Luke 1:38 kjv

And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her.

Luke 1:38 nkjv

Then Mary said, "Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word." And the angel departed from her.

Luke 1:38 niv

"I am the Lord's servant," Mary answered. "May your word to me be fulfilled." Then the angel left her.

Luke 1:38 esv

And Mary said, "Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word." And the angel departed from her.

Luke 1:38 nlt

Mary responded, "I am the Lord's servant. May everything you have said about me come true." And then the angel left her.

Luke 1 verses

Luke 1 38 Meaning

Luke 1:38 captures Mary's pivotal response to the angel Gabriel's annunciation: an exemplary act of humble surrender, deep faith, and profound obedience to the sovereign will of God. It signifies her willingness to partake in God's redemptive plan, accepting a seemingly impossible divine directive without reservation. Her affirmation allowed the incarnation of the Son of God to begin within her.

Luke 1 38 Context

Luke 1:38 is the climax of the Annunciation narrative, where the angel Gabriel delivers the extraordinary news to Mary, a virgin betrothed to Joseph, that she will conceive the Son of God by the Holy Spirit. Leading up to this verse, Mary questions the feasibility of the divine message ("How can this be, since I do not know a man?", Lk 1:34). Gabriel clarifies the supernatural mechanism (Holy Spirit, Lk 1:35), explains the divine sonship of the child (Lk 1:32-33), and provides a sign – Elizabeth's miraculous conception (Lk 1:36) – concluding with the assurance "For with God nothing will be impossible" (Lk 1:37). Mary's response in Lk 1:38 directly follows this assurance, revealing her acceptance. Historically and culturally, a betrothed woman becoming pregnant before marriage was scandalous and could lead to public disgrace or even legal repercussions (Matt 1:19). Mary's acceptance therefore demonstrated immense courage, trust, and understanding of divine providence over social conventions. This event contrasts sharply with Zechariah's disbelief at the annunciation of John the Baptist's birth, which led to his temporary muteness (Lk 1:20), emphasizing the nature of Mary's faith as exemplary.

Luke 1 38 Word analysis

• Then Mary said: Indicates her conscious and verbal response, an act of intentional engagement, not passive reception.
• "Behold" (ἰδοὺ, idou): An emphatic interjection, often translated as "Look!" or "Indeed!". It draws attention, presenting a significant declaration. Here, it precedes Mary's self-identification and highlights the profound statement she is about to make. It conveys a sense of awareness and readiness.
• "the maidservant" (δούλη, doulē): More accurately "bondservant" or "slave." This is a term denoting complete submission and ownership. It's a powerful expression of humility, identifying herself not as someone to be exalted but as belonging entirely to another, in this case, God. This rejects any self-importance or presumption.
• "of the Lord" (Κυρίου, Kyriou): Specifies the divine master of the "maidservant," signifying that her absolute devotion and service are directed solely towards God, acknowledging His ultimate authority and sovereignty over her life.
• "let it be" (γένοιτό μοι, genoito moi): This is an optative mood verb, expressing a wish, a desire, or a prayer that something may happen. It signifies a profound, active, and willing surrender, not a resigned acceptance. It's a statement of fervent desire for God's will to manifest in her life, signifying genuine consent and active participation.
• "to me": Personalizes the surrender. Mary willingly takes on the profound and potentially challenging implications for her life.
• "according to your word" (κατὰ τὸ ῥῆμά σου, kata to rhēma sou): "According to your utterance" or "by your statement." This highlights the authority, power, and infallibility of God's spoken word. Mary's faith is not in a vague concept, but in the specific, detailed, and spoken promise delivered by the angel, which she believes will accomplish its purpose (Isa 55:11). Her surrender is predicated on the truth and power of God's spoken command.
• "And the angel departed from her": This closing statement indicates the completion of the divine communication. The angelic presence is no longer required because Mary has fully received and accepted the message, bringing the supernatural encounter to a close. It signifies the commencement of a new phase, moving from revelation to reception and realization.

Luke 1 38 Bonus section

• Mary's "Behold, the maidservant" contrasts starkly with societal expectations of prominence. God often chooses the humble and unexpected for His greatest works, reinforcing His power being perfected in weakness.
• This verse provides a theological foundation for understanding that God seeks human cooperation, not mere passive objects. Mary's "yes" was integral, demonstrating God's valuing of human free will within His sovereign plan.
• The profound 'Amen' contained within "let it be to me according to your word" represents a posture every believer is called to adopt in response to God's revealed will and promises.
• The power of God's "word" (ῥῆμα, rhēma) highlighted here is not just information, but active, potent divine communication, echoing God's creative word in Gen 1.

Luke 1 38 Commentary

Luke 1:38 encapsulates a pinnacle moment of faith in salvation history. Mary's response is far more than mere resignation; it is an active and courageous declaration of personal submission to the incomprehensible plan of God. Her humility as "the maidservant of the Lord" exemplifies a profound recognition of God's absolute ownership and her place as an instrument in His hands. The optative "let it be" conveys not just permission, but a deeply desired consent, a willingness to align her entire being with the divine will, no matter the personal cost or social implications. Her belief in "your word" speaks to the inherent power and truth of God's declarations. This single verse demonstrates radical discipleship: hearing God's seemingly impossible word, embracing it without full comprehension of its immediate mechanism (Lk 1:34), trusting in God's power (Lk 1:37), and yielding one's life fully to its realization. Mary's "yes" unlocked the door for the Incarnation, making her an enduring model of faith, obedience, and surrendered partnership with the Most High for believers of all ages.