Luke 7:16

And there came a fear on all: and they glorified God, saying, That a great prophet is risen up among us; and, That God hath visited his people.

And {G1161} there came {G2983} a fear {G5401} on all {G537}: and {G2532} they glorified {G1392} God {G2316}, saying {G3004}, That {G3754} a great {G3173} prophet {G4396} is risen up {G1453} among {G1722} us {G2254}; and {G2532}, That {G3754} God {G2316} hath visited {G1980} his {G846} people {G2992}.

They were all filled with awe and gave glory to God, saying, "A great prophet has appeared among us," and, "God has come to help his people."

A sense of awe swept over all of them, and they glorified God. “A great prophet has appeared among us!” they said. “God has visited His people!”

And fear took hold on all: and they glorified God, saying, A great prophet is arisen among us: and, God hath visited his people.

Commentary

Context

Luke 7:16 captures the immediate aftermath of Jesus' remarkable miracle in the town of Nain, where He raised a widow's dead son back to life. This event, demonstrating profound compassion and divine power, caused an overwhelming reaction among the eyewitnesses. The crowd, which had been following the funeral procession, became witnesses to an unprecedented display of authority over death, leading to the profound awe and recognition described in this verse. It stands as a pivotal moment, affirming Jesus' identity not just as a teacher, but as one endowed with supernatural power.

Key Themes

  • Divine Authority and Power: The miracle at Nain clearly established Jesus' unique authority, especially over life and death. The crowd's reaction of "fear" (awe and reverence) and glorifying God underscores the recognition that this power was divine, not merely human. This resonates with Old Testament accounts where God alone holds such power (Deuteronomy 32:39).
  • Recognition of Jesus as a Great Prophet: The declaration "That a great prophet is risen up among us" signifies the crowd's understanding of Jesus in the lineage of powerful Old Testament prophets like Elijah and Elisha, who also performed miracles, including raising the dead (2 Kings 4:35). This recognition points to Jesus' prophetic role, a fulfillment of the promise of a prophet like Moses (Deuteronomy 18:15).
  • God's Visitation to His People: The statement "That God hath visited his people" is a profound theological insight from the crowd. It expresses their belief that God was actively intervening in human history, specifically among them, through Jesus. This concept of God "visiting" often implies a salvific or redemptive act, bringing help and deliverance, echoing the language of Zechariah's prophecy concerning the Messiah's coming (Luke 1:68).
  • Glorifying God: In response to witnessing such a powerful and compassionate act, the crowd's natural and appropriate response was to give glory to God. This highlights the purpose of miracles: to reveal God's character and lead people to worship Him (Matthew 9:8).

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "there came a fear on all" translates the Greek word phobos (φόβος). While often translated as 'fear' in modern English, in this context, it carries the connotation of profound awe, reverence, or holy dread in the presence of the divine. It's not terror, but a deep respect and wonder at the manifestation of God's power. The word "visited" comes from the Greek episkeptomai (ἐπισκέπτομαι), which means to look upon, inspect, or come to help. When used of God, it signifies a divine intervention or gracious presence, often with the intent of deliverance or salvation for His people.

Practical Application

Luke 7:16 reminds us of the overwhelming impact God's power and compassion can have on human hearts. When we truly grasp the depth of God's intervention in our lives, particularly through Jesus Christ, our natural response should be one of awe, reverence, and glorification. This verse encourages us to recognize Jesus not just as a historical figure or a good teacher, but as the one through whom God has indeed "visited His people" to bring salvation and life. It challenges us to reflect: how do we respond to the evidence of God's work around us? Do we acknowledge His presence and give Him the glory He is due?

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Cross-References

  • Luke 7:39 (5 votes)

    Now when the Pharisee which had bidden him saw [it], he spake within himself, saying, This man, if he were a prophet, would have known who and what manner of woman [this is] that toucheth him: for she is a sinner.

  • Matthew 9:8 (5 votes)

    But when the multitudes saw [it], they marvelled, and glorified God, which had given such power unto men.

  • Luke 1:68 (4 votes)

    Blessed [be] the Lord God of Israel; for he hath visited and redeemed his people,

  • Jeremiah 33:9 (4 votes)

    And it shall be to me a name of joy, a praise and an honour before all the nations of the earth, which shall hear all the good that I do unto them: and they shall fear and tremble for all the goodness and for all the prosperity that I procure unto it.

  • Exodus 4:31 (3 votes)

    And the people believed: and when they heard that the LORD had visited the children of Israel, and that he had looked upon their affliction, then they bowed their heads and worshipped.

  • Luke 1:65 (3 votes)

    And fear came on all that dwelt round about them: and all these sayings were noised abroad throughout all the hill country of Judaea.

  • Matthew 21:11 (3 votes)

    And the multitude said, This is Jesus the prophet of Nazareth of Galilee.