Luke 1:37

KJV

For with God nothing shall be impossible.

KJV (with Strong's)

For {G3754} with {G3844} God {G2316} nothing {G3756}{G3956}{G4487} shall be impossible {G101}.

Complete Jewish Bible

For with God, nothing is impossible."

Berean Standard Bible

For no word from God will ever fail.”

American Standard Version

For no word from God shall be void of power.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 1:37, a profound declaration from the angel Gabriel to the Virgin Mary, asserts God's absolute omnipotence, stating, "For with God nothing shall be impossible." This verse serves as the divine assurance for Mary regarding the miraculous conception of Jesus through the Holy Spirit, a humanly impossible feat. It simultaneously confirms the miraculous pregnancy of her elderly, barren cousin Elizabeth, showcasing God's power to transcend all natural and human limitations, thereby laying a foundational truth for the unfolding of God's redemptive plan.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Luke 1:37 is situated at the climax of the Annunciation narrative, following Gabriel's astonishing revelation to Mary that she, a virgin, would conceive the Son of God by the Holy Spirit and name Him Jesus [Luke 1:30-33](/luke/1-30-33 "Gabriel's Annunciation to Mary"). Mary's natural and understandable question, "How shall this be, seeing I know not a man?" [Luke 1:34](/luke/1-34 "Mary's Question to Gabriel"), prompts Gabriel's explanation of the Holy Spirit's overshadowing power [Luke 1:35](/luke/1-35 "The Holy Spirit's Power") and, crucially, the provision of a tangible sign: her elderly cousin Elizabeth's six-month pregnancy [Luke 1:36](/luke/1-36 "Elizabeth's Miraculous Pregnancy"). Verse 37 then functions as the ultimate theological underpinning for these miraculous events, affirming that God's power is not bound by human logic or biological constraints, thus inviting Mary's faith and assent.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Jewish society, virginity before marriage was paramount, and barrenness was often seen as a significant misfortune or even a curse, bringing social stigma. The idea of a virgin conceiving was not only biologically impossible but culturally scandalous without divine intervention, and the conception of a child by an elderly, barren woman was equally miraculous. The Jewish people also lived under Roman occupation, longing for the promised Messiah who would deliver them. Gabriel's message, therefore, was not merely a personal revelation to Mary but a profound statement about God's active, supernatural intervention in history to fulfill His ancient promises, defying all human expectations and limitations. This context heightens the significance of God's omnipotence as the sole means by which such prophecies could be realized.
* **Key Themes:** This pivotal verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes within Luke's Gospel and the broader biblical narrative. Foremost is the theme of **God's Omnipotence and Sovereignty**, emphasizing that God's power is limitless and His will is supreme, capable of overcoming any obstacle, natural or otherwise. It underscores **Divine Intervention**, showcasing God's active involvement in human affairs to accomplish His purposes, particularly in the realm of salvation history. The verse also highlights the theme of **Faith in the Face of Impossibility**, inviting Mary—and by extension, all believers—to trust God for what seems humanly unachievable, echoing earlier biblical affirmations of God's power, such as when the Lord asks Abraham, "[Is anything too hard for the LORD?](/genesis/18-14 "Genesis 18:14 - Is anything too hard for the LORD?")" or Jeremiah's declaration, "[Behold, I am the LORD, the God of all flesh: is there any thing too hard for me?](/jeremiah/32-27 "Jeremiah 32:27 - God, the God of all flesh")". Ultimately, it sets the stage for the unparalleled miracle of the Incarnation, demonstrating that God's plan of salvation is not contingent on human ability but on His boundless power.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **God (Greek, _theós'_):** From G2316, referring to the supreme Divinity. In this context, "God" signifies the one, true, living God, the Creator and Sustainer of the universe, whose very nature is defined by infinite power and authority. The impossibility for humanity is rendered possible because of the inherent nature and limitless capacity of the Divine.
* **nothing (Greek, _rhēma'_):** From G4487, meaning "an utterance," "a word," or "a thing." When combined with the emphatic negative "ou" (G3756) and "pâs" (G3956, "all/every"), the phrase "ouden rhēma" (literally "no word/thing") signifies "nothing whatsoever." This emphasizes the absolute scope of God's power: not a single thing, not even a "word" or concept, is beyond His capability.
* **impossible (Greek, _adynatéō'_):** From G101, meaning "to be unable" or "to be impossible." This word describes a state of powerlessness or an inability to achieve something. By stating that nothing "shall be impossible" (future tense), Gabriel affirms God's continuous and future capacity to act beyond human or natural limitations, directly addressing Mary's concern about her biological inability to conceive.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For with God":** This crucial prepositional phrase, "pará theou" (with God), establishes the source and context of the power being described. It indicates that the ability to perform the impossible is not external to God but originates from His very being and presence. God is the active agent and the ultimate cause of all possibilities, acting in close proximity and relationship.
* **"nothing":** This strong, emphatic negation ("ouden rhēma") leaves no room for exceptions. It asserts a universal truth: there is absolutely no event, circumstance, or condition that falls outside the realm of God's power or is beyond His capacity to accomplish. This directly counters any human perception of limitation or impossibility.
* **"shall be impossible":** The future tense of "adynatéō" (shall be impossible) points to the certainty and ongoing nature of God's omnipotence. It is not merely that God *can* do things, but that in any given situation, no matter how dire or unlikely, the outcome will never be "impossible" for Him. This directly addresses the miraculous conception of Jesus and Elizabeth's pregnancy as undeniable proofs of this divine truth.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 1:37 powerfully employs several literary devices. **Divine Pronouncement** is evident as the angel Gabriel, God's messenger, delivers this absolute truth, lending it undeniable authority and weight. The verse also utilizes **Emphatic Negation** ("nothing shall be impossible"), which, by using a double negative in the Greek (οὐδὲν ἀδυνατήσει - "no thing will be impossible"), creates a strong affirmation of God's unlimited power. This serves as a **Contrast** between human limitation and divine omnipotence, highlighting the vast chasm between what is possible for humanity and what is possible for God. Furthermore, the statement functions as a **Theological Axiom**, a foundational truth upon which the entire narrative of Jesus' miraculous birth and subsequent ministry rests, inviting the audience to accept the supernatural as a core aspect of God's interaction with humanity.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 1:37 stands as a cornerstone declaration of God's absolute sovereignty and power, echoing throughout Scripture. It is a profound theological statement that frames the entire narrative of salvation, asserting that God is not bound by human understanding, natural laws, or physical limitations. This truth is not merely about God's ability to perform miracles, but about His inherent nature as the Creator who spoke the universe into existence and who continues to uphold and govern all things. It underscores that God's redemptive plan, culminating in the incarnation of Christ, is entirely dependent on His boundless power, not on human capacity or merit. This verse invites a radical trust in God's ability to accomplish His purposes, even when they defy all logical and empirical expectations.

* [Genesis 18:14](/genesis/18-14 "Is anything too hard for the LORD?")
* [Jeremiah 32:27](/jeremiah/32-27 "Behold, I am the LORD, the God of all flesh: is there any thing too hard for me?")
* [Matthew 19:26](/matthew/19-26 "With God all things are possible")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 1:37 offers profound encouragement and a powerful challenge for believers today. In a world often dominated by humanistic perspectives that limit reality to what is empirically verifiable, this verse calls us back to a robust faith in a God who transcends all limitations. When faced with seemingly insurmountable personal challenges—whether in health, relationships, finances, or spiritual growth—or when confronted with the overwhelming complexities of global issues, this verse serves as a powerful reminder that our limitations are not God's. It encourages us to pray with audacious faith, to hope beyond what is visible, and to trust that God can indeed make a way where there appears to be none. This truth should inspire us to surrender our anxieties and fears, resting in the knowledge that God is sovereign, capable, and actively working to fulfill His purposes, even through means that defy our understanding. It cultivates a posture of dependence on His power rather than our own, fostering resilience and unwavering hope in His divine intervention.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "impossible" situation in your life are you currently struggling to believe God can resolve?**
* **How does the truth of Luke 1:37 challenge your understanding of prayer and what you ask God for?**
* **In what areas of your life or ministry do you tend to rely more on human effort and logic than on God's limitless power?**
* **How might embracing the truth that "with God nothing shall be impossible" transform your perspective on future challenges or opportunities?**

### FAQ

**Does "nothing shall be impossible" mean God will grant any desire or prayer, regardless of His will?**

Answer: While Luke 1:37 declares God's absolute omnipotence, it does not imply that God will fulfill every human desire or prayer indiscriminately. The context of this verse is God's unfolding redemptive plan, specifically the miraculous conception of Jesus and John the Baptist, which were central to His divine purpose. God's power is always exercised in accordance with His perfect will, His righteous character, and His ultimate glory. As [1 John 5:14](/1_john/5-14 "1 John 5:14 - Confidence in Prayer") states, "And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us." Therefore, while God *can* do anything, He only *will* do what aligns with His wise and sovereign plan for good, which is often far grander than our limited requests. Our prayers should be offered with faith in His power, but also with submission to His perfect will, as Jesus Himself prayed in [Gethsemane](/matthew/26-39 "Matthew 26:39 - Jesus' Prayer in Gethsemane"), "Nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt."

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 1:37 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The very reason Gabriel utters this truth to Mary is to explain the Incarnation—the miraculous conception of God's Son in a virgin's womb, a biological impossibility that became the central reality of salvation history. This divine act, described in [Luke 1:35](/luke/1-35 "Luke 1:35 - The Holy Spirit's Power"), demonstrates God's power to bridge the infinite gap between divinity and humanity, making the "impossible" union of God and man in Christ a reality. Furthermore, Jesus' entire life and ministry are a testament to this truth: His healing of the sick, casting out demons, calming storms, and raising the dead ([Matthew 8:26-27](/matthew/8-26-27 "Matthew 8:26-27 - Jesus Calms the Storm"); [John 11:43-44](/john/11-43-44 "John 11:43-44 - Jesus Raises Lazarus")) all exemplify God's power overcoming natural and spiritual impossibilities. The pinnacle of this fulfillment is Christ's resurrection from the dead ([Romans 8:11](/romans/8-11 "Romans 8:11 - The Spirit of Him Who Raised Jesus")), which conquered sin, death, and the grave—the ultimate impossibilities for humanity. Through Christ, God accomplished the impossible task of reconciling a fallen humanity to Himself, offering eternal life and redemption to all who believe ([John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God's Love for the World")). Thus, Luke 1:37 is not merely a statement about God's general omnipotence but a prophetic declaration of the "impossible" salvation God would achieve through His Son, 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 19:26

But Jesus beheld [them], and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.

Jeremiah 32:27

Behold, I [am] the LORD, the God of all flesh: is there any thing too hard for me?

Mark 10:27

And Jesus looking upon them saith, With men [it is] impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible.

Jeremiah 32:17

Ah Lord GOD! behold, thou hast made the heaven and the earth by thy great power and stretched out arm, [and] there is nothing too hard for thee:

Luke 18:27

And he said, The things which are impossible with men are possible with God.

Genesis 18:14

Is any thing too hard for the LORD? At the time appointed I will return unto thee, according to the time of life, and Sarah shall have a son.

Numbers 11:23

And the LORD said unto Moses, Is the LORD'S hand waxed short? thou shalt see now whether my word shall come to pass unto thee or not.