Luke 1:73-75

1:73 the oath 1  that he swore to our ancestor 2  Abraham.

This oath grants 3 

1:74 that we, being rescued from the hand of our 4  enemies,

may serve him without fear, 5 

1:75 in holiness and righteousness 6  before him for as long as we live. 7 

1 tn This is linked back grammatically by apposition to “covenant” in v. 72, specifying which covenant is meant.

2 tn Or “forefather”; Grk “father.”

3 tn Again for reasons of English style, the infinitival clause “to grant us” has been translated “This oath grants” and made the beginning of a new sentence in the translation.

4 tc Many important early mss (א B L W [0130] Ë1,13 565 892 pc) lack “our,” while most (A C D [K] Θ Ψ 0177 33 Ï pc) supply it. Although the addition is most likely not authentic, “our” has been included in the translation due to English stylistic requirements.

5 tn This phrase in Greek is actually thrown forward to the front of the verse to give it emphasis.

6 sn The phrases that we…might serve him…in holiness and righteousness from Luke 1:74-75 well summarize a basic goal for a believer in the eyes of Luke. Salvation frees us up to serve God without fear through a life full of ethical integrity.

7 tn Grk “all our days.”