Luk 1:50-55 | NET2full | STEP | from generation to generation he is merciful to those who fear him .

‏ Luke 1:50-55

50 from ^{▼▼tn Grk “and from.” Here καί (kai) has been translated by a semicolon to improve the English style.} generation to generation he is merciful ^{▼▼sn God’s mercy refers to his “loyal love” or “steadfast love,” expressed in faithful actions, as the rest of the psalm illustrates.} to those who fear ^{▼▼tn That is, “who revere.” This refers to those who show God a reverential respect for his sovereignty.} him.
51 He has demonstrated power ^{▼▼tn Or “shown strength,” “performed powerful deeds.” The verbs here switch to aorist tense through 1:55. This is how God will act in general for his people as they look to his ultimate deliverance.} with his arm; he has scattered those whose pride wells up from the sheer arrogance ^{▼▼tn Grk “in the imaginations of their hearts.” The psalm rebukes the arrogance of the proud, who think that power is their sovereign right. Here διανοίᾳ (dianoia) can be understood as a dative of sphere or reference/respect.} of their hearts.
52 He has brought down the mighty ^{▼▼tn Or “rulers.”} from their thrones, and has lifted up those of lowly position; ^{▼▼tn Or “those of humble position”} ^{▼▼sn The contrast between the mighty and those of lowly position is fundamental for Luke. God cares for those that the powerful ignore (Luke 4:18-19).}
53 he has filled the hungry with good things, ^{▼▼sn Good things refers not merely to material blessings, but blessings that come from knowing God.} and has sent the rich away empty. ^{▼▼sn Another fundamental contrast of Luke’s is between the hungry and the rich (Luke 6:20-26).}
54 He has helped his servant Israel, remembering ^{▼▼tn Or “because he remembered mercy,” understanding the infinitive as causal.} his mercy, ^{▼▼tn Or “his [God’s] loyal love.”}
55 as he promised ^{▼▼tn Grk “as he spoke.” Since this is a reference to the covenant to Abraham, ἐλάλησεν (elalēsen) can be translated in context “as he promised.” God keeps his word.} to our ancestors, ^{▼▼tn Grk “fathers.”} to Abraham and to his descendants ^{▼▼tn Grk “his seed” (an idiom for offspring or descendants).} forever.”