Luke 3:6

KJV

And all flesh shall see the salvation of God.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} all {G3956} flesh {G4561} shall see {G3700} the salvation {G4992} of God {G2316}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then all humanity will see God's deliverance.'"

Berean Standard Bible

And all humanity will see God’s salvation.’”

American Standard Version

And all flesh shall see the salvation of God.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 3:6, a direct quotation from Isaiah 40:5, powerfully declares the universal scope of God's redemptive plan. It portrays God's salvation as a grand, visible reality that will be revealed to every human being, transcending all national, ethnic, and social boundaries, thereby preparing the way for the coming Messiah and the establishment of His inclusive kingdom.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within Luke's account of John the Baptist's ministry, which serves as the divinely appointed prelude to Jesus' public ministry. Luke meticulously details John's preaching in the wilderness, emphasizing his role as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy. Specifically, Luke 3:4-6 quotes Isaiah 40:3-5, presenting John as the one preparing the way for the Lord by calling for repentance and a radical reorientation of life. The preceding verses (Luke 3:1-3) establish the historical and political setting, grounding John's prophetic call in a specific time and place. The verses immediately following (Luke 3:7-14) record John's stern warnings to various groups—the crowds, tax collectors, and soldiers—underscoring the practical implications of true repentance. Thus, Luke 3:6 functions as the climactic declaration of the *purpose* behind John's preparatory work: the universal revelation of God's salvation.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** John the Baptist's ministry took place in the wilderness of Judea during a period of Roman occupation and significant religious tension in Israel. The Jewish people, under Roman rule, longed for a Messiah who would deliver them politically and restore Israel's sovereignty. Their understanding of salvation was often nationalistic, focused primarily on the Jewish people. John's message, rooted in the prophetic tradition, challenged this narrow view by emphasizing moral repentance and the coming of a spiritual kingdom. By quoting Isaiah 40:5, John (and Luke) expands the horizon of God's saving work beyond Israel to include "all flesh," a concept that would have been revolutionary and potentially challenging for many in his audience, yet deeply resonant with the universal promises found in the Hebrew Scriptures, such as God's covenant with Abraham to bless [all families of the earth](/genesis/12-3 "Genesis 12:3 - God's Promise to Abraham").
* **Key Themes:** Luke 3:6 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Luke's Gospel and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights the **Universal Scope of God's Salvation**, emphasizing that God's redemptive plan is not confined to a single nation or people group but is intended for all humanity. This theme is central to Luke's Gospel, which often portrays Jesus' ministry as reaching out to the marginalized, Gentiles, and Samaritans, foreshadowing the [global mission of the church](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - The Great Commission"). Secondly, it underscores **Divine Fulfillment and Prophetic Continuity**, demonstrating how John's ministry and the subsequent arrival of Jesus are direct fulfillments of ancient prophecies, particularly those found in [Isaiah 40](/isaiah/40 "Isaiah 40 - Comfort for God's People"). This continuity assures readers that God's plan is unfolding precisely as foretold. Thirdly, the verse points to the **Visibility and Certainty of God's Work**, declaring that "all flesh shall *see*" God's salvation, implying a clear, undeniable manifestation of His saving power, ultimately realized in the person and work of Jesus Christ.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **all (Greek, _pâs'_):** This word, G3956, signifies totality, every single one, or the whole. In this context, it powerfully emphasizes the comprehensive and inclusive nature of God's redemptive reach. It leaves no one outside the scope of God's intention for salvation, reinforcing the idea that His plan is not limited to a select few but extends to the entirety of humanity.
* **flesh (Greek, _sárx'_):** G4561 refers to "flesh" in a broad sense, encompassing humanity in its entirety. It speaks of human nature, with its inherent frailties and mortality, but here it specifically denotes all human beings, regardless of their background, ethnicity, or status. The pairing of "all" with "flesh" creates a robust declaration of universal humanity.
* **salvation (Greek, _sōtḗrion'_):** G4992, derived from the root for "to save," refers concretely to "that which saves" or "the means of salvation." It is often used to describe God's act of deliverance, preservation, healing, and well-being. In this prophetic context, it points to the ultimate divine act of rescuing humanity from sin and its consequences, leading to eternal life and restoration, embodied in the person of Jesus Christ.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And all flesh":** This opening phrase, linked by the conjunction "And" (G2532, _kaí_), immediately establishes the universal scope of the declaration. "All flesh" signifies every human being, without exception, highlighting God's boundless intention for His saving work. It challenges any narrow, ethnocentric understanding of God's redemptive plan, asserting a global reach.
* **"shall see":** The verb "shall see" (G3700, _optánomai_) denotes a clear, undeniable, and public manifestation. It's not a hidden or obscure truth, but one that will be visibly revealed to everyone. The future tense emphasizes the certainty of this event, indicating a guaranteed divine fulfillment. This "seeing" implies not just physical sight, but also comprehension, recognition, and experience of God's saving power.
* **"the salvation of God":** This climactic phrase identifies the object of this universal revelation. "The salvation" refers to God's definitive act of deliverance, rescue, and restoration. The genitive "of God" explicitly attributes this salvation to God Himself, emphasizing its divine origin and power. It is God's own saving work, His ultimate provision for humanity's deepest need, that will be made manifest to all.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 3:6 is rich with literary significance, primarily functioning as a **Quotation/Allusion** to Isaiah 40:5. This direct quotation anchors John the Baptist's message in the ancient prophetic tradition, establishing his authority and highlighting the continuity of God's redemptive plan from the Old Testament to the New. The phrase "all flesh" employs **Synecdoche**, where "flesh" (a part, representing human physicality) stands for the whole of humanity. This device powerfully conveys the universality of God's reach. Furthermore, the declaration that "all flesh *shall see*" implies a future, undeniable **Manifestation** of God's saving power, creating a sense of anticipation and certainty. The entire passage also functions as a form of **Prophetic Foreshadowing**, pointing beyond John's immediate ministry to the ultimate revelation of God's salvation in Jesus Christ.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 3:6 stands as a pivotal theological statement, articulating God's unwavering commitment to a universal redemption that transcends all human divisions. It directly challenges the prevalent nationalistic expectations of salvation, proclaiming instead a global vision rooted in God's character as the sovereign Lord of all creation. This verse underscores the expansive nature of God's love and justice, revealing His desire for all humanity to come to a saving knowledge of Him. It sets the stage for the New Testament's emphasis on the inclusion of Gentiles and the worldwide spread of the Gospel, demonstrating that God's covenant promises, initially given to Israel, ultimately extend to every nation and people group through Christ.

* [Genesis 12:3](/genesis/12-3 "Genesis 12:3 - God's Promise to Abraham to Bless All Nations")
* [Isaiah 49:6](/isaiah/49-6 "Isaiah 49:6 - A Light to the Nations")
* [Romans 1:16](/romans/1-16 "Romans 1:16 - The Gospel for All")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The profound declaration in Luke 3:6 offers immense hope and a clear call to action for believers today. It reminds us that God's redemptive purpose is not exclusive or limited, but is expansive enough to embrace every person on earth. This truth should ignite within us a deep sense of compassion for all humanity, fostering a worldview that sees every individual as a potential recipient of God's transformative grace. It compels us to break down barriers, whether ethnic, social, or economic, that might hinder the spread of the Gospel, aligning our hearts with God's universal love. Moreover, the certainty implied by "shall see" instills confidence in God's ultimate victory and the assured fulfillment of His promises, empowering us to participate in His mission with unwavering faith, knowing that our labor is not in vain.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the universal scope of "all flesh" challenge any exclusive or limited views of God's love or salvation that I might hold?**
* **In what ways can I actively participate in making "the salvation of God" visible to those in my sphere of influence, reflecting its universal call?**
* **What barriers, either personal or societal, might prevent people from "seeing" or experiencing God's salvation, and how can I help dismantle them?**

### FAQ

**What does "all flesh" specifically mean in this context?**

Answer: In Luke 3:6, "all flesh" (Greek: _pâs sárx_) is a comprehensive expression meaning "all humanity" or "every human being." It emphasizes the universal reach of God's salvation, contrasting with any narrow, nationalistic, or exclusive understanding that might have limited God's saving work to a particular group, such as the Jewish people alone. It underscores that God's plan is inclusive, intended for people from every nation, tribe, and tongue, as echoed in the [Book of Revelation](/revelation/7-9 "Revelation 7:9 - A Multitude from Every Nation").

**How is this verse related to John the Baptist's ministry?**

Answer: Luke 3:6 is part of a direct quotation from Isaiah 40:3-5, which Luke applies to John the Baptist's ministry. John's role was to be the "voice of one crying in the wilderness, 'Prepare the way of the Lord!'" His preaching of repentance and baptism was the necessary preparation, making the spiritual "crooked straight and the rough ways smooth," so that "all flesh shall see the salvation of God." Thus, John's ministry was the divinely appointed precursor to the public manifestation of God's salvation in Jesus Christ, ensuring that the path was clear for the universal revelation of God's saving power.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 3:6 finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "salvation of God" that "all flesh" is destined to see is not merely an abstract concept or a future event, but is fully embodied in Jesus. He is 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")), the very means by which humanity is reconciled to God. Through His life, atoning death, and glorious resurrection, Jesus accomplished the salvation that God promised. His coming broke down the dividing wall between Jew and Gentile, making it possible for people from every nation to access God's grace ([Ephesians 2:14-18](/ephesians/2-14-18 "Ephesians 2:14-18 - Christ Our Peace")). The "seeing" of God's salvation, therefore, culminates in recognizing Jesus as Lord and Savior, a truth proclaimed globally through the Holy Spirit's empowerment of the church ([Acts 4:12](/acts/4-12 "Acts 4:12 - Salvation in No Other Name")). Indeed, Jesus Himself is the "light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel" ([Luke 2:30-32](/luke/2-30-32 "Luke 2:30-32 - Simeon's Prophecy")), making the salvation of God visible to "all flesh" through His universal reign.

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

Isaiah 52:10

The LORD hath made bare his holy arm in the eyes of all the nations; and all the ends of the earth shall see the salvation of our God.

Isaiah 40:5

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].

Psalms 98:2

The LORD hath made known his salvation: his righteousness hath he openly shewed in the sight of the heathen.

Psalms 98:3

He hath remembered his mercy and his truth toward the house of Israel: all the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God.

Isaiah 49:6

And he said, It is a light thing that thou shouldest be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to restore the preserved of Israel: I will also give thee for a light to the Gentiles, that thou mayest be my salvation unto the end of the earth.

Luke 2:30

For mine eyes have seen thy salvation,

Luke 2:32

A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.