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Luke 1:70

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As he spake by the mouth of his holy prophets, which have been since the world began:

As {G2531} he spake {G2980} by {G1223} the mouth {G4750} of his {G846} holy {G40} prophets {G4396}, which {G3588} have been since {G575} the world began {G165}:

It is just as he has spoken through the mouth of the prophets from the very beginning --

as He spoke through His holy prophets, those of ages past,

(As he spake by the mouth of his holy prophets that have been from of old),

Commentary

Context of Luke 1:70

Luke 1:70 is part of Zechariah's inspired prophecy, often called the Benedictus, delivered after the birth of his son, John the Baptist, and the restoration of his speech (Luke 1:67). This passage emphasizes the continuity of God's redemptive plan throughout history. Zechariah, filled with the Holy Ghost, proclaims that the birth of John and the imminent arrival of the Messiah are not random events but the culmination of divine promises made long ago. The verse sets the stage for understanding Jesus' ministry as the fulfillment of centuries of prophetic anticipation, highlighting God's faithfulness to His covenant promises.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Revelation and Prophecy: This verse underscores that God has always communicated His will and plan to humanity through chosen individuals. The phrase "by the mouth of his holy prophets" points to the authoritative and divine origin of biblical prophecy. It signifies that these messages were not merely human insights but God's direct communication, delivered through consecrated messengers.
  • Continuity of God's Plan of Salvation: The phrase "since the world began" (Greek: ap' aiōnos, meaning "from of old" or "from ancient times") highlights the timeless and unchanging nature of God's redemptive purpose. It assures us that the coming of Jesus Christ and the salvation He brings are part of a meticulously planned and consistently revealed strategy, established long before their fulfillment. This continuity provides a powerful testament to God's sovereignty and His unwavering commitment to His people.
  • Fulfillment of Ancient Promises: Luke 1:70 serves as a foundational statement that the events surrounding Jesus and John the Baptist are directly tied to the promises found in the Old Testament. It sets up the narrative of the New Testament as the grand fulfillment of God's ancient covenant with Abraham, David, and the prophets, demonstrating that no prophecy ever came by the will of man, but by the Holy Spirit.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "As he spake by the mouth of his holy prophets" is a direct translation of the Greek "καθὼς ἐλάλησεν διὰ στόματος τῶν ἁγίων προφητῶν αὐτοῦ" (kathōs elalēsen dia stomatos tōn hagiōn prophētōn autou). The word "spake" (elalēsen) implies a clear and deliberate utterance. "By the mouth" (dia stomatos) emphasizes the direct, vocal nature of God's communication through His human instruments, the prophets. The term "holy prophets" (hagiōn prophētōn) signifies their consecration and separation for God's divine purpose, underscoring the purity and authority of their message. The phrase "since the world began" (ap' aiōnos) does not necessarily mean from the very beginning of creation, but rather from ancient times, emphasizing the long history and deep roots of God's prophetic word.

Practical Application

This verse offers profound assurance and a call to trust in God's faithfulness.

  1. Confidence in God's Plan: It reminds us that God is actively involved in human history, working out His timeless plan. Just as He meticulously orchestrated the coming of the Messiah through ancient prophecies, we can trust that His purposes for our lives and for the world will also unfold according to His perfect timing and wisdom.
  2. Reliability of Scripture: The verse reinforces the divine inspiration and reliability of the Bible. It shows that the Old and New Testaments are interconnected, forming one continuous narrative of God's redemptive work. This continuity strengthens our faith in the truthfulness and authority of God's Word.
  3. Hope in Fulfillment: Knowing that God has fulfilled His ancient promises through Christ provides immense hope. It encourages us to look forward to the future fulfillment of prophecies concerning the new heavens and new earth and the ultimate establishment of God's kingdom, knowing that what God has promised, He will surely bring to pass.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash (May 20, 2025) using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Acts 3:21 (7 votes)

    Whom the heaven must receive until the times of restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began.

  • Acts 3:24 (7 votes)

    Yea, and all the prophets from Samuel and those that follow after, as many as have spoken, have likewise foretold of these days.

  • 2 Peter 1:21 (5 votes)

    For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake [as they were] moved by the Holy Ghost.

  • Romans 1:2 (5 votes)

    (Which he had promised afore by his prophets in the holy scriptures,)

  • Acts 28:25 (3 votes)

    And when they agreed not among themselves, they departed, after that Paul had spoken one word, Well spake the Holy Ghost by Esaias the prophet unto our fathers,

  • Genesis 49:10 (2 votes)

    The sceptre shall not depart from Judah, nor a lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh come; and unto him [shall] the gathering of the people [be].

  • Luke 24:44 (2 votes)

    And he said unto them, These [are] the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and [in] the prophets, and [in] the psalms, concerning me.