1:79a
to shine on those who live in darkness: The Greek verb that the Berean Standard Bible translates as to shine on means “to appear to” or “to give light to.” This part of the verse continues the figure of speech in 1:78b. The sun rises and brings light to places that were dark. In the same way, the Messiah would bless or help people who were living in spiritual darkness. So another way to translate this is:
to bless/help people living in ⌊spiritual⌋ darkness
Darkness and light are a common figure of speech in the Bible. The word darkness can be used to refer to sin, separation from God, lack of spiritual understanding, ignorance, and unbelief. In some languages it may be helpful to include a footnote about this. For example, the TRT suggests this footnote:
Darkness represents sin, evil, spiritual blindness/ignorance, unbelief, hopeless despair, and separation from God (who is light; 1 John 1:5). Compare Ephesians 5:8.
1:79b
and in the shadow of death: The phrase the shadow of death is another figure of speech. It refers to people who are troubled and grieved as they think about death.
These are the same people as those described as “living in darkness.” Zechariah was describing them in a different way. These were people who knew that they and others would have to die, and they were troubled, grieved, and afraid.
General Comment on 1:78b–79b
Another way to express the images of 1:78b–1:79b is:
As the rising sun dispels darkness, so the Lord/Messiah will come from God to help those who live in spiritual darkness and fear of death.
1:79c
to guide our feet into the path of peace: The expression to guide our feet into the path of peace is a figure of speech. In this context, the path of peace has a similar meaning to “salvation” in 1:71a–b and 1:77. In this context Zechariah implied that the Messiah would save his people and enable them to live in peace and well-being.
In 1:71 Zechariah mentioned salvation from enemies. In 1:77 he mentioned salvation through God forgiving people’s sins. Try to translate peace here in a way that could describe this type of freedom or salvation from both enemies and sins.
He will guide us into the way of peace. (God’s Word)
-or-
He will show us how to live in harmony/rest.
-or-
He will ⌊save⌋ us so that we can live in peace/wholeness.
peace: In Jewish culture the word peace has a very broad meaning. It describes a situation of well-being that can include safety, wholeness, health, and prosperity. It often describes harmony and friendship between God and people or between individuals or groups of people. This harmony is in contrast to war, hostility, or conflict.
Some other ways to translate peace here are:
harmony
-or-
freedom
In English the word peace is a noun. In some languages it may be more natural to translate peace with a verb or in another way. For example:
be whole/free/peaceful
-or-
live peacefully/well
See peace, Meaning 6, in the Glossary.
General Comment on 1:79c
This is the end of Zechariah’s prophecy. Try to make this clear in your translation.
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