A frequent misinterpretation views the phrase 'since the world began' as implying literal prophets existed from creation, rather than the idiomatic sense of 'from ancient times' highlighting the timeless reliability of God's spoken promises. Another error detaches it from Zechariah's prophetic hymn, reducing it to a mere historical note on prophecy instead of celebrating the immediate fulfillment of covenants with Abraham and David through Christ's redemptive work heralded by John.
Luke 1:70
King James Version (1769)
70 As he spake by the mouth of his holy prophets, which have been since the world began:
This verse underscores God's unwavering faithfulness in fulfilling His ancient promises of salvation, as articulated through His holy prophets from eternity past or the dawn of time, now realized in the birth of John the Baptist who prepares the way for the Messiah from David's line. It emphasizes the continuity of divine revelation and redemption, assuring believers that God's redemptive plan, vowed to Abraham, has been progressively disclosed and is coming to fruition.