Luke 1:58
And her neighbours and her cousins heard how the Lord had shewed great mercy upon her; and they rejoiced with her.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 19
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
περίοικοι
her neighbours
G4040
περίοικοι
her neighbours
Strong's:
G4040
Word #:
4 of 19
housed around, i.e., neighboring (used elliptically as a noun)
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
5 of 19
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
συγγενεῖς
cousins
G4773
συγγενεῖς
cousins
Strong's:
G4773
Word #:
7 of 19
a relative (by blood); by extension, a fellow countryman
αὐτῇ
her
G846
αὐτῇ
her
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
8 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
ὅτι
how
G3754
ὅτι
how
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
9 of 19
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
ἐμεγάλυνεν
had shewed great
G3170
ἐμεγάλυνεν
had shewed great
Strong's:
G3170
Word #:
10 of 19
to make (or declare) great, i.e., increase or (figuratively) extol
κύριος
the Lord
G2962
κύριος
the Lord
Strong's:
G2962
Word #:
11 of 19
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
12 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
αὐτῇ
her
G846
αὐτῇ
her
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
14 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
μετ'
upon
G3326
μετ'
upon
Strong's:
G3326
Word #:
15 of 19
properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)
αὐτῇ
her
G846
αὐτῇ
her
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
16 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
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
17 of 19
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Cross References
Romans 12:15Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.Luke 1:25Thus hath the Lord dealt with me in the days wherein he looked on me, to take away my reproach among men.Luke 1:14And thou shalt have joy and gladness; and many shall rejoice at his birth.Psalms 113:9He maketh the barren woman to keep house, and to be a joyful mother of children. Praise ye the LORD.1 Corinthians 12:26And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it.
Historical Context
In close-knit Judean communities, Elisabeth's barrenness would have been widely known, making her late-life pregnancy a public testimony to God's power. The community's rejoicing anticipated Jewish hope that God was again moving in Israel's history.
Questions for Reflection
- How should Christian community respond when God shows mercy to individual believers?
- What does it mean to 'magnify' or 'show great' mercy beyond ordinary kindness?
- How can we cultivate communities that celebrate God's work in others' lives?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The neighbors' and cousins' hearing that 'the Lord had shewed great mercy upon her' and their rejoicing demonstrates proper response to God's gracious work. They rightly attributed Elisabeth's conception to divine mercy, not natural causes. The phrase 'shewed great mercy' (Greek 'emegalunen to eleos') means 'magnified His mercy'—God's compassion was displayed greatly. Their corporate rejoicing shows healthy community that celebrates God's work in individual lives. This models Christian fellowship where personal blessings become occasions for communal thanksgiving. Their recognition of God's mercy prepared the community for greater revelations about John's identity and mission.