Gr. anatolē, “a rising [of the sun or stars],” or “east,” that is, the place of the sunrise. The term is commonly used in the NT in the latter sense (see Matt. 2:1; 8:11; 24:27; Rev. 7:2; 16:12; etc.). Among the ancient peoples of the East, as with Orientals today, the east is the cardinal point of the compass, the position of honor and respect.

 Some commentators have referred the word anatolē, “a rising,” to the “Branch” that was to “grow out of” the “roots” of David (see Isa. 11:1-4; Jer. 23:5). It is true that the word anatolē may be so used; in fact, it is used in this sense in the LXX (Jer. 23:5). However, the context of Luke 1:78, 79 makes clear that Zacharias here refers to the sunrise rather than to the growth of a plant. Compare the translation: “The day shall dawn upon us from on high to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death” (vs. 78, 79, RSV). Malachi speaks of Christ as “the Sun of righteousness” (Mal. 4:2; see DA 22, 463, 464).

 Important textual evidence (cf. p. 146) may be cited for reading “shall visit” (see on v. 68).

 Literally, “bowels of mercy” (see Phil. 2:1; Col. 3:12). The Greeks considered the “bowels,” meaning the abdomen, to be the seat of the emotions—of anger, anxiety, pity, and love.