King James Version

What Does Luke 11:28 Mean?

Luke 11:28 in the King James Version says “But he said, Yea rather, blessed are they that hear the word of God, and keep it.” — study this verse from Luke chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Luke 11:28 · KJV

Context

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.

30

For as Jonas was a sign unto the Ninevites, so shall also the Son of man be to this generation.

Read Luke 11 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Jesus responds: 'Yea rather, blessed are they that hear the word of God, and keep it.' This corrects a woman's statement that Jesus' mother was blessed for bearing Him (v. 27). Jesus doesn't deny Mary's blessedness but redirects focus—true blessing comes from hearing and obeying God's word, not merely physical relationship to Jesus. The Greek 'phylassontes' (φυλάσσοντες, keep/obey) means guarding, observing, doing. Mary herself is blessed not primarily for bearing Jesus but for believing and obeying God's word (Luke 1:45). Hearing without obeying brings no blessing; obedience to God's word defines true blessedness.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Jewish culture highly honored mothers, especially mothers of great men. The woman's exclamation 'Blessed is the womb that bare thee' (v. 27) expressed this cultural value. Jesus' response doesn't dishonor Mary but elevates obedience above biological connection. This principle appears throughout His ministry—spiritual family (those who do God's will) matters more than physical family (Mark 3:31-35). Jesus honored Mary (providing for her at the cross, John 19:26-27) but established that discipleship, not relationship, determines blessing. Early church father Chrysostom noted that Mary is blessed because she believed and obeyed, not merely because she was Jesus' mother.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Jesus' response elevate obedience to God's word above physical relationship or religious heritage?
  2. What does this teaching correct about seeking blessing through connection to godly people rather than personal obedience?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 14 words
αὐτὸν1 of 14

“it”

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

δὲ2 of 14

“But”

G1161

but, and, etc

εἶπεν3 of 14

“he said”

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

μενοῦνγε4 of 14

“Yea rather”

G3304

so then at least

μακάριοι5 of 14

“blessed”

G3107

supremely blest; by extension, fortunate, well off

οἱ6 of 14
G3588

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

ἀκούοντες7 of 14

“are they that hear”

G191

to hear (in various senses)

τὸν8 of 14
G3588

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

λόγον9 of 14

“the word”

G3056

something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a

τοῦ10 of 14
G3588

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

θεοῦ11 of 14

“of God”

G2316

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

καὶ12 of 14

“and”

G2532

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

φυλάσσοντες13 of 14

“keep”

G5442

to watch, i.e., be on guard (literally of figuratively); by implication, to preserve, obey, avoid

αὐτὸν14 of 14

“it”

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

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 11:28 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 11:28 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Luke 6:47-48Luke 8:21Psalms 112:1James 1:21-25John 13:17Isaiah 48:17-18

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