Luke 1:35

KJV

And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} the angel {G32} answered {G611} and said {G2036} unto her {G846}, The Holy {G40} Ghost {G4151} shall come {G1904} upon {G1909} thee {G4571}, and {G2532} the power {G1411} of the Highest {G5310} shall overshadow {G1982} thee {G4671}: therefore {G1352} also {G2532} that holy thing {G40} which shall be born {G1080} of {G1537} thee {G4675} shall be called {G2564} the Son {G5207} of God {G2316}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The angel answered her, "The Ruach HaKodesh will come over you, the power of Ha`Elyon will cover you. Therefore the holy child born to you will be called the Son of God.

Berean Standard Bible

The angel replied, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the Holy One to be born will be called the Son of God.

American Standard Version

And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Spirit shall come upon thee, and the power of the Most High shall overshadow thee: wherefore also the holy thing which is begotten shall be called the Son of God.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 1:35 stands as a foundational declaration of Christology, delivered by the angel Gabriel to Mary, explaining the miraculous conception of Jesus. This verse unveils the divine agency behind the virgin birth, asserting that the Holy Spirit's direct intervention and the power of God Most High would enable Mary, a virgin, to conceive. Consequently, the child born of her would be uniquely holy and unequivocally identified as the Son of God, establishing His divine nature and unprecedented origin.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Luke 1:35 is the climax of the Annunciation narrative, following Gabriel's initial greeting to Mary and his prophecy regarding the greatness of her future son, Jesus, who would inherit David's throne and reign eternally ([Luke 1:32-33](/luke/1-32-33 "Luke 1:32-33 - Prophecy of Jesus' Kingship")). Mary's natural and understandable question, "How shall this be, seeing I know not a man?" ([Luke 1:34](/luke/1-34 "Luke 1:34 - Mary's Question to Gabriel")), directly prompts Gabriel's profound explanation in verse 35. This verse serves as the divine answer, shifting the focus from human impossibility to divine omnipotence, setting the stage for Mary's humble acceptance and the subsequent Magnificat. It is intricately woven into the broader narrative of God's redemptive plan unfolding through unexpected means and individuals.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Jewish culture, lineage was paramount, tracing ancestry through the father. The idea of a virgin conceiving was utterly outside the realm of natural possibility and cultural expectation, making Mary's question in [Luke 1:34](/luke/1-34 "Luke 1:34 - Mary's Question") entirely rational. Furthermore, the concept of "Son of God" held various meanings in Jewish thought, from a righteous man or a king to a divine being. Gabriel's declaration here, however, transcends these common understandings, pointing to a unique, ontological sonship directly tied to the miraculous conception. The "Highest" (Gk. _hypsistos_) is a common Old Testament designation for God, emphasizing His supreme authority and power, which would be necessary to accomplish such an unprecedented event.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Luke's Gospel and biblical theology. Firstly, it underscores the **sovereignty and omnipotence of God**, demonstrating His ability to intervene directly in human history and accomplish the impossible ([Luke 1:37](/luke/1-37 "Luke 1:37 - For with God nothing shall be impossible")). Secondly, it is central to the doctrine of the **Virgin Birth**, affirming the unique, supernatural origin of Jesus, free from the ordinary means of human procreation. This miraculous conception is foundational to understanding Jesus' **divinity and sinlessness**, as the "holy thing" born would be "the Son of God." Thirdly, the active role of "the Holy Ghost" (Holy Spirit) and "the power of the Highest" highlights the **active agency of the Trinity** in God's redemptive plan, a theme consistently present throughout the New Testament, from the [Spirit's anointing of Jesus](/luke/3-22 "Luke 3:22 - The Spirit Descends on Jesus") to His empowerment of believers ([Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - Power to Witness")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Power (Greek, _dýnamis'_):** From G1411, this word signifies force, ability, or miraculous power. In this context, it refers to the inherent, supernatural might of God, which is the direct cause of the virgin conception. It's not merely an influence but an active, creative energy that enables the impossible.
* **Overshadow (Greek, _episkiázō'_):** From G1982, this verb means to cast a shade upon, to envelop in a haze of brilliancy, or to invest with preternatural influence. It evokes imagery of God's glorious presence, reminiscent of the cloud that covered the Tabernacle ([Exodus 40:35](/exodus/40-35 "Exodus 40:35 - The Cloud Covers the Tabernacle")) or the Transfiguration ([Luke 9:34](/luke/9-34 "Luke 9:34 - The Cloud at the Transfiguration")), signifying a divine, protective, and intimate presence that brings about a sacred, miraculous event.
* **Holy thing (Greek, _hágios'_):** From G40, meaning sacred, pure, morally blameless, or consecrated. Applied to the child, it emphasizes Jesus' unique purity and separation from sin, a direct consequence of His divine conception, distinguishing Him as uniquely set apart for God's purposes.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the angel answered and said unto her,"**: This phrase sets the stage for Gabriel's authoritative response to Mary's question in [Luke 1:34](/luke/1-34 "Luke 1:34 - Mary's Question"). It underscores that the following explanation is a divine revelation, not a human conjecture, delivered by God's messenger.
* **"The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee,"**: This declares the direct, active, and personal involvement of the Holy Spirit. The verb "come upon" (Gk. _epérchomai_) indicates a powerful, supernatural descent and influence, initiating the miraculous conception. It signifies the Spirit's creative and life-giving power, bypassing natural procreation.
* **"and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee:"**: This clause further elaborates on the divine agency. "The Highest" (Gk. _hypsistos_) refers to God Most High, emphasizing His supreme authority. The act of "overshadowing" (Gk. _episkiázō_) denotes a divine, protective, and intimate presence, akin to the Shekinah glory, signifying that God's very presence and power would envelop Mary, bringing about the conception.
* **"therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God."**: This is the profound consequence of the divine intervention. The "therefore" (Gk. _dió_) establishes a direct causal link. The child's unique origin—being conceived by the Holy Spirit and the power of the Highest—makes Him uniquely "holy" (Gk. _hágios_) and confers upon Him the title "Son of God" (Gk. _huiós theou_), signifying His divine nature and unique relationship with the Father, distinct from any human sonship.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 1:35 employs several significant literary devices. **Divine Revelation** is central, as the angel Gabriel acts as God's direct mouthpiece, delivering a supernatural explanation for a supernatural event. The phrase "The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee" uses **Parallelism** to emphasize the unified action of the Holy Spirit and God the Father in the miraculous conception. The term "overshadow" functions as **Symbolism**, evoking the divine presence and glory, reminiscent of the cloud that signified God's presence in the Old Testament Tabernacle and at the Transfiguration. This imagery conveys both the mystery and the sacredness of the event. Furthermore, the description of the child as "that holy thing which shall be born of thee" can be seen as a form of **Circumlocution** or **Euphemism**, reverently referring to the unique and sacred nature of the unborn Christ without explicitly naming Him, highlighting His unparalleled purity and divine origin.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 1:35 is a cornerstone of Christian theology, affirming the miraculous virgin birth and the divine sonship of Jesus. It reveals that Jesus' identity as the Son of God is not merely a title of honor or adoption, but an ontological reality rooted in His unique conception by the Holy Spirit and the power of God. This event underscores God's absolute sovereignty over creation and His ability to transcend natural laws to accomplish His redemptive purposes. The verse highlights the intimate involvement of all persons of the Trinity in the Incarnation: the Father (the Highest) sending His Spirit (the Holy Ghost) to bring forth the Son. This divine act ensures Jesus' sinless humanity, as He is "that holy thing," unstained by inherited sin, thus qualifying Him as the perfect sacrifice for humanity.

* [Isaiah 7:14](/isaiah/7-14 "Isaiah 7:14 - Prophecy of the Virgin Birth")
* [Matthew 1:18-20](/matthew/1-18-20 "Matthew 1:18-20 - The Angel's Message to Joseph")
* [John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 1:35 invites believers to marvel at the profound mystery and power of God, reminding us that His ways are far beyond our comprehension. This verse is not merely a historical account but a theological declaration that shapes our understanding of who Jesus is and what God is capable of. It calls us to trust in God's omnipotence, even when circumstances seem impossible, just as Mary had to trust. The unique, holy nature of Jesus, conceived by the Spirit, assures us of His perfect humanity and His divine purity, making Him the only one qualified to redeem humanity. For us, the active presence of the Holy Spirit in Mary's life foreshadows the Spirit's ongoing work in empowering believers for holiness, service, and transformation. We are reminded that God continues to do the impossible in and through those who yield to His divine power, enabling us to live lives that reflect His glory.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the miraculous nature of Jesus' conception challenge or deepen your understanding of God's power?**
* **In what areas of your life do you need to trust God to do the "impossible," just as Mary did?**
* **How does Jesus being "that holy thing" and "the Son of God" impact your view of His unique identity and mission?**

### FAQ
**How does this verse explain the virgin birth?**

Answer: Luke 1:35 explains the virgin birth by stating that Mary would conceive not through natural human means, but by the direct, supernatural intervention of God. The angel Gabriel declares, "The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee." This means that the Holy Spirit, the third person of the Trinity, would be the active agent in bringing about the conception, and the creative power of God Most High would envelop Mary, enabling her to conceive without sexual intercourse. This divine action ensures that the child born would be uniquely "holy" and rightfully called "the Son of God," signifying His divine origin and nature. It is a testament to God's omnipotence, demonstrating His ability to operate outside the normal laws of nature to fulfill His redemptive plan.

**What does "overshadow" mean in this context?**

Answer: The Greek word for "overshadow" is _episkiázō_ (G1982), which implies a divine, protective, and enveloping presence. In biblical contexts, this word is often associated with the manifestation of God's glory and presence. For instance, a cloud "overshadowed" the disciples at the Transfiguration ([Luke 9:34](/luke/9-34 "Luke 9:34 - The Cloud at the Transfiguration")), signifying God's direct presence and approval. Similarly, the cloud of God's glory "overshadowed" the Tabernacle in the Old Testament ([Exodus 40:35](/exodus/40-35 "Exodus 40:35 - The Cloud Covers the Tabernacle")), indicating His dwelling among His people. In Luke 1:35, "overshadow" signifies that the very presence and power of God would intimately and supernaturally envelop Mary, bringing about the miraculous conception of Jesus. It conveys a sense of divine, sacred, and mysterious power at work, enabling the impossible.

**Why is Jesus called "Son of God" here?**

Answer: Jesus is called "the Son of God" in Luke 1:35 as a direct consequence of His unique, miraculous conception. The angel Gabriel states, "therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God." This title is not merely an honorific or a metaphorical designation, but an affirmation of His divine nature and unique relationship with God the Father. Because He was conceived by the Holy Spirit and the power of the Highest, without a human father, His origin is entirely divine. This establishes His ontological sonship – He is God's Son by nature, not by adoption or metaphor. This declaration is foundational to Christian doctrine, affirming Jesus' pre-existence and His identity as fully God and fully human, the Incarnate Word, who came to reconcile humanity to God ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 1:35 is a pivotal verse for understanding the Christ-centered nature of God's redemptive plan, as it lays the theological groundwork for Jesus' unique identity and mission. The miraculous conception by the Holy Spirit and the power of the Highest ensures that Jesus is "that holy thing," born without the stain of inherited sin, making Him the only qualified, spotless Lamb of God ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")) to atone for humanity's sin. His designation as "the Son of God" here is not merely a title but an affirmation of His divine nature, establishing His co-equality with the Father and His eternal pre-existence, as echoed in [John 1:1-3](/john/1-1-3 "John 1:1-3 - The Word in the Beginning"). This divine sonship means that in Jesus, God Himself has entered human history, taking on flesh ([Philippians 2:6-8](/philippians/2-6-8 "Philippians 2:6-8 - Christ's Humiliation and Exaltation")) to bridge the chasm between a holy God and sinful humanity. The virgin birth, therefore, is not just a miraculous event, but the essential means by which the eternal Son of God became fully human, yet perfectly divine, enabling Him to live a sinless life, offer Himself as the perfect sacrifice, conquer death through His resurrection, and ultimately become the Lord and Savior of all who believe ([Romans 1:3-4](/romans/1-3-4 "Romans 1:3-4 - Jesus, Son of God and Lord")). Thus, Luke 1:35 profoundly reveals the very heart of the Gospel: God's radical, self-giving love manifested in the person of Jesus Christ.

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

Matthew 1:18

¶ Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost.

John 1:49

Nathanael answered and saith unto him, Rabbi, thou art the Son of God; thou art the King of Israel.

John 1:34

And I saw, and bare record that this is the Son of God.

Romans 1:4

And declared [to be] the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead:

Matthew 1:20

But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.

Luke 1:31

And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS.

Luke 1:32

He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: