to give to His peopleThis phrase indicates the purpose of the coming of John the Baptist, as prophesied by his father Zechariah. "His people" refers to the Israelites, God's chosen people, who were awaiting the Messiah. This reflects the covenant relationship between God and Israel, as seen throughout the Old Testament, where God repeatedly promises to send a deliverer to His people (e.g.,
Isaiah 40:1-5).
the knowledge of salvation
The term "knowledge" implies an understanding or awareness that goes beyond mere intellectual assent. In the biblical context, salvation is often associated with deliverance from sin and its consequences. This knowledge is not just theoretical but experiential, involving a personal relationship with God. The concept of salvation is deeply rooted in the Old Testament, where it often refers to deliverance from physical enemies, but in the New Testament, it takes on a more spiritual dimension (e.g.,Psalm 98:2-3,Isaiah 52:10).
through the forgiveness of their sins
Forgiveness is central to the message of the Gospel and is the means by which salvation is realized. In the Jewish context, forgiveness was sought through the sacrificial system established in the Law of Moses. However, the New Testament reveals that true forgiveness comes through Jesus Christ, the ultimate sacrifice (e.g.,Hebrews 9:22, 1John 1:9). This phrase highlights the transition from the old covenant to the new, where forgiveness is no longer achieved through repeated sacrifices but through the once-for-all sacrifice of Christ. The connection between forgiveness and salvation is a recurring theme in the New Testament, emphasizing that reconciliation with God is made possible through the remission of sins (e.g.,Ephesians 1:7,Colossians 1:14).
Persons / Places / Events
1.
ZechariahThe father of John the Baptist, who prophesied these words after regaining his speech. He was a priest and a righteous man, chosen by God to be the father of the forerunner of Christ.
2.
John the BaptistThe child of Zechariah and Elizabeth, who would grow up to prepare the way for Jesus by preaching repentance and baptizing people in the Jordan River.
3.
IsraelThe people of God, to whom the message of salvation and forgiveness was first given. They were awaiting the Messiah who would bring redemption.
4.
SalvationThe deliverance from sin and its consequences, brought about by Jesus Christ. It is a central theme in the New Testament and the fulfillment of God's promises.
5.
Forgiveness of SinsA key aspect of the salvation message, emphasizing God's grace and mercy in pardoning human transgressions through Jesus Christ.
Teaching Points
Understanding SalvationSalvation is not just a concept but a personal experience of deliverance from sin. It is essential to grasp the depth of what it means to be saved and how it transforms our lives.
The Role of ForgivenessForgiveness is at the heart of the Gospel. It is through forgiveness that we are reconciled to God, and it should be a central theme in our lives as we extend it to others.
The Importance of KnowledgeKnowledge of salvation is crucial. It is not enough to hear about it; we must understand and internalize it, allowing it to guide our actions and decisions.
Preparation for ChristJust as John the Baptist prepared the way for Jesus, we are called to prepare our hearts and lives for His return, living in a way that reflects His teachings.
Living Out the GospelOur lives should be a testament to the salvation we have received. This involves sharing the message of forgiveness and hope with others, just as John the Baptist did.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Luke 1:77?
2.How does Luke 1:77 define the purpose of salvation through Jesus Christ?
3.What role does forgiveness play in the salvation mentioned in Luke 1:77?
4.How can we share "knowledge of salvation" with others in our daily lives?
5.How does Luke 1:77 connect with the prophecy in Isaiah 40:3-5?
6.In what ways can we experience God's forgiveness as described in Luke 1:77?
7.How does Luke 1:77 define salvation in the context of forgiveness of sins?
8.What historical evidence supports the events described in Luke 1?
9.How does Luke 1:77 align with the overall message of the Gospel of Luke?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Luke 1?
11.What does the Bible say about praying for unbelievers?
12.What is Sozo Prayer?
13.What are the teachings of Jesus in The Aquarian Gospel?
14.What does the Bible say about praying for unbelievers?What Does Luke 1:77 Mean
to giveLuke 1:77 begins with God’s intent “to give.” Salvation isn’t something we earn; it is a gracious gift offered by God.
•Ephesians 2:8–9: “For it is by grace you have been saved through faith… it is the gift of God, not by works.”
•Romans 6:23: “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
From the moment John the Baptist was promised, God underscored that He Himself is the Giver, moving first toward us with mercy and generosity.
to His peopleThe promise is directed “to His people,” a phrase that echoes God’s covenant faithfulness.
•Exodus 6:7: “I will take you as My own people, and I will be your God.”
•1 Peter 2:9–10: we who were once not a people are now “God’s people.”
Though spoken initially over Israel, the scope widens in Christ to include all who trust Him—Jews and Gentiles alike—fulfilling God’s long-standing plan to gather a people for Himself (John 10:16).
knowledge of salvationGod wants His people to experience more than vague hope; He wants them to possess confident “knowledge of salvation.”
•1 John 5:13: “I have written these things to you… so that you may know that you have eternal life.”
•2 Timothy 1:12: Paul says, “I know whom I have believed.”
Salvation is not guesswork. Through clear revelation—first by John’s preaching, then by Jesus’ finished work—believers can rest assured that they truly belong to God.
through the forgiveness of their sinsThe pathway to this assurance is “through the forgiveness of their sins.” Salvation always moves through the cross, where sin’s debt is paid.
•Matthew 26:28: “This is My blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.”
•Acts 13:38–39: “Through Jesus the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you… everyone who believes is justified.”
Forgiveness is not partial; it is complete (Psalm 103:12). By removing sin, God removes the barrier that kept us from Him, making salvation both possible and certain.
summaryLuke 1:77 highlights God’s heart: He graciously gives His covenant people the confident awareness that they are saved, and He does so by fully forgiving their sins through Jesus Christ. This verse unfolds the Gospel’s simplicity—God gives, we receive; God forgives, we know we’re saved.
(77)
To give knowledge of salvation.--This, as the form of the Greek verb shows, was to be the object of the Baptist's mission. Men had lost sight of the true nature of salvation. They were wrapt in dreams of deliverance from outward enemies, and needed to be taught that it consisted in forgiveness for the sins of the past, and power to overcome sins in the future.
The remission of their sins.--Historically, this was the first utterance of the words in the Gospel records, and we may well think of it as having helped to determine the form which the work of the Baptist eventually took. It is interesting to compare it with our Lord's words at the Last Supper (Matthew 26:28), and so to think of it as being the key-note of the whole work from the beginning to the end. Different in outward form as were the ministries of the Baptist and our Lord, they agreed in this.
Verse 77. -
To give knowledge of salvation unto his people by the remission of their sins. Zacharias goes on to celebrate the splendid part his son was to play in the great Messianic drama, he was to be Messiah's pioneer in order to give men the true information respecting the Deliverer's work. Israel was mistaken altogether in its conception of the salvation which they really-needed. Godet puts it with great force. "Why," he asks, "was the ministry of the Messiah preceded by that of another Divine messenger? Because the very notion of salvation was falsified in Israel, and had to be corrected before salvation could be realized. A carnal and malignant patriotism had taken possession of the people and their rulers, and the idea of a political deliverance had been substituted for that of a moral salvation. There was need, then, of another person, divinely authorized, to remind the people that perdition consisted not in subjection to the Romans, but in Divine condemnation; and that salvation, therefore, was not temporal emancipation, but forgiveness of sins."
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek
to giveδοῦναι(dounai)Verb - Aorist Infinitive Active
Strong's 1325:To offer, give; I put, place. A prolonged form of a primary verb; to give.toτῷ(tō)Article - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.Hisαὐτοῦ(autou)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846:He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.peopleλαῷ(laō)Noun - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2992:Apparently a primary word; a people.knowledgeγνῶσιν(gnōsin)Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 1108:Knowledge, doctrine, wisdom. From ginosko; knowing, i.e. knowledge.of salvationσωτηρίας(sōtērias)Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 4991:Feminine of a derivative of soter as noun; rescue or safety.throughἐν(en)Preposition
Strong's 1722:In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.[the] forgivenessἀφέσει(aphesei)Noun - Dative Feminine Singular
Strong's 859:A sending away, a letting go, a release, pardon, complete forgiveness. From aphiemi; freedom; pardon.of theirαὐτῶν(autōn)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 846:He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.sins,ἁμαρτιῶν(hamartiōn)Noun - Genitive Feminine Plural
Strong's 266:From hamartano; a sin.
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NT Gospels: Luke 1:77 To give knowledge of salvation to his (Luke Lu Lk) 
