And blessed [is] she that believed: for there shall be a performance of those things which were told her from the Lord.
Indeed you are blessed, because you have trusted that the promise ADONAI has made to you will be fulfilled."
Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord’s word to her will be fulfilled.”
And blessed is she that believed; for there shall be a fulfilment of the things which have been spoken to her from the Lord.
Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)
Commentary for Luke 1:45
Luke 1:45 is part of the narrative known as the Visitation, where Mary, having been informed by the angel Gabriel that she will bear the Son of God, visits her relative Elizabeth. Upon Mary's arrival, Elizabeth, filled with the Holy Spirit, blesses Mary and her unborn child, Jesus. The verse encapsulates several key themes:
1. **Faith and Belief**: The verse emphasizes the importance of belief in the context of divine revelation. Mary is commended for her faith in accepting the angel's message, despite the extraordinary and miraculous nature of the announcement.
2. **Divine Fulfillment**: Elizabeth's declaration that "there shall be a performance of those things which were told her from the Lord" speaks to the reliability of God's promises. It underscores the theme of divine faithfulness and the certainty that God's word will come to pass.
3. **Blessing and Favor**: The verse reflects the blessings that come from a relationship with God. Mary is pronounced blessed because of her faith, and this blessing is tied to her role in the fulfillment of God's redemptive plan.
4. **The Role of Women in Salvation History**: Luke 1:45 highlights the significant roles of Elizabeth and Mary in the unfolding of God's plan of salvation. Their faithful responses to God's calling are integral to the narrative of Jesus's birth.
In its historical context, this verse is part of the early chapters of the Gospel of Luke, which set the stage for the life and ministry of Jesus. These chapters are characterized by a series of songs and prophetic statements known as the "Magnificat" (Mary's song of praise) and the "Benedictus" (Zechariah's prophecy). The verse reflects the Jewish expectation of the Messiah and the anticipation of the fulfillment of God's promises to Israel. It also reflects the cultural norms of hospitality and honor, as Elizabeth receives Mary with blessings and joy.
In summary, Luke 1:45 celebrates Mary's faith in God's message to her and affirms the certainty of divine promises. It showcases the role of faithful individuals in God's redemptive history and the blessings that accompany belief in the word of the Lord. This verse is a testament to the transformative power of faith and the faithful action of God in the lives of those who trust in Him.