Luke 1:75

KJV

In holiness and righteousness before him, all the days of our life.

KJV (with Strong's)

In {G1722} holiness {G3742} and {G2532} righteousness {G1343} before {G1799} him {G846}, all {G3956} the days {G2250} of our {G2257} life {G2222}.

Complete Jewish Bible

in holiness and righteousness before him all our days.

Berean Standard Bible

in holiness and righteousness before Him all the days of our lives.

American Standard Version

In holiness and righteousness before him all our days.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 1:75, part of Zacharias's prophetic "Benedictus," articulates the profound purpose of God's redemptive work: to enable His people to serve Him. This verse specifically defines the nature of this service, emphasizing a life lived in profound moral and spiritual integrity, characterized by an unwavering commitment to God's standards and a continuous awareness of His divine presence throughout one's entire earthly existence.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within the "Benedictus," the prophetic song uttered by Zacharias, the father of John the Baptist, immediately after his voice was miraculously restored following John's birth ([Luke 1:67-79](/luke/1-67-79 "Luke 1:67-79 - Zacharias's Prophecy")). Having been filled with the Holy Spirit, Zacharias bursts forth in praise, celebrating God's faithfulness to His ancient covenant promises, particularly the promise of a Messiah. The preceding verses ([Luke 1:68-74](/luke/1-68-74 "Luke 1:68-74 - God's Covenant Faithfulness")) detail God's visitation and redemption of His people, delivering them from their enemies so they might serve Him without fear. Verse 75 then specifies the *manner* of this liberated service, establishing the ethical and spiritual framework for the redeemed life, flowing directly from the salvation God has provided.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Zacharias's prophecy unfolds against the backdrop of first-century Judea, a land under Roman occupation, yet steeped in the rich history of God's covenant with Israel. The Jewish people eagerly anticipated the coming of the Messiah, who they largely expected to be a political deliverer from foreign oppression. Zacharias's words, while acknowledging deliverance from enemies ([Luke 1:74](/luke/1-74 "Luke 1:74 - Deliverance from Enemies")), pivot to a deeper, spiritual liberation that enables a life of devoted service to God. The concepts of "holiness" and "righteousness" were central to Jewish thought, rooted in the Mosaic Law and the prophetic calls for ethical living and covenant fidelity. To live "before Him" invoked the priestly and prophetic understanding of constant divine scrutiny and presence, reminiscent of temple service and the call for Israel to be a "holy nation" set apart for God's purposes.
* **Key Themes:** Luke 1:75 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within Luke's Gospel and the broader biblical narrative. It highlights the theme of **Salvation as Empowerment for Service**, moving beyond mere rescue to a transformed life of purpose. The verse underscores the **Covenant Faithfulness of God**, as Zacharias's prophecy is a direct fulfillment of God's oath to Abraham ([Luke 1:73](/luke/1-73 "Luke 1:73 - God's Oath to Abraham")). Furthermore, it emphasizes the **Ethical and Spiritual Demands of Discipleship**, presenting holiness and righteousness not as optional extras but as essential characteristics of those who have been redeemed. The phrase "all the days of our life" points to **Lifelong Commitment and Perseverance**, indicating that the call to live in God's presence is continuous and comprehensive, a theme echoed in Jesus's later teachings on enduring faith and discipleship found in passages like [Luke 9:23](/luke/9-23 "Luke 9:23 - Take Up Your Cross Daily").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **holiness (Greek, _hosiótēs'_):** From G3742, this term signifies piety, reverence, and faithfulness in fulfilling one's duties towards God. It speaks to an inner state of devotion, spiritual purity, and being set apart for divine purposes. Unlike `hagiasmos` (sanctification), `hosiótēs` often carries the nuance of devoutness and blamelessness in relation to God's character and covenant.
* **righteousness (Greek, _dikaiosýnē'_):** Derived from G1343, this word denotes equity of character or act, specifically Christian justification. It refers to moral uprightness, just conduct, and living in conformity with God's standards and laws, encompassing both personal integrity and right relationships with others. It is the practical outworking of one's inner holiness.
* **before (Greek, _enṓpion'_):** From G1799, this compound word literally means "in the face of" or "in the sight of." It conveys the idea of being in the immediate presence of someone, emphasizing accountability, transparency, and the constant awareness of God's watchful eye. It implies a life lived with an audience of One.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"In holiness and righteousness":** This phrase describes the *manner* or *quality* of the service rendered to God. It indicates that the redeemed life is to be characterized by both inner spiritual purity (holiness, being set apart for God) and outward moral integrity (righteousness, living in accordance with God's just standards). These two qualities are presented as inseparable aspects of genuine devotion.
* **"before him":** This specifies the *audience* of this life of service. It underscores that all actions, attitudes, and choices are made in the direct presence and under the watchful eye of God. This awareness of divine omnipresence serves as a powerful motivation for authentic living, free from hypocrisy or mere outward show.
* **"all the days of our life":** This defines the *duration* and *scope* of this commitment. It signifies that the call to holiness and righteousness is not a temporary endeavor or a seasonal pursuit, but a continuous, lifelong commitment. It encompasses every aspect and every moment of one's earthly existence, from beginning to end.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 1:75 employs several literary devices to convey its profound message. The phrase "in holiness and righteousness" demonstrates **Parallelism**, specifically a complementary parallelism where two distinct but related concepts are placed side-by-side to provide a more complete picture of the desired ethical and spiritual state. "Holiness" speaks to inner purity and devotion, while "righteousness" refers to outward conduct and justice, together forming a comprehensive ideal. The repetition of the preposition "in" (implied for "righteousness" in the Greek structure) further emphasizes the *sphere* or *condition* of this service. The concluding phrase, "all the days of our life," serves as a powerful **Emphasis** on the enduring and comprehensive nature of this commitment, highlighting its lifelong and all-encompassing demand. This also functions as a form of **Hyperbole** or **Totality**, stressing that there are no exceptions or breaks in this divine expectation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 1:75 encapsulates a foundational biblical truth: God's salvation is never an end in itself, but a means to enable a life of devoted service to Him. The deliverance Zacharias prophesies, culminating in Christ, frees humanity not for license, but for a higher purpose – to live in a way that honors God. This holistic call to holiness and righteousness, lived "before Him," reflects the very character of God Himself, who is both holy and righteous, and desires His people to reflect His nature. It underscores that true freedom is found in alignment with God's will, a life lived in constant awareness of His presence and in conformity to His moral standards, not just for a moment, but as a lifelong journey of transformation.

* [Deuteronomy 6:24](/deuteronomy/6-24 "To Keep Us Alive")
* [Psalm 24:3-4](/psalm/24-3-4 "Who May Ascend the Hill of the Lord?")
* [Titus 2:11-12](/titus/2-11-12 "Grace Teaches Us to Live Righteously")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 1:75 presents a profound challenge and a glorious invitation for believers today. Having received the ultimate deliverance through Jesus Christ, we are called not merely to escape judgment, but to embrace a life of active, purposeful service to God. This service is not about external rituals alone, but about an inner transformation that manifests as outward integrity. To live "in holiness and righteousness" means cultivating a heart set apart for God, pursuing purity in thought and deed, and striving for justice and uprightness in all our interactions. The phrase "before him" serves as a constant reminder that our entire existence is lived under the gaze of a loving, holy God. This awareness should inspire both reverence and confidence, knowing that He sees, knows, and empowers our efforts. The call to live this way "all the days of our life" emphasizes perseverance; it is a marathon, not a sprint, requiring daily surrender to the Holy Spirit's guidance and a continuous pursuit of Christlikeness, trusting in His grace to enable what we cannot achieve on our own.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific areas of my life do I need to cultivate greater holiness, setting myself apart for God's purposes?**
* **How does the pursuit of righteousness manifest in my daily interactions and decisions, particularly in challenging situations?**
* **What does it truly mean for me to live "before Him," and how does this awareness impact my choices and motivations?**
* **Considering "all the days of our life," what practices or disciplines can I commit to for sustained growth in holiness and righteousness?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of the phrase "before him" in Luke 1:75?**

Answer: The phrase "before him" (Greek: _enṓpion_) is highly significant because it emphasizes the divine audience for our lives of holiness and righteousness. It means living in the direct presence and under the watchful eye of God. This concept is deeply rooted in biblical theology, where God's omnipresence demands a life of integrity and transparency from His people. It implies accountability, not out of fear of punishment, but out of reverence and a desire to please the One who has redeemed us. It transforms our service from a mere duty into an act of worship, performed with the awareness that God is intimately involved and observing every aspect of our being, as highlighted in passages like [Psalm 139:7-12](/psalm/139-7-12 "Psalm 139:7-12 - Where Can I Flee From Your Spirit?").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 1:75, spoken by Zacharias, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While Zacharias's prophecy points to the coming of John the Baptist to prepare the way, it is Jesus who fully embodies the "holiness and righteousness" that God desires for His people. Jesus lived a perfectly holy and righteous life, without sin, fulfilling all the requirements of God's law ([Hebrews 4:15](/hebrews/4-15 "Hebrews 4:15 - Jesus, Our High Priest")). His sacrificial death on the cross not only delivers us from our enemies (sin, death, and the devil) but also imputes His perfect righteousness to us, making us acceptable "before Him" ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")). Furthermore, through the indwelling Holy Spirit, Christ empowers believers to progressively live out this holiness and righteousness "all the days of our life," transforming us into His likeness ([Romans 8:4](/romans/8-4 "Romans 8:4 - The Righteousness of the Law Fulfilled in Us")). Thus, the vision of Luke 1:75 is not merely an ethical ideal, but a Spirit-empowered reality made possible by Christ's finished work and ongoing presence, enabling us to serve God truly "in holiness and righteousness before him," reflecting His glory until the day of His return ([Ephesians 4:24](/ephesians/4-24 "Ephesians 4:24 - Put on the New Self, Created to be Like God")).

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

Ephesians 4:24

And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.

Ephesians 2:10

For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

Titus 2:11

¶ For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,

Titus 2:14

Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.

2 Timothy 1:9

Who hath saved us, and called [us] with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,

Ephesians 1:4

According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:

Jeremiah 31:33

But this [shall be] the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, saith the LORD, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people.