Luke 1:45
And blessed is she that believed: for there shall be a performance of those things which were told her from the Lord.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 12
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 12
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πιστεύσασα
is she that believed
G4100
πιστεύσασα
is she that believed
Strong's:
G4100
Word #:
4 of 12
to have faith (in, upon, or with respect to, a person or thing), i.e., credit; by implication, to entrust (especially one's spiritual well-being to ch
ὅτι
for
G3754
ὅτι
for
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
5 of 12
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
τελείωσις
a performance
G5050
τελείωσις
a performance
Strong's:
G5050
Word #:
7 of 12
(the act) completion, i.e., (of prophecy) verification, or (of expiation) absolution
τοῖς
G3588
τοῖς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 12
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
λελαλημένοις
of those things which were told
G2980
λελαλημένοις
of those things which were told
Strong's:
G2980
Word #:
9 of 12
to talk, i.e., utter words
αὐτῇ
her
G846
αὐτῇ
her
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
10 of 12
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
Cross References
John 20:29Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.John 11:40Jesus saith unto her, Said I not unto thee, that, if thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God?Luke 1:20And, behold, thou shalt be dumb, and not able to speak, until the day that these things shall be performed, because thou believest not my words, which shall be fulfilled in their season.2 Chronicles 20:20And they rose early in the morning, and went forth into the wilderness of Tekoa: and as they went forth, Jehoshaphat stood and said, Hear me, O Judah, and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem; Believe in the LORD your God, so shall ye be established; believe his prophets, so shall ye prosper.
Historical Context
This blessing highlights the crucial role of faith in redemptive history. The Old Testament chronicles those who believed God's promises (Abraham, Moses, David) and those who doubted (wilderness generation, Saul, etc.). Mary stands in the line of faithful women (Sarah, Rahab, Ruth, Hannah) who trusted God's word despite impossible circumstances. Elisabeth's recognition that belief itself brings blessing establishes New Testament theology—justification by faith, not works (Romans 4:3-5, Hebrews 11:11).
Questions for Reflection
- How does Mary's believing faith contrast with Zechariah's doubt, and what does this teach about appropriate response to God's word?
- In what ways does Elisabeth's pronouncement of blessing for belief anticipate New Testament theology of justification by faith?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Elisabeth pronounces Mary 'blessed' for believing God's word would be fulfilled. The Greek 'pisteuō' (πιστεύω, believed) indicates active, trusting faith—not mere intellectual assent but confident reliance on God's promises. This contrasts with Zechariah's doubt (Luke 1:18-20), which resulted in temporary judgment. Mary's faith response ('be it unto me according to thy word,' v. 38) becomes the pattern for true discipleship—hearing and believing God's word regardless of apparent impossibilities. Faith precedes fulfillment and enables participation in God's purposes.