Luke 1 39

Luke 1:39 kjv

And Mary arose in those days, and went into the hill country with haste, into a city of Juda;

Luke 1:39 nkjv

Now Mary arose in those days and went into the hill country with haste, to a city of Judah,

Luke 1:39 niv

At that time Mary got ready and hurried to a town in the hill country of Judea,

Luke 1:39 esv

In those days Mary arose and went with haste into the hill country, to a town in Judah,

Luke 1:39 nlt

A few days later Mary hurried to the hill country of Judea, to the town

Luke 1 verses

Luke 1 39 Meaning

Luke 1:39 details the immediate, faith-filled action taken by Mary following the angelic annunciation. She set out with urgency from Nazareth to the hill country of Judah, specifically to a town where Elizabeth, her relative, resided. This journey signifies her eager obedience, her desire for fellowship and confirmation, and the Holy Spirit's prompting to share in God's miraculous work.

Luke 1 39 Context

Luke 1:39 follows directly from the annunciation of the Angel Gabriel to Mary in Nazareth (Lk 1:26-38). In this divine encounter, Mary learned that she would conceive the Son of God by the Holy Spirit. As part of Gabriel's message, he also revealed that her relative Elizabeth, previously barren and now in her old age, was in her sixth month of pregnancy (Lk 1:36). This piece of information served as a sign to Mary, confirming God's ability to do the impossible. Immediately after receiving this life-altering news and affirming her submission to God's will ("Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word," Lk 1:38), Mary undertook this significant journey. Historically, traveling long distances was arduous and time-consuming in ancient Palestine. Nazareth, in Galilee, was a considerable distance from the Judean hill country, potentially a multi-day journey on foot or by animal. For a young, pregnant woman to embark with "haste" underscores her extraordinary faith, courage, and dedication to God's word. This event marks the initial interaction between the two miraculous births—that of John the Baptist and Jesus—tying their narratives together from the earliest possible point.

Luke 1 39 Word analysis

• In those days: Signifies a definite time marker following the annunciation. It connects events chronologically, emphasizing the immediate aftermath of Gabriel's message.
• Mary: Gr. Μαρία (Maria). The mother of Jesus. Her name, Hebrew Miriam, means "bitterness" or "rebellion" from its root, though traditionally associated with "exalted" or "beloved." Here, she is portrayed as a faithful and obedient handmaid of the Lord.
• arose: Gr. ἀναστᾶσα (anastasas). Participle of "anistemi," meaning "to stand up," "to arise," "to take a stance" or "to set out." It denotes immediate and purposeful action, suggesting Mary didn't merely get up but took the initiative to depart without delay.
• and went: Gr. ἐπορεύθη (eporeuthe). From "poreuomai," meaning "to journey," "to proceed," "to go on a journey." It indicates movement with a definite destination.
• with haste: Gr. σπουδῆς (spoudes). From "spoude," signifying "eagerness," "diligence," "zeal," "earnestness," or "speed." It implies Mary's promptness and enthusiastic willingness to respond to God's word and assist Elizabeth, not born of panic but eager faith and purpose.
• into the hill country: Gr. εἰς τὴν ὀρεινήν (eis ten oreinen). Refers to the mountainous region or highlands of Judea. This region was known for its scattered towns and was distinct from the coastal plains or the Jordan Valley. It sets the geographical context for the encounter.
• to a town in Judah: Gr. πόλιν Ἰούδα (polin Iouda). The specific town is not named, which often happens in biblical narrative when the emphasis is on the action or the individuals involved rather than precise geography. Traditionally, this is understood to be Ein Karem or possibly Jutta (mentioned in Jos 15:55 as a priestly city in the Judean hill country) or even Hebron, a Levitical city where Zechariah, a priest, might have resided. The ambiguity highlights the pilgrimage and faith-journey rather than precise GPS coordinates.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• Mary arose and went: This phrase emphasizes Mary's initiative and obedience. It's not a hesitant or reluctant journey, but a determined departure prompted by her profound experience and acceptance of God's will. This action contrasts with others in the Lukan narrative who show doubt (e.g., Zechariah).
• with haste: This adds a crucial layer to "arose and went." It signals more than mere physical movement; it reveals Mary's inner disposition—her eager anticipation, loving concern for Elizabeth, and deep desire to embrace and understand God's miraculous works unfolding around her. It reflects prompt faith and obedience.
• into the hill country, to a town in Judah: This highlights the destination as a significant locale. The hill country of Judah was an ancient heartland of Israel, home to priestly families and historically rich in biblical events. The lack of a specific town name allows the focus to remain on the sacred encounter between the two mothers and their miraculous children.

Luke 1 39 Bonus section

The journey described in Luke 1:39 connects the Northern Galilean region (Mary's home in Nazareth) with the Southern Judean region (Elizabeth's home in the hill country), physically linking two significant territories within ancient Israel. This movement mirrors the way the Holy Spirit brings together different parts of God's plan. Furthermore, Luke, as a meticulous historian, places Mary's journey geographically, anchoring this supernatural event in real space and time. This adds credibility to the miraculous narrative for his readers. The lack of a specific town name also invites contemplation on the universality of Mary's response to God—it is an example for believers regardless of their precise location, emphasizing the attitude over the exact destination. Her journey sets the stage for the magnificent Canticle of Mary, the Magnificat, uttered shortly after her arrival, which glorifies God for His mighty works and exalts the humble.

Luke 1 39 Commentary

Luke 1:39 encapsulates Mary's profound faith, prompt obedience, and spirit of loving service. Immediately after hearing God's impossible promise concerning herself and Elizabeth, Mary does not linger in doubt or ponder her precarious situation; instead, she rises "with haste." This "haste" is not born of fear or obligation but of eager, zealous faith and the desire to confirm God's word and support her kinswoman. It serves as a model of how a believer should respond to a divine call—with decisive, unreserved commitment. Her journey to the Judean hill country forges the first tangible link between the narrative of John the Baptist and that of Jesus, showing God's intricate design at work to prepare the way for His Son. This pilgrimage foreshadows the servanthood that would define Jesus's life, beginning with His mother's humble journey of obedience and care. It demonstrates the importance of seeking godly fellowship for confirmation, encouragement, and sharing in the unfolding work of God.