Luke 11:27

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
Ἐγένετο
G1096
it came to pass
to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)
#2
δὲ
G1161
And
but, and, etc
#3
ἐν
G1722
as
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#4
τῷ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#5
λέγειν
G3004
spake
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
#6
αὐτῷ
G846
he
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
#7
ταῦτα
G5023
these things
these things
#8
ἐπάρασά
G1869
lifted up
to raise up (literally or figuratively)
#9
τις
G5100
a certain
some or any person or object
#10
γυνὴ
G1135
woman
a woman; specially, a wife
#11
φωνὴν
G5456
her voice
a tone (articulate, bestial or artificial); by implication, an address (for any purpose), saying or language
#12
ἐκ
G1537
of
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
#13
τοῦ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#14
ὄχλου
G3793
the company
a throng (as borne along); by implication, the rabble; by extension, a class of people; figuratively, a riot
#15
εἶπεν
G2036
and said
to speak or say (by word or writing)
#16
αὐτῷ
G846
he
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
#17
Μακαρία
G3107
Blessed
supremely blest; by extension, fortunate, well off
#18
ἡ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#19
κοιλία
G2836
is the womb
a cavity, i.e., (especially) the abdomen; by implication, the matrix; figuratively, the heart
#20
ἡ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#21
βαστάσασά
G941
that bare
to lift, literally or figuratively (endure, declare, sustain, receive, etc.)
#22
σε
G4571
thee
thee
#23
καὶ
G2532
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#24
μαστοὶ
G3149
the paps
a (properly, female) breast (as if kneaded up)
#25
οὓς
G3739
which
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
#26
ἐθήλασας
G2337
thou hast sucked
to suckle, (by implication) to suck

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Luke Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

Topics

People

Study Resources