Luke 1:25

KJV

Thus hath the Lord dealt with me in the days wherein he looked on [me], to take away my reproach among men.

KJV (with Strong's)

{G3754} Thus {G3779} hath {G4160} the Lord {G2962} dealt {G4160} with me {G3427} in {G1722} the days {G2250} wherein {G3739} he looked on {G1896} me, to take away {G851} my {G3450} reproach {G3681} among {G1722} men {G444}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"ADONAI has done this for me; he has shown me favor at this time, so as to remove my public disgrace."

Berean Standard Bible

“The Lord has done this for me. In these days He has shown me favor and taken away my disgrace among the people.”

American Standard Version

Thus hath the Lord done unto me in the days wherein he looked upon me, to take away my reproach among men.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 1:25 records Elizabeth's profound declaration of gratitude and relief after her miraculous conception in old age. Her words express a deep understanding that the Lord, in His compassionate sovereignty, had intervened directly in her life to remove the long-standing societal and personal disgrace of barrenness, transforming her shame into honor and joy. This statement encapsulates her recognition of God's faithful and purposeful action, not only for her personal vindication but also as a pivotal step in the unfolding of His divine plan for salvation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Luke 1:25 is Elizabeth's personal testimony following a miraculous and divinely ordained sequence of events. The narrative begins with the elderly and righteous couple, Zacharias and Elizabeth, who are childless [Luke 1:5-7](/luke/1-5-7 "Luke 1:5-7 - Zacharias and Elizabeth"). Zacharias, serving as a priest, receives a vision from the angel Gabriel, who announces that Elizabeth will bear a son, John, who will prepare the way for the Lord [Luke 1:11-17](/luke/1-11-17 "Luke 1:11-17 - Gabriel's Annunciation to Zacharias"). Due to Zacharias's doubt, he is struck mute [Luke 1:18-22](/luke/1-18-22 "Luke 1:18-22 - Zacharias Struck Mute"). Following these events, Elizabeth conceives and, in a period of humble seclusion, utters the words of Luke 1:25. Her declaration serves as a bridge, connecting the angelic promise and her miraculous pregnancy to the subsequent narrative of Mary's annunciation and the Magnificat, highlighting the divine orchestration of these births as foundational to the coming of the Messiah.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israelite society, barrenness was not merely a personal disappointment but a significant social and spiritual burden, often perceived as a divine curse or a sign of God's displeasure. Children, especially sons, were seen as a blessing from God, ensuring the continuation of the family line, inheritance, and social standing. A woman's primary role and source of honor were often tied to her ability to bear children. Therefore, Elizabeth's barrenness would have subjected her to immense social stigma, pity, and even reproach from her community. Her statement "to take away my reproach among men" directly addresses this profound cultural shame, emphasizing the public and deeply personal nature of her suffering. God's intervention, therefore, was not just a private miracle but a public vindication, restoring Elizabeth's honor and demonstrating His active involvement in the lives of His faithful people.
* **Key Themes:** Luke 1:25 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Luke's Gospel and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores **Divine Sovereignty and Intervention**, demonstrating God's power to act in seemingly impossible situations and His meticulous orchestration of events for His redemptive purposes. Elizabeth's miraculous conception, like those of Sarah [Genesis 18:11](/genesis/18-11 "Genesis 18:11 - Sarah's Old Age") and Hannah [1 Samuel 1:5](/1_samuel/1-5 "1 Samuel 1:5 - Hannah's Barrenness"), highlights God's ability to bring life out of barrenness, often as a prelude to significant moments in salvation history. Secondly, the verse speaks to the theme of **Reversal of Fortune and Vindication**, where God transforms shame into honor, sorrow into joy, and barrenness into fruitfulness. This theme resonates throughout Scripture, where the humble are exalted and the marginalized are given a voice. Finally, it emphasizes **God's Faithfulness to His Promises**, even when they seem long delayed or humanly impossible, setting the stage for the fulfillment of centuries-old prophecies regarding the Messiah through the birth of John the Baptist, who would "make ready a people prepared for the Lord" [Luke 1:17](/luke/1-17 "Luke 1:17 - John the Baptist's Prophetic Role").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **dealt (Greek, _poiéō'_):** From G4160, this verb signifies "to make or do" in a very wide application. In this context, it emphasizes the active, purposeful, and effective action of the Lord. Elizabeth is not merely observing a coincidence; she is attributing a direct, intentional, and powerful work to God in her life, signifying His direct intervention and not a passive observation.
* **looked on (Greek, _epeîdon'_):** From G1896, this word means "to regard (favorably or otherwise)," "to behold," or "to look upon." Here, it carries the connotation of a compassionate and purposeful gaze from God. It implies more than just seeing; it suggests an attentive, caring, and decisive observation that leads to action. God "looked on" Elizabeth's plight with mercy and chose to intervene, acknowledging her suffering and acting to change her circumstances.
* **reproach (Greek, _óneidos'_):** From G3681, this term denotes "notoriety," "a taunt," or "disgrace." It encapsulates the public shame, dishonor, and social stigma associated with barrenness in ancient Israelite society. Elizabeth's use of this word highlights the deep personal and communal burden she carried, making God's act of taking it away a profound restoration of her dignity and standing.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Thus hath the Lord dealt with me":** Elizabeth begins with a declaration of divine action. The word "Thus" (Greek, _hoútō_) points back to her miraculous conception, affirming that her pregnancy is not a natural occurrence but a direct, intentional, and specific work of God. She attributes her changed circumstances entirely to the Lord's doing, acknowledging His sovereignty and power.
* **"in the days wherein he looked on [me]":** This clause specifies the timing and the nature of God's intervention. "The days" refer to the recent period culminating in her conception. "He looked on [me]" (Greek, _epeîdon_) indicates God's compassionate and attentive gaze toward her. It implies that God saw her suffering, heard her silent prayers, and chose to intervene actively and favorably in her life, demonstrating His personal care and awareness of her plight.
* **"to take away my reproach among men":** This final phrase reveals the profound purpose and outcome of God's intervention. "To take away" (Greek, _aphairéō_) means to remove or cut off, signifying a complete and decisive act. "My reproach" (Greek, _óneidos_) refers to the public disgrace and social stigma she endured due to her barrenness. Elizabeth's declaration emphasizes that God's action was not merely a private blessing but a public vindication, restoring her honor and dignity in the eyes of her community.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 1:25 functions primarily as a **Personal Testimony** or **Confession**, a direct and heartfelt declaration of God's work in Elizabeth's life. This immediate and unadorned statement carries significant weight, emphasizing the authenticity of her experience. There is also a strong element of **Divine Reversal**, where God transforms a state of deep shame and barrenness into one of honor and fruitfulness. This reversal is not just a change of circumstances but a public demonstration of God's power to overturn human limitations and societal judgments. The phrase "looked on [me]" employs **Anthropomorphism**, attributing a human action (looking) to God, but in a way that conveys His active, compassionate, and purposeful engagement with humanity. This is not a passive glance but a gaze that precedes and initiates divine intervention.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Elizabeth's declaration in Luke 1:25 resonates deeply with the broader biblical narrative of God's compassionate response to the barren and the marginalized. Her experience parallels those of other faithful women in the Old Testament, forming a consistent pattern of divine intervention that highlights God's sovereignty over life, His faithfulness to His promises, and His particular care for those who are overlooked or shamed by society. These miraculous births often precede significant moments in salvation history, demonstrating that God prepares the way for His greater purposes through unexpected means and seemingly impossible circumstances. Elizabeth's testimony thus serves as a powerful reminder that God sees, hears, and acts on behalf of His people, turning their deepest sorrows into profound joy and their perceived weaknesses into platforms for His glory.

* [Genesis 18:11](/genesis/18-11 "Genesis 18:11 - Sarah's Barrenness and Laughter")
* [1 Samuel 1:5](/1_samuel/1-5 "1 Samuel 1:5 - Hannah's Distress and Prayer")
* [Genesis 30:23](/genesis/30-23 "Genesis 30:23 - Rachel's Reproach Removed")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Elizabeth's heartfelt confession in Luke 1:25 offers profound encouragement and a powerful model of faith for believers today. Her story reminds us that God is intimately aware of our deepest, often hidden, struggles and shames—the "reproaches among men" that we carry, whether they are physical limitations, past failures, social stigmas, or personal disappointments. Just as God "looked on" Elizabeth with purposeful compassion and removed her barrenness, He sees our situations, no matter how impossible or long-standing they may seem. This verse calls us to trust in God's perfect timing and His sovereign ability to intervene, to transform our perceived weaknesses into strengths, and to bring honor out of disgrace. It encourages us to lay our "reproaches" before Him, confident that His active love can bring about surprising and glorious reversals, not only for our personal vindication but often as a part of His larger, redemptive plan for the world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "reproaches" or areas of shame might you be carrying that you need to surrender to God's compassionate gaze?**
* **How does Elizabeth's patience and trust in God's timing encourage you in your own waiting periods?**
* **In what ways have you seen God "look on" your situation and "deal with" you, bringing about unexpected transformation or vindication?**
* **How can Elizabeth's testimony inspire you to openly declare God's faithfulness in your own life?**

### FAQ

**Why was barrenness considered such a "reproach" in ancient Israelite society?**

Answer: In ancient Israel, children were seen as a direct blessing from God and a sign of His favor, ensuring the continuation of the family line, inheritance, and tribal identity. Barrenness, therefore, was often interpreted as a sign of divine displeasure or a curse, leading to significant social stigma, shame, and emotional distress for the woman. It could also have economic implications, as children provided labor and care in old age. Elizabeth's relief in [Luke 1:25](/luke/1-25 "Luke 1:25 - Elizabeth's Declaration") highlights the profound societal pressure and personal sorrow associated with barrenness.

**What does Elizabeth mean by "he looked on [me]"?**

Answer: The phrase "he looked on [me]" (Greek, _epeîdon_) signifies more than just a casual glance. It implies a compassionate, attentive, and purposeful gaze from God. It means that God took notice of Elizabeth's plight, acknowledged her suffering, and decided to intervene actively and favorably in her life. This "looking on" is an act of divine mercy and a prelude to His powerful intervention, demonstrating His personal care for His faithful servants.

**How does Elizabeth's experience relate to other biblical narratives of barren women?**

Answer: Elizabeth's story follows a significant biblical pattern seen in the lives of other prominent women who were barren but miraculously conceived through divine intervention. These include Sarah, the wife of Abraham [Genesis 18:11](/genesis/18-11 "Genesis 18:11 - Sarah's Barrenness"), Rebekah, Isaac's wife [Genesis 25:21](/genesis/25-21 "Genesis 25:21 - Rebekah's Barrenness"), Rachel, Jacob's wife [Genesis 30:1-2](/genesis/30-1-2 "Genesis 30:1-2 - Rachel's Distress"), and Hannah, the mother of Samuel [1 Samuel 1:5](/1_samuel/1-5 "1 Samuel 1:5 - Hannah's Prayer and Vow"). In each case, God intervened to reverse their barrenness, often leading to the birth of a child who would play a pivotal role in salvation history. This recurring theme underscores God's sovereignty over life, His faithfulness to His promises, and His ability to work through seemingly impossible circumstances to achieve His redemptive purposes.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Elizabeth's declaration in [Luke 1:25](/luke/1-25 "Luke 1:25 - Elizabeth's Declaration") finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While Elizabeth's physical barrenness was removed, leading to the birth of John the Baptist who would prepare the way for the Messiah [Luke 1:17](/luke/1-17 "Luke 1:17 - John the Baptist's Prophetic Role"), Christ came to address a far deeper and universal "reproach"—the spiritual barrenness and shame of humanity due to sin. Through His sacrificial death and resurrection, Jesus takes away the ultimate reproach of sin, offering forgiveness and reconciliation with God [Colossians 2:13-14](/colossians/2-13-14 "Colossians 2:13-14 - Forgiveness of Sins"). He transforms spiritual death into spiritual life, enabling a new birth for those who believe in Him [John 3:3-7](/john/3-3-7 "John 3:3-7 - The New Birth"). Just as God "looked on" Elizabeth with favor, He looked on a lost and condemned humanity with infinite love, sending His Son to bear our shame and give us honor [2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us"). Thus, Elizabeth's personal vindication foreshadows the cosmic vindication and new creation available to all who are united with Christ, the Lamb of God who truly takes away the sin of the world [John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God").

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Genesis 30:22

And God remembered Rachel, and God hearkened to her, and opened her womb.

Genesis 30:23

And she conceived, and bare a son; and said, God hath taken away my reproach:

Isaiah 4:1

¶ And in that day seven women shall take hold of one man, saying, We will eat our own bread, and wear our own apparel: only let us be called by thy name, to take away our reproach.

Genesis 21:1

¶ And the LORD visited Sarah as he had said, and the LORD did unto Sarah as he had spoken.

Genesis 21:2

For Sarah conceived, and bare Abraham a son in his old age, at the set time of which God had spoken to him.

Isaiah 54:1

¶ Sing, O barren, thou [that] didst not bear; break forth into singing, and cry aloud, thou [that] didst not travail with child: for more [are] the children of the desolate than the children of the married wife, saith the LORD.

Isaiah 54:4

Fear not; for thou shalt not be ashamed: neither be thou confounded; for thou shalt not be put to shame: for thou shalt forget the shame of thy youth, and shalt not remember the reproach of thy widowhood any more.