Luke 1:42
and she exclaimed with a loud cry, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb!
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Elisabeth's declaration, "Blessed are you among women," isn't just a repeat of the angel's words; it's a profound affirmation spoken under the Holy Spirit's unction. The real "aha!" is that by calling Mary "mother of my Lord," Elisabeth reveals she, too, recognizes the divine nature of Jesus, even before his birth.
Mary has just arrived at her relative Elizabeth's home, who is miraculously pregnant in her old age. As soon as Mary greets her, the baby in Elizabeth's womb leaps, and Elizabeth, filled with the Holy Spirit, recognizes Mary's unique calling and pronounces her blessed, marveling that the mother of her Lord has come to her. This moment of divine recognition and prophetic declaration sets the stage for Mary's own joyful response, the Magnificat.
Why did Elizabeth cry out with a 'loud voice'? What did this exclamation reveal about her understanding and the spiritual atmosphere of their meeting?
A Prophetic Proclamation
Elizabeth's loud cry isn't just an emotional outburst; it's a divinely inspired proclamation.
Filled with the Spirit
Filled with the Holy Spirit, Elizabeth doesn't just greet Mary; she recognizes her unique calling and the sacredness of her situation. This isn't her own opinion; it's a truth revealed to her by God.
Echoes of Scripture
Her words, "Blessed are you among women," echo phrases used in the Old Testament, but with a profound new meaning. While others were called blessed in specific contexts (like Ruth or Jael), Mary's blessing is unique because of who she carries.
The Fruit of the Womb
The emphasis on "the fruit of your womb" points directly to the identity of Jesus. Elizabeth understands that Mary's blessedness is inextricably linked to her son, who is no ordinary child but the Lord himself.
Elizabeth herself was experiencing a miracle. How did she react, and what does this teach us about true humility and recognizing God's grace in others?
Embracing Another's Honor
Elizabeth's response is a masterclass in humility and spiritual insight, setting aside any potential personal pride.
Lost in Wonder
Even though Elizabeth was also miraculously pregnant in her old age, she doesn't focus on her own situation. Instead, she's consumed with wonder that the 'mother of her Lord' has come to her.
True Recognition
Understand the original words
eulogēmenos · Greek Adjective
A term often used in Scripture to denote one who is favored by God, recipients of His grace, or those who find favor and spiritual prosperity in His sight. In a christological context, it points to the unique favor resting upon Mary as the chosen vessel for the Incarnation.
karpos · Greek Noun
Referring to offspring or children; in biblical usage, it often underscores the miraculous or promised nature of a child born to a woman, highlighting God's role in the miracle of life and the fulfillment of covenant promises.
This verse captures a profound moment of spiritual recognition and prophetic utterance, occurring within the context of Jewish anticipation for a Messiah and the unique personal circumstances of Mary and Elizabeth.
c. 1st century BC
Roman Influence in Judea
The region of Judea, including the area where Elizabeth and Mary lived, was under increasing Roman political and military influence, often leading to instability and taxation.
Early 1st century AD
Jewish Expectation of a Messiah
There was a strong and widespread expectation among Jewish people for the coming of a Messiah who would deliver them from oppression and restore Israel.
Early 1st century AD— this verse
Mary's Visit to Elizabeth
Mary, after learning from the angel Gabriel that she would conceive a son through the Holy Spirit, traveled with haste to visit her relative Elizabeth in the hill country of Judea.
Early 1st century AD
Elizabeth's Prophetic Utterance
Upon hearing Mary's greeting, Elizabeth, filled with the Holy Spirit, exclaimed that Mary was blessed among women and blessed was the fruit of her womb.
This passage also uses the phrase 'blessed among women,' but in the context of Jael, a woman who acted decisively and violently, highlighting the stark contrast and elevated blessing bestowed upon Mary.
Ruth 3:10Boaz calls Ruth 'blessed among women' because of her loyalty and virtue, echoing the praise given to Mary and showing a pattern of God honoring faithful women.
Luke 11:27A woman in the crowd exclaims to Jesus, 'Blessed is the womb that bore you, and the breasts that nursed you!' This shows that Mary's unique blessing, as articulated by Elizabeth, was recognized by others as well.
Genesis 3:15This foundational promise of a 'seed' who would crush the serpent's head directly points to the fruit of Mary's womb, Jesus, making Elizabeth's declaration about the 'fruit' profoundly significant in light of ancient prophecy.
Song of Solomon 1:8The bride is addressed as 'fairest among women,' which parallels Elizabeth's declaration of Mary being 'blessed among women,' emphasizing Mary's unparalleled purity and favor with God.
barnesLuke 1:42: "And she spake out with a loud voice, and said, Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb."
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 .
jfbLuke 1:42: "And she spake out with a loud voice, and said, Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb."
42-44. What beautiful superiority to envy have we here! High as was the distinction conferred upon herself, Elisabeth loses sight of it altogether, in presence of one more honored still; upon whom, with her unborn Babe, in an ecstasy of inspiration, she pronounces a benediction, feeling it to be a wonder unaccountable that "the mother of her Lord should come to her." "…
Elisabeth's declaration, "Blessed are you among women," isn't just a repeat of the angel's words; it's a profound affirmation spoken under the Holy Spirit's unction. The real "aha!" is that by calling Mary "mother of my Lord," Elisabeth reveals she, too, recognizes the divine nature of Jesus, even before his birth.
Mary has just arrived at her relative Elizabeth's home, who is miraculously pregnant in her old age. As soon as Mary greets her, the baby in Elizabeth's womb leaps, and Elizabeth, filled with the Holy Spirit, recognizes Mary's unique calling and pronounces her blessed, marveling that the mother of her Lord has come to her. This moment of divine recognition and prophetic declaration sets the stage for Mary's own joyful response, the Magnificat.
Mary has just arrived at her relative Elizabeth's home, who is miraculously pregnant in her old age. As soon as Mary greets her, the baby in Elizabeth's womb leaps, and Elizabeth, filled with the Holy Spirit, recognizes Mary's unique calling and pronounces her blessed, marveling that the mother of her Lord has come to her. This moment of divine recognition and prophetic declaration sets the stage for Mary's own joyful response, the Magnificat.
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Her blessing isn't about elevating Mary above others out of personal affection, but a divinely-given recognition of Mary's unparalleled honor as the mother of the Messiah. She sees Mary's blessing as superior to her own.
A Model of Humility
This encounter shows a beautiful superiority to envy. Elizabeth, filled with the Spirit, rejoices in the greater grace God has shown Mary, demonstrating a selfless love that prioritizes God's work in others.
Early 1st century AD
Mary's Song of Praise (Magnificat)
Following Elizabeth's pronouncement, Mary responded with her own prophetic song, praising God for His mercy and the fulfillment of His promises to Israel.
"and she exclaimed with a loud cry, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb!" — Elisabeth's declaration, "Blessed are you among women," isn't just a repeat of the angel's words; it's a profound affirmation spoken under the Holy Spirit's unction. The real "aha!" is that by callin…
