To perform the mercy promised to our fathers, and to remember his holy covenant;

LUKE 1:72KJV
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Luke 1:72 (KJV)

What does Luke 1:72 mean?

Luke 1:72 says that God is carrying out the mercy He promised long ago to the ancestors of Israel, and He is remembering the special agreement—His holy covenant—that He made with them. This verse highlights God’s faithfulness in keeping His promises to His people.

In Luke 1:72, Zechariah is speaking after the birth of his son John (later called John the Baptist). Zechariah is praising God for acting on the promises made to the forefathers of Israel, especially the covenant made with Abraham and his descendants. The verse is part of a larger song where Zechariah celebrates God’s mercy and faithfulness in sending a Savior.

The Greek behind Luke 1:72

  • ἔλεος (eleos, "mercy"): This word often means compassion or loving-kindness. In this context, it points to God’s deep, active care for His people, not just a feeling but a commitment to act for their good.
  • διαθήκη (diathēkē, "covenant"): This word means a formal agreement or promise. Here, it refers to God’s binding promise to the ancestors of Israel, especially the promises made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
  • ποιέω (poieō, "perform"): This word means to do, make, or carry out. The verse emphasizes that God is not just remembering His promises but actively fulfilling them.

Why Luke 1:72 matters

  • Luke 1:72 reminds readers that God’s actions in sending Jesus are not random but are the fulfillment of ancient promises, showing a long, faithful history.
  • The verse connects the birth of John the Baptist and the coming of Jesus to the larger story of God’s relationship with Israel, grounding the New Testament in the Old Testament.
  • By mentioning both mercy and covenant, Luke 1:72 highlights that God’s faithfulness is both compassionate and legally binding, offering comfort and assurance to those who trust His promises.

Where else these words appear

“remember” 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.

“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.

“covenant” Greek G1242 · used in 30 verses

  • Matthew 26:28 For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.
  • 2 Corinthians 3:14 But their minds were blinded: for until this day remaineth the same vail untaken away in the reading of the old testament; which vail is done away in Christ.
  • Hebrews 9:4 Which had the golden censer, and the ark of the covenant overlaid round about with gold, wherein was the golden pot that had manna, and Aaron's rod that budded, and the tables of the covenant;