that we, being delivered from the hand of our enemies, might serve him without fear,
English Standard Version (ESV)
The truly remarkable thing here is that the ultimate purpose of being delivered from enemies isn't just freedom, but a specific kind of service. This "service" isn't just doing tasks; it's a devoted worship, originally rooted in the idea of serving for hire but elevated here to a profound commitment to God, made possible by the security of His deliverance.
that we, being delivered from the hand of our enemies, might serve him without fear,
English Standard Version (ESV)
Zachariah's song is praising God for sending salvation, fulfilling ancient promises made to Abraham and David. He proclaims that this salvation isn't just about earthly freedom from enemies, but a deeper spiritual liberation. This deliverance will enable God's people to serve Him sincerely and without the crippling fear of sin, death, or divine judgment, living a life of holiness and righteousness.
We often think of salvation as just escaping hell. But Zechariah's ancient song points to a much deeper freedom.
Zechariah's prophecy isn't just about a political rescue from earthly enemies. While deliverance from physical threats is part of it, the ultimate purpose is spiritual. It's about being freed from the 'hand of our enemies' which, as commentators like Poole and Clarke point out, signifies freedom from the dominion and guilt of sin itself. This spiritual liberation is the foundation for everything else God intends for us.
What does it look like to truly serve God? It's more than just obedience; it's a service rooted in freedom and peace.
The phrase 'serve him without fear' is key. As Vincent notes, the word for 'serve' (λατρεύειν) originally related to working for hire, but in a spiritual context, it means dedicating oneself to God's service. Bengel and Poole emphasize that this 'fear' isn't reverence for God, but the bondage of fearing enemies, death, or God's judgment. True service flows from the peace that comes from knowing we are forgiven and protected. This is the kind of worship and obedience God desires – a willing, unhindered devotion.
Zechariah's song wasn't just a hopeful wish; it was a declaration that God's ancient promises were coming true.
Calvin and others highlight that Zechariah's prophecy is deeply rooted in God's covenant promises to Abraham and David. This wasn't a new plan, but the fulfillment of an age-old commitment. The deliverance and service described are the direct result of God's faithfulness. As Poole explains, the scribes and Pharisees expected a mere temporal kingdom, but Zechariah reveals the Messiah's true mission: to secure spiritual liberty. This liberty, leading to fearless service, is the lasting legacy of God's unbreakable oath.
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Understand the original words
rhuomai · Greek Verb
The act of setting someone free from bondage, captivity, or an oppressive situation. It implies the exertion of power to rescue someone who is otherwise unable to escape their circumstances.
latreuō · Greek Verb
The act of performing duties, worship, or ministry toward God as a response to His grace. It describes the life of a believer who is devoted to God's will and service.
Zechariah's song anticipates a spiritual deliverance from sin and fear, not merely a political victory over earthly enemies, framing the coming Messiah's work as the ultimate fulfillment of God's ancient promises.
c. 1400 BC
The Abrahamic Covenant
God promises Abraham descendants and a lasting relationship, establishing a foundation for future salvation and service.
c. 1000 BC
Davidic Covenant
God promises David an eternal dynasty and kingdom, further emphasizing a divinely appointed deliverer and ruler.
c. 700-500 BC
Prophetic Proclamations of a Messiah
Prophets like Isaiah and Jeremiah foretell a coming Messiah who will bring salvation, not just national liberation, but spiritual freedom.
63 BC
Roman Occupation of Judea
Rome gains significant influence and control over Judea, leading to a period of foreign domination and a fervent hope for a divinely sent liberator.
c. 5 BC
Birth of John the Baptist
John is miraculously conceived and born to elderly parents, marking the imminent arrival of the forerunner of the Messiah.
c. AD 1— this verse
The Magnificat and Benedictus
Mary and Zechariah offer inspired songs (Magnificat and Benedictus) anticipating the salvation brought by Jesus and John, respectively, highlighting deliverance from enemies and selfless service to God.
This passage echoes the idea of being freed from the fear of death, which is a primary enemy that hinders us from serving God without fear.
Romans 6:22It highlights the ultimate purpose of our freedom in Christ: to serve God in holiness and righteousness, aligning with the 'serve him without fear' outcome in Luke.
1 John 4:18This verse directly connects perfect love with the absence of fear, showing that as our relationship with God deepens through Christ's deliverance, fear dissipates and service flows.
Isaiah 45:17This Old Testament prophecy speaks of salvation in the Lord as an everlasting salvation, providing a foundational promise for the deliverance and unhindered service described in Luke.
barnesLuke 1:74: "That he would grant unto us, that we being delivered out of the hand of our enemies might serve him without fear,"
Might serve him - Might obey, honor, and worship him. This was regarded as a "favor." This was what was promised, and for this Zechariah praised God. Without fear - Fear of death, of spiritual enemies, or of external foes. In the sure hope of God's "eternal" favor beyond the grave.
jfbLuke 1:57-80: "Now Elisabeth's full time came that she should be delivered; and she brought forth a son."
Lu 1:57-80. Birth and Circumcision of John—Song of Zacharias and Progress of the Child.
The truly remarkable thing here is that the ultimate purpose of being delivered from enemies isn't just freedom, but a specific kind of service. This "service" isn't just doing tasks; it's a devoted worship, originally rooted in the idea of serving for hire but elevated here to a profound commitment to God, made possible by the security of His deliverance.
Zachariah's song is praising God for sending salvation, fulfilling ancient promises made to Abraham and David. He proclaims that this salvation isn't just about earthly freedom from enemies, but a deeper spiritual liberation. This deliverance will enable God's people to serve Him sincerely and without the crippling fear of sin, death, or divine judgment, living a life of holiness and righteousness.
Zachariah's song is praising God for sending salvation, fulfilling ancient promises made to Abraham and David. He proclaims that this salvation isn't just about earthly freedom from enemies, but a deeper spiritual liberation. This deliverance will enable God's people to serve Him sincerely and without the crippling fear of sin, death, or divine judgment, living a life of holiness and righteousness.
"that we, being delivered from the hand of our enemies, might serve him without fear," — The truly remarkable thing here is that the ultimate purpose of being delivered from enemies isn't just freedom, but a specific kind of service. This "service" isn't just doing tasks; it's a devoted…
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Last reviewed October 2026