Luke 2:19

But Mary kept all these things, and pondered [them] in her heart.

But {G1161} Mary {G3137} kept {G4933} all {G3956} these things {G4487}{G5023}, and pondered {G4820} them in {G1722} her {G846} heart {G2588}.

Miryam treasured all these things and kept mulling them over in her heart.

But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.

But Mary kept all these sayings, pondering them in her heart.

Luke 2:19 (KJV) offers a profound glimpse into the inner life of Mary, the mother of Jesus, immediately following the extraordinary events of Christ's birth and the shepherds' visit. This verse highlights her unique response to the divine revelations surrounding her Son.

Context

This verse follows the dramatic account of the angelic announcement to the shepherds in the fields and their subsequent journey to Bethlehem to find the newborn Messiah. After witnessing the miraculous birth of Jesus and hearing the shepherds recount the angels' glorious message, Mary's reaction is described not as outward jubilation, but as deep, internal processing. While others marvel at the shepherds' testimony, Mary quietly absorbs the magnitude of these events. The "these things" refer to everything she had just experienced and heard: the angelic choir, the shepherds' testimony, and the extraordinary circumstances of her Son's arrival.

Key Themes

  • Profound Contemplation: Mary's response is one of deep, spiritual reflection rather than immediate public declaration. She is taking in the immense significance of God's unfolding plan.
  • Preservation of Truth: The phrase "kept all these things" suggests Mary was not merely remembering but actively treasuring and safeguarding these divine revelations within her heart, recognizing their sacred importance.
  • Faithful Understanding: Her pondering indicates a journey of faith, where understanding God's ways is not instantaneous but a process of internalizing and meditating on His actions. Mary's quiet reflection stands as a model for how believers might process extraordinary divine encounters.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrases "kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart" are rich with meaning in the original Greek:

  • The word translated "kept" is synētereō (συνετήρεω), which means to preserve, guard, or hold together. It implies a careful, active preservation of facts and experiences, not just passively remembering them.
  • "Pondered" comes from symballō (συμβάλλω), literally meaning "to throw together" or "to bring together." This suggests Mary was actively comparing, deliberating, and putting together all the pieces of information—the prophecies, the angelic words, the shepherds' testimony, and the circumstances of the birth—to understand their full significance. It's an intellectual and spiritual synthesis.
  • "In her heart" (ἐν τῇ καρδίᾳ αὐτῆς) refers to the core of her being—her intellect, will, and emotions. In biblical thought, the heart is the seat of understanding and decision, not just emotion. Mary was processing these truths at the deepest level of her being.

Related Scriptures

Mary's contemplative nature is evident elsewhere. Her initial response to the angel Gabriel in Luke 1:38, "Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word," shows a similar spirit of submission and internal processing. Later in Luke 2:51, after finding Jesus in the temple, it is again noted that "his mother kept all these sayings in her heart," reinforcing this consistent character trait.

Practical Application

Mary's example in Luke 2:19 encourages believers to cultivate a habit of spiritual reflection and meditation. In a world full of distractions, taking time to "keep" and "ponder" God's word and His workings in our lives is crucial. This practice allows for deeper understanding, strengthens faith, and fosters a more intimate relationship with God. Like Mary, we are called to not just hear but to internalize and wrestle with divine truths, allowing them to transform our hearts and minds. Psalm 1:2 speaks to the blessing of delighting in God's law and meditating on it day and night, echoing Mary's profound spiritual discipline.

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 2:51

    And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject unto them: but his mother kept all these sayings in her heart.

  • Luke 1:66

    And all they that heard [them] laid [them] up in their hearts, saying, What manner of child shall this be! And the hand of the Lord was with him.

  • 1 Samuel 21:12

    And David laid up these words in his heart, and was sore afraid of Achish the king of Gath.

  • Proverbs 4:4

    He taught me also, and said unto me, Let thine heart retain my words: keep my commandments, and live.

  • Genesis 37:11

    And his brethren envied him; but his father observed the saying.

  • Hosea 14:9

    Who [is] wise, and he shall understand these [things]? prudent, and he shall know them? for the ways of the LORD [are] right, and the just shall walk in them: but the transgressors shall fall therein.

  • Luke 9:43

    ¶ And they were all amazed at the mighty power of God. But while they wondered every one at all things which Jesus did, he said unto his disciples,

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