Luke 1:39
And Mary arose in those days, and went into the hill country with haste, into a city of Juda;
Original Language Analysis
Ἀναστᾶσα
arose
G450
Ἀναστᾶσα
arose
Strong's:
G450
Word #:
1 of 16
to stand up (literal or figurative, transitive or intransitive)
Μαριὰμ
Mary
G3137
Μαριὰμ
Mary
Strong's:
G3137
Word #:
3 of 16
maria or mariam (i.e., mirjam), the name of six christian females
ταῖς
G3588
ταῖς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἡμέραις
days
G2250
ἡμέραις
days
Strong's:
G2250
Word #:
6 of 16
day, i.e., (literally) the time space between dawn and dark, or the whole 24 hours (but several days were usually reckoned by the jews as inclusive of
ταύταις
G3778
ταύταις
Strong's:
G3778
Word #:
7 of 16
the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)
ἐπορεύθη
and went
G4198
ἐπορεύθη
and went
Strong's:
G4198
Word #:
8 of 16
to traverse, i.e., travel (literally or figuratively; especially to remove (figuratively, die), live, etc.)
εἰς
into
G1519
εἰς
into
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
9 of 16
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὀρεινὴν
the hill country
G3714
ὀρεινὴν
the hill country
Strong's:
G3714
Word #:
11 of 16
mountainous, i.e., (feminine by implication, of g5561) the highlands (of judaea)
μετὰ
with
G3326
μετὰ
with
Strong's:
G3326
Word #:
12 of 16
properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)
σπουδῆς
haste
G4710
σπουδῆς
haste
Strong's:
G4710
Word #:
13 of 16
"speed", i.e., (by implication) despatch, eagerness, earnestness
εἰς
into
G1519
εἰς
into
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
14 of 16
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
Historical Context
The journey from Nazareth in Galilee to the hill country of Judea (likely near Hebron or Ein Karem) required 3-4 days of difficult travel. That Mary undertook this journey immediately after Gabriel's departure shows the strength of her faith and desire for godly fellowship with Elisabeth.
Questions for Reflection
- How does genuine faith express itself in prompt, costly obedience?
- Why is fellowship with other believers important during significant spiritual experiences?
- What risks are worth taking to obey God and encourage fellow believers?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Mary's immediate response—'arose...and went into the hill country with haste'—demonstrates faith expressing itself in action. The word 'haste' (Greek 'spoude') indicates eager urgency, not panic. Mary's journey to Elisabeth wasn't for confirmation (she believed Gabriel) but for fellowship with one who would understand her miraculous experience. Her prompt obedience models that genuine faith produces corresponding works (James 2:26). The dangerous 80-mile journey undertaken by a young pregnant woman shows remarkable courage born of faith. Mary's haste to share God's work anticipates the gospel imperative to proclaim what God has done.