The oath which he sware to our father Abraham,

LUKE 1:73KJV
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Luke 1:73 (KJV)

What does Luke 1:73 mean?

Luke 1:73 refers to the solemn promise God made to Abraham, described here as an "oath" that God swore to him. This verse highlights the trustworthiness of God's commitment to Abraham, which is being remembered and celebrated in this part of Luke.

In the story, Zechariah is speaking after the birth of his son John (later known as John the Baptist). Zechariah is praising God for keeping His promises to Israel, especially the ancient oath to Abraham. The verse points back to God's covenant with Abraham, reminding listeners that God's promises are enduring and are now being fulfilled in the events surrounding Jesus and John.

The Greek behind Luke 1:73

  • ὅρκον (horkon, "oath"): This word means a solemn promise or vow, emphasizing the seriousness and binding nature of God's commitment to Abraham.
  • ὤμοσεν (ōmosen, "sware"): This verb means "he swore" or "he made an oath," underlining that God did not just make a casual promise but made a binding, formal commitment.
  • Ἀβραὰμ (Abraam, "Abraham"): Naming Abraham directly connects this verse to the foundational promises given to the Jewish people, showing continuity between God's past and present actions.

Why Luke 1:73 matters

  • Luke 1:73 clarifies that the coming of Jesus and John is not a new or separate event, but the fulfillment of ancient promises made to Abraham, grounding the gospel story in Israel’s history.
  • The verse highlights God's faithfulness, showing that what is happening in Luke’s story is a direct result of God keeping His word over many generations.
  • By referencing the oath to Abraham, Luke connects the hopes of the Jewish people to the events unfolding in the New Testament, helping readers see the unity of God’s plan.

Where else these words appear

“oath” Greek G3727 · used in 10 verses

  • Matthew 5:33 Again, ye have heard that it hath been said by them of old time, Thou shalt not forswear thyself, but shalt perform unto the Lord thine oaths:
  • Matthew 26:72 And again he denied with an oath, I do not know the man.
  • Hebrews 6:16 For men verily swear by the greater: and an oath for confirmation is to them an end of all strife.

“sware” Greek G3660 · used in 21 verses

  • Matthew 5:34 But I say unto you, Swear not at all; neither by heaven; for it is God's throne:
  • Matthew 23:22 And he that shall swear by heaven, sweareth by the throne of God, and by him that sitteth thereon.
  • Hebrews 3:18 And to whom sware he that they should not enter into his rest, but to them that believed not?

“Abraham” Greek G11 · used in 69 verses

  • Matthew 1:1 The book of the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham.
  • John 8:39 They answered and said unto him, Abraham is our father. Jesus saith unto them, If ye were Abraham's children, ye would do the works of Abraham.
  • 2 Corinthians 11:22 Are they Hebrews? so am I. Are they Israelites? so am I. Are they the seed of Abraham? so am I.