King James Version

What Does Luke 11:27 Mean?

Luke 11:27 in the King James Version says “And it came to pass, as he spake these things, a certain woman of the company lifted up her voice, and said unto him, Bl... — study this verse from Luke chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

And it came to pass, as he spake these things, a certain woman of the company lifted up her voice, and said unto him, Blessed is the womb that bare thee, and the paps which thou hast sucked.

Luke 11:27 · KJV


Context

25

And when he cometh, he findeth it swept and garnished.

26

Then goeth he, and taketh to him seven other spirits more wicked than himself; and they enter in, and dwell there: and the last state of that man is worse than the first.

27

And it came to pass, as he spake these things, a certain woman of the company lifted up her voice, and said unto him, Blessed is the womb that bare thee, and the paps which thou hast sucked.

28

But he said, Yea rather, blessed are they that hear the word of God, and keep it.

29

And when the people were gathered thick together, he began to say, This is an evil generation: they seek a sign; and there shall no sign be given it, but the sign of Jonas the prophet.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And it came to pass, as he spake these things, a certain woman of the company lifted up her voice, and said unto him, Blessed is the womb that bare thee, and the paps which thou hast sucked. A woman in the crowd interrupts Jesus' sobering warning with an emotional exclamation blessing Mary, His mother. The phrase "lifted up her voice" (ἐπάρασά τις φωνὴν, eparasa tis phōnēn) indicates vocal intensity—she shouts above the crowd. Her blessing—"Blessed is the womb that bare thee, and the paps which thou hast sucked" (μακαρία ἡ κοιλία ἡ βαστάσασά σε καὶ μαστοὶ οὓς ἐθήλασας, makaria hē koilia hē bastasasa se kai mastoi hous ethēlasas)—uses graphic biological language to honor motherhood.

While her sentiment seems pious, it deflects from Jesus' teaching by focusing on biological relationship rather than spiritual reality. The woman epitomizes sentimental religion that reveres Jesus' humanity while missing His message. Her blessing elevates physical motherhood and familial connection over spiritual obedience. Jesus' response (v. 28, not requested in this batch) will correct this by declaring that true blessedness comes not from biological relation to Christ but from hearing and keeping God's word. This reminds us that natural ties to religious heritage don't save—only personal faith and obedience matter (John 1:12-13).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The woman's blessing reflects Jewish culture's high regard for motherhood, particularly bearing sons. Producing children, especially males, was considered a woman's highest honor and divine blessing. The sentiment parallels Elizabeth's blessing of Mary: "Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb" (Luke 1:42). However, Jesus consistently subordinated biological family to spiritual family (Luke 8:19-21, Matthew 12:46-50). His kingdom transcends ethnic, familial, and gender boundaries, establishing new family ties based on shared faith in Him.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the woman's focus on biological relationship to Jesus mirror contemporary emphasis on religious heritage over personal faith?
  2. In what ways does sentimental reverence for Jesus' humanity sometimes distract from obedience to His teaching?
  3. What does this passage teach about the insufficiency of honoring Christ externally while missing the call to discipleship?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 26 words
Ἐγένετο1 of 26

it came to pass

G1096

to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)

δὲ2 of 26

And

G1161

but, and, etc

ἐν3 of 26

as

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

τῷ4 of 26
G3588

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

λέγειν5 of 26

spake

G3004

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

αὐτῷ6 of 26

he

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

ταῦτα7 of 26

these things

G5023

these things

ἐπάρασά8 of 26

lifted up

G1869

to raise up (literally or figuratively)

τις9 of 26

a certain

G5100

some or any person or object

γυνὴ10 of 26

woman

G1135

a woman; specially, a wife

φωνὴν11 of 26

her voice

G5456

a tone (articulate, bestial or artificial); by implication, an address (for any purpose), saying or language

ἐκ12 of 26

of

G1537

a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct

τοῦ13 of 26
G3588

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

ὄχλου14 of 26

the company

G3793

a throng (as borne along); by implication, the rabble; by extension, a class of people; figuratively, a riot

εἶπεν15 of 26

and said

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

αὐτῷ16 of 26

he

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

Μακαρία17 of 26

Blessed

G3107

supremely blest; by extension, fortunate, well off

18 of 26
G3588

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

κοιλία19 of 26

is the womb

G2836

a cavity, i.e., (especially) the abdomen; by implication, the matrix; figuratively, the heart

20 of 26
G3588

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

βαστάσασά21 of 26

that bare

G941

to lift, literally or figuratively (endure, declare, sustain, receive, etc.)

σε22 of 26

thee

G4571

thee

καὶ23 of 26

and

G2532

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

μαστοὶ24 of 26

the paps

G3149

a (properly, female) breast (as if kneaded up)

οὓς25 of 26

which

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

ἐθήλασας26 of 26

thou hast sucked

G2337

to suckle, (by implication) to suck


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 11:27 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 11:27 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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