Luke 1:79
What does Luke 1:79 mean?
A plain-English look at Luke 1:79 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Luke 1:79 means
The dayspring will shine on those in darkness and guide feet into the way of peace. This promises illumination and guidance: those living under spiritual and moral darkness will receive light leading to peace. The image of guiding feet suggests practical transformation—moving from lost wandering into a deliberate path of peace and reconciliation. The verse expresses the restorative aim of God’s visitation through the Messiah and the preparatory role of John.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000To shine upon them that sit in darkness and the shadow of death; To guide our feet into the way of peace.
KJV
King James Version · 1611To give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901To shine upon them that sit in darkness and the shadow of death; To guide our feet into the way of peace.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949To give light to those in dark places, and in the shade of death, so that our feet may be guided into the way of peace.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862To give light to those sitting in darkness and death-shade, To guide our feet to a way of peace.'
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752To enlighten them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death: to direct our feet into the way of peace.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890to shine upon them who were sitting in darkness and in [the] shadow of death, to guide our feet into [the] way of peace.
Context
This verse culminates Zacharias’s prophecy by articulating the hoped-for outcome: enlightenment and peaceful direction. It echoes Old Testament expectations of light dispelling darkness and prepares the reader for the growth and ministry of John described in the concluding verse.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Matthew 11:28
Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
- Isaiah 42:7
to open the blind eyes, to bring out the prisoners from the dungeon, and them that sit in darkness out of the prison-house.
- Isaiah 9:2
The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwelt in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined.
- Proverbs 8:20
I walk in the way of righteousness, In the midst of the paths of justice;
- Matthew 4:16
The people that sat in darkness Saw a great light, And to them that sat in the region and shadow of death, To them did light spring up.
- Psalms 44:19
That thou hast sore broken us in the place of jackals, And covered us with the shadow of death.
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