Luke 11:27

KJV

¶ 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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} it came to pass {G1096}, as {G1722} he {G846} spake {G3004} these things {G5023}, a certain {G5100} woman {G1135} of {G1537} the company {G3793} lifted up {G1869} her voice {G5456}, and said {G2036} unto him {G846}, Blessed {G3107} is the womb {G2836} that bare {G941} thee {G4571}, and {G2532} the paps {G3149} which {G3739} thou hast sucked {G2337}.

Complete Jewish Bible

As Yeshua was saying these things, a woman in the crowd raised her voice to call out, “How blessed is the mother that gave birth to you and nursed you from her breast!”

Berean Standard Bible

As Jesus was saying these things, a woman in the crowd raised her voice and said, “Blessed is the womb that bore You, and blessed are the breasts that nursed You!”

American Standard Version

And it came to pass, as he said these things, a certain woman out of the multitude lifted up her voice, and said unto him, Blessed is the womb that bare thee, and the breasts which thou didst suck.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 11:27 records a spontaneous interjection from a woman in the crowd during Jesus' teaching. Amidst His powerful discourse on spiritual realities and the source of true blessedness, this woman expresses admiration for Jesus' mother, Mary, by exalting her physical role in bearing and nursing Him. Her exclamation highlights a common human tendency to honor individuals based on their lineage or physical connections, setting the stage for Jesus' subsequent redefinition of what truly constitutes blessedness.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within a significant section of Luke's Gospel, immediately following Jesus' powerful demonstration of authority over evil spirits (Luke 11:14-26). He has just cast out a demon from a mute man, leading to accusations from some that He casts out demons by Beelzebub, the prince of demons. Jesus refutes this, explaining that His power indicates the arrival of the Kingdom of God. He then speaks of the "strong man" and the "stronger one" who overcomes him, and warns against spiritual emptiness, concluding that "he that is not with me is against me." The woman's exclamation in [Luke 11:27](/luke/11-27 "Luke 11:27 - A Woman Praises Jesus' Mother") serves as a direct, albeit well-intentioned, interruption to Jesus' profound spiritual teaching. It provides a natural segue for Jesus to further clarify the nature of true blessedness in the subsequent verse, shifting the focus from physical lineage to spiritual obedience.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Jewish society, motherhood was highly esteemed, and bearing children, especially sons, was considered a great blessing and a source of honor for a woman. To be the mother of a revered teacher, prophet, or religious leader would bring immense prestige and respect. The woman's praise of Mary's "womb" and "paps" reflects this cultural value, acknowledging Mary's unique role in bringing forth such a remarkable individual as Jesus. Her statement is a culturally appropriate expression of admiration, rooted in the understanding that a great man's greatness often reflects on his family, particularly his mother. This cultural backdrop helps us understand the sincerity of her praise, even as Jesus gently redirects its focus.
* **Key Themes:** [Luke 11:27](/luke/11-27 "Luke 11:27 - A Woman's Praise") contributes to several overarching themes in Luke's Gospel and Jesus' ministry. Primarily, it sets up Jesus' **redefinition of blessedness**, moving away from external or physical connections to an internal, spiritual reality. While the woman praises physical motherhood, Jesus consistently elevates the importance of spiritual kinship and obedience to God's will above earthly relationships, a theme also powerfully articulated in passages like [Mark 3:31-35](/mark/3-31-35 "Mark 3:31-35 - Jesus' True Family") and [Matthew 12:46-50](/matthew/12-46-50 "Matthew 12:46-50 - Who is My Mother and My Brothers?"). This verse also underscores the **supremacy of hearing and obeying God's Word**. The woman's statement provides a stark contrast to Jesus' teaching that true blessedness comes not from physical proximity to Him or familial ties, but from actively hearing and keeping God's divine word, a concept Jesus explicitly states in [Luke 11:28](/luke/11-28 "Luke 11:28 - Hearing and Obeying God's Word").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Blessed (Greek, _makários'_):** This term signifies a state of deep inner happiness, well-being, and divine favor. It describes those who are supremely fortunate or well-off, often because they are recipients of God's grace or are in a right relationship with Him. It is the same word used by Jesus in the Beatitudes ([Matthew 5:3-12](/matthew/5 "Matthew 5 - The Beatitudes")), emphasizing a spiritual blessedness that transcends outward circumstances or earthly honors. The woman uses it to declare Mary fortunate for her physical role.
* **Womb (Greek, _koilía'_):** Literally meaning "a hollow" or "cavity," this word primarily refers to the abdomen, and by implication, the matrix or uterus. In this context, it directly points to Mary's physical role in conceiving and bearing Jesus. Figuratively, it can also refer to the heart, but here its literal meaning is paramount, highlighting the physical connection.
* **Paps (Greek, _mastós'_):** This word refers to a (properly, female) breast or nipple, used in the context of nursing or suckling. It emphasizes Mary's role in nurturing Jesus in His infancy. Together with "womb," it forms a complete picture of physical motherhood and the intimate biological bond between mother and child.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And it came to pass, as he spake these things":** This introductory phrase indicates a continuation of Jesus' public ministry and teaching. It sets the scene, placing the woman's interjection immediately after Jesus' discourse on casting out demons and the nature of spiritual allegiance, emphasizing the spontaneous nature of her outburst.
* **"a certain woman of the company lifted up her voice, and said unto him":** This describes the woman's action. She is part of the "company" or "multitude" (Greek: _ochlos_), indicating she is a member of the general crowd following Jesus. Her "lifting up her voice" suggests a sudden, perhaps loud, and emphatic declaration, drawing attention to herself and her statement. Her address is directly "unto him," meaning Jesus.
* **"Blessed [is] the womb that bare thee, and the paps which thou hast sucked":** This is the core of the woman's exclamation. She pronounces a blessing upon Mary, Jesus' mother, specifically highlighting her physical attributes related to motherhood: the "womb" (koilía) that carried Him and the "paps" (mastós) that nursed Him. This statement reflects a profound admiration for Jesus and, by extension, for the woman who brought Him into the world and nourished Him. It is a culturally resonant expression of honor for a mother of a remarkable son.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 11:27 employs several literary devices to convey its meaning and set the stage for Jesus' response. The most prominent is **Interjection**, as the woman's statement is an abrupt and spontaneous interruption to Jesus' ongoing discourse, drawing immediate attention to a new perspective. This creates a powerful **Juxtaposition** between the woman's focus on physical lineage and Jesus' consistent emphasis on spiritual obedience. Her words, while well-intentioned, highlight the earthly understanding of greatness against Jesus' heavenly redefinition. Furthermore, the phrases "womb that bare thee" and "paps which thou hast sucked" function as a form of **Synecdoche** or **Metonymy**, where a part (womb, paps) stands for the whole (Mary, the mother), emphasizing her biological role in Jesus' life. This specific, physical language contrasts sharply with the abstract, spiritual language Jesus often uses, making His subsequent redirection in [Luke 11:28](/luke/11-28 "Luke 11:28 - True Blessedness") all the more impactful.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The woman's exclamation in Luke 11:27, while seemingly a simple compliment, carries profound theological implications, especially when viewed in light of Jesus' immediate response. It highlights the tension between human perceptions of blessedness, often tied to physical relationships, lineage, or earthly achievements, and God's divine standard, which prioritizes spiritual obedience and a responsive heart. Jesus does not rebuke the woman or diminish Mary's role, but He gently yet firmly redirects the focus from the physical vessel to the spiritual disposition. True blessedness, He implies, is not inherited or biologically determined, but actively chosen through hearing and obeying God's word. This redefines kinship and honor, asserting that spiritual connection with God through faith and obedience is of greater value than any earthly tie, no matter how sacred. It underscores the New Covenant emphasis on a spiritual family of believers, united by common faith and submission to God's will, rather than by bloodline or physical proximity to Christ.

* [Luke 11:28](/luke/11-28 "Luke 11:28 - True Blessedness Through Obedience")
* [Mark 3:31-35](/mark/3-31-35 "Mark 3:31-35 - Jesus Defines His True Family")
* [Psalm 1:1-2](/psalms/1-1-2 "Psalm 1:1-2 - The Blessed Man Meditates on God's Law")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 11:27, particularly in conjunction with Jesus' response, serves as a profound reminder that our ultimate blessedness and honor come not from external factors—who we are related to, what accolades we receive, or what physical advantages we possess—but from our spiritual relationship with God. This passage challenges us to examine where we place our value and seek our fulfillment. Do we prioritize external recognition, familial pride, or even religious traditions over a deep, obedient walk with God? The woman's praise, though well-intentioned, represents a common human tendency to admire the outward or the inherited. Jesus, however, calls us to a deeper, more transformative blessedness: one found in actively hearing, internalizing, and obeying God's Word. This means prioritizing daily discipleship, seeking God's will, and allowing His Word to shape our lives, knowing that true joy and divine favor flow from this spiritual alignment, not from any earthly connection or achievement. Our greatest honor is to be a child of God, living in faithful obedience to Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What external factors or relationships do I sometimes mistakenly believe are the source of true blessedness or honor in my life?**
* **How does Jesus' redirection in this passage challenge my own priorities regarding what I value most?**
* **In what ways can I more consistently prioritize "hearing the word of God, and keeping it" in my daily life?**
* **How does this passage encourage me to seek a deeper, more spiritual connection with Christ, rather than focusing on outward appearances or accolades?**

### FAQ

**Why did the woman say this to Jesus?**

Answer: The woman's exclamation was likely an expression of profound admiration and awe for Jesus. She had just witnessed His powerful teaching and miraculous ability to cast out demons. In her cultural context, to be the mother of such a remarkable individual was considered an immense honor and blessing. Her statement, "Blessed is the womb that bare thee, and the paps which thou hast sucked," was a spontaneous, heartfelt tribute to Jesus by honoring His mother, reflecting the high value placed on motherhood and lineage in Jewish society.

**Was Jesus disrespecting His mother, Mary, by His response to the woman?**

Answer: No, Jesus was not disrespecting His mother. In [Luke 11:28](/luke/11-28 "Luke 11:28 - True Blessedness Through Obedience"), Jesus responds, "Yea rather, blessed are they that hear the word of God, and keep it." His response is not a rebuke of Mary or a dismissal of her unique role, but a re-prioritization of what constitutes true blessedness. He elevates spiritual obedience and a responsive heart above physical or biological connections. Jesus consistently taught that spiritual kinship and adherence to God's will were paramount, as seen also in [Mark 3:31-35](/mark/3-31-35 "Mark 3:31-35 - Jesus' True Family"), where He defines His true family as those who do the will of God. He was expanding the definition of blessedness, not negating Mary's blessedness, but placing it within a larger, more profound spiritual context.

**What is the main lesson of Luke 11:27 in the broader context of Jesus' teaching?**

Answer: The main lesson of [Luke 11:27](/luke/11-27 "Luke 11:27 - A Woman's Praise") and Jesus' response in [Luke 11:28](/luke/11-28 "Luke 11:28 - Hearing and Obeying God's Word") is the redefinition of true blessedness. Jesus shifts the focus from external, physical, or inherited advantages (like being the mother of the Messiah) to internal, spiritual obedience. True blessedness comes not from who you are related to, or what your physical circumstances are, but from actively hearing, understanding, and obeying the Word of God. This principle underscores that spiritual relationship and faithful discipleship are more significant than any earthly honor or connection.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 11:27, and Jesus' subsequent response, powerfully points to Christ as the ultimate fulfillment of true blessedness and the source of spiritual life. The woman's praise of Mary's "womb" and "paps" highlights the physical, human aspect of Jesus' incarnation, reminding us that He truly became flesh ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")) and experienced human birth and nourishment. However, Jesus' redirection immediately elevates the spiritual over the physical, revealing that He Himself is the living Word of God, and to hear and obey Him is the path to ultimate blessedness. He is the one who perfectly embodied hearing and keeping God's Word, living a life of complete obedience to the Father ([John 8:29](/john/8-29 "John 8:29 - Jesus Always Does What Pleases the Father")). Through Christ, a new spiritual family is established, where kinship is defined not by bloodline or physical proximity, but by faith in Him and obedience to His teachings ([Galatians 3:26-29](/galatians/3-26-29 "Galatians 3:26-29 - Children of God by Faith")). He is the true spiritual nourishment, the "Bread of Life" ([John 6:35](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life")), far surpassing any physical "paps." Thus, this passage, while acknowledging His humanity, ultimately directs our gaze to Christ as the one who defines and embodies the blessed life, found in a living, obedient relationship with God through Him.

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 1:42

And she spake out with a loud voice, and said, Blessed [art] thou among women, and blessed [is] the fruit of thy womb.

Luke 23:29

For, behold, the days are coming, in the which they shall say, Blessed [are] the barren, and the wombs that never bare, and the paps which never gave suck.

Luke 1:48

For he hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden: for, behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed.

Luke 1:28

And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, [thou that art] highly favoured, the Lord [is] with thee: blessed [art] thou among women.