Luke 1:45

KJV

And blessed [is] she that believed: for there shall be a performance of those things which were told her from the Lord.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} blessed {G3107} is she that believed {G4100}: for {G3754} there shall be {G2071} a performance {G5050} of those things which were told {G2980} her {G846} from {G3844} the Lord {G2962}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Indeed you are blessed, because you have trusted that the promise ADONAI has made to you will be fulfilled."

Berean Standard Bible

Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord’s word to her will be fulfilled.”

American Standard Version

And blessed is she that believed; for there shall be a fulfilment of the things which have been spoken to her from the Lord.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 1:45 stands as Elizabeth's Spirit-inspired declaration, profoundly connecting Mary's unwavering faith to the absolute certainty of God's promises. It serves as a powerful beatitude, affirming Mary's unique receptivity to the divine word and highlighting the truth that what God speaks, He unfailingly brings to pass, culminating in the miraculous fulfillment of His redemptive plan.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is nestled within the opening chapters of Luke's Gospel, which meticulously detail the miraculous births of John the Baptist and Jesus Christ. Specifically, it occurs during Mary's visit to her cousin Elizabeth, shortly after the angel Gabriel's momentous annunciation of Jesus' conception by the Holy Spirit ([Luke 1:26-38](/luke/1-26-38 "Luke 1:26-38 - The Annunciation to Mary")). Upon Mary's greeting, Elizabeth, herself miraculously pregnant in her old age, is filled with the Holy Spirit, and the baby in her womb (John the Baptist) leaps for joy. Elizabeth's subsequent words in [Luke 1:42-45](/luke/1-42-45 "Luke 1:42-45 - Elizabeth's Prophetic Greeting to Mary") are a Spirit-inspired blessing, acknowledging Mary's unique role and, crucially, her faith, setting a powerful contrast with her own husband Zechariah's earlier doubt regarding Gabriel's message ([Luke 1:18-20](/luke/1-18-20 "Luke 1:18-20 - Zechariah's Doubt and Silencing")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Jewish culture, the birth of a child, especially after a period of barrenness or in old age, was often seen as a direct act of divine intervention and a sign of God's favor, as seen with Sarah, Rebekah, and Hannah. Prophetic fulfillment was a central expectation, deeply ingrained in the Jewish worldview, anticipating the arrival of the Messiah and the restoration of Israel. Mary's pregnancy, being by the Holy Spirit and outside of normal human means, was an unprecedented event that would have been understood within this framework as a profound and unique divine act. Elizabeth's Spirit-filled recognition of Mary's faith and the child within her womb validates the divine nature of these events, affirming God's active involvement in human history to bring about His purposes.
* **Key Themes:** Luke 1:45 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Luke's Gospel and the broader biblical narrative. The primary theme is the **Blessing on Belief**, emphasizing that Mary is blessed not merely for carrying the Christ child, but specifically because she "believed" the Lord's word. This highlights faith as the appropriate and blessed response to divine revelation, contrasting sharply with Zechariah's temporary muteness due to his unbelief ([Luke 1:20](/luke/1-20 "Luke 1:20 - Zechariah's Unbelief")). Another crucial theme is the **Certainty of God's Promises**, underscored by the declaration that "there shall be a performance of those things which were told her from the Lord." This asserts the absolute reliability and power of God's word to accomplish what it declares, a theme echoed throughout Scripture, from creation ([Genesis 1](/genesis/1 "Genesis 1 - The Creation Account")) to the consummation of all things. Finally, the verse speaks to **God's Unwavering Faithfulness**, demonstrating His commitment to His covenant promises and His ability to bring about His will, even through seemingly impossible circumstances, reinforcing His character as the [Lord who keeps His word](/numbers/23-19 "Numbers 23:19 - God is not a man that He should lie").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **blessed (Greek, _makários'_):** This term signifies being supremely fortunate, well-off, or divinely favored. It goes beyond mere happiness, denoting a state of blessedness that comes from God's approval and presence. Elizabeth's declaration is a beatitude, recognizing Mary's unique position in God's plan and the spiritual privilege bestowed upon her due to her faith.
* **believed (Greek, _pisteúō'_):** Derived from the word for "faith," this verb means to have faith in, rely upon, trust, or credit. It implies more than intellectual assent; it denotes an active, trusting embrace of God's word and person. Mary's belief was a radical act of submission and trust in the face of an impossible and culturally scandalous announcement.
* **performance (Greek, _teleíōsis'_):** This noun denotes completion, fulfillment, or verification. It carries the sense of bringing something to its intended end or perfection. In this context, it assures that the divine pronouncements made to Mary will not remain unfulfilled but will certainly be brought to their complete and perfect realization by God Himself.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And blessed is she that believed:"** Elizabeth, filled with the Holy Spirit, pronounces a beatitude upon Mary. This blessing is not simply for being chosen to bear the Messiah, but specifically for her active response of faith. Unlike Zechariah, who doubted the angel's message regarding his son's birth, Mary embraced the seemingly impossible word from God, demonstrating profound trust and obedience. Her belief is presented as the key virtue that opens the door to divine favor and the experience of God's promises.
* **"for there shall be a performance of those things which were told her from the Lord."** This clause provides the reason for Mary's blessedness: the absolute certainty of God's word. The phrase "there shall be a performance" emphasizes the guaranteed fulfillment of God's promises. What the Lord (Greek: _kýrios_, signifying supreme authority and mastership) has spoken through His messenger, Gabriel, will undoubtedly come to pass. This underscores God's faithfulness and omnipotence, assuring that His divine plan, once revealed, will be brought to its perfect completion.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 1:45 employs several significant literary devices. Foremost is the **Beatitude** form ("blessed is she"), a common biblical literary structure used to pronounce divine favor upon a person or group based on their character or actions. This highlights Mary's spiritual state and God's approval. There is also a clear **Contrast** established within the broader narrative between Mary's belief and Zechariah's doubt, serving to underscore the importance of faith as the proper response to God's word. Finally, the verse is rich in **Prophetic Fulfillment**, not only in the sense that Elizabeth's words are prophetic, but also in their declaration that the prophecies given to Mary will indeed be "performed." This emphasizes the reliability of divine revelation and God's active role in bringing His plans to fruition in history.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 1:45 profoundly articulates the biblical principle that faith is the conduit through which God's promises are received and realized. It is not merely a passive assent but an active trust that embraces the divine word, even when it defies human logic or expectation. This verse confirms God's absolute faithfulness to His word; His declarations are not empty pronouncements but carry the inherent power to bring themselves to pass. Mary's example serves as a paradigm for all believers, demonstrating that a heart receptive to God's truth, even when it seems impossible, positions one to witness the "performance" of His mighty works. This divine reliability is a cornerstone of biblical theology, assuring believers that God's character guarantees the fulfillment of His every promise, from the personal to the cosmic.

* [Numbers 23:19](/numbers/23-19 "Numbers 23:19 - God is not a man that He should lie")
* [Isaiah 55:11](/isaiah/55-11 "Isaiah 55:11 - God's Word Will Accomplish Its Purpose")
* [Hebrews 11:6](/hebrews/11-6 "Hebrews 11:6 - Faith is Essential to Please God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 1:45 offers a profound challenge and comfort to every believer. Mary's story reminds us that true faith is not the absence of questions or fears, but the willingness to trust God's word even when the path ahead is unclear, or the promise seems impossible. Her "yes" to the angel Gabriel, followed by Elizabeth's Spirit-filled affirmation, teaches us that our belief, however small, is precious to God and is the very ground upon which His mighty acts are performed in our lives. In a world often characterized by doubt and cynicism, this verse calls us to cultivate a radical trust in God's faithfulness. It encourages us to hold fast to the promises of Scripture, knowing that the Lord who spoke them is utterly reliable and has the power to bring every single one to pass, in His perfect timing and according to His sovereign will. Our part is to believe; His part is to perform.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "impossible" promises or words from the Lord are you currently struggling to believe in your own life?**
* **How does Mary's example challenge your understanding of what it means to truly "believe" God?**
* **In what areas of your life do you need to surrender your doubts and trust in God's guaranteed "performance" of His word?**
* **How can reflecting on God's faithfulness in Mary's story strengthen your resolve to walk by faith, not by sight?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of Elizabeth's greeting to Mary?**

Answer: Elizabeth's greeting is highly significant because it is a Spirit-filled, prophetic declaration that confirms the truth of Gabriel's message to Mary. As Elizabeth hears Mary's greeting, she is "filled with the Holy Spirit" ([Luke 1:41](/luke/1-41 "Luke 1:41 - Elizabeth Filled with the Holy Spirit")), and her unborn child, John the Baptist, leaps in her womb, recognizing the presence of the Messiah. Elizabeth's words validate Mary's experience and role, affirming that Mary is indeed "blessed among women" and, crucially, "blessed... because she believed." This divine confirmation provides immense encouragement to Mary and underscores the supernatural nature of the events unfolding.

**How does Mary's faith in Luke 1:45 compare to Zechariah's doubt earlier in the chapter?**

Answer: The narratives of Mary and Zechariah are intentionally juxtaposed in Luke 1 to highlight the contrast between belief and unbelief. Zechariah, a priest, doubted the angel Gabriel's message about his son's birth because of his and Elizabeth's old age, resulting in him being temporarily silenced ([Luke 1:18-20](/luke/1-18-20 "Luke 1:18-20 - Zechariah's Doubt")). Mary, a young virgin, also questioned *how* the miraculous conception would occur but responded with humble submission and faith ("Let it be to me according to your word," [Luke 1:38](/luke/1-38 "Luke 1:38 - Mary's Submission")). Elizabeth's blessing in [Luke 1:45](/luke/1-45 "Luke 1:45 - Elizabeth's Blessing on Mary's Faith") explicitly praises Mary's belief, implicitly contrasting it with Zechariah's earlier skepticism and emphasizing that faith is the blessed response to God's extraordinary promises.

**Does this verse mean all my prayers will be answered exactly as I expect?**

Answer: While Luke 1:45 assures us of God's faithfulness to perform what He has told us, it does not guarantee that all our personal prayers will be answered exactly according to our expectations or timing. The "things which were told her from the Lord" refer specifically to the divine revelation given to Mary regarding the miraculous birth of Jesus, part of God's overarching redemptive plan. The verse primarily speaks to the certainty of God's *prophetic word* and *divine promises* being fulfilled. For believers today, it serves as a powerful reminder that God is faithful to His character and His covenant promises, and His word will never return void ([Isaiah 55:11](/isaiah/55-11 "Isaiah 55:11 - God's Word Will Accomplish Its Purpose")). Our faith should be placed in God's wisdom and sovereign will, trusting that He will bring about what is best and what aligns with His eternal purposes, even if it differs from our immediate desires.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 1:45, with its emphasis on Mary's blessed faith and the guaranteed "performance" of God's word, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Mary's belief in the impossible birth of a child by the Holy Spirit foreshadows the even greater "impossible" that God would perform through His Son: the salvation of humanity and the defeat of sin and death. The "things which were told her from the Lord" culminate in the incarnation of God Himself ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")), Jesus' perfect life, His atoning death on the cross ([Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - God Demonstrates His Love")), and His glorious resurrection ([1 Corinthians 15:3-4](/1_corinthians/15-3-4 "1 Corinthians 15:3-4 - The Gospel Message")). Every promise of God, from the proto-gospel in [Genesis 3:15](/genesis/3-15 "Genesis 3:15 - The First Prophecy of the Messiah") to the prophetic declarations of a coming King and Savior, finds its definitive "performance" and "Yes" in Christ Jesus ([2 Corinthians 1:20](/2_corinthians/1-20 "2 Corinthians 1:20 - All God's Promises are 'Yes' in Christ")). Thus, Mary's faith becomes a paradigm for all who, by faith in Christ, receive the ultimate fulfillment of God's promises: eternal life and reconciliation with God through His Son.

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

John 20:29

Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed [are] they that have not seen, and [yet] have believed.

John 11:40

Jesus saith unto her, Said I not unto thee, that, if thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God?

Luke 11:27

¶ And it came to pass, as he spake these things, a certain woman of the company lifted up her voice, and said unto him, Blessed [is] the womb that bare thee, and the paps which thou hast sucked.

Luke 11:28

But he said, Yea rather, blessed [are] they that hear the word of God, and keep it.

Luke 1:20

And, behold, thou shalt be dumb, and not able to speak, until the day that these things shall be performed, because thou believest not my words, which shall be fulfilled in their season.

2 Chronicles 20:20

¶ And they rose early in the morning, and went forth into the wilderness of Tekoa: and as they went forth, Jehoshaphat stood and said, Hear me, O Judah, and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem; Believe in the LORD your God, so shall ye be established; believe his prophets, so shall ye prosper.