Luke 1:39

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

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};

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

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

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

Luke 1:39 begins 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 the miraculous encounter and profound spiritual confirmation between the mothers of Jesus and John the Baptist.

Context

This verse directly follows the angel Gabriel's momentous announcement to Mary that she would conceive the Son of God, despite being a virgin. As a sign of God's power and faithfulness, Gabriel also revealed that Mary's elderly relative, Elisabeth, was six months pregnant (Luke 1:36). Mary's decision to travel "with haste" to the "hill country" of Judea, specifically to a city where Zacharias and Elisabeth resided, indicates her prompt and eager response to God's word, and perhaps a desire to seek confirmation and fellowship with someone who shared in a miraculous divine experience.

Key Themes

  • Faithful Obedience: Mary's immediate departure demonstrates her profound faith and willingness to act upon the divine message without delay. Her readiness to embark on a potentially arduous journey underscores her commitment to God's will.
  • Seeking Confirmation and Fellowship: While not explicitly stated, Mary's journey to Elisabeth served as a vital spiritual pilgrimage. 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 godly counsel and fellowship in moments of divine calling.
  • Divine Orchestration: This journey was not merely a social visit but a divinely orchestrated event that sets the stage for the miraculous encounter described in Luke 1:41, where John the Baptist, still in the womb, leaps for joy at the presence of the Messiah, further confirming the unique roles of both children.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "with haste" translates the Greek meta spoudēs (μετὰ σπουδῆς). This expression conveys more than just speed; it implies eagerness, diligence, earnestness, and a sense of urgency. It emphasizes Mary's proactive and wholehearted response to God's extraordinary plan for her life, rather than hesitation or delay.

Practical Application

Mary's response to God's word provides a powerful example for believers today. 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. Furthermore, seeking out godly counsel and fellowship, especially with those who understand or share similar spiritual experiences, can provide immense comfort, validation, and strength in our walk of faith and obedience to God's plan.

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.

  • 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.

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