Luke 1:42-45

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Luke 1:43

Verse 43 43.And whence is this to me? The happy medium observed by Elisabeth is worthy of notice. She thinks very highly of the favors bestowed by God on Mary, and gives them just commendation, but yet does not praise them more highly than was proper, which would have been a dishonor to God. For such is the native depravity of the world, that there are few persons who are not chargeable with one of these two faults. Some, delighted beyond measure with themselves, and desirous to shine alone,... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Luke 1:45

Verse 45 45.And blessed is she that believed It was by a hidden movement of the Spirit, as is evident from a former statement of Luke, that Elisabeth spoke. The same Spirit declares that Mary is blessed because she believed, and by commending Mary’s faith, informs us generally in what the true happiness of men consists. Mary was blessed, because, embracing in her heart the promise of God, she conceived and brought forth a Savior to herself and to the whole which the Judges occupied; as when... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Luke 1:1-80

After the Ascension and the events of the first Pentecost, which quickly followed their Master's return to heaven, the twelve and a few others who had walked in the company which followed Jesus during the years of his public ministry no doubt often met together and talked over the teaching and the acts of their risen and now glorified Master. As time passed on, a certain number of these acts, a certain number of the public and private discourses in the apostolic company, became adopted as... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Luke 1:39-56

The two expectant mothers. I. THE RETIREMENT . Elisabeth ( Luke 1:24 ) had hidden herself when she knew that the promise of the angel would be fulfilled. Why she did so we are not told, but the language of Luke 1:26 suggests a religious motive. She was filled with gratitude, and she desired, perhaps, a season of holy rest and communion with God. "In silence and solitude," says Thomas a Kempis, "the soul advantageth herself, and learneth the mysteries of Holy Scripture." The same... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Luke 1:39-56

Inspirations amid the hills of Judaea. We already have seen the angel suggesting to Mary the propriety of visiting Elisabeth. We may reasonably believe that she had no mother at this time to whom she could communicate her mighty secret, and that Elisabeth is the most likely person from whom to get the sympathy she now required. For the four days' journey from Nazareth to the priest's city in the south she would need some preparation; but she made her arrangements promptly, going" with... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Luke 1:42

And she spake out with a loud voice, and said, Blessed art thou among women (see 5:24 ). The words which clothed the thoughts in these ecstatic expressions of intense joy and thankfulness on the part of the two favored women, Mary and Elisabeth, are in great measure drawn from hymn and song contained in the Old Testament Scriptures. The song of Hannah, the hymn of Deborah, many of the psalms, the songs of the Canticles, the more glorious of the prophetic utterances, had been ever familiar... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

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

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Luke 1:42

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

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Luke 1:43

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

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Luke 1:45

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

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