Luk 1:50-53 | NETfull | STEP | from generation to generation he is merciful to those who fear him.

Luke 1:50-53

50 from ^{▼▼ Grk “and from.” Here καί (kai) has been translated by a semicolon to improve the English style.} generation to generation he is merciful ^{▼▼ 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 ^{▼▼ That is, “who revere.” This refers to those who show God a reverential respect for his sovereignty.} him.
51 He has demonstrated power ^{▼▼ 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 ^{▼▼ 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 ^{▼▼ Or “rulers.”} from their thrones, and has lifted up those of lowly position; ^{▼▼ Or “those of humble position”} ^{▼▼ 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, ^{▼▼ Good things refers not merely to material blessings, but blessings that come from knowing God.} and has sent the rich away empty. ^{▼▼ Another fundamental contrast of Luke’s is between the hungry and the rich (Luke 6:20–26).}