Luke 11:28

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

But {G1161} he {G846} said {G2036}, Yea rather {G3304}, blessed {G3107} are they that hear {G191} the word {G3056} of God {G2316}, and {G2532} keep {G5442} it {G846}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But he said, “Far more blessed are those who hear the word of God and obey it!”

Berean Standard Bible

But He replied, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it.”

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In Jesus responds to a woman who blesses his mother by redirecting the focus from physical lineage and earthly connections to a profound spiritual truth: true blessedness is found not in carnal relationships but in actively hearing and obediently keeping the word of God. This pivotal statement redefines the source of divine favor, emphasizing a transformative engagement with God's revelation as the pathway to genuine spiritual flourishing.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within a section of Luke's Gospel where Jesus is actively engaged in ministry, including casting out demons. Immediately prior to this, Jesus has just performed an exorcism, leading to a mixed reaction from the crowd (Luke 11:14-16). Some are amazed, while others accuse him of casting out demons by the power of Beelzebul, the prince of demons, or demand a sign from heaven. Jesus refutes these accusations and addresses the spiritual blindness of his generation (Luke 11:17-26). It is in the midst of this intense theological discourse and public scrutiny that a woman from the crowd, perhaps moved by awe or cultural respect, calls out, "Blessed is the womb that bore you, and the breasts at which you nursed!" ([Luke 11:27](/luke/11-27 "Luke 11:27 - The Woman's Exclamation")). Jesus' response in [Luke 11:28](/luke/11-28 "Luke 11:28 - True Blessedness") serves as a crucial reorientation, shifting the emphasis from physical kinship or miraculous signs to the spiritual discipline of hearing and obeying God's word.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Jewish culture, lineage and family connections were highly esteemed, particularly for revered figures. The woman's exclamation in [Luke 11:27](/luke/11-27 "Luke 11:27 - The Woman's Exclamation") reflects this cultural value, expressing honor for Jesus by blessing his mother, Mary, through whom he received his physical life. This sentiment aligns with a common understanding of blessedness tied to physical proximity, birth, or association with a great person. However, Jesus consistently challenged such conventional understandings, often prioritizing spiritual kinship over biological ties (e.g., [Matthew 12:46-50](/matthew/12-46-50 "Matthew 12:46-50 - Jesus' True Family")). His response in [Luke 11:28](/luke/11-28 "Luke 11:28 - True Blessedness") therefore represents a radical redefinition of blessedness, moving it from the realm of physical or familial privilege to one of spiritual responsiveness and obedience, a concept that would have been both profound and challenging for his audience.
* **Key Themes:** [Luke 11:28](/luke/11-28 "Luke 11:28 - True Blessedness") contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Luke's Gospel and broader biblical theology. Foremost among these is the theme of **True Blessedness**, where Jesus consistently redefines what it means to be truly favored by God, often contrasting worldly perceptions with divine realities, as seen in the Beatitudes ([Luke 6:20-26](/luke/6-20-26 "Luke 6:20-26 - The Beatitudes in Luke")). The verse also highlights the paramount importance of **Hearing the Word of God**, not as a passive act but as an active, receptive engagement with divine revelation, a theme underscored in parables like the Sower ([Luke 8:4-15](/luke/8-4-15 "Luke 8:4-15 - Parable of the Sower")). Crucially, it emphasizes **Obedience and Keeping the Word**, asserting that genuine blessedness flows from not merely hearing but actively living out God's commands. This aligns with Jesus' consistent teaching that true discipleship is characterized by obedience to his words ([Luke 6:46-49](/luke/6-46-49 "Luke 6:46-49 - The Wise and Foolish Builders")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **blessed (Greek, _makários'_):** This word signifies a state of supreme happiness, divine favor, or being supremely well-off. It denotes a blessedness that comes from God, a spiritual prosperity and inner contentment that is independent of external circumstances. It is the same term used in the Beatitudes, indicating a divinely bestowed and enduring state of favor.
* **hear (Greek, _akoúō'_):** More than mere auditory perception, _akoúō_ implies attentive listening, understanding, and giving heed. In a theological context, it suggests a receptive heart that is open to God's message, not just passively receiving sound but actively processing and internalizing the word with a view towards response.
* **keep (Greek, _phylássō'_):** This verb carries the sense of guarding, preserving, observing, or obeying. It implies active adherence and protection of something precious. In the context of "keeping the word of God," it means to diligently observe its precepts, to live in accordance with its truths, and to guard it within one's heart and life against corruption or neglect.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But he said,":** This introductory phrase, marked by the Greek particle _dé_ (G1161), signals a contrast or a transition. Jesus' statement is a direct response to the woman's exclamation in [Luke 11:27](/luke/11-27 "Luke 11:27 - The Woman's Exclamation"), pivoting the conversation from a focus on physical blessedness to spiritual blessedness. It highlights Jesus' authority to redefine true blessedness.
* **"Yea rather, blessed are they that hear the word of God,":** The phrase "Yea rather" (Greek _menoûnge_, G3304) emphasizes a strong affirmation and redirection. Jesus does not negate the blessedness of his mother but elevates and redefines the ultimate source of blessedness. The core of this blessedness lies in "hearing the word of God." This is not a casual listening but an active, receptive engagement with divine revelation, acknowledging its authority and truth. It implies an internalizing of God's message, a willingness to receive and understand it.
* **"and keep it.":** This crucial clause adds the necessary dimension of obedience to hearing. True blessedness is not merely intellectual assent or passive reception of the word, but its active preservation and diligent observance in one's life. The Greek word _phylássō_ (G5442) suggests guarding, obeying, and living according to the word. This makes the blessedness conditional upon responsive action, transforming hearing into doing, and knowledge into lived reality.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device employed in [Luke 11:28](/luke/11-28 "Luke 11:28 - True Blessedness") is **Contrast**. Jesus directly contrasts the woman's culturally understood blessedness (physical kinship to him) with a divinely revealed, spiritual blessedness (hearing and keeping God's word). This creates a powerful redefinition of what truly matters in God's eyes. There is also a strong element of **Emphasis** through the phrase "Yea rather," which serves to highlight the supreme importance of the spiritual condition over the physical. Furthermore, the verse functions as a form of **Didactic Statement**, serving as a direct teaching from Jesus that clarifies the path to genuine blessedness and spiritual flourishing for his disciples and all who would follow him.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
[Luke 11:28](/luke/11-28 "Luke 11:28 - True Blessedness") stands as a foundational statement on the nature of true blessedness and the essence of discipleship. It underscores the biblical truth that divine favor is not inherited through physical lineage or proximity to sacred figures, but is contingent upon a personal, active, and obedient relationship with God's revealed will. This principle resonates throughout Scripture, emphasizing that genuine faith is demonstrated through a life transformed by the word of God, moving beyond mere intellectual assent to practical application. It highlights the dynamic interplay between divine revelation and human response, asserting that the ultimate blessing comes from aligning one's life with God's truth.

* [John 14:21](/john/14-21 "Keeping Commandments as a Sign of Love"): "He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him."
* [James 1:22](/james/1-22 "Being Doers of the Word"): "But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves."
* [Matthew 7:24-27](/matthew/7-24-27 "The Wise and Foolish Builders"): "Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock..."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
[Luke 11:28](/luke/11-28 "Luke 11:28 - True Blessedness") profoundly challenges our modern understanding of success, privilege, and spiritual well-being. In a world that often values external markers of connection or superficial engagement, Jesus redirects our gaze inward, towards the transformative power of God's word. It compels us to move beyond passive consumption of spiritual truths – merely attending church, listening to sermons, or reading the Bible – to an active, intentional, and obedient integration of these truths into the fabric of our daily lives. True blessedness, according to Jesus, is not a static state achieved by association, but a dynamic, ongoing process of hearing, understanding, and diligently applying God's principles. This verse calls us to cultivate a heart that is not only open to divine revelation but also committed to living it out, allowing the word to shape our thoughts, guide our decisions, and inform our actions, thereby experiencing the deep, abiding joy and favor that only God can bestow.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life am I merely "hearing" the word of God without truly "keeping" it?**
* **What practical steps can I take this week to move from passive reception to active obedience of God's word?**
* **How does Jesus' redefinition of blessedness challenge my own cultural or personal assumptions about what it means to be truly favored?**

### FAQ

**Does Jesus' statement in Luke 11:28 diminish the importance or blessedness of Mary, his mother?**

Answer: No, Jesus' statement does not diminish Mary's blessedness but rather recontextualizes it within a broader, more profound spiritual truth. The woman's exclamation in [Luke 11:27](/luke/11-27 "Luke 11:27 - The Woman's Exclamation") highlights Mary's unique physical role as the mother of the Messiah. Jesus, however, uses this opportunity to elevate the spiritual blessedness that is accessible to all, emphasizing that a deeper, more enduring blessedness comes from hearing and obeying God's word. Mary herself exemplifies this very principle, as she is described as one who "treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart" ([Luke 2:19](/luke/2-19 "Luke 2:19 - Mary Pondering")) and who responded with humble obedience to God's call ([Luke 1:38](/luke/1-38 "Luke 1:38 - Mary's Submission")). Thus, Mary is blessed not only for her physical role but, more importantly, because she heard and kept the word of God.

**What is the difference between "hearing" and "keeping" the word of God as described in this verse?**

Answer: "Hearing" the word of God (Greek _akoúō_) refers to the act of listening, perceiving, and understanding God's revelation. It implies an initial reception of the truth. However, Jesus emphasizes that this hearing must be accompanied by "keeping" the word (Greek _phylássō_). "Keeping" goes beyond mere intellectual assent; it means to guard, preserve, obey, and live in accordance with what has been heard. It implies active application, diligent adherence, and a commitment to integrating God's truth into one's daily life. The distinction is crucial: many can hear, but true blessedness comes to those who allow the word to transform their actions and character, demonstrating their faith through obedience. As [James 1:22](/james/1-22 "James 1:22 - Being Doers of the Word") famously states, we are called to be "doers of the word, and not hearers only."

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
[Luke 11:28](/luke/11-28 "Luke 11:28 - True Blessedness") finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in Jesus himself, who is the living "Word of God" ([John 1:1](/john/1-1 "John 1:1 - The Word Was God")). When Jesus speaks of "hearing the word of God and keeping it," he is implicitly pointing to himself as the embodiment of that Word. To hear and keep the word of God is, at its deepest level, to hear and obey Jesus Christ. He perfectly exemplified this principle, living a life of absolute obedience to the Father's will ([John 8:29](/john/8-29 "John 8:29 - Jesus Always Does the Father's Will")). Furthermore, Jesus' call to hear and keep the word is a call to discipleship, which means following him and living according to his teachings. His parables, like that of the wise and foolish builders ([Matthew 7:24-27](/matthew/7-24-27 "Matthew 7:24-27 - The Wise and Foolish Builders")), illustrate that true spiritual stability and blessedness come from building one's life upon his words. Ultimately, the "word of God" that we are to hear and keep culminates in the Gospel message of salvation through Christ, leading to the blessedness of eternal life and a transformed relationship with God, made possible through the sacrifice and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ ([John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God So Loved 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 6:47

Whosoever cometh to me, and heareth my sayings, and doeth them, I will shew you to whom he is like:

Luke 6:48

He is like a man which built an house, and digged deep, and laid the foundation on a rock: and when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently upon that house, and could not shake it: for it was founded upon a rock.

Luke 8:21

And he answered and said unto them, My mother and my brethren are these which hear the word of God, and do it.

Psalms 112:1

¶ Praise ye the LORD. Blessed [is] the man [that] feareth the LORD, [that] delighteth greatly in his commandments.

James 1:21

Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.

James 1:25

But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth [therein], he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.

John 13:17

If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.