Church Fathers Commentary Luke 1:50

"And his mercy is unto generations and generations On them that fear him." — Luke 1:50 (ASV)

The Venerable Bede: Turning from God’s special gifts to His general dealings, she describes the condition of the whole human race: And his mercy is from generation to generation on them that fear him. It is as if she said, “Not only for me has He that is mighty done great things, but in every nation he that fears God is accepted by Him.”

Origen of Alexandria: For the mercy of God is not upon one generation, but extends to eternity from generation to generation.

Greek Expositors: I understand that according to the mercy He has for all generations, He Himself is united to a living body, undertaking our salvation out of mercy alone. His mercy is not shown indiscriminately, but upon those in every nation who are constrained by the fear of Him.

As it is said, upon those who fear him—that is, upon those who are brought by repentance to faith and renewal. For the obstinate unbelievers have by their own sin shut the gate of mercy against themselves.

Theophylact of Ohrid: Alternatively, she means that those who fear God will obtain mercy both in this generation (that is, the present world) and in the generation to come (that is, the life everlasting). For now they receive a hundredfold, but hereafter they will receive far more.