Luke 1 40

Luke 1:40 kjv

And entered into the house of Zacharias, and saluted Elisabeth.

Luke 1:40 nkjv

and entered the house of Zacharias and greeted Elizabeth.

Luke 1:40 niv

where she entered Zechariah's home and greeted Elizabeth.

Luke 1:40 esv

and she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth.

Luke 1:40 nlt

where Zechariah lived. She entered the house and greeted Elizabeth.

Luke 1 verses

Luke 1 40 Meaning

Luke 1:40 describes Mary's immediate and purposeful action upon receiving the angelic annunciation of Jesus' conception. Driven by faith and the angel's revelatory sign regarding Elisabeth, she actively sought out and entered the house of Zacharias, specifically greeting her relative Elisabeth. This act was not merely a social visit but a divinely orchestrated encounter, preparing the way for the Spirit-filled recognition of Jesus and the ensuing outpouring of praise and prophetic declarations. It signifies a pivotal moment where divine revelation begins to unfold within human fellowship.

Luke 1 40 Context

Luke 1:40 follows directly from the annunciation of Jesus' birth to Mary by the angel Gabriel (Lk 1:26-38). After Mary's humble acceptance, Gabriel informed her of Elisabeth's miraculous pregnancy in her old age, a sign confirming that "with God nothing will be impossible" (Lk 1:36-37). Immediately following this, Luke 1:39 notes Mary's departure "with haste into the hill country, to a town in Judah," setting the scene for this specific encounter. The broader context of Luke chapter 1 details God's miraculous intervention in both Zacharias and Elisabeth's lives and Mary's life, intertwining the narrative of John the Baptist's and Jesus's births. The visit marks the physical bringing together of the forerunner and the Messiah, even in the womb, facilitating the Holy Spirit's direct work in both women, revealing God's unfolding plan. Historically and culturally, travel for a young woman might be challenging, emphasizing Mary's urgency and faith-driven obedience. Hospitality was a significant cultural expectation, especially between relatives.

Luke 1 40 Word analysis

• and (καί - kai): This conjunction signifies a direct continuation from the previous verse, emphasizing the immediacy of Mary's actions following the annunciation and her journey. It highlights a purposeful, uninterrupted flow of events.
• entered (εἰσῆλθεν - eisēlthen): A specific, deliberate action of coming into a place. It implies crossing a threshold, not merely approaching or passing by. This verb often denotes intentional entry for a specific purpose.
• into the house (εἰς τὸν οἶκον - eis ton oikon): "Oikon" refers not just to the physical structure but the household, implying a direct approach to the living space and its occupants. It indicates where a family resides, signifying a personal and private sphere. This was the residence of Zacharias, a priest, marking a priestly dwelling.
• of Zacharias (Ζαχαρίου - Zachariou): Greek form of the Hebrew "Zechariah," meaning "YHWH has remembered." This name is deeply significant as it resonates with the divine remembering and fulfillment of promises regarding Elisabeth's conception and the coming of the Messiah. He represents the priestly lineage.
• and (καί - kai): Another conjunctive "and" connects the action of entering the house directly with the subsequent act of greeting, showing these two as parts of a continuous, focused intention.
• saluted (ἠσπάσατο - ēspasato): This verb, "aspazomai," denotes a warm, personal greeting or embrace, not just a casual acknowledgment. It suggests an act of welcome, respect, and affection. This intentional and intimate greeting is the catalyst for the Holy Spirit's immediate manifestation in Elisabeth in the subsequent verse (Lk 1:41), highlighting its spiritual significance.
• Elisabeth (Ἐλισάβετ - Elisabet): Greek form of the Hebrew "Elisheva," meaning "My God is an oath" or "oath of God." Like Zacharias's name, hers reflects God's covenant faithfulness and sworn promises being fulfilled. She is Mary's relative, establishing a familial connection chosen by God for this critical moment.

Words-group analysis

• "and entered into the house of Zacharias": This phrase details Mary's precise destination and directness. It shows her acting on the angel's information (Lk 1:36), confirming her belief and obedience. Her entering their personal dwelling indicates a close family connection and a purpose-driven journey to find them specifically. This isn't just travel but arrival at a divinely designated place for a specific encounter.
• "and saluted Elisabeth": This segment highlights the initiating action of the encounter. Mary's personal, warm greeting to Elisabeth is portrayed as more than just social etiquette. It is the immediate trigger for the Holy Spirit to fill Elisabeth and cause the unborn John to leap, signifying the presence of the Messiah. It underscores the profound spiritual dimension of what outwardly appeared to be a family visit, demonstrating Mary's role in precipitating the divine revelation that follows.

Luke 1 40 Bonus section

• The geographical journey "into the hill country" (Lk 1:39) involved potentially difficult terrain and signifies Mary's determined effort and resolve in obeying the divine instruction.
• The meeting of Mary and Elisabeth, two women bearing miraculous pregnancies (one from the Spirit directly, one a supernatural answer to prayer for an aged couple), serves as a divine intertwining of the Testaments – the law and prophets (represented by John and his priestly parents) meeting the fulfillment in Christ.
• Mary's action is not just obedience to a command but also a seeking of affirmation, which she immediately receives through Elisabeth's Spirit-filled proclamation. This demonstrates God providing support and community for those walking in His will.
• This verse, read alongside Luke 1:39-45, encapsulates how ordinary human actions, driven by faith and divine prompting, become channels for extraordinary spiritual manifestations and theological revelation.

Luke 1 40 Commentary

Luke 1:40 reveals Mary's profound faith and obedience post-annunciation, as she immediately embarked on a journey to a relative whose own miraculous pregnancy confirmed Gabriel's message. Her decisive act of entering Zacharias's house and warmly greeting Elisabeth sets the stage for one of the most powerful Spirit-filled encounters in the Gospel narratives. This seemingly simple human action was orchestrated by God as the precise trigger for Elisabeth's Holy Spirit outpouring, validating Mary's divine conception and prefiguring the joyous recognition of Jesus as the Messiah by John the Baptist, even in the womb. It showcases God's preference for unfolding His plan within relational human fellowship, reinforcing the idea that God initiates but also uses human agency to bring His will to pass. This verse underscores the divine precision in timing and relationship, as Mary’s faithful response catalyzes the next step in God's unfolding redemption plan, providing encouragement and confirmation to both Mary and Elisabeth.