Luke 1:43
And whence is this to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 13
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
πόθεν
whence
G4159
πόθεν
whence
Strong's:
G4159
Word #:
2 of 13
from which (as interrogative) or what (as relative) place, state, source or cause
ἔλθῃ
should come
G2064
ἔλθῃ
should come
Strong's:
G2064
Word #:
6 of 13
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
μήτηρ
the mother
G3384
μήτηρ
the mother
Strong's:
G3384
Word #:
8 of 13
a "mother" (literally or figuratively, immediate or remote)
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κυρίου
Lord
G2962
κυρίου
Lord
Strong's:
G2962
Word #:
10 of 13
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
Cross References
John 20:28And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God.Philippians 2:3Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.Psalms 110:1The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool.Luke 2:11For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.1 Samuel 25:41And she arose, and bowed herself on her face to the earth, and said, Behold, let thine handmaid be a servant to wash the feet of the servants of my lord.
Historical Context
Elisabeth, as the older, pregnant woman and wife of a priest, held higher social status than young, newly pregnant Mary. Yet she immediately recognizes and defers to Mary's greater honor as mother of Messiah, showing spiritual maturity that transcends social convention.
Questions for Reflection
- How did the Holy Spirit enable Elisabeth to recognize Jesus's identity in Mary's womb?
- What does Elisabeth's humility teach about responding to God's choice of others?
- Why is the title 'my Lord' for the unborn Jesus significant theologically?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Elisabeth's question 'whence is this to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?' expresses both humility and theological insight. Her recognition of Mary as 'mother of my Lord' demonstrates Holy Spirit-given understanding that Mary's child is the Lord (Greek 'Kurios'), the covenant name of God. Elisabeth's wonder at this honor echoes David's response when the ark came to him (2 Sam 6:9). She discerns not merely that Mary is pregnant, but that Mary carries the divine Messiah. This Spirit-illuminated recognition confirms to Mary that her conception is indeed of God. Elisabeth's humility models proper response to God's grace.