Luke 1:34-38
34Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man?
35And 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.
36And, behold, thy cousin Elisabeth, she hath also conceived a son in her old age: and this is the sixth month with her, who was called barren.
37For with God nothing shall be impossible.
38And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her.
Luke 1:34-38: Verse-by-Verse Analysis
Verse 34: “Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man?”
Mary questions the angel Gabriel. She is puzzled. She is a virgin and has not been with a man. Her question is practical and sincere. It shows her innocence and purity.
Verse 35: “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.”
Gabriel explains the divine nature of the conception. The Holy Spirit will come upon Mary. God’s power will overshadow her. The child will be holy and called the Son of God. This emphasizes the miraculous and divine intervention.
Verse 36: “And, behold, thy cousin Elisabeth, she hath also conceived a son in her old age: and this is the sixth month with her, who was called barren.”
Gabriel provides a sign to Mary. Her cousin Elisabeth, who was barren, is now pregnant. This is to show that God can do the impossible. It serves as a confirmation of God’s power and plan.
Verse 37: “For with God nothing shall be impossible.”
This verse is a powerful declaration. It underscores God’s omnipotence. Nothing is beyond His ability. It reassures Mary and strengthens her faith.
Verse 38: “And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her.”
Mary responds with humility and obedience. She accepts God’s will. Her faith and submission are evident. The angel then leaves, having delivered God’s message.