Luke 1:35

Commentary on Luke 1:35

Luke 1:35 is a pivotal verse in the New Testament, detailing the angel Gabriel's explanation to Mary regarding the miraculous conception of Jesus. It reveals the unique nature of Christ's birth and His divine identity.

Context

This verse is part of the "Annunciation," where the angel Gabriel appears to Mary to announce that she will conceive a son, Jesus, who will be the Son of the Most High and inherit the throne of David (Luke 1:32-33). Mary, a virgin betrothed to Joseph, questions how this can be (Luke 1:34). Gabriel's response in verse 35 directly addresses her concern, revealing the supernatural means by which this birth will occur, emphasizing divine agency rather than human.

Key Themes

• The Virgin Birth and Miraculous Conception: The verse explicitly states that Mary will conceive not by human means, but through the direct intervention of the Holy Spirit. This underscores the unique, supernatural origin of Jesus, fulfilling prophecies such as Isaiah 7:14. The Holy Spirit's role in Jesus' conception is also affirmed in Matthew's Gospel.
• The Divinity of Jesus Christ: The direct consequence of this divine conception is that "that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God." This declaration establishes Jesus' unique relationship with God the Father, affirming His divine nature from the very moment of His existence as a human. It signifies His eternal pre-existence and His identity as God incarnate, as further explored in John 1:14.
• The Power and Presence of the Holy Spirit: The phrase "The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee" highlights the active and potent role of the third person of the Trinity. This is not merely a symbolic act but a demonstration of God's creative and life-giving power, enabling the impossible.

Linguistic Insights

• "Holy Ghost" / "Holy Spirit" (Greek: Pneuma Hagion): This refers to the divine Spirit of God, the active agent in creation and revelation. The KJV uses "Holy Ghost," while more modern translations often use "Holy Spirit," both referring to the same divine person.
• "Overshadow" (Greek: episkiazō): This word implies a divine, protective, and enveloping presence. It's used elsewhere in the New Testament to describe the cloud of God's glory at the Transfiguration (Luke 9:34) and in the Old Testament for the cloud covering the Tabernacle, signifying God's presence and glory (Exodus 40:35). Here, it signifies God's direct, intimate, and powerful presence enabling the miraculous conception.
• "Son of God" (Greek: huios theou): This title signifies Jesus' unique, divine sonship, distinct from human adoption or metaphorical sonship. It asserts His essential nature as divine.

Practical Application

Luke 1:35 calls believers to contemplate the profound mystery and power of God. It reminds us:

• God's Ability to Do the Impossible: Just as God enabled a virgin to conceive, He can accomplish things far beyond human understanding or capability. This encourages faith in His omnipotence.
• The Unique Nature of Jesus: This verse is foundational to Christian theology, affirming Jesus' dual nature as fully God and fully human. Understanding this helps us grasp the significance of His life, death, and resurrection.
• The Role of the Holy Spirit: The Holy Spirit is portrayed as the enabler of God's will, bringing divine power into human experience. This highlights the Holy Spirit's ongoing work in the lives of believers, empowering them for service and transformation.