Blessed be the Lord God of Israel; for he hath visited and redeemed his people,

LUKE 1:68KJV
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Luke 1:68 (KJV)

What does Luke 1:68 mean?

Luke 1:68 is a blessing spoken to God, praising Him for coming to help and rescue His people Israel. The verse declares that God has visited and redeemed His people, meaning He has shown up in a special way to bring them deliverance.

This verse is spoken by Zechariah, the father of John the Baptist, after his speech is restored. Zechariah is filled with the Holy Spirit and is prophesying about what God is doing for Israel, especially in the coming of the Messiah. The verse sets a tone of gratitude and hope, recognizing God's faithful action on behalf of His people.

The Greek behind Luke 1:68

  • "Blessed" (εὐλογητός, eulogētos): This word expresses a deep praise or acknowledgment of God's goodness, not just a casual compliment but a strong declaration of honor.
  • "Visited" (ἐπεσκέψατο, epeskepsato): The Greek here carries the sense of God actively coming to care for or look after His people, not just dropping by but intentionally intervening in their situation.
  • "Redeemed" (ἐποίησεν λύτρωσιν, epoiesen lytrōsin): This phrase means to set free or rescue, often with the idea of paying a price to liberate someone. Here, it points to God’s action to deliver Israel from trouble or bondage.

Why Luke 1:68 matters

  • Luke 1:68 clarifies that God’s intervention is not distant or abstract; it is personal and active, as seen in the word for "visited."
  • The verse connects the birth of John the Baptist and the coming of Jesus to God’s long-standing promises to Israel, showing continuity with the Old Testament story.
  • Zechariah’s blessing highlights the theme of redemption, setting the stage for understanding Jesus’ mission as one of rescue and deliverance for God’s people.

Where else these words appear

“redeemed” Greek G3085 · used in 3 verses

  • Luke 2:38 And she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem.
  • Hebrews 9:12 Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us.

“Blessed” Greek G2128 · used in 8 verses

  • Mark 14:61 But he held his peace, and answered nothing. Again the high priest asked him, and said unto him, Art thou the Christ, the Son of the Blessed?
  • Romans 9:5 Whose are the fathers, and of whom as concerning the flesh Christ came, who is over all, God blessed for ever. Amen.
  • 2 Corinthians 11:31 The God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which is blessed for evermore, knoweth that I lie not.

“visited” Greek G1980 · used in 11 verses

  • Matthew 25:36 Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me.
  • Luke 7:16 And there came a fear on all: and they glorified God, saying, That a great prophet is risen up among us; and, That God hath visited his people.
  • Acts 15:14 Simeon hath declared how God at the first did visit the Gentiles, to take out of them a people for his name.

“Israel” Greek G2474 · used in 68 verses

  • Matthew 2:6 And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel.
  • Luke 7:9 When Jesus heard these things, he marvelled at him, and turned him about, and said unto the people that followed him, I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel.
  • Acts 28:20 For this cause therefore have I called for you, to see you, and to speak with you: because that for the hope of Israel I am bound with this chain.