Luke 1:37
What does Luke 1:37 mean?
A plain-English look at Luke 1:37 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Luke 1:37 means
Gabriel asserts that nothing from God will be without power—no word of God will fail. This affirms divine omnipotence and faithfulness: God’s promises come to pass in his appointed time. It answers human doubt by appealing to God’s unbreakable word. The statement is theological and pastoral, encouraging trust in God’s ability to fulfill his purposes even in situations that seem impossible by human standards.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000For no word from God shall be void of power.
KJV
King James Version · 1611For with God nothing shall be impossible.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901For no word from God shall be void of power.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949For there is nothing which God is not able to do.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862because nothing shall be impossible with God.'
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Because no word shall be impossible with God.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890for nothing shall be impossible withGod.
Context
This verse caps Gabriel’s arguments: after giving a sign in Elisabeth’s pregnancy, he appeals to God’s inherent power. It strengthens Mary’s basis for believing. Immediately after, Mary responds in faith, showing the narrative effect of this assurance.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Philippians 3:21
who shall fashion anew the body of our humiliation, that it may be conformed to the body of his glory, according to the working whereby he is able even to subject all things unto himself.
- Jeremiah 32:17
Ah Lord Jehovah! behold, thou hast made the heavens and the earth by thy great power and by thine outstretched arm; there is nothing too hard for thee,
- Mark 10:27
Jesus looking upon them saith, With men it is impossible, but not with God: for all things are possible with God.
- Genesis 18:14
Is anything too hard for Jehovah? At the set time I will return unto thee, when the season cometh round, and Sarah shall have a son.
- Jeremiah 32:27
Behold, I am Jehovah, the God of all flesh: is there anything too hard for me?
- Job 13:2
What ye know, the same do I know also: I am not inferior unto you.
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