He hath holpen his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy;

LUKE 1:54KJV
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Luke 1:54 (KJV)

What does Luke 1:54 mean?

Luke 1:54 says that God has helped Israel, remembering to show them mercy. This verse highlights God’s faithfulness in caring for His people and keeping His promises of kindness.

Mary is speaking these words as part of her song of praise, often called the Magnificat, after learning she will give birth to Jesus. She is celebrating how God has acted on behalf of Israel, not forgetting them, but showing mercy just as He promised to their ancestors.

The Greek behind Luke 1:54

  • "holpen" (ἀντελάβετο, antelabeto): This Greek word means "to take hold of," "to help," or "to support." Here, it shows God’s active intervention and support for Israel, not just a passive remembrance.
  • "remembrance" (μνησθῆναι, mnēsthēnai): This word means "to remember" or "to call to mind." It suggests that God’s mercy is not accidental or forgetful, but intentional—He chooses to remember and act.
  • "mercy" (ἔλεος, eleos): This word refers to compassion or loving-kindness. In this context, it points to God’s loyal love and His willingness to forgive and care for His people.

Why Luke 1:54 matters

  • Luke 1:54 connects Mary’s song to the larger story of Israel, showing that the coming of Jesus is part of God’s ongoing faithfulness to His people.
  • The verse reminds readers that God’s mercy is not a new idea, but something He has always shown to Israel, fulfilling promises made long ago.
  • By using words that emphasize God’s active help and intentional remembrance, Luke 1:54 assures readers that God’s care is both powerful and purposeful, not distant or forgetful.

Where else these words appear

“holpen” Greek G482 · used in 3 verses

  • Acts 20:35 I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.
  • 1 Timothy 6:2 And they that have believing masters, let them not despise them, because they are brethren; but rather do them service, because they are faithful and beloved, partakers of the benefit. These things teach and exhort.

“remembrance” Greek G3415 · used in 21 verses

  • Matthew 5:23 Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee;
  • Luke 24:6 He is not here, but is risen: remember how he spake unto you when he was yet in Galilee,
  • 1 Corinthians 11:2 Now I praise you, brethren, that ye remember me in all things, and keep the ordinances, as I delivered them to you.

“servant” Greek G3816 · used in 24 verses

  • Matthew 2:16 Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the wise men, was exceeding wroth, and sent forth, and slew all the children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had diligently enquired of the wise men.
  • Matthew 21:15 And when the chief priests and scribes saw the wonderful things that he did, and the children crying in the temple, and saying, Hosanna to the Son of David; they were sore displeased,
  • Luke 15:26 And he called one of the servants, and asked what these things meant.

“mercy” Greek G1656 · used in 27 verses

  • Matthew 9:13 But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.
  • Romans 9:23 And that he might make known the riches of his glory on the vessels of mercy, which he had afore prepared unto glory,
  • Titus 1:4 To Titus, mine own son after the common faith: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ our Saviour.