Luke 1:35 - The angel answered her, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. Therefore also the holy one who is born from you will be called the Son of God.

Generated Verse: Luke 1:35

What does "Luke 1:35" mean?


This verse, Luke 1:35, is a pivotal moment in the story of the Annunciation, where the angel Gabriel announces to Mary that she will conceive and give birth to Jesus. Let's break down what it means:

"The angel answered her, 'The Holy Spirit will come on you...'": This signifies divine intervention. The conception of Jesus will not be through natural means, but through the direct action of the Holy Spirit. This emphasizes the unique and miraculous nature of Jesus' origin. The Holy Spirit, being a part of the Trinity (God), will be the active agent in Mary's conception.

"...and the power of the Most High will overshadow you...'": "Most High" is a title for God, emphasizing His supreme authority and power. The word "overshadow" (Greek: episkiasei) has several layers of meaning:
Protection and Presence: It evokes the idea of God's protection and covering presence, like the cloud that overshadowed the Tabernacle in the Old Testament (Exodus 40:34-35). It suggests a close and intimate relationship between God and Mary.
Divine Glory: It can also hint at the manifestation of divine glory.
Creative Power: The act of "overshadowing" suggests God's creative power and divine intervention in Mary's womb.

"Therefore also the holy one who is born from you will be called the Son of God...'": Because of the Holy Spirit's action and God's power overshadowing her, the child born to Mary will be holy and will be called the Son of God. This highlights:
Jesus' Divine Nature: The child will not just be a normal human being, but the "holy one," possessing a unique and divine nature.
Son of God: This title affirms Jesus' special relationship with God the Father. He is not merely a good person or a prophet, but the literal Son of God, sharing in the divine nature.

In essence, this verse explains how Mary, a virgin, will conceive Jesus through the power of the Holy Spirit. It also explains the divine nature and status of the child, Jesus, as the Son of God.

Key Theological Implications:

The Incarnation: This verse is fundamental to the doctrine of the Incarnation, the belief that God became flesh in the person of Jesus Christ.
The Virgin Birth: It affirms the virgin birth of Jesus, which is essential to Christian belief.
The Divinity of Jesus: It establishes Jesus as the Son of God, equal in divinity with the Father.
The Role of the Holy Spirit: It highlights the Holy Spirit's active role in the divine plan of salvation.

The verse is central to understanding the unique nature of Jesus and the miraculous circumstances surrounding his birth. It is a cornerstone of Christian theology and belief.

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