King James Version
What Does Luke 1:38 Mean?
“And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her.”
Context
36
And, behold, thy cousin Elisabeth, she hath also conceived a son in her old age: and this is the sixth month with her, who was called barren.
37
For with God nothing shall be impossible.
38
And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her.
39
And Mary arose in those days, and went into the hill country with haste, into a city of Juda;
40
And entered into the house of Zacharias, and saluted Elisabeth.
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(38) **Behold the handmaid of the Lord . . .**—The words seem to show a kind of half-consciousness that the lot which she thus accepts might bring with it unknown sufferings, as well as untold blessedness. She shrinks, as it were, from the awfulness of the position thus assigned to her, but she can say, as her Son said afterwards, when His time of agony was come, “Not my will, but Thine be done.” It may be that the more immediate peril of which St. Matthew speaks (1:19). flashed even then upon her soul as one that could not be escaped. (Comp. Luke 2:35.)
Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.
Historical Context
This verse is found in the book of Luke. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.
Theological Significance
Luke 1:38 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Cross-References
Verses related to Luke 1:38
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge