Luke 2:19
But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.
Original Language Analysis
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Μαριὰμ
Mary
G3137
Μαριὰμ
Mary
Strong's:
G3137
Word #:
3 of 13
maria or mariam (i.e., mirjam), the name of six christian females
συνετήρει
kept
G4933
συνετήρει
kept
Strong's:
G4933
Word #:
5 of 13
to keep closely together, i.e., (by implication) to conserve (from ruin); mentally, to remember (and obey)
τὰ
G3588
τὰ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ῥήματα
these things
G4487
ῥήματα
these things
Strong's:
G4487
Word #:
7 of 13
an utterance (individually, collectively or specially),; by implication, a matter or topic (especially of narration, command or dispute); with a negat
συμβάλλουσα
and pondered
G4820
συμβάλλουσα
and pondered
Strong's:
G4820
Word #:
9 of 13
to combine, i.e., (in speaking) to converse, consult, dispute, (mentally) to consider, (by implication) to aid, (personally) to join, attack
τῇ
G3588
τῇ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Luke 2:51And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject unto them: but his mother kept all these sayings in her heart.Luke 1:66And all they that heard them laid them up in their hearts, saying, What manner of child shall this be! And the hand of the Lord was with him.Proverbs 4:4He taught me also, and said unto me, Let thine heart retain my words: keep my commandments, and live.1 Samuel 21:12And David laid up these words in his heart, and was sore afraid of Achish the king of Gath.Genesis 37:11And his brethren envied him; but his father observed the saying.
Historical Context
Mary's pondering of these events over time allowed her to process the theological significance of what was occurring. Her careful meditation would later enable her to provide detailed testimony (likely Luke's source for these events) about Jesus's birth and early life.
Questions for Reflection
- What is the difference between merely hearing about God's work and pondering it?
- How does Mary's contemplative response model healthy spiritual reflection?
- Why is patient, prayerful consideration important in understanding God's purposes?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Mary's response contrasts with others' amazement: 'But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.' The word 'kept' (suneterei) means to preserve carefully, while 'pondered' (sumballo̱usa) means to bring together, compare, consider deeply. Mary didn't merely remember but actively meditated on these events, seeking to understand their significance. Her thoughtful reflection models proper response to divine revelation—not hasty conclusions but careful, prayerful consideration. As recipient of greatest revelation (Gabriel's announcement), Mary still needed to process and understand God's unfolding purposes. Her pondering shows humility and teachability. This contemplative response demonstrates that understanding God's work requires patient reflection, not just immediate excitement.