Luke 1:76

And thou, child, shalt be called the prophet of the Highest: for thou shalt go before the face of the Lord to prepare his ways;

And {G2532} thou {G4771}, child {G3813}, shalt be called {G2564} the prophet {G4396} of the Highest {G5310}: for {G1063} thou shalt go {G4313} before {G4253} the face {G4383} of the Lord {G2962} to prepare {G2090} his {G846} ways {G3598};

You, child, will be called a prophet of Ha`Elyon; you will go before the Lord to prepare his way

And you, child, will be called a prophet of the Most High; for you will go on before the Lord to prepare the way for Him,

Yea and thou, child, shalt be called the prophet of the Most High: For thou shalt go before the face of the Lord to make ready his ways;

Commentary

Context of Luke 1:76

This powerful declaration is part of the "Benedictus," a prophecy uttered by Zechariah, the father of John the Baptist, after his son's birth and the restoration of his own speech (Luke 1:57-64). Filled with the Holy Spirit, Zechariah praises God for His faithfulness and foretells the significant role his infant son, John, will play in God's redemptive plan. The prophecy highlights John's unique position as the immediate forerunner to the Messiah, a role previously announced by the angel Gabriel to Zechariah himself (Luke 1:17).

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Appointment and Prophetic Calling: The verse explicitly states that John "shalt be called the prophet of the Highest," underscoring that his role was not self-appointed but divinely ordained by God. This elevates John's ministry to a sacred and essential part of God's unfolding plan for salvation.
  • The Forerunner's Mission: John's primary purpose is clearly defined: "for thou shalt go before the face of the Lord to prepare his ways." He was the bridge between the Old Testament prophets and the coming of Jesus Christ, tasked with preparing the hearts of the people for the Messiah's arrival. This preparation involved calling them to repentance and baptism (Luke 3:3).
  • Fulfillment of Old Testament Prophecy: Zechariah's words echo ancient prophecies, particularly those found in Malachi 3:1 and Isaiah 40:3, which spoke of a messenger who would prepare the way for the Lord. John the Baptist is presented as the fulfillment of these long-awaited promises, bringing Israel's prophetic hope closer to realization.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "prophet of the Highest" translates the Greek prophētēs Hypsistou (προφήτης Ὑψίστου). Hypsistos (Highest) is a common Septuagint (Greek Old Testament) term for God, emphasizing His supreme sovereignty and transcendence. This title highlights the divine origin and authority of John's message. The phrase "prepare his ways" (Greek: hetoimasai hodous autou) directly mirrors the language of Isaiah 40:3, signifying the spiritual and moral readiness required for the Lord's advent.

Practical Application

Luke 1:76 offers several timeless lessons for believers today:

  • Recognizing Our Divine Purpose: Just as John had a specific, God-given mission, so too does every believer have a unique purpose within God's kingdom. This verse encourages us to seek and embrace our calling, understanding that God has prepared good works for us to walk in (Ephesians 2:10).
  • The Importance of Preparation: John's ministry was about preparing hearts for Christ. In our own lives, we are called to prepare our own hearts through repentance and spiritual discipline, and also to help prepare others for the gospel message. This can involve clearing away obstacles, addressing misconceptions, and living lives that point others to Jesus.
  • Humility in Service: John the Baptist, though greatly revered, understood his role was to point to someone greater (John 3:30). This teaches us to serve with humility, ensuring that our efforts always direct glory to God and His Son, Jesus Christ, rather than to ourselves.
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Cross-References

  • Malachi 3:1 (15 votes)

    ¶ Behold, I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me: and the Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to his temple, even the messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in: behold, he shall come, saith the LORD of hosts.

  • Isaiah 40:3 (9 votes)

    ¶ The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the LORD, make straight in the desert a highway for our God.

  • Isaiah 40:5 (9 votes)

    And the glory of the LORD shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see [it] together: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken [it].

  • Mark 1:2 (5 votes)

    As it is written in the prophets, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee.

  • Mark 1:3 (5 votes)

    The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.

  • Matthew 11:9 (5 votes)

    But what went ye out for to see? A prophet? yea, I say unto you, and more than a prophet.

  • Matthew 11:10 (5 votes)

    For this is [he], of whom it is written, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee.