Luke 1:38

And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her.

And {G1161} Mary {G3137} said {G2036}, Behold {G2400} the handmaid {G1399} of the Lord {G2962}; be it {G1096} unto me {G3427} according {G2596} to thy {G4675} word {G4487}. And {G2532} the angel {G32} departed {G565} from {G575} her {G846}.

Miryam said, "I am the servant of ADONAI; may it happen to me as you have said." Then the angel left her.

“I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May it happen to me according to your word.” Then the angel left her.

And Mary said, Behold, the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her.

Luke 1:38 records Mary's pivotal response to the angel Gabriel's announcement that she would conceive the Son of God. This verse encapsulates her profound faith, humility, and submission to God's divine plan, setting the stage for the incarnation of Jesus Christ.

Context of Luke 1:38

This verse follows the miraculous annunciation (the announcement) by the angel Gabriel to Mary, a virgin betrothed to Joseph, regarding her extraordinary pregnancy. Gabriel had just informed her that the Holy Spirit would come upon her, and the power of the Highest would overshadow her, resulting in the birth of the Son of God, Jesus (Luke 1:35). He also provided a sign, mentioning her elderly relative Elizabeth's miraculous pregnancy (Luke 1:36), concluding with the powerful affirmation that "with God nothing shall be impossible". Mary's response in verse 38 is her complete acceptance of this astonishing and socially challenging prophecy.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Profound Submission and Obedience: Mary's declaration, "Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word," demonstrates a complete yielding to God's will. Despite the potential for social disgrace, misunderstanding, and personal hardship, she chose to trust and obey. This act of obedience is a cornerstone of her character and highlights the importance of aligning one's life with divine purpose.
  • Unwavering Faith: Mary's response is an incredible act of faith. She believed what seemed humanly impossible, accepting God's word without demanding further proof. This mirrors the faith required of all who follow Christ, trusting in His promises even when they defy natural understanding. Her faith allowed God's plan to unfold.
  • Humility of a Servant: By calling herself "the handmaid of the Lord," Mary expressed deep humility. In ancient cultures, a handmaid was a bondservant, fully devoted to her master. This title signifies her willingness to be used by God in any capacity, embracing a role of service rather than seeking personal glory or comfort. This humble spirit is a model for all believers.
  • Divine Sovereignty: This verse underscores God's absolute sovereignty and His ability to bring about His purposes through willing instruments. Mary's "yes" allowed God's plan for salvation to proceed, demonstrating how human cooperation with divine will can lead to miraculous outcomes.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "handmaid" is doulē (δούλη), which literally means a female slave or bondservant. This term emphasizes Mary's complete and willing subjugation to God's will, not as a forced servitude, but as a devoted commitment. Her statement, "be it unto me according to thy word," is an active affirmation, genoito moi kata to rhēma sou (γένοιτό μοι κατὰ τὸ ῥῆμά σου), meaning "let it happen to me according to your spoken word." It's a powerful declaration of acceptance and readiness for God to fulfill His promise through her.

Practical Application

Mary's response in Luke 1:38 offers timeless lessons for believers today:

  • Embrace God's Will: Like Mary, we are called to say "yes" to God's will, even when it seems challenging, illogical, or demands personal sacrifice. True faith often requires stepping outside our comfort zones and trusting God's larger design.
  • Trust in the Impossible: When faced with overwhelming circumstances or God's seemingly impossible commands, remember Mary's faith. If God has spoken a word, He is faithful to accomplish it, for nothing is too hard for the Lord.
  • Cultivate a Servant's Heart: Mary's humility reminds us that greatness in God's kingdom is found in serving. A willingness to be a "handmaid" or "servant" of the Lord opens us up to being used by God in powerful ways, just as Jesus himself exemplified a life of service.

Mary's "be it unto me according to thy word" stands as a testament to the transformative power of a surrendered life, enabling God's purposes to be fulfilled through ordinary individuals.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Romans 4:20

    He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God;

  • Romans 4:21

    And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform.

  • Psalms 119:38

    ¶ Stablish thy word unto thy servant, who [is devoted] to thy fear.

  • Psalms 116:16

    O LORD, truly I [am] thy servant; I [am] thy servant, [and] the son of thine handmaid: thou hast loosed my bonds.

  • 2 Samuel 7:25

    And now, O LORD God, the word that thou hast spoken concerning thy servant, and concerning his house, establish [it] for ever, and do as thou hast said.

  • 2 Samuel 7:29

    Therefore now let it please thee to bless the house of thy servant, that it may continue for ever before thee: for thou, O Lord GOD, hast spoken [it]: and with thy blessing let the house of thy servant be blessed for ever.

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