Luke 7:16

And there came a fear on all: and they glorified God, saying, That a great prophet is risen up among us; and, That God hath visited his people.

Luke 7:16 (KJV)

Context

Luke 7:16 sits within the account of Jesus raising a widow’s only son from the dead at the city of Nain (Luke 7:11-17). The miracle stopped a funeral procession and moved the crowd to speak the words recorded in this verse.

Meaning

The fear that came on all was not terror but reverent awe at the presence and power of God. The people glorified God because they recognized that His power had been displayed through Jesus. Their words, “That a great prophet is risen up among us,” show they understood Jesus as one sent by God, like the prophets of old. Their second declaration, “That God hath visited his people,” expressed their conviction that God had drawn near to them in mercy and power.

Biblical connections

This recognition of Jesus as a great prophet echoes the Old Testament expectation of a prophet like Moses (Deuteronomy 18:15). The phrase “God hath visited his people” also recalls God’s merciful intervention in the lives of His people, as seen in the birth of John the Baptist (Luke 1:68).

Application

When we witness God’s work in our lives or in the lives of others, our response should be like that of the crowd: reverence that leads to worship. Recognizing God’s visitation strengthens our trust in His care and His plan, even when we face sorrow or difficulty. The miracle at Nain reminds us that God sees our grief and acts with compassion.

Reflection

How do we respond when God moves in unexpected ways? The people of Nain did not merely marvel; they glorified God and acknowledged His presence. May we, too, learn to see God’s hand in our circumstances and respond with humble awe and praise.