mean from the absolute moment of creation, but rather "from ancient times," or "from of old." It emphasizes the deep historical roots and long-standing nature of God's prophetic revelation. It signifies that God's plan of salvation, culminating in the Messiah, was not a recent invention but a consistent divine purpose revealed progressively through His prophets over many generations, stretching back into antiquity. This highlights the timelessness and continuity of God's redemptive work, as seen in passages like [Acts 15:18](/acts/15-18 "Acts 15:18 - God's Works Known from Eternity").

**How does Luke 1:70 relate to the inspiration of Scripture?**

Answer: Luke 1:70 strongly affirms the divine inspiration of the Old Testament prophets and, by extension, all of Scripture. The phrase "as he spake by the mouth of his holy prophets" clearly indicates that the prophets were not merely offering their own insights or opinions, but were acting as direct conduits for God's own words. Their "mouths" were the instruments through which God Himself "spake." This aligns with the biblical understanding that "all Scripture is God-breathed" ([2 Timothy 3:16](/2_timothy/3-16 "2 Timothy 3:16 - All Scripture is God-Breathed")) and that "no prophecy ever came by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit" ([2 Peter 1:21](/2_peter/1-21 "2 Peter 1:21 - Prophecy by the Holy Spirit")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 1:70 powerfully sets the stage for the Christ-centered fulfillment of God's ancient promises. Zechariah's prophecy declares that the coming of the Messiah is the culmination of a divine plan articulated through "holy prophets, which have been since the world began." This means that Jesus Christ is not merely a historical figure, but the very embodiment of God's long-anticipated redemptive purpose. He is the "horn of salvation" ([Luke 1:69](/luke/1-69 "Luke 1:69 - A Horn of Salvation")) raised up in the house of David, precisely as foretold by the prophets (e.g., [Isaiah 9:6-7](/isaiah/9-6-7 "Isaiah 9:6-7 - Prophecy of the Messiah's Reign")). The entire New Testament narrative, particularly Luke's Gospel, consistently demonstrates how Jesus' birth, life, ministry, death, and resurrection meticulously fulfill the Law and the Prophets ([Luke 24:44](/luke/24-44 "Luke 24:44 - Jesus Explains the Scriptures")). In Christ, the fragmented prophecies of old coalesce into a cohesive, living reality, proving God's faithfulness and revealing His ultimate solution for humanity's sin. He is the "Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world" ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), the promised Seed who crushes the serpent's head ([Genesis 3:15](/genesis/3-15 "Genesis 3:15 - The Protoevangelium")), and the Suffering Servant who bears the iniquities of many ([Isaiah 53:4-6](/isaiah/53-4-6 "Isaiah 53:4-6 - The Suffering Servant")). Thus, Luke 1:70 profoundly asserts that all of God's ancient revelation finds its ultimate meaning and glorious completion in the person and work of Jesus Christ.

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

Acts 3:21

Whom the heaven must receive until the times of restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began.

Acts 3:24

Yea, and all the prophets from Samuel and those that follow after, as many as have spoken, have likewise foretold of these days.

2 Peter 1:21

For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake [as they were] moved by the Holy Ghost.

Romans 1:2

(Which he had promised afore by his prophets in the holy scriptures,)

Acts 28:25

And when they agreed not among themselves, they departed, after that Paul had spoken one word, Well spake the Holy Ghost by Esaias the prophet unto our fathers,

Genesis 49:10

The sceptre shall not depart from Judah, nor a lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh come; and unto him [shall] the gathering of the people [be].

Luke 24:44

And he said unto them, These [are] the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and [in] the prophets, and [in] the psalms, concerning me.