and she exclaimed with a loud cry, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb!
English Standard Version (ESV)
Elisabeth's exclamation isn't just repeating the angel's words; she's declaring Mary uniquely chosen, not just a blessed mother, but the most blessed, highlighting the extraordinary honor of carrying the Lord Himself. This profound recognition, spoken in inspiration, reveals that the true blessing isn't merely Mary's role, but the divine presence she carries.
and she exclaimed with a loud cry, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb!
English Standard Version (ESV)
Mary has just arrived in haste to visit her relative Elizabeth, who is miraculously pregnant in her old age. As soon as Elizabeth hears Mary’s greeting, her unborn baby leaps in her womb, and Elizabeth herself is filled with the Holy Spirit. In response to this divine prompting, she exclaims a powerful blessing upon Mary and her unborn child, recognizing the extraordinary significance of Mary’s pregnancy.
Imagine the scene: Mary arrives, and suddenly, a baby leaps in Elisabeth's womb! This wasn't just a physical reaction – it was a profound spiritual awakening.
The Unborn Christ's Awakening
When Mary greets Elisabeth, the Bible tells us that John the Baptist, still in his mother's womb, leaps for joy. This isn't a casual observation; it's a powerful indicator of the Spirit's work.
Elisabeth's words to Mary are beautiful, but they're far more than a simple greeting. They're a Spirit-inspired declaration of who Mary truly is.
The Holy Spirit's Declaration
Elisabeth doesn't just offer a kind word; she's 'filled with the Holy Spirit' and proclaims Mary's unique blessedness.
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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.
Elisabeth's exclamation, filled with the Holy Spirit, occurs within a period of Roman rule and specific census decrees that necessitated travel. Her recognition of Mary's blessedness highlights a divinely appointed moment, distinct from ordinary human interactions.
c. 20 BC - 1 BC
Imperial Rome Reigns
The Roman Empire, under emperors like Augustus, exerted significant political and cultural influence over Judea, shaping the lives of its inhabitants.
c. 2 BC - 1 BC
Roman Census Announced
An imperial decree for a census, requiring individuals to return to their ancestral towns, set in motion the events leading to Joseph and Mary's journey to Bethlehem.
c. 2 BC - 1 BC
Mary Visits Elisabeth
Mary, recently betrothed to Joseph and having received a divine promise of a miraculous conception, travels to the hill country to visit her relative Elisabeth.
c. 2 BC - 1 BC— this verse
The Holy Spirit's Power
Upon Mary's greeting, Elisabeth, filled with the Holy Spirit, recognizes the miraculous nature of Mary's pregnancy and the divine significance of her unborn child.
c. 1 BC - AD 1
Birth of John the Baptist
Elisabeth gives birth to John the Baptist, a prophet who would later prepare the way for Jesus.
c. 1 BC - AD 1
Birth of Jesus in Bethlehem
Jesus is born in Bethlehem, fulfilling prophecies, under circumstances marked by humility and divine purpose, amidst the census decree.
This passage uses similar language to describe Ruth as 'a virtuous woman,' highlighting her exceptional character, much like Elizabeth declares Mary uniquely blessed among women.
Judges 5:24While this verse also speaks of a woman being 'most blessed of women' (Jael), it's in the context of a violent act, creating a stark contrast with the holy blessing bestowed upon Mary, the mother of the Savior.
Song of Solomon 1:8The phrase 'fairest among women' from the Song of Solomon echoes in Elizabeth's declaration, suggesting a superlative beauty and grace in Mary, not just physical, but spiritual, befitting the mother of the King.
Luke 11:27Jesus himself later addresses a similar declaration about his mother, indicating that true blessedness lies not just in physical relation, but in obedience to God's word, a theme that Mary embodies.
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 exclamation isn't just repeating the angel's words; she's declaring Mary uniquely chosen, not just a blessed mother, but the most blessed, highlighting the extraordinary honor of carrying the Lord Himself. This profound recognition, spoken in inspiration, reveals that the true blessing isn't merely Mary's role, but the divine presence she carries.
Mary has just arrived in haste to visit her relative Elizabeth, who is miraculously pregnant in her old age. As soon as Elizabeth hears Mary’s greeting, her unborn baby leaps in her womb, and Elizabeth herself is filled with the Holy Spirit. In response to this divine prompting, she exclaims a powerful blessing upon Mary and her unborn child, recognizing the extraordinary significance of Mary’s pregnancy.
Mary has just arrived in haste to visit her relative Elizabeth, who is miraculously pregnant in her old age. As soon as Elizabeth hears Mary’s greeting, her unborn baby leaps in her womb, and Elizabeth herself is filled with the Holy Spirit. In response to this divine prompting, she exclaims a powerful blessing upon Mary and her unborn child, recognizing the extraordinary significance of Mary’s pregnancy.
"and she exclaimed with a loud cry, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb!" — Elisabeth's exclamation isn't just repeating the angel's words; she's declaring Mary uniquely chosen, not just a blessed mother, but the most blessed, highlighting the extraordinary honor of carr…
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Last reviewed October 2026