Luk 1:77-79 | NETfull | STEP | to give his people knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of their sins.

Luke 1:77-79

77 to give his people knowledge of salvation ^{▼▼ John’s role, to give his people knowledge of salvation, is similar to that of Jesus (Luke 3:1–14; 5:31–32).} through the forgiveness ^{▼▼ Forgiveness is another major Lukan theme (Luke 4:18; 24:47; Acts 10:37).} of their sins.
78 Because of ^{▼▼ For reasons of style, a new sentence has been started in the translation at this point. God’s mercy is ultimately seen in the deliverance John points to, so v. 78a is placed with the reference to Jesus as the light of dawning day.} our God’s tender mercy ^{▼▼ God’s loyal love (steadfast love) is again the topic, reflected in the phrase tender mercy; see Luke 1:72.}
the dawn ^{▼▼ The Greek term translated dawn (ἀνατολή, anatolē) can be a reference to the morning star or to the sun. The Messiah is pictured as a saving light that shows the way. The Greek term was also used to translate the Hebrew word for “branch” or “sprout,” so some see a double entendre here with messianic overtones (see Isa 11:1–10; Jer 23:5; 33:15; Zech 3:8; 6:12).} will break ^{▼▼ Grk “shall visit us.”} upon us from on high
79 to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, ^{▼▼ On the phrases who sit in darkness…and…death see Isa 9:1–2; 42:7; 49:9–10.}
to guide our feet into the way ^{▼▼ Or “the path.”} of peace.”