Luke 1:38
And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her.
Original Language Analysis
Μαριάμ
Mary
G3137
Μαριάμ
Mary
Strong's:
G3137
Word #:
3 of 19
maria or mariam (i.e., mirjam), the name of six christian females
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κυρίου·
of the Lord
G2962
κυρίου·
of the Lord
Strong's:
G2962
Word #:
7 of 19
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
γένοιτό
be it
G1096
γένοιτό
be it
Strong's:
G1096
Word #:
8 of 19
to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)
κατὰ
according
G2596
κατὰ
according
Strong's:
G2596
Word #:
10 of 19
(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ῥῆμά
word
G4487
ῥῆμά
word
Strong's:
G4487
Word #:
12 of 19
an utterance (individually, collectively or specially),; by implication, a matter or topic (especially of narration, command or dispute); with a negat
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
14 of 19
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἀπῆλθεν
departed
G565
ἀπῆλθεν
departed
Strong's:
G565
Word #:
15 of 19
to go off (i.e., depart), aside (i.e., apart) or behind (i.e., follow), literally or figuratively
ἀπ'
from
G575
ἀπ'
from
Strong's:
G575
Word #:
16 of 19
"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
αὐτῆς
her
G846
αὐτῆς
her
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
17 of 19
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
Historical Context
An unmarried pregnant woman in first-century Judaism faced potential divorce (Matthew 1:19), public shame, and even stoning under the most strict interpretation of the Law. Mary's acceptance required extraordinary faith and courage, knowing the social consequences she would endure.
Questions for Reflection
- What does Mary's immediate submission teach you about responding to God's will when the cost seems overwhelming?
- How does Mary's faith contrast with Zechariah's doubt, and what does this reveal about the nature of true belief?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Mary's response demonstrates the Greek word 'hupēretis' (handmaid/servant), indicating willing submission to God's will despite the enormous personal cost and social stigma she would face. Her words 'be it unto me according to thy word' echo the passive voice, showing she recognized herself as the recipient of God's action rather than an active participant. This exemplifies saving faith—trusting submission to God's revealed word—and contrasts sharply with Zechariah's unbelief (Luke 1:18-20).