Luke 1:44
What does Luke 1:44 mean?
A plain-English look at Luke 1:44 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Luke 1:44 means
Elisabeth notes that John leaped for joy at Mary’s greeting, indicating prenatal recognition of Jesus. She interprets the movement as joy at encountering the Lord in Mary’s womb. This detail emphasizes that the unborn are participants in God’s revelation and that John is spiritually sensitive to God’s presence. The depiction reinforces John’s prophetic identity and the reality of Jesus’ presence even before birth, showing God’s work reaches back into the most intimate beginnings of life.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000For behold, when the voice of thy salutation came into mine ears, the babe leaped in my womb for joy.
KJV
King James Version · 1611For, lo, as soon as the voice of thy salutation sounded in mine ears, the babe leaped in my womb for joy.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901For behold, when the voice of thy salutation came into mine ears, the babe leaped in my womb for joy.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949For, truly, when the sound of your voice came to my ears, the baby in my body made a sudden move for joy.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862for, lo, when the voice of thy salutation came to my ears, leap in gladness did the babe in my womb;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752For behold as soon as the voice of thy salutation sounded in my ears, the infant in my womb leaped for joy.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890For behold, as the voice of thy salutation sounded in my ears, the babe leaped with joy in my womb.
Context
This explanation follows her recognition of Mary as ‘mother of my Lord.’ It provides the concrete sign—John’s leap—that prompted Elisabeth’s prophetic exclamation. The verses that follow will contain Mary’s response of worship and prophetic song, deepening the theological reflection.
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