Luke Chapter 1 · Verse 42
And she spake out with a loud voice, and said, Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 17
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
φωνῇ
voice
G5456
φωνῇ
voice
Strong's:
G5456
Word #:
3 of 17
a tone (articulate, bestial or artificial); by implication, an address (for any purpose), saying or language
μεγάλῃ
with a loud
G3173
μεγάλῃ
with a loud
Strong's:
G3173
Word #:
4 of 17
big (literally or figuratively, in a very wide application)
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
5 of 17
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
εὐλογημένος
Blessed
G2127
εὐλογημένος
Blessed
Strong's:
G2127
Word #:
7 of 17
to speak well of, i.e., (religiously) to bless (thank or invoke a benediction upon, prosper)
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
11 of 17
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
εὐλογημένος
Blessed
G2127
εὐλογημένος
Blessed
Strong's:
G2127
Word #:
12 of 17
to speak well of, i.e., (religiously) to bless (thank or invoke a benediction upon, prosper)
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
13 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
15 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Luke 19:38Saying, Blessed be the King that cometh in the name of the Lord: peace in heaven, and glory in the highest.Judges 5:24Blessed above women shall Jael the wife of Heber the Kenite be, blessed shall she be above women in the tent.Genesis 22:18And in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed; because thou hast obeyed my voice.Luke 1:28And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women.Psalms 21:6For thou hast made him most blessed for ever: thou hast made him exceeding glad with thy countenance.Luke 1:48For he hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden: for, behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed.
Historical Context
Elisabeth's greeting occurs during Mary's visit, immediately after conception. The formal blessing formula 'blessed among women' was traditional in Jewish culture for praising exceptional women. Elisabeth's immediate recognition of Mary's pregnant condition and the child's significance demonstrates supernatural knowledge—the Holy Spirit enabling prophetic insight. This scene establishes a pattern: the Holy Spirit reveals Christ's identity to those with spiritual sensitivity (Simeon, Anna, etc.) while others remain blind.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Elisabeth's Spirit-enabled recognition of Mary's blessing illustrate spiritual insight versus natural knowledge?
- What does calling Jesus 'the fruit of thy womb' establish about the incarnation's genuine humanity?
Analysis & Commentary
Elisabeth's Spirit-filled greeting proclaims Mary 'blessed among women' and 'blessed is the fruit of thy womb.' The term 'blessed' (Greek 'eulogēmenē,' εὐλογημένη) indicates divine favor and approval. Elisabeth's recognition of Mary's special status and the blessing of her child comes through prophetic insight—the Holy Spirit reveals what Elisabeth could not know naturally. This greeting echoes Jael's blessing (Judges 5:24) and anticipates Mary's Magnificat. The 'fruit of thy womb' language emphasizes Jesus' true humanity—conceived in Mary, genuinely human.