What does Luke 1:35 mean?

And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God. Luke 1:35

Explanation

Luke 1:35 is a pivotal scripture in Christian theology as it speaks directly to the conception of Jesus Christ. The angel Gabriel is addressing Mary, a young virgin, explaining the miraculous conception of Jesus that would occur. Literally, the verse states that the Holy Spirit will “come upon” Mary, meaning that God’s power would enable her to conceive without a human father. This event is known as the Annunciation. The “power of the Highest” refers to God’s divine power, and it will “overshadow” her, which is a term that implies protection and divine presence. The phrase “that holy thing which shall be born of thee” acknowledges the divine nature of Jesus, who will be “called the Son of God,” affirming His deity and the incarnation. The deeper meaning behind the verse underscores the doctrine of the virgin birth, which is foundational to understanding the dual nature of Christ—both fully divine and fully human.

Historical Context

The Gospel of Luke, written around 60-80 AD, provides a detailed account of Jesus’s life, death, and resurrection. Luke was likely written to a predominantly Greek-speaking audience. At the time of Jesus’s conception, Israel was under Roman occupation, and Jewish culture was heavily influenced by Hellenistic ideas. The concept of a virgin birth would have been counter-cultural and outside natural expectations. Gabriel’s announcement to Mary takes place in Nazareth, a region of Galilee, which held a humble reputation in the eyes of Judeans.

Theological Insights

From a Christian theological perspective, this verse is fundamental for several doctrines:

• Virgin Birth: The supernatural conception of Jesus conveys His sinless nature, as He is not born in sin like other humans.
• Trinity: The reference to the Holy Spirit indicates the involvement of the Triune God (Father, Son, Holy Spirit) in the incarnation.
• Christology: Jesus is identified as both human and divine, a unique union of two natures in one person.
• Incarnation: It marks the beginning of God becoming flesh and dwelling among humanity. Different denominations may have varying emphases on these theological points, but the majority of Christian traditions hold this verse as a key component of Christ’s divine origin.

Practical Applications

The application of Luke 1:35 in daily life can manifest in several ways:

• Faith in Miracles: Believers can find encouragement that God is capable of intervening in human history and performing miracles.
• Purity and Holiness: It serves as a reminder of the purity and holiness called for in the life of a believer.
• Trust in God’s Plan: This verse invites Christians to trust in God’s greater plan, even when it defies understanding or expectation.
• Acceptance of Divine Will: Like Mary, believers are encouraged to accept God’s will and participate in His purposes with obedience.

Cross-References

• Matthew 1:18-23 – Describes Joseph’s revelation about Mary’s conception and the prophecy of Isaiah.
• Isaiah 7:14 – The prophecy regarding a virgin bearing a son and calling His name Immanuel.
• John 1:14 – States that the Word (God) became flesh and lived among us.
• Galatians 4:4 – References God sending forth His Son, born of a woman, at the fullness of time.

Language Study

Key terms in the original Greek text for this verse include:

• “Holy Ghost” or “Holy Spirit” (πνεῦμα ἅγιον, pneuma hagion) – Refers to the third person of the Trinity, the Spirit of God.
• “Overshadow” (ἐπισκιάζω, episkiazō) – Originally meaning to cover with shade; here, it denotes divine power enveloping Mary.
• “Highest” (ὕψιστος, hupsistos) – Describes the most high God, reaffirming His supreme authority.
• “Holy thing” (ἅγιον, hagion) – Denotes sacredness, holiness, and divine nature.
• “Son of God” (υἱὸς Θεοῦ, huios Theou) – A title affirming the divine relationship between Jesus and God the Father.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The concept of a virgin birth can be found in several other religions and mythologies, such as the birth of Horus to Isis in Egyptian mythology, and the birth of Krishna in Hinduism. These stories, while similar in the motif of a miraculous conception, have key differences in purpose and theological significance compared to the Christian narrative, which centers on the incarnation of God Himself, without human paternity, to redeem humanity.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific standpoint, a virgin birth, or parthenogenesis, is a known phenomenon in some animals but is considered impossible in human biology due to the need for genetic material from both a male and female. As such, the virgin birth as described in Luke 1:35 is beyond the sphere of scientific explanation and is held as a matter of faith within Christian belief.

Commentaries

Christian commentators generally affirm the virgin birth as a cornerstone belief. Matthew Henry’s Commentary emphasizes the power of God’s Spirit in the conception of Christ. John Gill’s Exposition focuses on the fulfillment of prophecy and the validity of the divine nature of Jesus. The Pulpit Commentary discusses the Jewish expectations of the Messiah’s grandeur and contrasts it with the humility of Jesus’ origins. Modern scholars discuss the implications of the verse for Christology and doctrine, supporting it through historical, textual, and theological arguments.