Luke 1:25
What does Luke 1:25 mean?
A plain-English look at Luke 1:25 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Luke 1:25 means
Elisabeth declares that the Lord has removed her reproach by granting her a child in the days he looked upon her. She sees the pregnancy as God’s restorative act, lifting shame associated with barrenness. Her words are steeped in thanksgiving and theology: God’s attention transforms social disgrace into blessing. The phrasing shows humility and gratitude and frames the child as a God-given reversal of misfortune, highlighting divine initiative in human restoration.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Thus hath the Lord done unto me in the days wherein he looked upon me, to take away my reproach among men.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Thus hath the Lord dealt with me in the days wherein he looked on me, to take away my reproach among men.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Thus hath the Lord done unto me in the days wherein he looked upon me, to take away my reproach among men.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949The Lord has done this to me, for his eyes were on me, to take away my shame in the eyes of men.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862`Thus hath the Lord done to me, in days in which He looked upon <FI>me<Fi> , to take away my reproach among men.'
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Thus hath the Lord dealt with me in the days wherein he hath had regard to take away my reproach among men.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Thus has [the] Lord done to me in [these] days in which he looked upon [me] to take away my reproach among men.
Context
This verse explains Elisabeth’s reason for hiding and gratitude. It follows her conception and expresses its meaning to her: God’s mercy. The statement prepares the reader for Luke’s pivot to the announcement to Mary and the broader theme of God reversing fortunes for the humble.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Isaiah 54:1
Sing, O barren, thou that didst not bear; break forth into singing, and cry aloud, thou that didst not travail with child: for more are the children of the desolate than the children of the married wife, saith Jehovah.
- Genesis 30:22
And God remembered Rachel, and God hearkened to her, and opened her womb.
- Genesis 25:21
And Isaac entreated Jehovah for his wife, because she was barren: and Jehovah was entreated of him, and Rebekah his wife conceived.
- Hebrews 11:11
By faith even Sarah herself received power to conceive seed when she was past age, since she counted him faithful who had promised:
- Isaiah 4:1
And seven women shall take hold of one man in that day, saying, We will eat our own bread, and wear our own apparel: only let us be called by thy name; take thou away our reproach.
- 1 Samuel 1:6
And her rival provoked her sore, to make her fret, because Jehovah had shut up her womb.
Related questions readers ask
Keep reading
Want to dig deeper? Explore Luke 1
Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on Luke 1.
Topics that quote it
Topic
Bible Verses About Being Filled with the Spirit
The Bible encourages believers to be filled with the Spirit, a divine empowerment for Christian life and witness
Topic
Bible Verses About God's Omnipotence
God's omnipotence means He is all-powerful, sovereign, and able to do anything that is consistent with His perfect nature
Topic
Reincarnation in the Bible
The Bible does not teach reincarnation, but instead emphasizes the uniqueness of each life and the certainty of death and judgment
What the Bible says about…
Verses for this moment
Verses for
Bible Verses for Praying for Pregnancy
Verses for the long wait of trying to conceive.
Verses for
Bible Verses for Anxiety Before a Job Interview
Quiet your nerves and walk in with steady steps — six verses to pray on the way.
Verses for
Bible Verses for When Prayer Feels Empty
When the words won't come — scripture for the dry prayer life.