Luke 1:43 - Why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?

Generated Verse: Luke 1:43

What does "Luke 1:43" mean?


This verse, "Why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?" (Luke 1:43) is spoken by Elizabeth to Mary upon Mary's arrival at her home. It's a powerful expression of humility, wonder, and profound spiritual understanding. Let's break down its meaning:

"Why am I so favored...": This highlights Elizabeth's humility and sense of unworthiness. She's acknowledging that she feels incredibly blessed or fortunate. The word "favored" implies receiving a special grace or kindness from God.
"...that the mother of my Lord...": This is the core of the verse's significance. Elizabeth, inspired by the Holy Spirit (Luke 1:41), recognizes that Mary is carrying the Messiah, the Lord. This is not just a recognition of Mary as a relative or even a good woman; it's a declaration of Mary's unique and sacred role in salvation history. She understands that Mary is the mother of the divine Messiah, the one promised to Israel. The term "Lord" (Kyrios in Greek) held significant weight, often used to refer to God.
"...should come to me?": This expresses Elizabeth's amazement that someone as significant as the mother of the Lord would visit her. It's a question born out of deep respect and a sense of being undeserving of such a visit. It emphasizes the contrast between her own perceived lowliness and Mary's elevated status as the mother of the Messiah.

In summary, the verse conveys:

Humility: Elizabeth is overwhelmed by God's favor.
Recognition of Mary's Role: Elizabeth acknowledges Mary as the Mother of the Lord, inspired by the Holy Spirit.
Awe and Wonder: Elizabeth is amazed that Mary would visit her.
Doctrinal Significance: The verse is often cited as evidence for the recognition of Jesus' divinity from the earliest moments of his conception and for the importance and veneration of Mary. It highlights that Jesus is not just a prophet or a teacher, but the Lord, and Mary's role as his mother is uniquely blessed.

The verse is a powerful moment of recognition, joy, and profound theological significance in the Gospel of Luke. It sets the stage for the Magnificat, Mary's hymn of praise, which further elaborates on God's favor and the coming of the Messiah.