Devine Scripture

Luke 11:28

What does Luke 11:28 mean?

A plain-English look at Luke 11:28 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Luke 11:28 means

Jesus gently corrects the woman's focus, affirming that true blessedness is not primarily found in physical lineage or earthly relationships to Him. Instead, He declares, "blessed are they that hear the word of God, and keep it." This emphasizes that spiritual obedience and active application of God's truth are far more significant than any external connection, making clear the priority of spiritual relationship with God.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

But he said, Yea rather, blessed are they that hear the word of God, and keep it.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

But he said, Yea rather, blessed are they that hear the word of God, and keep it.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

But he said, Yea rather, blessed are they that hear the word of God, and keep it.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

But he said, More happy are they who give hearing to the word of God and keep it.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And he said, `Yea, rather, happy those hearing the word of God, and keeping <FI>it<Fi> !'

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

But he said: Yea rather, blessed are they who hear the word of God and keep it.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

But he said, Yea rather, blessed are they who hear the word ofGod and keep [it].

Context

This verse delivers Jesus' counterpoint to the woman's praise of His mother, reorienting the focus of blessedness. It immediately follows her exclamation, redirecting attention from physical ties to spiritual responsiveness. This teaching on the importance of hearing and obeying God's Word sets the stage for Jesus' subsequent criticism of the generation that seeks signs but fails to heed divine truth.

v.27And it came to pass, as he said these things, a certain woman out of the multitude lifted up her voice, and said unto him, Blessed is the womb that bare thee, and the breasts which thou didst suck.

v.28This passage

v.29And when the multitudes were gathering together unto him, he began to say, This generation is an evil generation: it seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given to it but the sign of Jonah.

Cross references

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

  • Matthew 7:21

    Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father who is in heaven.

  • Revelation 22:14

    Blessed are they that wash their robes, that they may have the right to come to the tree of life, and may enter in by the gates into the city.

  • Luke 8:21

    But he answered and said unto them, My mother and my brethren are these that hear the word of God, and do it.

  • 1 John 3:21

    Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, we have boldness toward God;

  • Isaiah 48:17

    Thus saith Jehovah, thy Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: I am Jehovah thy God, who teacheth thee to profit, who leadeth thee by the way that thou shouldest go.

  • Psalms 112:1

    Praise ye Jehovah. Blessed is the man that feareth Jehovah, That delighteth greatly in his commandments.

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