Luke 1:77

KJV

To give knowledge of salvation unto his people by the remission of their sins,

KJV (with Strong's)

To give {G1325} knowledge {G1108} of salvation {G4991} unto his {G846} people {G2992} by {G1722} the remission {G859} of their {G846} sins {G266},

Complete Jewish Bible

by spreading the knowledge among his people that deliverance comes by having sins forgiven

Berean Standard Bible

to give to His people the knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of their sins,

American Standard Version

To give knowledge of salvation unto his people In the remission of their sins,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 1:77 is a pivotal declaration within Zechariah's prophetic song, the "Benedictus," revealing the profound spiritual purpose of his son, John the Baptist. It articulates John's divine mandate to impart a saving knowledge to God's people, a knowledge intrinsically linked to the complete and gracious forgiveness of their sins. This verse underscores that the long-awaited salvation from God is not merely a political or physical deliverance, but a deep spiritual redemption that addresses humanity's most fundamental need: reconciliation with a holy God through the remission of sin.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Luke 1:77 is embedded within the "Benedictus," Zechariah's Spirit-inspired prophecy (Luke 1:68-79) uttered immediately after the birth of his son, John the Baptist, and the restoration of his own speech. This song serves as a bridge between the Old Testament prophecies of a coming deliverer and the dawning of the New Covenant age. Zechariah, filled with the Holy Spirit, recognizes that God is fulfilling His ancient promises to Abraham and David by raising up a "horn of salvation" (Luke 1:69). Within this broader prophetic utterance, verse 77 specifically defines the crucial, preparatory role of John: to announce the nature of this salvation, which is fundamentally spiritual and centered on the forgiveness of sins, thereby preparing a people for the Lord as foretold in [Malachi 3:1](/malachi/3-1 "Malachi 3:1 - The Messenger Prepares the Way").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** At the time of John's birth, Judea was under Roman occupation, and the Jewish people harbored strong messianic expectations, often envisioning a political liberator who would overthrow foreign rule and restore Israel's national sovereignty. Centuries had passed since the last prophetic voice in Israel, creating a spiritual longing for God's direct intervention. Zechariah's prophecy, however, transcends these immediate political aspirations, revealing a deeper, spiritual salvation that addresses humanity's universal problem: sin. This spiritual emphasis would have been counter-cultural to many contemporary Jewish hopes, yet it aligned perfectly with the Old Testament prophetic tradition that often linked national restoration to spiritual repentance and forgiveness, as seen in [Jeremiah 31:31-34](/jeremiah/31-31-34 "Jeremiah 31:31-34 - The New Covenant").
* **Key Themes:** Luke 1:77 contributes significantly to several key themes within Luke's Gospel and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Divine Initiative and Fulfillment**, demonstrating God's faithfulness in bringing His ancient promises to fruition through the birth of John and the imminent arrival of Jesus. Secondly, it profoundly emphasizes **Salvation as Remission of Sins**, shifting the focus from a purely national or political deliverance to a spiritual rescue from the power and guilt of sin, a concept central to the entire New Testament message, as expounded in [Romans 3:23-26](/romans/3-23-26 "Romans 3:23-26 - Justification by Faith"). Thirdly, the verse underscores **John the Baptist's Preparatory Role**, revealing his ministry as a divinely appointed herald, preparing hearts for the Messiah by calling people to repentance and a recognition of their need for forgiveness, thereby making ready a people for the Lord (Luke 1:17; [Luke 3:3](/luke/3-3 "Luke 3:3 - John's Baptism of Repentance")). Finally, it touches upon the theme of **Knowledge (γνῶσις)**, implying not just intellectual understanding but an experiential, transformative apprehension of God's saving truth.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **knowledge (Greek, _gnōsis'_):** From γινώσκω; knowing (the act), i.e. (by implication) knowledge:--knowledge, science. In this context, _gnōsis_ signifies more than mere intellectual assent or factual information. It points to a deep, experiential, and transformative understanding of God's salvation. It's a relational knowledge that impacts one's life, not just one's mind. John's mission was to bring people into this intimate apprehension of salvation.
* **salvation (Greek, _sōtēría'_):** Feminine of a derivative of σωτήρ as (properly, abstract) noun; rescue or safety (physically or morally):--deliver, health, salvation, save, saving. _Sōtēría_ is a comprehensive term encompassing deliverance, preservation, safety, and well-being. Here, it is explicitly defined as moral or spiritual rescue, specifically from the bondage and penalty of sin. It is the comprehensive restoration of humanity's relationship with God, achieved through divine intervention.
* **remission (Greek, _áphesis'_):** From ἀφίημι; freedom; (figuratively) pardon:--deliverance, forgiveness, liberty, remission. _Áphesis_ literally means "a sending away" or "release." In a spiritual sense, it denotes the complete pardon, forgiveness, or cancellation of sins, debts, and offenses. It implies a total liberation from the guilt and consequences of sin, not merely an overlooking or postponement. This term highlights the definitive and liberating nature of God's forgiveness.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"To give knowledge of salvation unto his people":** This clause defines the primary objective of John's ministry. His role was not to *bring* salvation himself, but to *impart knowledge* of it. This knowledge was for "his people," referring initially to Israel, but prophetically encompassing all who would become God's people through faith in the Messiah. The "knowledge" is not theoretical but practical and transformative, leading to repentance and reception of God's saving work.
* **"by the remission of their sins":** This phrase specifies the *means* by which this salvation is known and experienced. The core of God's salvation is the "remission of sins." It clarifies that true salvation involves being freed from the burden and penalty of sin. John's message of repentance and baptism was designed to prepare people to receive this forgiveness, which would be fully accomplished by the coming Messiah. This underscores the spiritual nature of the salvation God was bringing, addressing humanity's deepest spiritual need.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 1:77 employs several literary devices to convey its profound message. **Prophecy** is central, as Zechariah, filled with the Holy Spirit, foretells the precise nature of John's divinely appointed mission. This verse acts as a **Foreshadowing**, pointing beyond John's immediate ministry to the ultimate work of Jesus Christ, who would fully accomplish the "remission of sins." The use of the term "knowledge" (γνῶσις) carries a deeper, almost **Theological Language** significance, implying an experiential and transformative understanding rather than mere intellectual assent. Furthermore, the explicit linkage of "salvation" with "remission of sins" serves as a powerful **Emphasis**, highlighting that the spiritual problem of sin is the primary target of God's redemptive plan, setting the stage for the New Testament's consistent focus on atonement and forgiveness.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 1:77 establishes a foundational theological truth: God's ultimate salvation for humanity is inextricably linked to the forgiveness of sins. This concept is not a New Testament innovation but deeply rooted in Old Testament covenant theology, where sin created a barrier between God and His people, and atonement was necessary for reconciliation. Zechariah's prophecy reveals that the long-awaited Messiah would address this fundamental spiritual brokenness. It positions John the Baptist as the crucial herald, preparing hearts to receive this spiritual deliverance, which would be fully realized through the atoning work of Jesus Christ. This verse thus connects the Old Testament's anticipation of a redeemer with the New Testament's revelation of Jesus as the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.

* [Psalm 130:4](/psalms/130-4 "Psalm 130:4 - Forgiveness with God")
* [Isaiah 53:5-6](/isaiah/53-5-6 "Isaiah 53:5-6 - The Suffering Servant")
* [Acts 10:43](/acts/10-43 "Acts 10:43 - Forgiveness Through His Name")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 1:77 serves as a profound reminder of the core message of the Gospel: God's gracious provision of salvation through the complete remission of sins. For us today, it underscores that our deepest need is not merely for external circumstances to change, but for our inner spiritual condition to be reconciled with a holy God. This verse challenges us to move beyond a superficial understanding of "salvation" and to grasp its profound spiritual depth—a liberation from the guilt, power, and eternal consequences of sin. It invites us to recognize that true peace and fellowship with God are only possible when our sins are fully pardoned. This understanding should cultivate a deep sense of gratitude for God's immeasurable love and mercy, prompting us to embrace the forgiveness freely offered through Christ and to live lives that reflect the transforming power of that grace.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding salvation as "remission of sins" deepen your appreciation for God's grace?**
* **In what ways does John the Baptist's preparatory role in Luke 1:77 inform our understanding of evangelism and discipleship today?**
* **What does it mean to have an experiential "knowledge of salvation" in your own life, beyond mere intellectual assent?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of "knowledge of salvation" in this verse?**

Answer: The "knowledge of salvation" (Greek: _gnōsis sōtērias_) in Luke 1:77 signifies more than just intellectual awareness or factual information about salvation. It implies a deep, experiential, and transformative understanding that leads to personal appropriation. John the Baptist's ministry was to reveal the true nature of God's coming deliverance—not primarily political or physical, but spiritual, focusing on the forgiveness of sins. This knowledge was intended to prepare people's hearts for the Messiah, enabling them to recognize and receive the spiritual redemption He would bring. It's a knowledge that leads to repentance and faith, fundamentally altering one's relationship with God.

**How does John the Baptist's ministry relate to Jesus' work according to this verse?**

Answer: Luke 1:77 clearly defines John's ministry as preparatory. He was to "give knowledge of salvation... by the remission of their sins." John's role was to announce this spiritual salvation and call people to repentance (as seen in [Luke 3:3](/luke/3-3 "Luke 3:3 - John's Baptism of Repentance")), thereby preparing them to receive the One who would actually *accomplish* that salvation and remission. Jesus, the Messiah, is the one who ultimately provides the full and complete remission of sins through His atoning death and resurrection. John was the herald, pointing to the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")).

**Was this salvation only for "his people," meaning only for Israel?**

Answer: While Zechariah's immediate context refers to God's covenant people, Israel, the New Testament consistently reveals that God's plan of salvation, though initiated through Israel, extends to all humanity. The "remission of sins" accomplished by Jesus is offered to "everyone who believes" ([Acts 10:43](/acts/10-43 "Acts 10:43 - Forgiveness Through His Name")). The prophecy here, while rooted in Israel's history, foreshadows a salvation that transcends ethnic boundaries, encompassing all who would come to God through faith in the Messiah, fulfilling God's promise to Abraham that "all peoples on earth will be blessed through you" ([Genesis 12:3](/genesis/12-3 "Genesis 12:3 - God's Promise to Abraham")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 1:77, though spoken concerning John the Baptist's preparatory ministry, finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in Jesus Christ. John's mission was to "give knowledge of salvation... by the remission of their sins," but it was Jesus who embodied and enacted this salvation. He is the Lamb of God ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")) whose sacrificial death on the cross secured the complete "remission of sins" for all who believe, as prophesied in [Isaiah 53:5-6](/isaiah/53-5-6 "Isaiah 53:5-6 - The Suffering Servant") and confirmed in the New Testament. The "knowledge of salvation" John proclaimed became a living reality in Jesus, who not only taught about forgiveness but also possessed the divine authority to forgive sins ([Mark 2:10](/mark/2-10 "Mark 2:10 - Jesus Forgives Sins")). Through His resurrection, Jesus triumphed over sin and death, offering eternal life and a new covenant where sins are remembered no more ([Hebrews 8:12](/hebrews/8-12 "Hebrews 8:12 - God's Forgiveness in the New Covenant")). Thus, the spiritual salvation and the complete forgiveness of sins announced by John are fully realized and made accessible to humanity through the person and finished work of Jesus Christ, the true source of our knowledge of salvation.

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

Acts 10:43

To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins.

Acts 2:38

Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

Acts 5:31

Him hath God exalted with his right hand [to be] a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins.

John 1:34

And I saw, and bare record that this is the Son of God.

John 1:7

The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all [men] through him might believe.

John 1:9

[That] was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.

Luke 3:3

And he came into all the country about Jordan, preaching the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins;