THE HEAVENLY ἀνατολή (LUKE 1:78—9)

A consideration of the ἀνατολή figure in Luke 1:78—9 leads to the suggestion that this is not merely a Davidic messiah, but also a heavenly, pre-existent figure. After a review of the main lines of debate in the past century, the discussion is centred on four points. First, the visitation (ἐπισκέψετ...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of theological studies 2005-10, Vol.56 (2), p.471-488
Main Author: Gathercole, Simon
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Dead Sea Scrolls
Heaven
Mercy
New Testament
NOTES AND STUDIES
Old Testament
Oracles
Preexistence
Prophecy
Theology
Verbs
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Summary:A consideration of the ἀνατολή figure in Luke 1:78—9 leads to the suggestion that this is not merely a Davidic messiah, but also a heavenly, pre-existent figure. After a review of the main lines of debate in the past century, the discussion is centred on four points. First, the visitation (ἐπισκέψεται) gives a strong impression of a divine figure. Secondly, from the evidence of the LXX and elsewhere in Luke, the advent of the figure 'from on high' (ἐξ ὕψονς) points clearly to a heavenly origin for the ἀνατολή. Thirdly, though less conclusively, the reference to Isaiah 9 LXX strengthens the impression of an angelic ruler figure. Finally, the ἀνατολή itself is defined as both light-bringer and heavenly messiah, especially in contrast to the Ἀνατολή character in Zech. 6:12, who comes not 'from on high' but 'from beneath'.
ISSN:0022-5185
1477-4607
DOI:10.1093/jts/fli105