Luke 1:74

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

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},

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

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

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

Commentary

Context

This powerful declaration comes from the prophecy of Zechariah, the father of John the Baptist, often referred to as the Benedictus (Luke 1:68-79). Filled with the Holy Spirit after his period of silence, Zechariah praises God for remembering His holy covenant and bringing forth salvation. Luke 1:74 specifically articulates a key purpose of the Messiah's coming: to deliver God's people so they can serve Him unhindered. This prophecy bridges the Old Testament promises of God's faithfulness to Israel with the New Testament fulfillment in Christ.

Key Themes

  • Divine Deliverance: The verse highlights God's initiative in actively rescuing His people. "Delivered out of the hand of our enemies" speaks not only to the historical oppression of Israel (e.g., from Egypt or future Roman rule) but also, more profoundly, to spiritual liberation from the power of sin and death, and from spiritual adversaries. This deliverance is a divine grant, a gift from God.
  • Purposeful Freedom: Deliverance is not an end in itself but a means to a greater purpose: to "serve him." This service is the proper response to God's redemptive act. It implies worship, obedience, and living in accordance with His will.
  • Fearless Service: The phrase "without fear" is crucial. It signifies a state of security, confidence, and unhindered devotion. True liberation from enemies (spiritual or physical) leads to an ability to worship and live for God without the apprehension, anxiety, or intimidation that bondage brings. This freedom from fear allows for genuine and joyful devotion.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "serve" here is latreuo (λατρεύω), which specifically denotes religious service or worship, often involving ritualistic acts or devotion to God. It's not just general work, but service offered in reverence. The phrase "without fear" is from the Greek aphobos (ἀφόβως), meaning 'free from fear' or 'securely'. This emphasizes a state of peace and confidence, rather than a mere absence of terror, enabling devoted service.

Practical Application

Luke 1:74 reminds us that God's work of salvation in our lives has a profound purpose. When God delivers us—from sin, past hurts, anxieties, or anything that holds us captive—it is so that we might freely and confidently serve Him. This verse challenges believers to consider:

  • What is the outcome of your deliverance? Is your freedom leading to deeper commitment and service to God?
  • Are you serving God "without fear"? The security found in Christ allows us to live and worship boldly, unburdened by the fear of man, failure, or future. This fearless service is a hallmark of true spiritual freedom.
  • Embrace your purpose: Your redemption was not just for your benefit, but for you to live a life of worship and obedience to God, as Zechariah also prophesied about serving God "in holiness and righteousness before him, all the days of our life" (Luke 1:75).
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified 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.
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