Luke 1:38

Authorized King James Version

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

Word-by-Word Analysis

εἶπεν

G2036

said

to speak or say (by word or writing)

δὲ

G1161

And

but, and, etc

Μαριάμ

G3137

Mary

maria or mariam (i.e., mirjam), the name of six christian females

Ἰδού,

G2400

Behold

used as imperative lo!

ἡ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

δούλη

G1399

the handmaid

a female slave (involuntarily or voluntarily)

κυρίου·

G2962

of the Lord

supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)

γένοιτό

G1096

be it

to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)

μοι

G3427

unto me

to me

#10

κατὰ

G2596

according

(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)

#11

τὸ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#12

ῥῆμά

G4487

word

an utterance (individually, collectively or specially),; by implication, a matter or topic (especially of narration, command or dispute); with a negat

#13

σου

G4675

to thy

of thee, thy

#14

καὶ

G2532

And

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#15

ἀπῆλθεν

G565

departed

to go off (i.e., depart), aside (i.e., apart) or behind (i.e., follow), literally or figuratively

#16

ἀπ'

G575

from

"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)

#17

αὐτῆς

G846

her

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

#18

ὁ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#19

ἄγγελος

G32

the angel

compare g0034) (to bring tidings); a messenger; especially an "angel"; by implication, a pastor

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Luke. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes the covenant name Yahweh, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Luke Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?
In what ways does understanding divine sovereignty in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?

Related Resources

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Luke 1:38

Analysis

Historical Context

Questions for Reflection

Related Resources

Topics

People

Study Resources