What does Luke 1:45 mean?
And blessed is she that believed: for there shall be a performance of those things which were told her from the Lord. Luke 1:45
Explanation
Luke 1:45 is a statement of blessing spoken by Elizabeth, the mother of John the Baptist, to Mary, the mother of Jesus. Elizabeth is acknowledging Mary’s faith in the promise made to her by the angel Gabriel—that she would bear a son who would be called the Son of the Most High. The phrase “blessed is she that believed” signifies Mary’s trust and confidence in God’s word. The term “performance” here denotes the fulfillment or coming to pass of those divine promises. This verse emphasizes the importance of faith in the manifest promises of God and the blessedness that comes from believing that what God has spoken will indeed come to pass.
Historical Context
Luke 1:45 is set within the larger narrative of the Gospel of Luke, which was likely written around 80-110 AD. In the preceding verses, we learn that Mary visited Elizabeth shortly after the Annunciation. Elizabeth is filled with the Holy Spirit and recognizes Mary as the mother of her Lord even before a word is spoken. This visit is sometimes called the “Visitation.” The historical context reminds us of the strong lineage and connections within the family of Jesus and the setting of a highly expectant Jewish culture, waiting for the promised Messiah.
Theological Insights
Different Christian traditions may draw slightly different theological implications from this verse:
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Catholic Perspective: The phrase “blessed is she” resonates with the Catholic tradition’s emphasis on Mary’s unique role and her perpetual virginity. This verse supports the belief in Mary’s obedience and full cooperation with God’s plan.
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Protestant Perspective: The focus here may lie more on the aspect of faith and trust in God’s word, irrespective of circumstances. Mary serves as an example of faith to all believers, showing that it is not her status but her belief that is commended.
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Orthodox Perspective: Similar to the Catholic viewpoint but with nuances in the understanding of Mary’s role in salvation history. Her belief and assent to God’s will are integral to Orthodox theology.
Practical Applications
Luke 1:45 can have several applications in a practical sense:
- Faith in God’s Promises: Encouragement to trust in the promises of God, even when they seem impossible.
- Encouragement for Women: Many may find inspiration in Mary as a model of faith and grace under unlikely circumstances.
- Expectation and Hope: A reminder to all believers to live with expectation and hope for the fulfillment of God’s word in their lives.
Cross-References
- Luke 1:37 – “For with God nothing shall be impossible.”
- Hebrews 11:11 – “Through faith also Sara herself received strength to conceive seed, and was delivered of a child when she was past age, because she judged him faithful who had promised.”
- Romans 4:18-21 – “Who against hope believed in hope, that he might become the father of many nations; according to that which was spoken, So shall thy seed be.”
Language Study
The Greek word for “believed” here is “πιστεύσασα” (pisteusasa), which is a form of “πιστεύω” (pisteuo), meaning to have faith in or trust. The emphasis on Mary’s active belief, or her faith in action, is significant. The Greek word for “performance” is “τελείωσις” (teleiosis), which carries the meaning of completion or fulfillment. It is related to the word “τέλειος” (telios), meaning perfect or complete.
Cultural and Religious Comparisons
The idea of divine promises and their fulfillment is not unique to Christianity and appears in other ancient religions. For instance, in Greek mythology, prophecies and oracles often forecasted future events that would come to pass. In the Hebrew Scriptures, God’s promises to figures like Abraham and Moses are central themes. However, the emphasis in Christianity on an individual’s faith as a means to obtain a blessing stands out in comparison to some other ancient systems, which often focused more on ritual and sacrifice than personal belief.
Scientific Perspectives
While Luke 1:45 itself does not directly relate to scientific perspectives, it can be discussed in the broader context of psychology and the impact of belief on behavior and mental health. Studies have shown that having faith or positive expectations can have beneficial effects on an individual’s wellbeing. Such perspectives dovetail with the idea that belief and trust in something beyond the self can have tangible, positive outcomes in one’s life.
Commentaries
Commentaries on this verse often focus on the blessedness of believing without having seen the fulfillment of God’s promises, thus emphasizing faith. For instance, Matthew Henry’s commentary reflects on the honor given to Mary for her faith and contrasts it with Zechariah’s unbelief when he was given a similar promise. Similarly, the Pulpit Commentary underscores the reality of God’s promises coming into effect when humans believe. These insights from various commentators underline the significance of faith and the assurance that God’s word will not fail.