Luke 1:16

Many of the sons of Israel he will turn back to the Lord their God.

Berean Standard Bible

Study note

Setting — The angel Gabriel pronounces this declaration to Zechariah during the announcement of his son John’s future ministry.

The words — ἐπιστρέψει (epistrepei) literally means "he will turn back," denoting the active reversal of a people’s spiritual direction.

The thread — This restorative mission aligns with the prophetic pattern of preparing a way for the Lord found in Isaiah 40:3 and Malachi 3:1.

Why it lands — The text presents divine action as the prerequisite for human response, requiring readers to identify where God is initiating a turn toward Himself rather than relying on human initiative.

Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.

The Greek words

καὶkaiAnd πολλοὺςpollousmany τῶνtōnof the υἱῶνhuiōnsons ἸσραὴλIsraēlof Israel ἐπιστρέψειepistrepseihe will turn ἐπὶepito κύριονkurion[the] Lord τὸνtonthe θεὸνtheonGod αὐτῶν,autōnof them,

King James Version

And many of the children of Israel shall he turn to the Lord their God.

Cross-references

Matthew 21:32 For John came to you in the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him, but the tax collectors and prostitutes did. And even after you saw this, you did not repent and believe him.
Isaiah 40:3 A voice of one calling: “Prepare the way for the LORD in the wilderness; make a straight highway for our God in the desert.
Malachi 3:1 “Behold, I will send My messenger, who will prepare the way before Me. Then the Lord whom you seek will suddenly come to His temple—the Messenger of the covenant, in whom you delight—see, He is coming,” says the LORD of Hosts.
Matthew 3:1 In those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the wilderness of Judea
Isaiah 49:6 He says: “It is not enough for You to be My Servant, to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to restore the protected ones of Israel. I will also make You a light for the nations, to bring My salvation to the ends of the earth.”
Daniel 12:3 Then the wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness will shine like the stars forever and ever.
Luke 1:76 And you, child, will be called a prophet of the Most High; for you will go on before the Lord to prepare the way for Him,