That he would grant unto us, that we being delivered out of the hand of our enemies might serve him without fear,

LUKE 1:74KJV
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Luke 1:74 (KJV)

What does Luke 1:74 mean?

Luke 1:74 says that God would allow His people, once rescued from the power of their enemies, to serve Him without being afraid. The verse expresses a hope for freedom and safety so that people can worship and live for God openly and confidently.

This verse is part of Zechariah’s prophecy after the birth of his son, John the Baptist. Zechariah is speaking about God’s faithfulness to His promises, especially the promise to deliver Israel from those who threaten them. The focus is on the idea that true service to God is possible when people are no longer living in fear of oppression or harm.

The Greek behind Luke 1:74

  • "grant" (διδῶμι, didōmi): This word means to give or grant as a gift. Here, it highlights that the ability to serve God freely is something God gives, not something people achieve on their own.
  • "delivered" (ῥύομαι, rhyomai): This word means to rescue or deliver from danger. It emphasizes that God is the one who actively saves His people from real threats.
  • "serve" (λατρεύω, latreuō): This word often refers to religious service or worship. In this context, it means living a life devoted to God, not just performing rituals.
  • "fear" (φόβος, phobos): This word means fear or terror. The verse stresses that God’s rescue leads to a life where worship is not hindered by fear of enemies.

Why Luke 1:74 matters

  • Luke 1:74 clarifies that God’s deliverance is not just about physical safety but also about enabling wholehearted worship and service.
  • The verse connects to the larger theme in Luke 1 of God fulfilling His promises to Israel, showing that freedom from fear is part of God’s plan for His people.
  • It helps readers see that serving God “without fear” is a central hope of salvation, not just a side benefit, and that God’s rescue has a purpose beyond just escape from danger.

Where else these words appear

“fear” Greek G870 · used in 4 verses

  • 1 Corinthians 16:10 Now if Timotheus come, see that he may be with you without fear: for he worketh the work of the Lord, as I also do.
  • Philippians 1:14 And many of the brethren in the Lord, waxing confident by my bonds, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.
  • Jude 1:12 These are spots in your feasts of charity, when they feast with you, feeding themselves without fear: clouds they are without water, carried about of winds; trees whose fruit withereth, without fruit, twice dead, plucked up by the roots;

“delivered” Greek G4506 · used in 16 verses

  • Matthew 6:13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.
  • Romans 15:31 That I may be delivered from them that do not believe in Judaea; and that my service which I have for Jerusalem may be accepted of the saints;
  • 2 Timothy 3:11 Persecutions, afflictions, which came unto me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured: but out of them all the Lord delivered me.

“serve” Greek G3000 · used in 21 verses

  • Matthew 4:10 Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.
  • Acts 26:7 Unto which promise our twelve tribes, instantly serving God day and night, hope to come. For which hope's sake, king Agrippa, I am accused of the Jews.
  • Hebrews 9:9 Which was a figure for the time then present, in which were offered both gifts and sacrifices, that could not make him that did the service perfect, as pertaining to the conscience;

“enemies” Greek G2190 · used in 32 verses

  • Matthew 5:43 Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy.
  • Luke 6:35 But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil.
  • 1 Corinthians 15:25 For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet.