Luke 1:74

KJV

That he would grant unto us, that we being delivered out of the hand of our enemies might serve him without fear,

KJV (with Strong's)

That he would grant {G1325} unto us {G2254}, that we being delivered {G4506} out of {G1537} the hand {G5495} of our {G2257} enemies {G2190} might serve {G3000} him {G846} without fear {G870},

Complete Jewish Bible

to grant us that we, freed from our enemies, would serve him without fear,

Berean Standard Bible

deliverance from hostile hands, that we may serve Him without fear,

American Standard Version

To grant unto us that we being delivered out of the hand of our enemies Should serve him without fear,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 1:74, part of Zechariah's prophetic hymn known as the Benedictus, articulates a profound purpose for God's redemptive work: the liberation of His people from their adversaries so that they might render devoted service to Him without apprehension. This verse encapsulates the divine intent behind salvation—not merely freedom *from* something, but freedom *for* a life of unhindered worship and obedience, empowered by God's gracious deliverance.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within the "Benedictus" (Luke 1:68-79), Zechariah's Spirit-inspired prophecy uttered after the birth of his son, John the Baptist, and the restoration of his speech. Following nine months of silence as a sign of his unbelief (Luke 1:20), Zechariah is now filled with the Holy Spirit and bursts forth in praise, recognizing God's faithfulness to His ancient covenants. The preceding verses (Luke 1:68-73) celebrate God's visitation, the raising up of a "horn of salvation," and the fulfillment of promises made to Abraham and David. Luke 1:74 specifically clarifies the *purpose* of this promised salvation, linking deliverance directly to the ability to serve God. It flows seamlessly into Luke 1:75, which further defines this service as being "in holiness and righteousness before him, all the days of our life."
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Zechariah's prophecy emerges from a period of significant national longing and spiritual expectation within Israel. For centuries, the Jewish people had lived under various foreign dominations, most recently the Roman Empire. Their understanding of the Messiah often included a political deliverer who would free them from oppressive rule. The "hand of our enemies" in this verse would have resonated deeply with their contemporary experience of Roman occupation and past historical subjugations (e.g., Assyrian, Babylonian, Persian, Greek). However, Zechariah's prophecy, while touching on physical deliverance, transcends it to encompass a deeper, spiritual liberation from the dominion of sin and spiritual adversaries. The concept of "serving God" was central to Jewish identity, rooted in the Mosaic covenant and the temple cult, signifying worship, obedience to the Law, and living in covenant relationship.
* **Key Themes:** Luke 1:74 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Luke's Gospel and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Deliverance**, underscoring God's active intervention to rescue His people, a theme deeply rooted in the Old Testament narratives like the Exodus (e.g., [Exodus 6:6](/exodus/6-6 "Exodus 6:6 - God's Promise of Deliverance")). Secondly, it emphasizes **Purposeful Freedom**, revealing that deliverance is not an end in itself but a means to enable a life of service and devotion to God. This freedom is granted so that the redeemed can fulfill their covenant responsibilities. Thirdly, the phrase "without fear" introduces the theme of **Fearless Service and Worship**, indicating that true liberation removes the apprehension, anxiety, or intimidation that hinders genuine devotion. This echoes the promise of peace and security found in God's presence, allowing His people to live "in holiness and righteousness before him, all the days of our life" as further elaborated in [Luke 1:75](/luke/1-75 "Luke 1:75 - Serving God in Holiness").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **delivered (Greek, _rhýomai'_):** This verb signifies to "rush or draw (for oneself), i.e., rescue." It implies a powerful, active intervention to save someone from danger or bondage. It is not a passive escape but a forceful, deliberate act of rescue, highlighting God's mighty hand in bringing about salvation. The term conveys the idea of pulling someone out of a perilous situation, emphasizing the protective and redemptive power of the deliverer.
* **serve (Greek, _latreúō'_):** This word specifically denotes religious service or worship, often involving ritualistic acts or devotion offered to God. It goes beyond general work to imply a sacred, reverential act of homage. It is the service rendered by a worshiper to God, implying obedience, devotion, and a life dedicated to His will, as distinct from mere secular labor.
* **without fear (Greek, _aphóbōs'_):** An adverb formed from a negative particle and the word for "fear," meaning "fearlessly" or "securely." It denotes a state of confidence, security, and freedom from apprehension or intimidation. This is not merely the absence of terror, but a positive condition of peace and assurance that enables unhindered and joyful devotion, free from the threats of enemies or the anxiety of judgment.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"That he would grant unto us":** This opening clause immediately establishes God as the initiator and bestower of this profound gift. The verb "grant" (G1325, _dídōmi_) emphasizes a divine act of giving, a gracious provision from God's sovereign will. It underscores that salvation and its subsequent purpose are entirely dependent on God's benevolent initiative, not human merit or effort.
* **"that we being delivered out of the hand of our enemies":** This clause specifies the immediate nature of the divine grant: deliverance. The phrase "out of the hand of our enemies" is a powerful Hebraism signifying liberation from the power, control, and oppression of adversaries. While it certainly encompasses physical enemies (like the Romans for Zechariah's generation), its deeper theological meaning extends to spiritual enemies—sin, death, and the devil (cf. [Colossians 1:13](/colossians/1-13 "Colossians 1:13 - Delivered from Darkness")). This deliverance is a prerequisite for the subsequent purpose.
* **"might serve him without fear,"**: This final clause reveals the ultimate purpose of the deliverance: to enable a life of devoted service to God. The word "serve" (G3000, _latreúō_) denotes religious worship and obedience, a life lived in homage to God. The crucial addition "without fear" signifies the quality of this service. It implies a state of security, confidence, and unhindered devotion, free from the apprehension of judgment, the intimidation of adversaries, or the anxiety of failure. True liberation leads to joyful, bold, and unreserved worship.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 1:74 employs several significant literary devices. The entire passage (Luke 1:68-79) is a **Prophecy**, a divinely inspired utterance revealing God's future actions, specifically concerning the coming Messiah and John the Baptist's role. Zechariah's words are imbued with **Covenant Language**, echoing God's ancient promises to Abraham (Luke 1:73) and David, framing the Messiah's coming as the fulfillment of these long-awaited divine commitments. The phrase "the hand of our enemies" serves as **Metonymy**, where "hand" represents the power, authority, and oppressive control of the adversaries. Furthermore, there is a clear **Antithesis** presented: deliverance *from* the fear-inducing power of enemies *to* a state of fearless service. This highlights the transformative nature of God's salvation, shifting the believer from bondage and anxiety to freedom and confident devotion.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 1:74 stands as a pivotal theological statement, articulating that God's redemptive work is inherently teleological—it has a profound purpose. Salvation is not merely an escape from judgment or oppression, but a divine empowerment for a life of active, unhindered service and worship. This reflects a consistent biblical pattern where God delivers His people so that they might enter into a deeper, more intimate relationship with Him, characterized by obedience and adoration. The freedom granted by God is therefore a freedom *for* righteous living, a liberation from bondage to sin and fear that enables genuine fellowship and service to the Creator. This verse underscores that true spiritual liberty culminates in a life lived in humble, yet confident, devotion to the One who redeems.

* [Exodus 3:12](/exodus/3-12 "Exodus 3:12 - God's Purpose for Israel's Deliverance")
* [Romans 6:18](/romans/6-18 "Romans 6:18 - Freed from Sin to Serve Righteousness")
* [Hebrews 12:28](/hebrews/12-28 "Hebrews 12:28 - Offering Acceptable Worship")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 1:74 offers a powerful lens through which to examine the purpose of our own salvation. If God has delivered us from the "hand of our enemies"—whether sin, fear, addiction, or the anxieties of this world—it is not so that we might live in passive comfort, but so that we might actively and fearlessly serve Him. This verse challenges us to consider the quality and motivation of our service to God. Do we serve out of obligation or out of the joyful freedom that comes from being delivered? The "without fear" aspect is particularly profound, inviting us to shed the burdens of performance anxiety, fear of failure, or the fear of man, and instead embrace the security found in Christ's finished work. Our redemption empowers us to live a life of bold, confident, and wholehearted devotion, knowing that our Deliverer is faithful.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **From what "enemies" has God delivered you in your life, both physically and spiritually?**
* **How does your understanding of God's deliverance impact the way you serve Him?**
* **In what areas of your life do you still experience fear that might hinder your service or worship of God?**
* **What practical steps can you take to cultivate a more "fearless" and confident approach to serving God?**

### FAQ

**What does "the hand of our enemies" refer to in this context?**

Answer: While "the hand of our enemies" could certainly refer to physical oppressors like the Roman Empire, as Israel was under Roman rule at the time of Zechariah's prophecy, its primary meaning extends beyond mere political liberation. The phrase is a common biblical idiom representing the power, control, and dominion of adversaries. Theologically, it points to a deeper spiritual deliverance from the power of sin, death, and the devil, which are humanity's ultimate enemies. Zechariah's prophecy, though rooted in Israel's historical context, looks forward to the comprehensive salvation brought by the Messiah, which includes freedom from all forms of spiritual bondage, allowing for true service to God (see [Colossians 1:13](/colossians/1-13 "Colossians 1:13 - Delivered from the Domain of Darkness")).

**How can we "serve him without fear" in a world full of challenges and uncertainties?**

Answer: Serving God "without fear" does not imply an absence of all human emotion or difficulty, but rather a freedom from the debilitating, paralyzing fear that hinders obedience and worship. This fearless service is made possible by the security and confidence found in God's redemptive work through Christ. When we understand that we have been delivered from the ultimate enemies—sin and death—and are now reconciled to God, our service flows from a place of peace and assurance, not anxiety or dread. It means trusting in God's sovereignty, provision, and protection, even amidst worldly challenges. The Apostle Paul often spoke of living boldly for Christ despite opposition, knowing that God is with us (e.g., [Philippians 1:28](/philippians/1-28 "Philippians 1:28 - Not Frightened by Adversaries")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 1:74 finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Zechariah's prophecy, spoken before Jesus' birth, foreshadows the very mission of the Messiah. It is through Christ's life, death, and resurrection that humanity is truly "delivered out of the hand of our enemies." Jesus, the "horn of salvation" (Luke 1:69), decisively conquered sin and death, the ultimate spiritual adversaries, by His atoning sacrifice on the cross (cf. [Hebrews 2:14-15](/hebrews/2-14-15 "Hebrews 2:14-15 - Jesus Destroys the Power of Death")). His victory liberates believers from the dominion of darkness and the fear of judgment, enabling them to "serve him without fear." This service is not merely outward ritual but a transformed life of worship and obedience, empowered by the Holy Spirit whom Christ poured out (cf. [Acts 2:33](/acts/2-33 "Acts 2:33 - The Outpouring of the Holy Spirit")). Thus, Jesus is the Deliverer who grants us the freedom to live a life of joyful, confident, and unhindered devotion to God, fulfilling Zechariah's vision for all who believe.

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

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 3:17

The LORD thy God in the midst of thee [is] mighty; he will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with singing.

Isaiah 54:13

And all thy children [shall be] taught of the LORD; and great [shall be] the peace of thy children.

Isaiah 54:14

In righteousness shalt thou be established: thou shalt be far from oppression; for thou shalt not fear: and from terror; for it shall not come near thee.

2 Timothy 1:7

For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

Hebrews 9:14

How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?

Romans 8:15

For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.