Devine Scripture

Luke 1:38

What does Luke 1:38 mean?

A plain-English look at Luke 1:38 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Luke 1:38 means

Mary submits in faithful obedience: she declares herself the Lord’s servant and consents to the angel’s word—“be it unto me according to thy word.” This is a model of humble surrender, trusting God’s plan despite its cost. Mary’s acceptance embodies faith and obedience, making her a willing instrument in God’s redemptive action. The angel’s departure marks the end of the revelation and the beginning of Mary’s faithful response in action and travel to Elisabeth.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And Mary said, Behold, the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And Mary said, Behold, the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And Mary said: I am the servant of the Lord; may it be to me as you say. And the angel went away.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And Mary said, `Lo, the maid-servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to thy saying,' and the messenger went away from her.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And Mary said: Behold the handmaid of the Lord: be it done to me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And Mary said, Behold the bondmaid of [the] Lord; be it to me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her.

Context

Mary’s fiat follows Gabriel’s explanation and assurance. Her consent contrasts with Zacharias’s earlier doubt. This moment shifts the narrative from announcement to action: the angel leaves, and Mary prepares to visit Elisabeth, showing the lived-out consequences of belief.

v.37For no word from God shall be void of power.

v.38This passage

v.39And Mary arose in these days and went into the hill country with haste, into a city of Judah;

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Psalms 119:38

    Confirm unto thy servant thy word, Whichis in order unto the fear of thee.

  • Romans 4:20

    yet, looking unto the promise of God, he wavered not through unbelief, but waxed strong through faith, giving glory to God,

  • Psalms 116:16

    O Jehovah, truly I am thy servant: I am thy servant, the son of thy handmaid; Thou hast loosed my bonds.

  • 2 Samuel 7:25

    And now, O Jehovah God, the word that thou hast spoken concerning thy servant, and concerning his house, confirm thou it for ever, and do as thou hast spoken.

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