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Luke 1:38

New Testament Gospel ASV (1901)

What does Luke 1:38 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “And Mary said, Behold, the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

And Mary said, Behold, the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her.
Luke 1:38 — American Standard Version

Context — Luke 1

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
35And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Spirit shall come upon thee, and the power of the Most High shall overshadow thee: wherefore also the holy thing which is begotten shall be called the Son of God.
36And behold, Elisabeth thy kinswoman, she also hath conceived a son in her old age; and this is the sixth month with her that was called barren.
37For no word from God shall be void of power.
38And Mary said, Behold, the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her.
39And Mary arose in these days and went into the hill country with haste, into a city of Judah;
40and entered into the house of Zacharias and saluted Elisabeth.
41And it came to pass, when Elisabeth heard the salutation of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elisabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit;
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What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“And Mary said, behold the handmaid of the Lord, etc.] In which words she expresses her obedience of faith; she owns herself to be the handmaid of the Lord, and desires to obey him, and be submissive to him as such; and tacitly acknowledges her meanness, and great unworthiness: be it unto me according to thy word; she assented to what the angel said should be unto her; she earnestly desired it might be, and firmly believed it would be; she set her “Amen” to the angel's message: and the angel departed from her; to the heavenly regions from whence he came; to his great Lord and master, that sent him; having dispatched the business he came about, and which he was accountable to him for.”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Marvellous faith in such circumstances!”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“And Mary said, Behold the handmaid ... - This was an expression of resignation to the will of God, and of faith in the promise. To be the “handmaid of the Lord” is to be submissive and obedient, and is the same as saying, “I fully credit all that is said, and am perfectly ready to obey all the commands of the Lord.” return to 'Top of Page'”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord - It is not improbable, that this time of the virgin's humble faith, consent, and expectation, might be the very time of her conceiving. Luke 1:39”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“Behold: Sa2 7:25-29; Psa 116:16; Rom 4:20, Rom 4:21 be: Psa 119:38 Luke 1:39”
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Related study paths

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Sources and verification