King James Version

What Does Luke 1:45 Mean?

Luke 1:45 in the King James Version says “And blessed is she that believed: for there shall be a performance of those things which were told her from the Lord. th... — study this verse from Luke chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

And blessed is she that believed: for there shall be a performance of those things which were told her from the Lord. that: or, which believed that there

Luke 1:45 · KJV


Context

43

And whence is this to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?

44

For, lo, as soon as the voice of thy salutation sounded in mine ears, the babe leaped in my womb for joy.

45

And blessed is she that believed: for there shall be a performance of those things which were told her from the Lord. that: or, which believed that there

46

And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord,

47

And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Elisabeth pronounces Mary 'blessed' for believing God's word would be fulfilled. The Greek 'pisteuō' (πιστεύω, believed) indicates active, trusting faith—not mere intellectual assent but confident reliance on God's promises. This contrasts with Zechariah's doubt (Luke 1:18-20), which resulted in temporary judgment. Mary's faith response ('be it unto me according to thy word,' v. 38) becomes the pattern for true discipleship—hearing and believing God's word regardless of apparent impossibilities. Faith precedes fulfillment and enables participation in God's purposes.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This blessing highlights the crucial role of faith in redemptive history. The Old Testament chronicles those who believed God's promises (Abraham, Moses, David) and those who doubted (wilderness generation, Saul, etc.). Mary stands in the line of faithful women (Sarah, Rahab, Ruth, Hannah) who trusted God's word despite impossible circumstances. Elisabeth's recognition that belief itself brings blessing establishes New Testament theology—justification by faith, not works (Romans 4:3-5, Hebrews 11:11).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Mary's believing faith contrast with Zechariah's doubt, and what does this teach about appropriate response to God's word?
  2. In what ways does Elisabeth's pronouncement of blessing for belief anticipate New Testament theology of justification by faith?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 12 words
καὶ1 of 12

And

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

μακαρία2 of 12

blessed

G3107

supremely blest; by extension, fortunate, well off

3 of 12
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

πιστεύσασα4 of 12

is she that believed

G4100

to have faith (in, upon, or with respect to, a person or thing), i.e., credit; by implication, to entrust (especially one's spiritual well-being to ch

ὅτι5 of 12

for

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

ἔσται6 of 12

there shall be

G2071

will be

τελείωσις7 of 12

a performance

G5050

(the act) completion, i.e., (of prophecy) verification, or (of expiation) absolution

τοῖς8 of 12
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

λελαλημένοις9 of 12

of those things which were told

G2980

to talk, i.e., utter words

αὐτῇ10 of 12

her

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

παρὰ11 of 12

from

G3844

properly, near; i.e., (with genitive case) from beside (literally or figuratively), (with dative case) at (or in) the vicinity of (objectively or subj

κυρίου12 of 12

the Lord

G2962

supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)


Study Guide

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 1:45 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 1:45 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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