Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost - The meaning of this seems to be that she was filled with joy; with a disposition to praise God; with a prophetic spirit, or a knowledge of the character of the child that should be born of her. All these were produced by the Holy Spirit. read more
Blessed art thou among women - She here repeated nearly the words of the angel to Mary, esteeming it to be the highest honor among mothers to be the mother of the Messiah. See the notes at Luke 1:28. read more
And whence is this to me? - An expression of humility. Why is it that the mother of my Lord should come to me, as if to honor me?Mother of my Lord - The word “Lord” sometimes denotes “divinity,” and sometimes superior, master, teacher, or governor. It was given by the Jews to their expected Messiah; but whether they understood it as denoting divinity cannot now be ascertained. It is clear only that Elizabeth used it as denoting great dignity and honor. read more
Blessed is she that believed - That is, “Mary” who believed what the angel spoke to her. She was blessed not only in the act of believing, but because the thing promised would certainly be fulfilled.From these expressions of Elizabeth we may learn:That the spirit of prophecy had not entirely ceased among the Jews. That the Holy Spirit is the source of light, comfort, and joy. That everything about the birth of Jesus was remarkable, and that he must have been more than a mere man. That the... read more
Luke 1:39-45. Mary arose in those days That is, soon after the time that she had received the extraordinary message mentioned above; and went into the hill-country Where Elisabeth dwelt, although it was at least seventy miles distant from Nazareth. It is probable she was eager to know the certainty of her cousin’s pregnancy, which the angel had mentioned, to show her the possibility of her own. Into a city of Juda Probably Hebron, which belonged to the house of Aaron, and was situated... read more
4. Mary visits Elizabeth (Luke 1:39-56)With the time drawing near when Elizabeth would give birth, Mary travelled south to visit her. The honour that Elizabeth gave to Mary at their meeting was symbolic of the honour that John would give to Jesus (Luke 1:39-45).Mary’s song of praise reflects her total submission and deep gratitude to God for what he was doing through her. The song (sometimes called the ‘Magnificat’, from the opening words in the Latin version) has many similarities to the song... read more
leaped. Greek. skirtao. Only used in N.T. here, Luke 1:44 , and Luke 6:23 . Compare Genesis 25:22 . Septuagint has the same word. read more
spake out = cried out. Greek. anaphoneo . Occurs only here. A medical word. See Colossians 4:14 . read more
to. Greek. pros. App-104 . read more
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The Pulpit Commentary - Luke 1:43
And whence is this to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? But the Holy Ghost ( Luke 1:41 ) raised Elisabeth's thoughts yet higher. Not only did she bless the mother of the coming Messiah, but the Spirit opened her eyes to see who that coming Messiah really was. Very vague indeed was the conception of the coming Messiah in Israel. The truth was, perhaps, revealed, and in rapt moments received by men like Isaiah and Ezekiel; and now and again men like David; Daniel wrote down... read more