And it came to pass, as he spake these things, a certain woman of the company lifted up her voice, and said unto him, Blessed is the womb that bare thee, and the paps which thou hast sucked.
And it came to pass, as he spake these things, a certain woman of the company lifted up her voice, and said unto him, Blessed is the womb that bare thee, and the paps which thou hast sucked. A woman in the crowd interrupts Jesus' sobering warning with an emotional exclamation blessing Mary, His mother. The phrase "lifted up her voice" (ἐπάρασά τις φωνὴν, eparasa tis phōnēn) indicates vocal intensity—she shouts above the crowd. Her blessing—"Blessed is the womb that bare thee, and the paps which thou hast sucked" (μακαρία ἡ κοιλία ἡ βαστάσασά σε καὶ μαστοὶ οὓς ἐθήλασας, makaria hē koilia hē bastasasa se kai mastoi hous ethēlasas)—uses graphic biological language to honor motherhood.
While her sentiment seems pious, it deflects from Jesus' teaching by focusing on biological relationship rather than spiritual reality. The woman epitomizes sentimental religion that reveres Jesus' humanity while missing His message. Her blessing elevates physical motherhood and familial connection over spiritual obedience. Jesus' response (v. 28, not requested in this batch) will correct this by declaring that true blessedness comes not from biological relation to Christ but from hearing and keeping God's word. This reminds us that natural ties to religious heritage don't save—only personal faith and obedience matter (John 1:12-13).
Historical Context
The woman's blessing reflects Jewish culture's high regard for motherhood, particularly bearing sons. Producing children, especially males, was considered a woman's highest honor and divine blessing. The sentiment parallels Elizabeth's blessing of Mary: "Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb" (Luke 1:42). However, Jesus consistently subordinated biological family to spiritual family (Luke 8:19-21, Matthew 12:46-50). His kingdom transcends ethnic, familial, and gender boundaries, establishing new family ties based on shared faith in Him.
Questions for Reflection
How does the woman's focus on biological relationship to Jesus mirror contemporary emphasis on religious heritage over personal faith?
In what ways does sentimental reverence for Jesus' humanity sometimes distract from obedience to His teaching?
What does this passage teach about the insufficiency of honoring Christ externally while missing the call to discipleship?
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Analysis & Commentary
And it came to pass, as he spake these things, a certain woman of the company lifted up her voice, and said unto him, Blessed is the womb that bare thee, and the paps which thou hast sucked. A woman in the crowd interrupts Jesus' sobering warning with an emotional exclamation blessing Mary, His mother. The phrase "lifted up her voice" (ἐπάρασά τις φωνὴν, eparasa tis phōnēn) indicates vocal intensity—she shouts above the crowd. Her blessing—"Blessed is the womb that bare thee, and the paps which thou hast sucked" (μακαρία ἡ κοιλία ἡ βαστάσασά σε καὶ μαστοὶ οὓς ἐθήλασας, makaria hē koilia hē bastasasa se kai mastoi hous ethēlasas)—uses graphic biological language to honor motherhood.
While her sentiment seems pious, it deflects from Jesus' teaching by focusing on biological relationship rather than spiritual reality. The woman epitomizes sentimental religion that reveres Jesus' humanity while missing His message. Her blessing elevates physical motherhood and familial connection over spiritual obedience. Jesus' response (v. 28, not requested in this batch) will correct this by declaring that true blessedness comes not from biological relation to Christ but from hearing and keeping God's word. This reminds us that natural ties to religious heritage don't save—only personal faith and obedience matter (John 1:12-13).