Luke 1:71

KJV

That we should be saved from our enemies, and from the hand of all that hate us;

KJV (with Strong's)

That we should be saved {G4991} from {G1537} our {G2257} enemies {G2190}, and {G2532} from {G1537} the hand {G5495} of all {G3956} that hate {G3404} us {G2248};

Complete Jewish Bible

that we should be delivered from our enemies and from the power of all who hate us.

Berean Standard Bible

salvation from our enemies and from the hand of all who hate us,

American Standard Version

Salvation from our enemies, and from the hand of all that hate us;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 1:71, a profound declaration within Zechariah's prophetic hymn known as the Benedictus, articulates the core purpose of God's promised salvation: a comprehensive deliverance from the oppressive power of adversaries. Spoken in the wake of John the Baptist's miraculous birth and Zechariah's restoration to speech, this verse frames the coming Messiah's work as a triumphant rescue, fulfilling ancient promises of divine intervention against all that threatens God's people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Luke 1:71 is an integral part of Zechariah's inspired prophecy, the Benedictus, spanning [Luke 1:68-79](/luke/1-68-79 "Luke 1:68-79 - Zechariah's Prophecy (The Benedictus)"). Following nine months of miraculous silence due to his initial unbelief regarding Gabriel's prophecy, Zechariah's speech is restored at the circumcision of his son, John. Filled with the Holy Spirit, he immediately bursts forth in praise and prophecy. The preceding verses ([Luke 1:68-70](/luke/1-68-70 "Luke 1:68-70 - God's Visitation and Redemption")) celebrate God's "visitation" and "redemption" of His people, raising up a "horn of salvation" in the house of David. Verse 71 then specifies the nature of this salvation, clarifying *what* God's people are being saved *from*, setting the stage for the subsequent verses that detail the covenantal basis and purpose of this divine act.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Zechariah lived in a period when the Jewish people were under Roman occupation, having endured centuries of foreign domination (Assyrian, Babylonian, Persian, Greek, Roman). This history had deeply ingrained in them a longing for a Messiah who would deliver them from political and physical oppression. The language of "enemies" and "the hand of all that hate us" would resonate powerfully with their lived experience of subjugation and the constant threat of external powers. While the immediate expectation might have been for a military or political liberator, Zechariah's prophecy, inspired by the Holy Spirit, subtly begins to transcend this purely physical understanding, hinting at a salvation that is ultimately deeper and more spiritual, yet still profoundly real in its impact on their lives and future.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several major themes within Luke's Gospel and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores **Divine Deliverance**, portraying God as the active agent who intervenes powerfully on behalf of His people, a theme consistent with Israel's history from the [Exodus](/exodus/12 "Exodus 12 - The Passover and Deliverance") onward. Secondly, it highlights the theme of **Salvation from Adversaries**, which, while initially understood in a physical sense, foreshadows the New Testament's revelation of salvation from spiritual enemies like sin, death, and the devil, as seen in passages like [Colossians 1:13](/colossians/1-13 "Colossians 1:13 - Deliverance from Darkness"). Thirdly, Luke 1:71 speaks to the **Fulfillment of Covenant Promises**, particularly the ancient oath made to Abraham, which included the promise of victory over enemies and a lasting heritage, echoing [Genesis 22:17](/genesis/22-17 "Genesis 22:17 - God's Oath to Abraham"). Zechariah's prophecy thus connects the immediate historical context to the grand sweep of God's redemptive plan.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **saved (Greek, _sōtēría'_):** (G4991) This noun denotes "rescue or safety (physically or morally)." In this context, it encompasses a comprehensive deliverance, not merely from immediate danger but from a state of vulnerability to hostile forces. It carries the dual sense of physical preservation and spiritual well-being, pointing to a holistic salvation.
* **enemies (Greek, _echthrós'_):** (G2190) Derived from a root meaning "to hate," this word describes someone who is "hateful" or "hostile." As a noun, it refers to an "adversary," and significantly, it is often used to refer to Satan himself. Here, it refers to those who actively oppose God's people, whether physically, politically, or spiritually.
* **hand (Greek, _cheír'_):** (G5495) This term refers to "the hand," but often carries a figurative meaning of "power" or "authority." By Hebraism, it can also signify "a means or instrument." Thus, "from the hand of all that hate us" means deliverance from the oppressive power, control, and malicious agency of those who harbor hatred.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"That we should be saved from our enemies":** This clause establishes the primary goal of the promised salvation—deliverance. The use of "saved" (_sōtēría_) implies a rescue from a perilous state. "Our enemies" refers to those who are hostile and actively oppose God's people, encompassing both literal human adversaries and, implicitly, the spiritual forces of evil that instigate such opposition. This salvation is not merely a passive state but an active, divine intervention to liberate.
* **"and from the hand of all that hate us":** This second clause functions as a parallel intensification of the first, clarifying and emphasizing the nature of the deliverance. "From the hand" uses a common biblical idiom to denote being freed from the power, control, or oppressive influence of those who bear hatred. It highlights the comprehensive nature of the salvation, extending to freedom from the very agency and malicious intent of all adversaries. The repetition reinforces the idea of complete and secure liberation.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 1:71 effectively employs **Parallelism** to reinforce its central message of comprehensive deliverance. The two phrases, "That we should be saved from our enemies" and "and from the hand of all that hate us," convey essentially the same idea but with slightly different emphasis, creating a sense of completeness and totality. The second phrase, "from the hand of all that hate us," also utilizes **Metonymy**, where "hand" stands in for the power, control, and oppressive agency of the enemies. This vivid imagery emphasizes the active and forceful nature of the adversaries' opposition, making the divine deliverance all the more significant. The verse's concise yet powerful declaration also exhibits a form of **Theological Symbolism**, where the "enemies" represent not just physical foes but also the broader forces of evil and opposition to God's kingdom, foreshadowing the ultimate spiritual battle.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 1:71 articulates a foundational biblical truth: God's salvation is inherently a deliverance from opposition. This concept is deeply rooted in the Old Testament narrative, where God consistently rescued Israel from its oppressors, demonstrating His covenant faithfulness. Zechariah's prophecy, while echoing these historical deliverances, points forward to a salvation that transcends mere political liberation, encompassing a spiritual freedom from the ultimate enemies of humanity: sin, death, and the devil. This verse sets the stage for understanding Jesus as the ultimate "horn of salvation" who not only delivers from external threats but, more profoundly, from the internal bondage of sin and the fear of death, enabling a life of true worship and service.

* [Psalm 18:3](/psalms/18-3 "Psalm 18:3 - Deliverance from Enemies")
* [Isaiah 59:1-2](/isaiah/59-1-2 "Isaiah 59:1-2 - Sin as Separation from God")
* [Hebrews 2:14-15](/hebrews/2-14-15 "Hebrews 2:14-15 - Deliverance from the Fear of Death")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 1:71 offers profound assurance for believers today, reminding us that God's salvation is a powerful and comprehensive deliverance. While we may not face the same geopolitical enemies as ancient Israel, we contend with spiritual adversaries, the temptations of the world, and the struggles within our own fallen nature. This verse calls us to recognize that God is actively at work to save us from all that seeks to harm us—whether spiritual attacks, the bondage of sin, the fear of the future, or the despair of a broken world. It encourages us to live in the freedom and security that Christ's salvation provides, trusting in His protective hand and serving Him without fear. Our ultimate deliverance from sin and death through Christ empowers us to live lives of purpose and peace, knowing that the victory has already been secured.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "enemies" (spiritual, emotional, relational) do you currently feel the need for God's deliverance from?**
* **How does understanding God as your "Savior from enemies" impact your trust and confidence in Him daily?**
* **In what ways can you live out the freedom from fear that this verse promises, particularly in areas where you still feel bound?**

### FAQ
**Who are the "enemies" Zechariah refers to in Luke 1:71, and how does this apply to us today?**

Answer: Zechariah, speaking from an Old Testament perspective, likely had in mind the literal, physical enemies of Israel who had historically oppressed them, such as the Romans who occupied their land at the time. However, as inspired prophecy, its meaning expands. The "enemies" ultimately refer to all forces hostile to God and His people. The New Testament reveals that our greatest enemies are not merely human but spiritual: sin, death, and the devil. [Ephesians 6:12](/ephesians/6-12 "Ephesians 6:12 - Our Spiritual Warfare") clarifies that "we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places." For believers today, this verse assures us of God's deliverance from spiritual bondage, the power of sin, and the ultimate defeat of death through Christ.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Zechariah's prophecy in Luke 1:71 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While Zechariah spoke of salvation from enemies in a context that still anticipated a political or military deliverer for Israel, Jesus's coming redefined the nature of this deliverance. He did not lead a rebellion against Rome, but instead inaugurated a spiritual kingdom that liberates humanity from its deepest and most pervasive enemies: sin, death, and the devil. Jesus, the "horn of salvation" ([Luke 1:69](/luke/1-69 "Luke 1:69 - A Horn of Salvation")), accomplished this salvation through His atoning death and resurrection. His victory on the cross disarmed the powers of darkness ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")), offering forgiveness of sins and breaking the chains of spiritual bondage. Through faith in Him, believers are saved from the dominion of darkness and transferred into the kingdom of His beloved Son ([Colossians 1:13](/colossians/1-13 "Colossians 1:13 - Deliverance from the Power of Darkness")). Thus, Luke 1:71 is not merely a historical promise but a prophetic declaration of the comprehensive and eternal salvation uniquely achieved by Jesus Christ, who delivers us from all who hate us, especially the ultimate adversary, Satan, and the ultimate consequences of sin.

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 106:10

And he saved them from the hand of him that hated [them], and redeemed them from the hand of the enemy.

Zephaniah 3:15

The LORD hath taken away thy judgments, he hath cast out thine enemy: the king of Israel, [even] the LORD, [is] in the midst of thee: thou shalt not see evil any more.

Zephaniah 3:20

At that time will I bring you [again], even in the time that I gather you: for I will make you a name and a praise among all people of the earth, when I turn back your captivity before your eyes, saith the LORD.

Jeremiah 23:6

In his days Judah shall be saved, and Israel shall dwell safely: and this [is] his name whereby he shall be called, THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS.

Deuteronomy 33:29

Happy [art] thou, O Israel: who [is] like unto thee, O people saved by the LORD, the shield of thy help, and who [is] the sword of thy excellency! and thine enemies shall be found liars unto thee; and thou shalt tread upon their high places.

Ezekiel 34:28

And they shall no more be a prey to the heathen, neither shall the beast of the land devour them; but they shall dwell safely, and none shall make [them] afraid.

Jeremiah 32:37

Behold, I will gather them out of all countries, whither I have driven them in mine anger, and in my fury, and in great wrath; and I will bring them again unto this place, and I will cause them to dwell safely: