Luke 1:43

And whence [is] this to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?

And {G2532} whence {G4159} is this {G5124} to me {G3427}, that {G2443} the mother {G3384} of my {G3450} Lord {G2962} should come {G2064} to {G4314} me {G3165}?

"But who am I, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?

And why am I so honored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?

And whence is this to me, that the mother of my Lord should come unto me?

Commentary

Commentary on Luke 1:43 (KJV)

Luke 1:43 captures a pivotal moment in the biblical narrative, as Elizabeth, filled with the Holy Spirit, recognizes the divine identity of Mary's unborn child. This verse is part of the "Visitation" account, a profound encounter between the two pregnant women, Mary and Elizabeth, who are central to the early chapters of Luke's Gospel.

Context

This verse immediately follows Mary's journey to visit her cousin Elizabeth after the angel Gabriel announced that Mary would conceive the Son of God (Luke 1:26-38). Elizabeth, who was also miraculously pregnant in her old age with John the Baptist, experiences a miraculous event upon Mary's arrival: "the babe leaped in her womb; and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost" (Luke 1:41). It is in this moment of divine anointing that Elizabeth utters the words of Luke 1:43, expressing profound humility and recognition.

Key Themes

  • Divine Recognition of Jesus' Lordship: Elizabeth's exclamation, "the mother of my Lord," is a powerful, Spirit-inspired declaration of Jesus' divine nature and supreme authority even before His birth. This early recognition underscores the unique status of the unborn Christ.
  • Humility and Wonder: Elizabeth's question, "And whence [is] this to me," conveys a deep sense of unworthiness and astonishment that such a blessed person (the mother of her Lord) would grace her home with a visit. It reflects a humble heart in the presence of divine grace.
  • The Holy Spirit's Revelation: The fact that Elizabeth is "filled with the Holy Ghost" when she speaks highlights that her understanding of Mary's child is not merely human insight but a supernatural revelation from God. The Holy Spirit enables believers to perceive and confess the truth about Jesus (1 Corinthians 12:3).
  • John the Baptist's Role as Forerunner: The leaping of John in Elizabeth's womb, preceding her words, serves as a pre-natal acknowledgment of Jesus as the Messiah, prophetically foreshadowing John's later role as the one who would prepare the way for the Lord (Luke 1:17).

Linguistic Insights

The term "Lord" in Greek is Kyrios (κύριος). In the Septuagint (the Greek Old Testament), Kyrios is frequently used to translate the Hebrew name for God, YHWH. By calling Mary's unborn child "my Lord," Elizabeth is effectively acknowledging Jesus as divine, possessing the same authority and sovereignty as God Himself. This is a significant theological statement, especially coming from a devout Jewish woman filled with the Holy Spirit, and it sets a foundational understanding for the person of Christ throughout the Gospels.

Practical Application

Luke 1:43 invites us to reflect on our own recognition of Jesus' Lordship. Do we acknowledge Him as the supreme authority in our lives? Elizabeth's humble wonder challenges us to consider the immense privilege of knowing and serving Christ. Furthermore, it reminds us that the Holy Spirit continues to reveal truth and inspire worship, enabling us to understand and respond to God's presence in our lives. Just as Elizabeth experienced joy and revelation, we too can experience profound spiritual insight and humble adoration when we embrace the truth of who Jesus is.

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Cross-References

  • John 20:28 (5 votes)

    And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God.

  • 1 Samuel 25:41 (3 votes)

    And she arose, and bowed herself on [her] face to the earth, and said, Behold, [let] thine handmaid [be] a servant to wash the feet of the servants of my lord.

  • Philippians 2:3 (3 votes)

    [Let] nothing [be done] through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.

  • Luke 2:11 (3 votes)

    For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

  • Psalms 110:1 (3 votes)

    ΒΆ A Psalm of David. The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool.

  • Ruth 2:10 (2 votes)

    Then she fell on her face, and bowed herself to the ground, and said unto him, Why have I found grace in thine eyes, that thou shouldest take knowledge of me, seeing I [am] a stranger?

  • Matthew 3:14 (2 votes)

    But John forbad him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me?