Luke 1:39

KJV

¶ And Mary arose in those days, and went into the hill country with haste, into a city of Juda;

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} Mary {G3137} arose {G450} in {G1722} those {G5025} days {G2250}, and went {G4198} into {G1519} the hill country {G3714} with {G3326} haste {G4710}, into {G1519} a city {G4172} of Juda {G2448};

Complete Jewish Bible

Without delay, Miryam set out and hurried to the town in the hill country of Y'hudah

Berean Standard Bible

In those days Mary got ready and hurried to a town in the hill country of Judah,

American Standard Version

And Mary arose in these days and went into the hill country with haste, into a city of Judah;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 1:39 initiates the narrative of Mary's journey to visit her relative Elisabeth, a pivotal moment immediately following the angel Gabriel's annunciation. This verse sets the stage for a divinely orchestrated encounter between the mothers of Jesus and John the Baptist, highlighting Mary's prompt faith and obedience in response to God's extraordinary call.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse directly follows the momentous annunciation by the angel Gabriel to Mary, detailed in [Luke 1:26-38](/luke/1-26-38 "Luke 1:26-38 - The Annunciation to Mary"), where she is informed she will conceive the Son of God as a virgin. As a sign of God's power and faithfulness, Gabriel also reveals that Mary's elderly relative, Elisabeth, is six months pregnant ([Luke 1:36](/luke/1-36 "Luke 1:36 - Elisabeth's Miraculous Pregnancy")). Mary's humble yet profound "fiat" in [Luke 1:38](/luke/1-38 "Luke 1:38 - Mary's Submission to God's Will") immediately precedes her departure. Her journey to the "hill country" of Judea sets the stage for the miraculous encounter described in [Luke 1:41-45](/luke/1-41-45 "Luke 1:41-45 - Elisabeth's Greeting and John's Leap"), which culminates in Mary's Magnificat ([Luke 1:46-55](/luke/1-46-55 "Luke 1:46-55 - Mary's Song of Praise (Magnificat)")) and Zechariah's Benedictus ([Luke 1:68-79](/luke/1-68-79 "Luke 1:68-79 - Zechariah's Prophecy (Benedictus)")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Travel in ancient Judea was arduous, especially for a young woman. The "hill country" (Greek _oreinós_) refers to the mountainous region of Judea, likely south of Jerusalem, a journey of approximately 80-100 miles from Nazareth, which would have taken several days. This highlights the significant effort and determination required for Mary's journey. While visiting older relatives was a common cultural practice, Mary's journey was imbued with divine purpose, as she sought out the "sign" Gabriel had given her. The unnamed "city of Juda" would have been a small, perhaps isolated, community where Zechariah, a priest, and Elisabeth resided, further emphasizing the personal and purposeful nature of Mary's pilgrimage.
* **Key Themes:** Mary's immediate departure demonstrates her profound **Faithful Obedience** and willingness to act upon the divine message without delay, contrasting sharply with Zechariah's initial doubt in [Luke 1:20](/luke/1-20 "Luke 1:20 - Zechariah's Mute Punishment"). Her journey to Elisabeth also signifies her desire for **Divine Confirmation and Fellowship**. God had given her a sign (Elisabeth's pregnancy), and Mary went to witness it, finding encouragement and validation in the presence of another who was experiencing God's miraculous work. This highlights the importance of spiritual community and shared experience in moments of divine calling. Ultimately, this journey is part of God's **Sovereign Orchestration**, bringing together the mothers of the Messiah and His forerunner in a divinely appointed encounter that further confirms their unique roles in salvation history.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **arose (Greek, _anístēmi'_):** This word, often translated "arose" or "stood up," implies a decisive and immediate action. It signifies Mary's readiness and promptness in responding to the angelic announcement, indicating not merely a physical movement but a spiritual resolve to act upon God's word without hesitation.
* **haste (Greek, _spoudḗ'_):** More than just speed, _spoudḗ_ conveys eagerness, diligence, earnestness, and a sense of urgency. Mary's journey was not undertaken reluctantly or leisurely, but with an eager and wholehearted commitment, reflecting her earnest desire to embrace the extraordinary plan God had for her life.
* **hill country (Greek, _oreinós'_):** This term specifically refers to the mountainous or highland region of Judaea. Its inclusion emphasizes the challenging nature of the journey Mary undertook. It was a physically demanding trek, underscoring Mary's determination and the significance of her destination.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Mary arose in those days,"**: This clause emphasizes Mary's immediate and decisive response to the angelic annunciation. The phrase "in those days" links her action directly to the recent divine encounter, indicating her prompt obedience and faith in the face of an extraordinary, life-altering revelation.
* **"and went into the hill country with haste,"**: Mary's journey was characterized by urgency and eagerness, not merely speed. Her movement "into the hill country" signifies a purposeful and challenging journey to a specific, geographically distinct region of Judea, underscoring her earnest desire to see Elisabeth and perhaps to process the miraculous news she had received.
* **"into a city of Juda;"**: While the specific city is unnamed, this detail grounds the narrative in a concrete geographical reality. It highlights that Mary's destination was a particular town within the Judean highlands, likely where Zechariah and Elisabeth resided, signifying the fulfillment of Gabriel's sign and the divinely appointed nature of this meeting.

#### Literary Devices
Luke's concise phrasing in this verse employs several literary devices. The most prominent is **Narrative Pacing**, which is significantly accelerated by the phrase "with haste" (μετὰ σπουδῆς). This quickens the narrative flow, emphasizing Mary's immediate and eager response to the divine call, contrasting with the more detailed and measured pace of the preceding annunciation. The inclusion of **Geographical Detail** through "the hill country" and "a city of Juda" lends realism and authenticity to the miraculous events, grounding the supernatural in a tangible, physical world and highlighting the arduous nature of Mary's journey. Furthermore, the entire journey serves as subtle **Foreshadowing**, hinting at the profound and joyous encounter that will unfold upon Mary's arrival, particularly the recognition of the Messiah by John the Baptist in the womb.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Mary's journey, driven by faith and culminating in the recognition of the Messiah, prefigures the journey of all believers who, by faith, respond to God's call and encounter Christ. Just as John the Baptist, still in the womb, leaped for joy at the presence of the Messiah in Mary's womb ([Luke 1:41](/luke/1-41 "Luke 1:41 - John Leaps in the Womb")), so too do believers today experience spiritual joy and confirmation when they encounter Jesus. Mary's humble obedience and eager pursuit of God's will set a pattern for discipleship, demonstrating that true faith leads to active engagement with God's unfolding plan, a plan ultimately centered on the person and work of Christ, who came to redeem humanity ([John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God's Love for the World")). Her journey to bear the Christ, and His subsequent journey to the cross ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Humility and Obedience")), are both acts of profound obedience, culminating in the ultimate revelation of God's love and salvation for all who believe ([Romans 10:9-10](/romans/10-9-10 "Romans 10:9-10 - Confession and Belief Lead to Salvation")).

* [Luke 1:41](/luke/1-41 "Luke 1:41 - John Leaps in the Womb")
* [Hebrews 11:6](/hebrews/11-6 "Hebrews 11:6 - Faith is Essential to Please God")
* [James 1:22](/james/1-22 "James 1:22 - Be Doers of the Word")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Mary's swift and purposeful journey, undertaken "with haste," offers a powerful paradigm for contemporary believers. When God reveals His will or calls us to a task, even if it seems overwhelming or requires personal sacrifice, our faith should compel us to respond with promptness and eagerness, rather than hesitation or delay. Her seeking out Elisabeth also underscores the profound importance of spiritual community and mentorship. In moments of great spiritual encounter or when facing a significant divine calling, finding fellow believers who can confirm, encourage, and share in the journey is invaluable. It reminds us that faith is not a solitary endeavor but often thrives in shared experience, mutual support, and the validation found in godly fellowship. This passage challenges us to examine our own hearts: how do we respond when God calls us to something challenging or unfamiliar? Do we move with "haste"—with eager diligence and wholehearted commitment—or with reluctance and procrastination?

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Mary's "haste" challenge my own typical response to God's calling or promptings in my life?**
* **In what ways can I actively seek out spiritual confirmation and fellowship, as Mary did, especially when facing significant life changes or divine assignments?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate a more immediate and eager obedience to God's will in my daily life, even when it requires personal sacrifice?**

### FAQ
**Why did Mary go "with haste" to the hill country?**

Answer: Mary's "haste" (Greek _spoudē_) indicates not just speed, but eagerness, diligence, and earnestness. She likely went with urgency for several reasons: to confirm the sign Gabriel gave her about Elisabeth's miraculous pregnancy ([Luke 1:36](/luke/1-36 "Luke 1:36 - Elisabeth's Miraculous Pregnancy")), to seek fellowship and counsel with her older, miraculously pregnant relative, and perhaps to process the overwhelming news of her own miraculous conception in an environment of understanding and support. Her prompt obedience also highlights her profound faith in God's word, contrasting with Zechariah's earlier doubt and subsequent muteness ([Luke 1:20](/luke/1-20 "Luke 1:20 - Zechariah's Mute Punishment")).

**Where was the "city of Juda" that Mary visited?**

Answer: The exact city is not named in the biblical text, but it was located in the "hill country" of Judea. Tradition often points to Ain Karim, a village near Jerusalem, as the birthplace of John the Baptist. Another possibility, based on Old Testament references, is Juttah, a Levitical city in the tribal territory of Judah mentioned in [Joshua 15:55](/joshua/15-55 "Joshua 15:55 - Juttah, a City in Judah"). Regardless of the precise location, it was a significant journey from Nazareth, emphasizing Mary's commitment and the divine orchestration of this crucial meeting between the mothers of the Forerunner and the Messiah.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Mary's journey in Luke 1:39, undertaken with haste and faith, serves as a profound prefigurement of the Christian's journey of faith toward Christ. Just as Mary, carrying the incarnate Son of God, hastened to confirm the divine word and find fellowship, so too are believers called to eagerly pursue Christ and the confirmation of His presence in their lives. The subsequent encounter where John the Baptist leaps in Elisabeth's womb at the sound of Mary's greeting ([Luke 1:41](/luke/1-41 "Luke 1:41 - John Leaps in the Womb")) powerfully illustrates the spiritual recognition of Christ even before His public ministry. This moment foreshadows the universal call to acknowledge Jesus as Lord and Savior, a call that brings spiritual joy and new life to all who respond in faith ([Romans 10:9-10](/romans/10-9-10 "Romans 10:9-10 - Confession and Belief Lead to Salvation")). Mary's obedient journey to bear and present the Messiah ultimately points to Christ's own journey of obedience to the Father's will, culminating in His redemptive work on the cross ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Humility and Obedience")) and His ultimate triumph over sin and death, offering salvation and eternal life to all who believe ([John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God's Love for the World")).

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

Luke 1:65

And fear came on all that dwelt round about them: and all these sayings were noised abroad throughout all the hill country of Judaea.

Joshua 21:9

¶ And they gave out of the tribe of the children of Judah, and out of the tribe of the children of Simeon, these cities which are [here] mentioned by name,

Joshua 21:11

And they gave them the city of Arba the father of Anak, which [city is] Hebron, in the hill [country] of Judah, with the suburbs thereof round about it.

Joshua 10:40

So Joshua smote all the country of the hills, and of the south, and of the vale, and of the springs, and all their kings: he left none remaining, but utterly destroyed all that breathed, as the LORD God of Israel commanded.

Joshua 15:48

And in the mountains, Shamir, and Jattir, and Socoh,

Joshua 15:59

And Maarath, and Bethanoth, and Eltekon; six cities with their villages:

Joshua 20:7

¶ And they appointed Kedesh in Galilee in mount Naphtali, and Shechem in mount Ephraim, and Kirjatharba, which [is] Hebron, in the mountain of Judah.