Luke 1:43
New International Version
But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?

New Living Translation
Why am I so honored, that the mother of my Lord should visit me?

English Standard Version
And why is this granted to me that the mother of my Lord should come to me?

Berean Standard Bible
And why am I so honored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?

Berean Literal Bible
And from where is this to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?

King James Bible
And whence is this to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?

New King James Version
But why is this granted to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?

New American Standard Bible
And how has it happened to me that the mother of my Lord would come to me?

NASB 1995
“And how has it happened to me, that the mother of my Lord would come to me?

NASB 1977
“And how has it happened to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?

Legacy Standard Bible
And how has it happened to me, that the mother of my Lord would come to me?

Amplified Bible
And how has it happened to me, that the mother of my Lord would come to me?

Christian Standard Bible
How could this happen to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?

Holman Christian Standard Bible
How could this happen to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?

American Standard Version
And whence is this to me, that the mother of my Lord should come unto me?

Contemporary English Version
Why should the mother of my Lord come to me?

English Revised Version
And whence is this to me, that the mother of my Lord should come unto me?

GOD'S WORD® Translation
I feel blessed that the mother of my Lord is visiting me.

Good News Translation
Why should this great thing happen to me, that my Lord's mother comes to visit me?

International Standard Version
Why should this happen to me, to have the mother of my Lord visit me?

Majority Standard Bible
And why am I so honored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?

NET Bible
And who am I that the mother of my Lord should come and visit me?

New Heart English Bible
Why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?

Webster's Bible Translation
And whence is this to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?

Weymouth New Testament
But why is this honour done me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?

World English Bible
Why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and from where [is] this to me, that the mother of my Lord might come to me?

Berean Literal Bible
And from where is this to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?

Young's Literal Translation
and whence is this to me, that the mother of my Lord might come unto me?

Smith's Literal Translation
And whence this to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And whence is this to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?

Catholic Public Domain Version
And how does this concern me, so that the mother of my Lord would come to me?

New American Bible
And how does this happen to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?

New Revised Standard Version
And why has this happened to me, that the mother of my Lord comes to me?
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
How does this happen to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
“From where is this to me that the mother of my Lord would come to me?”
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
And whence is this to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?

Godbey New Testament
And whence is this to me that the mother of my Lord may come unto me?

Haweis New Testament
And whence is this favour shewn me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?

Mace New Testament
"Blessed mother of the most blessed offspring! what an honour is this, that I should be visited by the mother of our Lord!

Weymouth New Testament
But why is this honour done me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?

Worrell New Testament
And whence is this to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me!

Worsley New Testament
and whence is this honor to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Mary Visits Elizabeth
42In a loud voice she exclaimed, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! 43And why am I so honored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? 44For as soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy.…

Cross References
Matthew 1:23
“Behold, the virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call Him Immanuel” (which means, “God with us”).

John 1:14
The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the one and only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.

Isaiah 7:14
Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin will be with child and give birth to a son, and will call Him Immanuel.

John 20:28
Thomas replied, “My Lord and my God!”

Philippians 2:6-7
Who, existing in the form of God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, / but emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in human likeness.

Hebrews 1:6
And again, when God brings His firstborn into the world, He says: “Let all God’s angels worship Him.”

Micah 5:2
But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come forth for Me One to be ruler over Israel—One whose origins are of old, from the days of eternity.

Matthew 2:11
On coming to the house, they saw the Child with His mother Mary, and they fell down and worshiped Him. Then they opened their treasures and presented Him with gifts of gold and frankincense and myrrh.

John 1:49
“Rabbi,” Nathanael answered, “You are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!”

Colossians 1:15-16
The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. / For in Him all things were created, things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities. All things were created through Him and for Him.

Revelation 12:5
And she gave birth to a son, a male child, who will rule all the nations with an iron scepter. And her child was caught up to God and to His throne.

Psalm 110:1
A Psalm of David. The LORD said to my Lord: “Sit at My right hand until I make Your enemies a footstool for Your feet.”

Romans 9:5
Theirs are the patriarchs, and from them proceeds the human descent of Christ, who is God over all, forever worthy of praise! Amen.

Galatians 4:4
But when the time had fully come, God sent His Son, born of a woman, born under the law,

1 Timothy 3:16
By common confession, the mystery of godliness is great: He appeared in the flesh, was vindicated by the Spirit, was seen by angels, was proclaimed among the nations, was believed in throughout the world, was taken up in glory.


Treasury of Scripture

And what is this to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?

whence.

Luke 7:7
Wherefore neither thought I myself worthy to come unto thee: but say in a word, and my servant shall be healed.

Ruth 2:10
Then she fell on her face, and bowed herself to the ground, and said unto him, Why have I found grace in thine eyes, that thou shouldest take knowledge of me, seeing I am a stranger?

1 Samuel 25:41
And she arose, and bowed herself on her face to the earth, and said, Behold, let thine handmaid be a servant to wash the feet of the servants of my lord.

my.

Luke 20:42-44
And David himself saith in the book of Psalms, The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand, …

Psalm 110:1
A Psalm of David. The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool.

John 13:13
Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am.

Jump to Previous
Favored Granted Honour Mother Whence
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Favored Granted Honour Mother Whence
Luke 1
1. The preface of Luke to his whole gospel.
5. The conception of John the Baptist;
26. and of Jesus.
39. The prophecy of Elisabeth and of Mary, concerning Jesus.
57. The nativity and circumcision of John.
67. The prophecy of Zachariah, both of Jesus,
76. and of John.














And why am I so honored
This phrase reflects Elizabeth's humility and recognition of the significance of Mary's visit. Elizabeth, filled with the Holy Spirit, acknowledges the honor of being in the presence of Mary, who is carrying the Messiah. This humility is a common theme in Scripture, as seen in the lives of other biblical figures like Moses (Exodus 3:11) and David (2 Samuel 7:18), who also expressed a sense of unworthiness in the face of God's plans.

that the mother of my Lord
Elizabeth's use of "my Lord" is significant, as it indicates her recognition of the divine nature of the child Mary is carrying. This is one of the earliest confessions of Jesus' lordship, even before His birth. The term "Lord" (Greek: Kyrios) is used throughout the New Testament to denote Jesus' divine authority and is a title often reserved for God. This acknowledgment aligns with Old Testament prophecies about the coming Messiah, such as Isaiah 9:6, which speaks of a child who will be called "Mighty God."

should come to me?
Elizabeth's question underscores the extraordinary nature of the event. In the cultural context of the time, Mary, a young woman, visiting Elizabeth, an older woman, would typically be seen as a reversal of social norms. However, Elizabeth recognizes the spiritual significance of the visit, as it fulfills God's plan. This visit also highlights the theme of God's favor and grace, as seen in the lives of other biblical women like Hannah (1 Samuel 1:11) and Sarah (Genesis 21:1-2), who were also part of God's redemptive history.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Elizabeth
The wife of Zechariah and mother of John the Baptist. She is filled with the Holy Spirit and recognizes Mary as the mother of the Lord.

2. Mary
The mother of Jesus, who visits Elizabeth after the angel Gabriel announces that she will conceive the Son of God.

3. John the Baptist
Though not directly mentioned in this verse, he is the child in Elizabeth's womb who leaps for joy at Mary's greeting.

4. The Visitation
This event takes place in the hill country of Judea, where Mary visits Elizabeth, leading to Elizabeth's prophetic declaration.

5. The Holy Spirit
The Spirit fills Elizabeth, enabling her to recognize and proclaim the significance of Mary's pregnancy.
Teaching Points
Recognition of Jesus' Lordship
Elizabeth's declaration acknowledges Jesus as Lord even before His birth. Believers are called to recognize and submit to Jesus' authority in their lives.

The Role of the Holy Spirit
Elizabeth's insight comes through the Holy Spirit. Christians should seek the Spirit's guidance to understand and respond to God's work.

Humility and Honor
Elizabeth's humility in asking why she is honored by Mary's visit reflects a heart that recognizes God's grace. Believers should cultivate humility and gratitude for God's presence in their lives.

Joy in Fellowship
The meeting of Mary and Elizabeth is marked by joy and mutual encouragement. Christians are encouraged to seek fellowship that uplifts and strengthens faith.(43) Whence is this to me . . .?--The sudden inspiration bids Elizabeth, rising above all lower thoughts, to recognise that the child of Mary would be also the Son of the Highest. The contrast leaves no room for doubt that she used the word "Lord" in its highest sense. "Great "as her own son was to be (Luke 1:15) in the sight of the Lord, here was the mother of One yet greater, even of the Lord Himself.

Verse 43. - And whence is this to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? But the Holy Ghost (verse 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 visions and revelations respecting the Coming One, the true purport of which vision they scarcely grasped. Generally the Messianic idea among the people pictured a hero greater than Saul, a conqueror more successful than David, a sovereign more magnificent than Solomon. They pictured ever the glorious arm sustaining the coming Hero-King; but few, if any, dreamed of the "glorious arm" belonging to their future Deliverer. But here the Spirit in a moment revealed to the happy wife of the priest Zacharias that the Babe to be born of her young kinswoman was not only the promised Messiah, but was the awful Son of the Highest! Think, reader, what these simple words we are considering signify! Why am I so favored "that the mother of my Lord should come to me"? "The contrast leaves no room for doubt," well argues Dean Plumptre, "that she used the word 'Lord' in its highest sense. 'Great' as her own son was to be (verse 15) in the sight of the Lord, here was the mother of One yet greater, even of the Lord himself."

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
And
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

why
πόθεν (pothen)
Adverb
Strong's 4159: From the base of posis with enclitic adverb of origin; from which or what place, state, source or cause.

am I
μοι (moi)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1473: I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.

so [honored],
τοῦτο (touto)
Demonstrative Pronoun - Nominative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3778: This; he, she, it.

that
ἵνα (hina)
Conjunction
Strong's 2443: In order that, so that. Probably from the same as the former part of heautou; in order that.

the
(hē)
Article - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

mother
μήτηρ (mētēr)
Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3384: A mother. Apparently a primary word; a 'mother'.

of
τοῦ (tou)
Article - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

my
μου (mou)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1473: I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.

Lord
Κυρίου (Kyriou)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 2962: Lord, master, sir; the Lord. From kuros; supreme in authority, i.e. controller; by implication, Master.

should come
ἔλθῃ (elthē)
Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 2064: To come, go.

to
πρὸς (pros)
Preposition
Strong's 4314: To, towards, with. A strengthened form of pro; a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e. Toward.

me?
ἐμέ (eme)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1473: I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.


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