The Heavenly [alpha][nu][alpha][tau][omicron][lambda][eta] (Luke 1:78-9)

A consideration of the {alpha with psili}{nu}{alpha}{tau}o{lambda}eeacgr 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 fou...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of theological studies 2005-10, Vol.56 (2), p.471
Main Author: Gathercole, Simon
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Bible
Christianity
Exegesis & hermeneutics
Theology
Online Access:Get full text
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Summary:A consideration of the {alpha with psili}{nu}{alpha}{tau}o{lambda}eeacgr 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 ({epsilon with psili}{pi}{iota}{sigma}{kappa}eacgr{psi}{epsilon}{tau}{alpha}{iota}) 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 ({epsilon with psili}{xi} &{upsilon with dasia and oxia};{psi}o{upsilon}{varsigma}) points clearly to a heavenly origin for the {alpha with psili}{nu}{alpha}{tau}o{lambda}eeacgr. Thirdly, though less conclusively, the reference to Isaiah 9 LXX strengthens the impression of an angelic ruler figure. Finally, the {alpha with psili}{nu}{alpha}{tau}o{lambda}eeacgr itself is defined as both light-bringer and heavenly messiah, especially in contrast to the {Alpha with psili}{nu}{alpha}{tau}o{lambda}eeacgr character in Zech. 6:12, who comes not from on high but from beneath.[PUBLICATION ABSTRACT]
ISSN:0022-5185
1477-4607