Several messianic names of Jesus (Yeshua‘) throughout the Bible are linked by words that speak of sprouting or rising up. The Messiah (Christ) is likened to a sprouting branch, the Sun of righteousness rises with healing in his wings, and the horn of David springs up. The Hebrew words were often translated into Greek using forms of the word anatolē, which commonly means sunrise. The KJV translates Zacharias’ words about the coming Messiah, Jesus, as “Dayspring from on high.”
Dayspring or Sunrise from on high in the Greek text of Luke 1:78.
Dayspring from on high in Greek:
Anatolē ex hypsous
Strong’s Concordance numbers: 395, 5310
Bible reference: Luke 1:78
Zacharias burst into praise at the birth of his son, John the Baptist.
Thou, child, shalt be called the prophet of the Highest: for thou shalt go before the face of the Lord to prepare his ways;
To give knowledge of salvation unto his people by the remission of their sins,
Through the tender mercy of our God; whereby the dayspring from on high hath visited us,
To give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace. (Luke 1:76-79 KJV)
Other English versions refer to Jesus in this passage as the Sunrise from on high (NASB) or the rising sun (NIV).
