Luke 2:19

What does Luke 2:19 mean?

A plain-English look at Luke 2:19 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Luke 2:19 means

Mary, however, responded differently to all these events. Instead of outward expression, she "kept all these sayings, pondering them in her heart." This reveals Mary's reflective nature and her deep spiritual understanding. She was not just passively receiving information, but actively meditating on the words, events, and prophecies surrounding her Son's birth, recognizing their profound significance and storing them for future contemplation.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

But Mary kept all these sayings, pondering them in her heart.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

But Mary kept all these sayings, pondering them in her heart.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

But Mary kept all these words in her heart, and gave much thought to them.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and Mary was preserving all these things, pondering in her heart;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

But Mary kept all these words, pondering them in her heart.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

But Mary kept all these things [in her mind], pondering [them] in her heart.

Context

This verse offers a crucial insight into Mary's contemplative nature, contrasting her internal processing with the public's wonder. It follows the general reaction to the shepherds' story. This deep reflection by Mary foreshadows her continued understanding and acceptance of Jesus' unique identity throughout His life, providing a personal, intimate perspective on these divine happenings.

v.18And all that heard it wondered at the things which were spoken unto them by the shepherds.

v.19This passage

v.20And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, even as it was spoken unto them.

Cross references

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

  • Hosea 14:9

    Who is wise, that he may understand these things? prudent, that he may know them? for the ways of Jehovah are right, and the just shall walk in them; but transgressors shall fall therein.

  • Proverbs 4:4

    And he taught me, and said unto me: Let thy heart retain my words; Keep my commandments, and live;

  • Luke 2:51

    And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth; and he was subject unto them: and his mother kept all these sayings in her heart.

  • Luke 9:43

    And they were all astonished at the majesty of God. But while all were marvelling at all the things which he did, he said unto his disciples,

  • Luke 1:66

    And all that heard them laid them up in their heart, saying, What then shall this child be? For the hand of the Lord was with him.

  • Genesis 37:11

    And his brethren envied him; but his father kept the saying in mind.

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