Luke 1:43

What does Luke 1:43 mean?

A plain-English look at Luke 1:43 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Luke 1:43 means

Elisabeth marvels that the mother of her Lord should visit her, expressing humility and recognition: she calls Mary the mother of her Lord, acknowledging the child’s lordship. This title shows early recognition of Jesus’ divine status. Elisabeth’s wonder underscores God’s condescending mercy—God’s Lord choosing humble means—and also centers the identity of Mary’s son as more than ordinary, deserving reverent acknowledgment even before his birth.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And whence is this to me, that the mother of my Lord should come unto me?

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And whence is this to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And whence is this to me, that the mother of my Lord should come unto me?

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

How is it that the mother of my Lord comes to me?

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and whence <FI>is<Fi> this to me, that the mother of my Lord might come unto me?

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And whence is this to me that the mother of my Lord should come to me?

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And whence [is] this to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?

Context

This verse flows directly from the blessing; Elisabeth explains its reason—she recognizes the greatness of Mary’s child. The phrase “mother of my Lord” is significant theologically and anticipates broader confession about Jesus. It intensifies the encounter’s spiritual weight and prepares for the explanation about the unborn child’s leap.

v.42and she lifted up her voice with a loud cry, and said, Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb.

v.43This passage

v.44For behold, when the voice of thy salutation came into mine ears, the babe leaped in my womb for joy.

Cross references

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

  • Ruth 2:10

    Then she fell on her face, and bowed herself to the ground, and said unto him, Why have I found favor in thy sight, that thou shouldest take knowledge of me, seeing I am a foreigner?

  • John 13:13

    Ye call me, Teacher, and, Lord: and ye say well; for so I am.

  • Luke 7:7

    wherefore neither thought I myself worthy to come unto thee: but say the word, and my servant shall be healed.

  • John 13:5

    Then he poureth water into the basin, and began to wash the disciples’ feet, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith he was girded.

  • Luke 20:42

    For David himself saith in the book of Psalms, The Lord said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand,

  • 1 Samuel 25:41

    And she arose, and bowed herself with her face to the earth, and said, Behold, thy handmaid is a servant to wash the feet of the servants of my lord.

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